Jon Freeman wondered about the tonal choice among clear plastic, Fireskyn, and hide heads.

Many old-time players like the "tubby" sound, what I think of as "the tuned drum" sound. For those who want that sort of thing, the hide head is to be preferred. Also, one of the techniques to get this sound is to relax the tension on the head, whatever the material.

For the modern convenience, humidity tolerance, and durability, plus a somewhat clearer sound, Fibreskyn.

Moving further toward the clear penetrating end, the frosted plastic head is the head of choice.

For the clearest, most penetrating sound, the clear plastic is desirable.

If you look at that progression, it makes sense: The greater the mass of the head, the plunkier or tubbier the sound.

DAve Oesterreich