Are you a Southampton based percussionist seeking some new kit?
Find out the best places in Southampton and Hampshire to get drum skins. You’re only as good as your instrument, so it’s worth putting in some research and consulting with the experts when it comes time to upgrade or switch those drum heads.
In this article, we’ll list the most renowned shops around, as well as the niche craftspeople who can create something bespoke.
Best places in Southampton & Hampshire to get drum skins
Getting the right drum skin (and the correct tension on it) is key for any drummer, especially if you’re planning to record as part of a band. Having a local store you can pop into, get some advice and try out the options is super handy. And fortunately, the county has some of the biggest and best stores in the UK. So you can be sure of many options with top-class service. While the stores will tell you everything you need to know, it helps to have an idea of the options.
You’ll find two types of head with each drum – the batter head and the resonant head (this is beneath). Skins, also known as drum heads, come as single or two-ply varieties. The former provides an increased resonance and sustain, while double-ply heads give a heavier effect. Beyond this, you can choose from dotted heads (to muffle excess ring), coated heads (for a dampening effect), and bass heads (for dampening and to fit a mic).
It’s often worth investing in professional fitting too. Or you can learn how to do it yourself.
The best drum skins in Southampton
Here are the best places in Southampton and Hampshire to get drum skins…
Becketts Music
Stocking a huge selection, the range at Becketts Music includes black drum heads, bongo drum heads, snare side drum heads and patch skins. It’s a veteran of the city’s music scene, having been in operation since 1946. Becketts now boasts loyal customers around the globe, with a reliable delivery service. But locals can pop into the brand’s Commerical Road premises.
Southampton Music Shop
Based in Bitterne, Southampton Music Shop is super friendly. You can park outside (very useful if you plan on buying a whole kit to take home), and have a cuppa with Wally and Martine, the owners. They stock Aquarian and Remo heads in store.
Steve White Drums
Based in Woolston, Steve White Drums is a small and personal enterprise. As such, it’s perfect if you want something custom-made and would benefit from chatting with a local expert.
Drum skins UK
Hayes Music
This store is located in Romsey and stocks a range of drum heads. Hayes Music has been supplying instruments and accessories since 2004. It has a new showroom, The Music Barn, off Junction 2 of the M27. Hayes is part of the Take It Away Scheme founded by the Arts Council. So if you’re a child or young person, you can benefit from interest-free loans for purchases of up to £5000.
Graham Russell Drums – Fareham
One of the largest drum stores in the UK, Graham Russell, is right here in Hampshire. Its Farnham store stretches over 5000 square feet. The owner began buying & selling used drum equipment from home back in 2002 and as his empire grew, his premises eventually expanded to here. He also sells used equipment, which can be a cheaper way to fund your drums. Although it should be noted that getting second-hand skins is tricky. By nature drummers usually replace them when they’re worn. But if you’re just looking for something to get started, you may pick up some ex-pro heads that were swapped in for a fresh recording kit.
CY Music
Basingstoke’s premier music store, CY, stocks Evans drum heads and other percussion accessories. It doesn’t have the largest selection but offers instrument repairs as well as sales. Owner Chris Yarnton has been in the business since 1994, as a retailer and wholesaler. While the company longer has a store as such (their Winchester premise closed some time ago), the office and instrument storage is in Basingstoke, enabling a personal service for local customers. Any purchases must be made online though.
PMT | Professional Music Technology
If you live in Portsmouth, this is the place to go for all your drum needs. Professional Music Technology (also known as PMT), sells classic, coated, vintage emperor, narrow impact, two-ply skins, and more. It’s part of a wider chain with 16 stores across the UK. Just call in for a browse, or peruse the range online then click and collect.
Whether you’ve recently taken up drums or are a seasoned pro, you’re sure to find the perfect skins at one of these excellent music stores. If you’re seeking to buy a full kit, or something else altogether, you can find out more on where to buy and repair musical instruments in Southampton. And don’t forget, you can always search for second-hand items on eBay or Gumtree, filtering by local sellers.
Related Questions
What skin is used for drums?
Real animal skin was previously used to make drum heads. However, since the 1950s, they’ve commonly been manufactured using Mylar polyester film, a cutting edge material that’s ethical and longer-lasting.
Can you learn drums by yourself?
Yes. Like any instrument, you can teach yourself to play – either instinctively by ear, from a book, or by using instructional videos on YouTube. Lots of famous drummers were self-taught, including Ringo Starr and Dave Grohl. But taking enjoyable drum lessons is always much easier and quicker!
How often should you change drum skins?
The average is every six months, but this will depend on the frequency of use and preference. Some musicians prefer a more worn feel to their skins. This works well live, but when recording, it’s best to use new skins, for a fresher sound. If they show bumps or cracks, change them straight away.