What is the diameter of this specific Code DNA head?

This specific model is 13 inches in diameter, making it suitable for 13-inch snare drums or toms.

What type of finish does the DNA 13 head have?

It features a coated finish, which provides a textured surface compared to smooth, clear heads.

Can I use this head for jazz music?

Yes, the coating makes it exceptionally well-suited for light jazz brush-work, providing the necessary friction for traditional techniques.

Is this head durable enough for rock drumming?

The DNA Coated head is designed to handle the heavy-hitting dynamics of rock music while maintaining its tonal balance.

Does the coating affect the sound of the drum?

Yes, the coating helps to reduce high-frequency overtones and provides a warmer, more rounded sound compared to clear heads.

Can this be used on both snares and toms?

Yes, it is designed to be equally applicable for use on 13-inch snare drums and 13-inch tom-toms.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The typical price range for the Code DNA Coated 13-inch head is approximately £14.

Who is the manufacturer of the DNA head?

The head is manufactured by Code Drumheads, a brand specialising in drum skins and percussion accessories.

Is this a marching drum head?

No, this is a standard kit head. For marching snare applications, a specialised head like the Evans MS3 would be more appropriate.

How does the sound compare to a clear drum head?

The DNA Coated head will have a warmer sound with fewer ringy overtones than a clear head, which typically sounds brighter and sharper.

What is the primary benefit of the 'DNA' series?

The DNA series is marketed as a perfect all-round head that provides a balanced sound for multiple styles of music.

Do I need special sticks for this head?

No, it works with standard drumsticks like the Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple sticks, as well as brushes for jazz playing.

Gear article

Code Drumheads DNA Coated 13-inch Drum Head

The Code Drumheads DNA Coated 13-inch is a versatile, single-ply drum head designed for use on both snare drums and toms. It features a textured coating that balances warmth with durability, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres from jazz to rock.

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Overview

The Code DNA series represents a fundamental offering in the brand's catalogue, designed to provide a classic sound and feel. The 13-inch DNA Coated head is constructed to serve as a reliable replacement part for standard 13-inch snare drums or rack toms. As a 'all-round' head, it prioritises a balanced frequency response that can be tuned to suit various acoustic environments.

Functional Design and Features

The primary feature of the DNA Coated head is its textured surface. This coating serves two functional purposes:

Overtone Control: It helps to dampen excessive ringing and high-frequency overtones that can occur with clear heads.
Warmth: The material adds a layer of sonic 'warmth,' rounding off the sharp attack of the stick impact.

The 13-inch diameter makes it a specific fit for smaller snare drums or mid-sized toms, providing a responsive surface that reacts well to different velocities.

Sound Character

Sonically, the DNA Coated head is defined by its balance. While clear heads offer a brighter, more aggressive 'crack,' this coated version leans towards a mellowed, traditional tone. It is particularly effective for brush-work in jazz settings, where the texture provides the necessary friction for sweeping sounds, yet it remains robust enough to handle the high-volume dynamics required for rock and pop performances.

Application and Versatility

This head is marketed as a multi-purpose solution. On a snare drum, it provides a crisp response with controlled resonance. When used on a tom, it produces a focused, musical note with a natural decay. Because it occupies a middle ground in terms of thickness and dampening, it is often selected by drummers who require a single head type that can transition between different playing styles without needing constant equipment changes.

Market Context

Positioned at a competitive price point of approximately £14, the Code DNA 13-inch head is an accessible alternative to premium offerings from other major manufacturers. It sits within a wider ecosystem of drum maintenance components, alongside hardware like the Tama Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater or specialised heads like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare head, though the DNA series is strictly intended for standard kit setups rather than marching applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of this specific Code DNA head?: This specific model is 13 inches in diameter, making it suitable for 13-inch snare drums or toms.
What type of finish does the DNA 13 head have?: It features a coated finish, which provides a textured surface compared to smooth, clear heads.
Can I use this head for jazz music?: Yes, the coating makes it exceptionally well-suited for light jazz brush-work, providing the necessary friction for traditional techniques.
Is this head durable enough for rock drumming?: The DNA Coated head is designed to handle the heavy-hitting dynamics of rock music while maintaining its tonal balance.
Does the coating affect the sound of the drum?: Yes, the coating helps to reduce high-frequency overtones and provides a warmer, more rounded sound compared to clear heads.
Can this be used on both snares and toms?: Yes, it is designed to be equally applicable for use on 13-inch snare drums and 13-inch tom-toms.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The typical price range for the Code DNA Coated 13-inch head is approximately £14.
Who is the manufacturer of the DNA head?: The head is manufactured by Code Drumheads, a brand specialising in drum skins and percussion accessories.
Is this a marching drum head?: No, this is a standard kit head. For marching snare applications, a specialised head like the Evans MS3 would be more appropriate.
How does the sound compare to a clear drum head?: The DNA Coated head will have a warmer sound with fewer ringy overtones than a clear head, which typically sounds brighter and sharper.
What is the primary benefit of the 'DNA' series?: The DNA series is marketed as a perfect all-round head that provides a balanced sound for multiple styles of music.
Do I need special sticks for this head?: No, it works with standard drumsticks like the Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple sticks, as well as brushes for jazz playing.