I'm a Remo guy, so Fiberskyn would be my choice.

Mark they look good as they mimic calfskin heads look wise. But they aren't as warm sounding as a coated Emperor head is. At least that's been my experience anyway.

I use CDs, small plates, yogurt container tops etc to outline ID and OD, and then cut carefully all the way around with scissors. Scuff the smooth back of the donut for adhesion. With a generous application of contact cement to both surfaces it's very tear-proof.

Mitch

I would use a coated Emporer on the batter side, but not on the resonant side.

I bought one this to cut the hole. You can make it any size you like and it's a clean cut every time.

Yes That's what I meant.

I believe he's talking about the resonant side, that's why I said use a Fiberskyn.

Yes, the resonant side

I have good results coating older clear or smooth white heads myself with oil paint that I texture with a sponge. I mix some kind of creamy white that suits the kit that the head is planned for. When the paint is dry I dirty it up a little with a highly thinned paint in a darker shade of brown.

Talking warm tone: very warm and also a little pre-muffled.

Did it with a clear pinstripe once as well and used it as a batter head; sounded perfectly!

Do you have any photos of one of these? I bet that looks pretty good