That is the coating they put on the skins, I prefer skins from stern tanning he does not coat the skins. That is done to preserve skin but creates a problem as you play on them.

Ahh, man!! Really? How do you know they coat them with something? It's a problem because the flakes actually catch my brush wires (which are thinner than most modern. brushes. It doesn't happen as often with heavier gauge wires.) If Stern doesn't treat the heads, are they less durable, or don't last as long?

I use both - Stern and Earthtone and have no problems with brush work. Stern's heads are higher quality in my opinion.

I've also used these heads - but they're pricy.

http://www.professionalpercussionproducts.com/kalfo.html

I've sanded a batter head to get a snare-side head. It's a lot of work but you can get results if you work at it.

Kona, when did you purchase your Earthtone heads? I can't imagine why I alone would be experiencing such a thing!

I have used both and earthtone depending on head they put a coat on them to protect them. Stern does not and they last just as long. Stern definitely much better quality heads over earthtone. Stern took over the American rawhide company and gives you a much better head than any company out there for drums.

I bought my Earthtone heads about 5 years ago....maybe longer. I have to confess I've not played them much - they're on some orphaned toms and some of my old snares I've collected and played a few times. I will say again that Stern's heads are of better quality. I've bought batter heads and some Slunk calf (resonant /snare side) heads all were of very high quality.