Frequently asked questions
CUSTOMSKINS
How would you like my artwork file?
Preferably on one of our templates - you can download them here. If not, just upload what you have and we'll go from there.
We'll always flag low-quality files and send you a preview to approve before we print.
Can I email you my artwork to check before I order?
Sure. Just send it to sales@customskins.co.uk.
What file types do you accept?
All of them. We particularly like pdf files though.
What's your 'artwork spec'?
Lots of people ask for our artwork spec. Here it is. Don't worry if you can't meet it though, we'll sort you out.
CMYK pdf file.
Vector or 300dpi at finish size.
Preferably supplied on one of our lovely templates.
Do you print in full colour?
Yes, of course, it's not the 80s.
If you're using our template just pop a circle on a separate layer called 'mic hole'. We'll figure it out from there.
Can the mic hole be anywhere on the design?
Yes, although we recommend keeping at least an inch away from the edge.
Do you print white on metallic/clear drum heads?
Yes, we do. If you have areas of metallic AND white on your design it's best to use transparency for metallic areas and white for white ink.
Will you send me a proof to approve?
Yes, we'll send you a preview to approve before we print. We'll also let you know if there's anything that's likely to be problematic (low res images, out of gamut colours, words that are offensive in other languages).
I just have a logo. Can I upload that?
Sure. Sling it up, we'll sort it out and send you a preview to approve of your finished drum head.
How do I order a custom skin?
Easy. Choose all the options you'd like on the quote form. Upload your artwork file if you have one. Checkout.
If you haven't already sent us your artwork (or uploaded it with your order) then email it to sales@customskins.co.uk.
We'll send you a preview to approve before we print, or get in touch with you if we have any questions.
What is a custom skin?
A custom skin is a custom printed bass drum head.
What size drum heads do you print?
We print 16", 18", 20", 22", 24" and 26" heads.
What brand of drum heads do you use?
We use Remo Ambassador heads for our standard custom and metallic bass drum heads. Once they've been printed and sealed they're a little heavier than a standard Ambassador - somewhere approaching an Emperor.
For our custom clear bass drum heads we use Remo Emperor heads, as they have superior clarity.
What's a mic hole and why the hell would I want one?
A mic hole is a circular hole cut into in the front of your drum head to allow a microphone to be placed inside the bass drum. This will typically be for live use or recording.
We cut mic holes in 4", 5" and 6" sizes, and can position them anywhere on the bass drum (although 4/5 o'clock is most common).
How much is mic hole cutting?
We cut mic holes for free, because we love it.
Can you fit a reinforcer to my mic hole?
Sure, it'll cost you £20 though. We have reinforcers in black, white and chrome.
Can I have multiple mic holes?
Sure, why not. Let's stop at two though. No need to go mad.
What's the difference between a gloss and matt finish?
Our gloss finish heads have a high-gloss finish, whilst the matt finish is a smooth matt, like a very fine grit sandpaper.
How long will my custom skin last?
Years, if you treat it right. There are still customskins out there on the circuit from when Starsailor were the shit.
How do I fit my custom skin?
Unbolt the rim at the front of your bass drum (you might need a drum key, available from any music store). Lift the old skin out. Set it on fire, you won't be needing it any more. Put your new customskin in it's place. Rebolt the rim.
I don't know what size my bass drum is. What should I do?
Measure it, from the inside of the rim across. You'll need the diameter, in inches.
What's your process, maaaaan?
We print onto an incredibly thin film which is then heatpressed onto the head and sealed.
Will my custom skin affect the sound of my bass drum?
Barely. It might make it sound a touch fatter, which is obviously a good thing.
Will you print onto a drum head I supply?
Hells no. Next!
What is your turnaround time?
Typically we ship in 3-4 working days. If you need your order for a specific date let us know and we'll see what we can do.
Do you do rush orders?
Sometimes. Contact us and we'll see. There's a tip jar at checkout.
How much is shipping?
Check out our shipping page with all the latest shipping costs, shipping times and shipping gossip.
Do you ship internationally?
Sure, we'll ship pretty much anywhere. We use DHL for all our domestic and international deliveries. If you are ordering from outside the UK, you may be liable for customs charges and clearance fees when your order arrives in your country.
What if there's a problem with my order?
There's never any issue with the vast vast vast majority of our orders. If you do have a problem, contact us immediately and we'll see what we can do.