What is the thickness of the Code Genetic 3 snare side head?

The head is a single-ply skin with a thickness of 3 mil. This is considered the standard weight for a resonant snare side head to ensure maximum wire sensitivity.

Can I use the Genetic 3 as a batter (top) head?

No, the Genetic 3 is a snare-side specific head. At only 3 mil thick, it is far too thin to withstand the direct impact of drumsticks and would likely break or stretch immediately if used as a batter head.

What size snare drum does this head fit?

This specific model is designed for 13-inch snare drums. It will not fit 10, 12, or 14-inch drums, so it is important to measure your drum diameter before purchasing.

How does the Genetic 3 affect snare wire response?

Because the film is very thin, it vibrates easily when the batter head is struck. This vibration causes the snare wires to react quickly, resulting in a sensitive and articulate snare 'snap'.

Is this head suitable for heavy rock drumming?

Yes, it is considered a great all-round head. While it is thin, its purpose is resonance rather than impact, making it suitable for any style of music including rock.

How does this compare to the Genetic 5-mil head?

The Genetic 3 is thinner, providing a brighter sound and more sensitivity. The Genetic 5-mil is thicker, which produces a darker tone and slightly more controlled resonance.

What kind of sound profile should I expect?

You should expect a clear sound with a highlighted top end. It is designed to provide a bright, crisp response that emphasizes the high-frequency 'crack' of the snare.

What is the typical price for the Code Genetic 3?

The typical price for this 13-inch head is approximately £12.00, making it an affordable alternative to many other major brands.

Is the Genetic 3 a single-ply or multi-ply head?

It is a single-ply head. Single-ply construction is standard for snare-side heads to maintain the flexibility needed for snare wire sensitivity.

Can I use this for marching snare drums?

While it can fit a 13-inch marching snare, it is designed for standard drum kit use. High-tension marching snares often require specialized heads like the Evans MS3 for extreme durability.

Does this head come with snare wires included?

No, this is a replacement drumhead only. Snare wires must be purchased separately if they are needed.

Who makes the Genetic 3 drumhead?

The head is manufactured by Code Drumheads, a brand known for producing affordable drum parts and spares.

Gear article

Code Genetic 3 13-inch Snare Side Head

The Code Genetic 3 is a 13-inch single-ply resonant drumhead designed specifically for the snare side of a drum. Constructed from 3-mil film, it is engineered to provide high sensitivity and a clear, bright top-end response suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

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Background and Design

Code Drumheads is a UK-based brand focused on providing high-quality drum skins at an accessible price point. The Genetic series represents their core offering for resonant snare heads. The Genetic 3 is specifically the 3-mil thickness variant, which is the industry standard for general-purpose snare side heads. By using a single ply of thin film, the head allows the snare wires to react instantly to the impact on the batter head.

Functional Features

The primary function of the Genetic 3 is to translate the energy from the top head into the snare wires. Its 3-mil construction ensures a highly responsive feel, which is critical for ghost notes and intricate sticking. The thinness of the film facilitates a highlighted top-end frequency response, ensuring that the 'crack' of the snare is crisp and well-defined. It is designed to fit any standard 13-inch snare drum hoop.

Sonic Character

Sonically, the Genetic 3 is characterised by clarity and brightness. It produces a sharp, articulate sound that cuts through a mix. Because it is thinner than specialty heads like the Genetic 5-mil, it offers more high-frequency shimmer and a faster decay. This makes it a versatile 'all-rounder' that does not overly dampen the natural resonance of the drum shell.

Comparison and Selection

When choosing between the Genetic range, the 3-mil version is the standard choice for most drummers seeking a traditional, bright snare sound. For players who require a darker tone or increased durability under heavy hitting, the Genetic 5-mil is a recommended alternative. While brands like Evans offer specialized products such as the MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side head, the Code Genetic 3 is positioned as a cost-effective solution for standard drum kit applications rather than high-tension marching use.

Target Audience

This head is ideal for drummers across all genres, from jazz to rock, who require a reliable and sensitive snare response. Given its price point of approximately £12, it is a popular choice for both students and professional gigging drummers who need to maintain their gear on a budget without sacrificing the fundamental tonal qualities of their instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Code Genetic 3 snare side head?: The head is a single-ply skin with a thickness of 3 mil. This is considered the standard weight for a resonant snare side head to ensure maximum wire sensitivity.
Can I use the Genetic 3 as a batter (top) head?: No, the Genetic 3 is a snare-side specific head. At only 3 mil thick, it is far too thin to withstand the direct impact of drumsticks and would likely break or stretch immediately if used as a batter head.
What size snare drum does this head fit?: This specific model is designed for 13-inch snare drums. It will not fit 10, 12, or 14-inch drums, so it is important to measure your drum diameter before purchasing.
How does the Genetic 3 affect snare wire response?: Because the film is very thin, it vibrates easily when the batter head is struck. This vibration causes the snare wires to react quickly, resulting in a sensitive and articulate snare 'snap'.
Is this head suitable for heavy rock drumming?: Yes, it is considered a great all-round head. While it is thin, its purpose is resonance rather than impact, making it suitable for any style of music including rock.
How does this compare to the Genetic 5-mil head?: The Genetic 3 is thinner, providing a brighter sound and more sensitivity. The Genetic 5-mil is thicker, which produces a darker tone and slightly more controlled resonance.
What kind of sound profile should I expect?: You should expect a clear sound with a highlighted top end. It is designed to provide a bright, crisp response that emphasizes the high-frequency 'crack' of the snare.
What is the typical price for the Code Genetic 3?: The typical price for this 13-inch head is approximately £12.00, making it an affordable alternative to many other major brands.
Is the Genetic 3 a single-ply or multi-ply head?: It is a single-ply head. Single-ply construction is standard for snare-side heads to maintain the flexibility needed for snare wire sensitivity.
Can I use this for marching snare drums?: While it can fit a 13-inch marching snare, it is designed for standard drum kit use. High-tension marching snares often require specialized heads like the Evans MS3 for extreme durability.
Does this head come with snare wires included?: No, this is a replacement drumhead only. Snare wires must be purchased separately if they are needed.
Who makes the Genetic 3 drumhead?: The head is manufactured by Code Drumheads, a brand known for producing affordable drum parts and spares.