Best Bass Drum Head Design Ideas for Custom Decals and Heads
Answering the search for bass drum head design ideas, this guide compares five options that matter for both appearance and sound control. It covers custom decals that refresh a kit and two Evans drum heads tuned for different playing styles. This is ideal for drummers seeking bold visuals, stage-ready branding, or practical head designs that support live performances. Best for touring musicians, studio players, and DIY kit enthusiasts who want a quick upgrade without changing hardware.
| Product | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal (AZ House of Graphics) | Custom decal | Branding and stage visuals |
| 20 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal (AZ House of Graphics) | Custom decal | Compact head branding |
| 22 inch Custom Bass Drum Head DECAL (AZ House of Graphics) | Custom decal | Full-head branding |
| Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch | Resonant head | Microphone-friendly resonance |
| Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” | Clear damping head | Attack control and tonal range |
22 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal
DURABLE MATERIAL AND PRINTING: Commercial grade vinyl decals designed to endure gigs. Drum head not included. Best for smooth plastic bass drum heads. The decal size is 21.5 inches on a 22 inch head to reduce edge curling. This is a single-use adhesive with a matte finish option.
EASE OF INSTALLATION: Clear, bubble-free application with water and a squeegee. Ideal for quick DIY kits and professional setups without complex steps.
ADHESIVE DECAL & STATIC CLING: Choose between waterproof 6mil matte vinyl or reusable 7.5mil gloss static cling. Note that it does not stick well to coated, textured, or mesh heads.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Musicians seeking bold, permanent branding on a raw drum shell or uncoated plastic heads. Great for venues and rehearsal spaces that require a strong visual identity. LIMITATION: Not compatible with coated or textured drum heads.
Custom Bass Drum Decal – 22 Inch
DURABLE MATERIAL AND PRINTING: Commercial grade vinyl for lasting performance on smooth plastic heads. Drum head not included. The 22 inch decal is typically 21.5 inches flattest part to prevent edge curling.
EASE OF INSTALLATION: Simple steps with water and a squeegee to avoid bubbles, suitable for both one-off shows and tours.
ADHESIVE DECAL & STATIC CLING: Waterproof single-use vinyl or reusable static cling options. Does not adhere well to coated, textured, or mesh drum heads.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Band brands and festivallers who want high-visibility logos. LIMITATION: Not ideal for coated or textured heads and needs careful edge alignment.
20 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal
DURABLE MATERIAL AND PRINTING: Vinyl decals crafted for durability on smooth plastic drum heads. Drum head not included. Actual decal size is 19.5 inches for a 20 inch head, helping prevent edge curling.
EASE OF INSTALLATION: Clear instructions for immediate application with water and a squeegee, minimizing bubbles and misalignment.
ADHESIVE DECAL & STATIC CLING: Waterproof single-use or reusable cling options. Not recommended for coated or mesh heads.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Players who want a clean, visible logo on mid-size heads. LIMITATION: Size adjustment must be considered to fit edge curves on some shells.
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch
RING-BASED PRESSURE: 22″ resonant head using a single 7mil film with an internal overtone control ring designed to be microphone-friendly. Designed for a broad tonal footprint from studio to arena stages.
MICROPHONE FRIENDLY: The 5″ offset mic port features a plastic sleeve to focus pitch and protect the port during setups.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Studio engineers and live players needing a consistent resonance with mic compatibility. LIMITATION: As a resonant head, it emphasizes openness over damping for certain styles.
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”
EMAD SYSTEM: Externally mounted damping system with two removable foam rings to adjust attack and focus. Outer ply is 7mil, inner ply 10mil for durability.
LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY: A collar helps seating and tuning, offering a wider tonal range suitable for studio or stage use.
AVAILABLE SIZES: EMAD2 heads range from 18″ to 26″ with different thickness and coating options for varied feel and tone.
WHO IT’S BEST FOR: Players needing adjustable damping for precise attack control and a broader range of tonal options. LIMITATION: External dampers require setup alignment to avoid edge buzzing on certain styles.
Buying Guide: Bass Drum Head Design Essentials
What head material should you choose? For decals, smooth plastic heads are easiest to apply decals to and keep a clean look. If you want on-drum branding without sacrificing tuning stability, consider a resonant head for open resonance or a clear damping head for controlled attack.
decal considerations: When selecting a decal, confirm compatibility with your head type (uncoated plastic vs. coated or mesh). Note the actual size difference (e.g., 22″ decal on a 22″ head is typically slightly smaller) to prevent curling at the edge.
Sound planning: If you perform across venues, a combination is common—branding on the outside with decals, and a damping or resonant head on the inside to balance attack, sustain, and mic compatibility.
Installation tips: For decals, clean the drum head surface, apply evenly from the center outward, and use a squeegee with minimal pressure to avoid air bubbles. Allow the decal to settle before playing to ensure full adhesion.
Maintenance notes: Regular inspection of decals helps maintain visuals. For Evans heads, consider the damping rings and mic ports to optimize stage and studio performance.
FAQ
- Can I apply decals to a coated drum head?
Best avoided. Decals adhere poorly to coated, textured, or mesh heads. - Which Evans head is best for live performance?
EMAD2 offers adjustable damping for varied venues, while EQ3 provides a resonant, microphone-friendly option. - Are decals permanent?
Some are designed as single-use adhesives; check product notes for durability and removal guidance. - Do decals affect drum tuning?
Applying decals to the non-playing surface typically doesn’t impact shell tuning, but edge curling can affect fit on the head if oversized. - What size decal should I choose for a 22″ head?
Most decals listed are 21.5″ to fit the flattest area and prevent edge curling, correct for your exact head size.