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Best Heads For A 50's Radio King? Last viewed: 3 hours ago

Posts: 49 Threads: 18

I'm currently restoring a mid to late 50's Radio King that needs all new heads. I have always been a Remo guy but I am open to ideas.

What head in your opinion will give me the closest sound to the original calf skin heads? I'm thinking the Remo Vintage Ambassadors, Remo Fiberskyn Ambassadors, or maybe the Aquarian American Vintage.

Any thoughts??

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 2148 Threads: 177

Currently have 3vintage Rogers kits that are now All Vintage A's...

Started with one kit...loved it..

But would play another only to not like the warmness of the 12" and 16" toms..

I would recommend an Aquarians super II kick or Evans EQ 4 for the bass though.

Bop iT / Til U Drop iT.

ROGER's
1964 Cleveland,.18/14/12 in WMP
1966 Cleveland, 20/14/12 O'natural.
Fullerton,...20/16/13/12 Silver Glass

WFL
1957 B/R Super Classics In WMP

Snares..
Wood & COB Powertones,
Wood & COB Dynasonics,
57 Jazz Festival

Zildjian avedis cymbals.
40s/60s era.
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

If calf is the sound you like and want, then use calf! I have calf heads on my RK's and I -LOVE- the warmth and resonance you can only get from calf heads. If calf is the the sound you're after... buy calf! RK's are the best drums to use them on too, because of those fat bearing edges.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 49 Threads: 18

If I was going to go with calf skin, where is the best place to buy?

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

I buy from two great companies: Stern Tanning and Goldtone are both excellent calf head manufacturers. You'll have to wait a bit longer to get your heads from Stern because drum heads are 'made to order' and you get put into a cue. Shouldn't take more than two weeks at the most to get the heads though. Not a bad wait for custom made heads. He'll offer you several choices based on your budget and your needs.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

For calf there's also CT Pro Percussion. Matt the owner is a member here too. Prices on his website and good guy to deal with. http://www.ctpropercussion.com/

Evans G2's are also nice if the calf skins are too much. I have them on my 40's RK's and they do sound nice.

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 2264 Threads: 83

Does anyone know if calves are killed specifically for the purpose of making drum heads or is the hide a byproduct of those (not me) who enjoy consuming meat? I kinda don't wanna know but still wondering. Thanks.

The greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you. - Joyce Meyer
Posted on 11 years ago
#7
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

It is a by product of the slaughter No part of the animal is wasted.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 49 Threads: 18

So no votes for the Fiberskyns or Aquaian American Vintage?

Posted on 11 years ago
#9
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