4 Best Custom Printed Bass Drum Heads for Every Drummer (2026)

Updated November 2026

Custom printed bass drum heads let drummers put a logo, artwork or band name on the batter side of the kick drum, and they’re one of the most visible pieces of gear on any stage. Choosing one means balancing three things: how the head sounds, how it handles attack and sustain, and whether the graphic holds up under repeated hits. This guide compares four Evans options built for different needs, using the criteria that matter most to working drummers: tonal character, damping control, fit for the bass drum shell size, and how the head responds to different music styles.

Our Top Picks

Quick Comparison

Product	Best for	Key feature
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”	Versatile everyday use across genres	Externally mounted adjustable damping system
Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead BD22REMAD	Focused, open low end	Resonant design with adjustable damping
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch	Punchy, controlled kick sound	EQ3 resonant construction with black finish
Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx	Dark styling with EMAD-style control	Onyx black finish with EMAD damping

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”

Best for: Versatile everyday use across genres

This is the head most drummers reach for when they want one kick sound that works in rock, pop, jazz and worship settings. Its external damping system lets you dial in attack and sustain without opening the shell, which makes it a practical choice for players who change styles often.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch bass drum head
• Clear, single-ply batter head
• Externally mounted adjustable damping system
• Includes two foam damping rings for sound options

Pros

• The external damping system makes adjustments quick and repeatable.
• Clear finish keeps the sound open and balanced across genres.
• Works well as a first resonant-style head for drummers building their kit.

Cons

• Clear heads show every scuff and mark more than darker finishes, which matters for a printed graphic.
• The damping ring can feel like one more thing to set up at every gig.

Bottom line: A strong choice for drummers who want flexibility and a well-rounded kick sound for mixed-genre playing.

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Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead BD22REMAD

Best for: Focused, open low end

The REMAD is aimed at drummers who want a resonant kick with a defined low end and adjustable control over how long the note rings. It suits players who need clarity in dense mixes and who like to shape the decay themselves.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch bass drum head
• Resonant head design
• Adjustable damping for sustain control

Pros

• Resonant construction gives a fuller, more open low end.
• Adjustable damping helps keep the kick from ringing into the mix.
• Good match for drummers moving from a standard single-ply head.

Cons

• Resonant heads usually need more careful tuning to avoid a boomy sound.
• The fuller tone may feel too open for tight, dry genres.

Bottom line: Best for drummers who want a resonant, defined kick and are willing to spend a little time on tuning.

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Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Best for: Punchy, controlled kick sound

The EQ3 is built around a controlled, punchy tone with a resonant head and a black finish. It fits drummers who want their kick to cut through without a lot of ring, and it’s a common choice for players who want a darker, more focused look on stage.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch bass drum head
• Resonant design with black finish
• Focused low-end profile

Pros

• Black finish suits a wide range of stage and studio looks.
• Controlled sustain helps the kick sit tight in live mixes.
• Resonant construction still gives enough body for rock and fusion.

Cons

• Black heads can make printed artwork harder to read under stage lights.
• Drummers who want a very open, ringing kick may find it too controlled.

Bottom line: A good pick for drummers who want a tight, punchy kick and a clean black look.

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Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx

Best for: Dark styling with EMAD-style control

The Onyx version brings the EMAD damping approach into a dark finish. It’s suited to drummers who like the controllability of the EMAD design but want a blacked-out look for a specific stage or recording style.

Key specs

• Size: 22 inch bass drum head
• EMAD-style damping design
• Onyx black finish

Pros

• Combines familiar EMAD damping with a dark, low-profile finish.
• Works well on kits where the drum hardware is also black.
• Controlled sound suits close-miked recording and small venues.

Cons

• Dark heads make printed graphics less visible, so check contrast before ordering a custom design.
• Owners who want an open, resonant ring may prefer a resonant model.

Bottom line: Ideal for drummers who want EMAD control and a dark finish that matches their kit.

