Bang Your Head(s)! Drum Head Sales Trends

Have you noticed any significant shifts when it comes to drum heads, on either the player or vendor sides of the equation?

“Since COVID-19 became an issue, I’ve discovered that drummers have an increased desire to play and they’re practicing more than ever before. They’re experimenting musically and sonically. They are more open to trying new sounds with their existing kit. Especially young drummers are seeking more advice from their favorite music store, and having the reputation that our store is fortunate to have, is a definite asset.

We are known as the shop that freely gives advice to all of our customers equally and I recommend that approach to all retailers. Be the store that cares, or they may start buying elsewhere. Brick and mortar shops will exist as long as customer service is king! The one thing that drum teachers do not normally teach is drumhead choice and tuning. If we help them sound great, they will always think of us first when they need new gear. Go the extra mile. I offer to help them do the tuning, and if they don’t want to bring the drums to the store, I will go to them to help. What’s an hour out of your day to guarantee a repeat customer for your drum department? After all, isn’t the goal to sell them their first drum kit, every drum kit and the last drum kit they invest in?”

John Nasshan

Veseley Music

Parowan, Utah

“Always back and forth between Remo and Evans – not much change.”

James Winter

Winter Sound Co.

Gloucester Point, Virginia

“Customers need more education in what is available and what does what in drum head world for manufacturers to gain brand loyalty and a larger market share.”

Gordon Gapper

Music Room London

London, UK

“We are a combo store and our drum dept. had been flat for about a year. However, since coming out of the COVID-19 lockdown, our drum head sales have spiked providing us with a surprise!”

Steve Patterson

Full Score Music

Toledo, Ohio

“Nothing this fall, with the pandemic we aren’t selling much of anything!”

Jeff Young

Marshall Music Company

Lansing, Michigan