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Need advice on heads Last viewed: 44 minutes ago

Posts: 13 Threads: 3

I just got a mid 50's Gretsch RB kit. I'm sure asking about heads in here is much like what happens in the guitar forums I frequent, a million different opinions. That said, my criteria is fairly simple (at least I think so).

* Reasonably priced

* Look appropriate (for this vintage kit)

* Sound = I'm not a drummer.. but in my head I'm hearing a little on the boomy side, vintage sounding, old jazz, old R&B/Motown type of stuff.

Lean towards recording, as these are in my house and will probably never be gigged. Cutting through a band/projection are not priorities at all, just looking for that old school sound. Need advice on both batter and reso side (thinking just clear for reso).

20x14 bass

13x9 tom

16x16 (mid 60's Ludwig) floor tom

14x5.5 snare

Ideas?

Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 1041 Threads: 64

For a big, open sound: coated Remo Ambassador over clear Ambassador

Slightly more controlled: Remo Vintage A heads over clear Ambassador

More controlled than that: coated Remo Emperor over clear Ambassador

For the bass drum.. all depends what your looking for really.. and how you plan on tuning it. I really like the Evans EMAD on my bass drums. I've had good luck as well with Remo Powerstroke heads, and Aquarian Super Kick heads. If you want old school jazz sounds, try a coated Remo Emperor with a felt strip on the batter.

We like photos here, so post the kit if you get a chance!

-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 13 Threads: 3

From Brewkowski

For a big, open sound: coated Remo Ambassador over clear AmbassadorSlightly more controlled: Remo Vintage A heads over clear AmbassadorMore controlled than that: coated Remo Emperor over clear AmbassadorFor the bass drum.. all depends what your looking for really.. and how you plan on tuning it. I really like the Evans EMAD on my bass drums. I've had good luck as well with Remo Powerstroke heads, and Aquarian Super Kick heads. If you want old school jazz sounds, try a coated Remo Emperor with a felt strip on the batter. We like photos here, so post the kit if you get a chance!

Thanks! Was wondering about the Evans Calftone 56 for the tops? I need a new felt for the Pratt muffler on the bass drum too, if you know of any sources let me know. Here's the only picture I have at this point..

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Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 218 Threads: 78

a word about coated ambassadors: they'll sound better than most other heads, but might not fit--especially on the bass drum. When looking at the head, the metal outer ring meets to form a seam. Pry the seam with a flathead screwdriver, or something similar, and the head will fit over the extra 1/4" discrepancy and sound marvelous.

I used to have Aquarian modern or American vintage heads on my bass drum, and they were the most horrific sounding heads I ever played. Evans are nice, ambassadors and fiberskyns are better. Calf heads are unsurpassed.

Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 13 Threads: 3

Thinking about the Gretsch logo bass reso, which I think is a coated Ambassador (just says coated, and an obvious Remo logo in addition to the Gretsch logo).... I was concerned about fit, guess I'll see once it arrives. Thanks for the tips.

Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 1296 Threads: 208

I recently outfitted a RB kit with Aquarian American Vintage thin heads. Previously had the mediums but I felt they were too thick sounding w/o enough attack and sustain. The thin versions took care of all that plus they fit w/o binding!

FYI

Never play it the same way once.
Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 1955 Threads: 68

From One Nighter

Thanks! Was wondering about the Evans Calftone 56 for the tops?

Actually, I've been wondering the same thing. Any opinions out there from anyone who's tried these? Are they really close in sound to a true calfskin? If they are, I may refit one of my Rogers sets with these.

Mike

-No Guru... still learning more every day-
Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 1296 Threads: 208

From mchair303

Actually, I've been wondering the same thing. Any opinions out there from anyone who's tried these? Are they really close in sound to a true calfskin? If they are, I may refit one of my Rogers sets with these.Mike

I've used almost all the 'fake' calf heads since REMO introduced it's first version of the FiberSkyn. I currently have the Calftone's on early 60's 12 & 14 Slingerland toms and they come closest to real calf. FYI

Never play it the same way once.
Posted on 8 years ago
#8
Posts: 5240 Threads: 1231

Coated ambassadors all around with a felt strip on batter and resonant side of bass drum.

Posted on 8 years ago
#9
Posts: 13 Threads: 3

From johnnyringo

Coated ambassadors all around with a felt strip on batter and resonant side of bass drum.

I've got the original Pratt on the batter side, but the felt has torn. Any ideas where I could find a felt like that?

Posted on 8 years ago
#10
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