Printed bass drum heads and decals provide a quick way to personalize a drum set for gigs, tours, or home practice. This guide highlights five top options that focus on high-visibility, fade-resistant prints, and easy application. The best choices suit touring bands, studio setups, or hobbyists seeking durable, image-rich branding on smooth plastic drum heads. Read on to compare materials, compatibility, and installation notes to pick the right option for your needs.
| Product | Size Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal – AZ House of Graphics | 22 inch | Bands needing bold full-color logos |
| Custom Bass Drum Decal – AZ House of Graphics | Various (listed by size) | Touring rigs needing flexible branding |
| 20 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal – AZ House of Graphics | 20 inch | Smaller kits or practice setups needing customization |
| 22 inch Custom Bass Drum Head DECAL – AZ House of Graphics | 22 inch | High-visibility branding for larger drum heads |
| Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head (22”) | 22 inch | Studio and gig use with dampening control |
22 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal
AZ House of Graphics offers durable vinyl decals designed for smooth plastic bass drum heads. The decal is applied with water and a squeegee, allowing bubble-free results. Note that the item is a decal, not a drum head. The actual decal size is 21.5 inches for a 22-inch order to reduce edge curling. Best for players wanting a vibrant, full-color logo or artwork on a plain head.
- Durable vinyl with a choice of water-proof single-use or reusable static cling.
- Easy installation with minimal setup time.
- Does not stick well to coated, textured, or mesh drum heads.
Best for: drummers who want a bold, full-color logo on a smooth plastic head and have flexibility in decal sizing. Choose this if you need a high-contrast print for stage visibility and a quick upgrade without replacing the entire head.
Limitation: Not suitable for coated or textured drum heads; ensure correct sizing to avoid curling.
Custom Bass Drum Decal – Full Color Logo
This AZ House of Graphics decal emphasizes design flexibility for branding or refreshing a drum kit. It’s built from commercial-grade vinyl and designed for smooth plastic drum heads. The set includes both water-resistant single-use decals and reusable static cling options. The actual size is 0.5 inches smaller than the ordered size to help prevent edge curling.
- Ideal for one-off shows or long tours.
- Matte vinyl provides a clean, professional look.
- Not compatible with coated or mesh heads.
Best for: performers seeking a high-visibility, on-kits branding solution that can travel with tours or be updated frequently. Choose this if you want a flexible print approach that can adapt to different head sizes.
Limitation: Coated or textured drum heads may not hold the decal as well as smooth plastic surfaces.
20 Inch Custom Bass Drum Decal
This decal variant mirrors the 22-inch options but is scaled for a 20-inch head. It uses the same durable vinyl and provides easy application with water and a squeegee. As with other decals, it is best applied to smooth plastic heads and is not recommended for coated or textured surfaces.
- Simple, bubble-free installation.
- Multiple size options support varied drum kits.
- Size accuracy note: 0.5 inches smaller than the ordered size.
Best for: drummers with 20-inch kits who want an affordable, quick branding update without changing the entire head. Choose this if you need a compact option with strong visual impact.
Limitation: May not adhere well to non-smooth surfaces; plan for edge curling prevention.
22 inch Custom Bass Drum Head DECAL
This decal is designed for 22-inch heads with full-color prints and durable vinyl. It follows the same sizing rule—actual decal size is 0.5 inches smaller than ordered—to reduce edge curling. It’s a practical choice for stage-ready branding on standard concert heads.
- Full-color logo compatibility with smooth plastic heads.
- Two decal finishes: matte vinyl and gloss cling.
- Not recommended for coated or mesh surfaces.
Best for: players seeking a high-impact, full-color display on a standard 22-inch head. Choose this if you want a reliable, bold look that travels well for performances.
Limitation: Coated or textured drum heads may not allow optimal adhesion.
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head
The Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum head features an externally mounted damping system with two foam rings to adjust attack and focus. The 22-inch version has a 7 mil outer ply and a 10 mil inner ply for durability. Level 360 technology helps the head seat properly and broadens the tuning range for studio-ready tones. This is a non-printed head option focused on damping and tonal control rather than decorative printing.
- externally mounted damping system for tailoring attack and focus
- Level 360 collar for easier tuning and broader tonal range
- Available in sizes from 18” to 26” with multiple thickness options
Best for: drummers who prioritize precise control over sustain and tone for live performance or studio work. Choose this if you want a consistent, controllable feel with tunable damping rather than a printed graphic.
Limitation: Not a decorative print option; this is a functional drum head with emphasis on damping and tuning stability.
Buying Guide
- Material and finish: Decide between durable matte vinyl decals and reusable static cling for different looks and reuse potential.
- Head compatibility: Ensure the decal or head matches your drum head size (20″, 22″, etc.). Decal sizing notes indicate the printed area is slightly smaller to prevent edge curling.
- Adhesion considerations: Coated or textured heads may not hold decals well; smooth plastic heads yield the best results.
- Application ease: Look for decals with clear, bubble-free installation instructions to minimize setup time.
- Purpose: If you want tonal control and dampening, choose a dedicated drum head like the Evans EMAD2; if branding is the goal, decals are the best option.
FAQ
- What is the difference between decal and static cling options?
Decals are typically single-use with durable vinyl, while static cling decals can be reused and repositioned, depending on the product type. - Can decals be used on all drum heads?
Decals work best on smooth plastic heads; coated, textured, or mesh heads may not hold adhesion well. - Will decals affect tuning or resonance?
Decals are thin and generally do not affect tuning; however, improper application near edges can cause curling and impact the appearance more than the sound. - Are printed drum head decals durable for touring?
High-quality vinyl decals are designed for repeated gig use, but durability depends on application quality and head care. - When should I choose a printed decal versus a dedicated damping head like EMAD2?
Choose decals for branding and visuals; choose a damping head for tonal control and studio/live sound shaping.