Why yes.. there is an old thread that talked about using a lighter to remove dents in drum heads...

I do remember a couple really positive responses to that technique. I never tried it.

David... as I recall you were on the lighter side of that thread.

A lighter will work but don't get the flame too close to the head or you will end up with a hole in it instead! Try using a hair drier or a commercial heat gun on its lowest setting instead. A hair drier on high will be slower than a heat gun but it will not melt the head.......it will take a little work but if you don't mind spending the time, you can save the 12 bucks for when you do need to replace the head when it is worn out for sure.

A bic lighter worked great! You're right...it doesn't take much. ( I was afraid to use a heat gun for fear of covering too much area) Thanx to all!

Dang...who'd a thunk ?????

You might want to consider Ludwig's HEAVY weight heads in the future. Their medium weight is actually the same weight as Remo Diplomats....read thin.....the heavy weight heads are actually the same as Ambassador weight. I fell into this trap once and found that the mediums dent very easily. Once I read the specs on the heads no wonder! The sustain is a bit longer with the heavy heads too.

Hey Ludwigdude..

thanx for the heads-up(yuk yuk). Are the heavy Ludwigs 2 ply like the Remo emperors? Emperors don't make it on a jazz gig. 95% of my gigs with these Luddys is bigband.

No, they are a single ply like an ambassador. They'll be fine for jazz gigs, or whatever kind of music you play....good all around head. Ludwig does make a 2-ply head but they are pretty hard to find, usually have to be ordered.