Can you use a tom head as a snare head?

by nathan boggess
(new mexioc)

can you use if you have to.. a tom head for a snare head? our drummer says you can i dont think you can.. wouldn't it alter the sound of the snare? music store gave us the wrong head .. we were in a hurry we needed a 12 inch snare head they have us a 12 inch tom head instead.. so we went ahead and used it for practice.. our drummer never has changed it back out.. does that work?

ANSWER

Hi, Nathan--

Snare heads are made differently for a reason. The coating allows for more durability and more resonance from the snares.

The tom head may work for a temporary fix, but should be replaced before it breaks and leaves your drummer headless.

Lynne