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Buying Guide

Head Size and Shell Fit

Bass drum heads are sized to the shell diameter, and 22 inches is the most common size for drum kits, though some shells run 20, 18 or 24 inches. Measure the batter-side hoop, not the outside of the shell, and confirm the size before ordering a custom print, since a mismatch will cause the head to seat poorly and sound uneven.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”; Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Single-Ply Versus Resonant Construction

Single-ply heads tend to give a tighter, more direct attack, while resonant heads add a second layer that opens up the low end and lengthens sustain. Resonant designs reward careful tuning, and single-ply designs are often easier to dial in quickly. Decide which sound you want before choosing a finish.

Good picks for this: Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead BD22REMAD; Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Damping and Sustain Control

Damping systems let you reduce ring and shape the note. External damping rings or mounted systems are easier to adjust than felt pieces placed inside the shell, and they’re easier to repeat from one gig to the next. Look for a system that holds its position and doesn’t require removing the head to change settings.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”; Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx

Finish and Graphic Visibility

Clear heads let the drum look open and keep printed artwork bright, while black finishes look sharp on stage but can reduce contrast for a logo. If you plan a custom print, test how the design reads on the finish you’re considering, and keep the artwork simple with strong contrast for the best results.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”; Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Playing Style and Music Genre

A jazz drummer playing soft and dry will want different sustain from a rock drummer playing heavy and loud. Match the head to the genre: resonant heads with adjustable damping suit open styles, while controlled, punchy heads suit tight mixes and close-miked settings.

Good picks for this: Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead BD22REMAD; Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”

Durability and Batter-Side Wear

The batter side takes the most impact, and a printed graphic is most exposed to wear right where the beater lands. Check how the print is protected, and plan to replace the head when the film thins or the graphic begins to wear unevenly, since this affects both sound and appearance.

Good picks for this: Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22”; Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch

Care, Tuning and Replacement

Keep the head clean, avoid heavy pressure on the surface, and loosen the tension rods evenly when you’re done playing to help the head seat well over time. Tune in small, even steps across all lugs. Consult a drum technician if you’re unsure about seating, tension or damping setup.

Good picks for this: Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead BD22REMAD; Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx

FAQ

What size bass drum head do I need for a custom print?

Most kits use a 22-inch bass drum, but some use 20, 18 or 24 inches. Measure the batter-side hoop of your shell to confirm the size before ordering, since the printed head must match your drum exactly.

Do custom printed heads sound different from plain heads?

The print itself has little effect on tone. The sound comes mainly from the head’s construction, ply count and damping. Choose the head for its sound first, then add the graphic.

Is a resonant head better than a single-ply head?

Neither is better in general. Resonant heads usually give a fuller, more open low end, while single-ply heads often feel tighter and more direct. Your music style and tuning preferences should decide the choice.

How do I keep a printed bass drum head looking good?

Keep the batter surface clean, avoid rubbing it with hard objects, and store the drum with the head protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Replace the head when wear begins to affect the graphic or the sound.

Can I change the damping on an external system during a gig?

Many externally mounted systems can be adjusted quickly, which makes them useful for changing sound between songs. Set your preferred position during soundcheck and note it so you can return to it reliably.

Should I choose a black or clear head for a logo?

Clear heads usually give the best contrast for printed artwork, while black heads look sharp but can make dark designs harder to read. Test your artwork on the finish before committing.

How often should I replace a bass drum head?

There is no fixed schedule. Replace the head when the film shows wear, dents or uneven tone, or when the printed graphic starts to fade or peel. Heavy playing and gigging will shorten the lifespan.

Conclusion

For most drummers, the Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” is the most flexible starting point, since its external damping suits mixed-genre playing. If you want a fuller, more open low end, the Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drumhead BD22REMAD is the better match. Drummers who want a tight, punchy kick with a black look should consider the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch, while the Evans Bass Drum Heads BD22EMADONX Onyx suits players who want EMAD control with a dark, low-profile finish. Match the head to your sound goals first, then confirm the size and check how your custom graphic will read on the finish.

Sources

• Workplace noise exposure guidance that can help drummers and venue staff think about hearing protection during long rehearsals and gigs (osha.gov)
• Information on hearing loss prevention and safe listening levels for musicians exposed to loud sound (nidcd.nih.gov)

Related reading

• 6 Best Remo Custom Bass Drum Heads for Every Drummer (2026)
• Evans EMAD Bass Drum Heads: 5 Best Picks for Every Drummer (2026)
• Evans Bass Drum Heads: How to Choose, Tune and Care for Yours

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