Trummikile

Trummikile is the Estonian word for drumhead. A drumhead is the membrane that is stretched over the open end of a drum, which is struck to produce sound. Typically, drumheads are made from plastic, such as polyester or Mylar, though historically they were made from animal skin. The tension of the drumhead, along with its material and thickness, significantly influences the tone and volume of the drum.

There are two main types of drumheads: batter heads and resonant heads. The batter head is the head that is struck directly by the drummer's hands or drumsticks. The resonant head, also known as the bottom head, is located on the opposite side of the drum shell and is not directly struck. The resonant head vibrates in response to the sound waves produced by the batter head and helps to shape the drum's sustain and tonal character.

Drumheads can also be treated or coated to alter their sound. For instance, coated heads often produce a warmer, more muted tone compared to clear heads. Different types of drumheads are used for various musical genres and drumming styles, allowing drummers to customize their sound. Replacing drumheads is a routine part of drum maintenance, as they wear out over time due to repeated impact.