What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Clear 13"?

The drum head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil clear film. This 10-mil thickness is considered the industry standard for medium-weight heads.

Can this head be used as both a batter and resonant head?

Yes, the Ambassador Clear 13" is extremely versatile. It is commonly used as a top (batter) head for a bright attack or as a bottom (resonant) head to increase sustain.

What kind of sound does the clear film produce?

The clear film produces a bright, open tone with significant resonance. Compared to coated heads, it provides a sharper attack and more pronounced high-frequency overtones.

Is the Remo Ambassador Clear 13" suitable for snare drums?

It can be used on a 13-inch snare drum as a batter head if the drummer desires a very bright, harmonic-rich sound. However, it is most commonly found on 13-inch rack toms.

How does the Ambassador compare to the Remo Emperor?

The Ambassador is a single-ply (10-mil) head, whereas the Emperor is a dual-ply (7-mil each) head. The Ambassador offers more resonance and brightness, while the Emperor provides more durability and slightly dampened overtones.

What is the typical price for this drum head in the UK?

The typical price range for a Remo Ambassador Clear 13" drum head is approximately £18. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Does this head come with any built-in dampening?

No, the Ambassador Clear is a standard single-ply head without internal dampening rings or dots. This allows for maximum resonance and tonal freedom.

What size drums does this specific model fit?

This specific model is designed to fit drums with a 13-inch diameter. Remo produces the Ambassador Clear series in a wide range of other sizes to accommodate full drum kits.

How durable is the 10-mil single-ply construction?

While the 10-mil ply is durable enough for general use, it is thinner than double-ply heads. High-velocity hitters may find it wears faster than heavier models like the Emperor.

Is this head suitable for jazz music?

Yes, many jazz drummers prefer the Ambassador series for its sensitivity and wide tuning range. The clear version provides a modern, bright sound that cuts through well.

What is the difference between this and the Evans MS3 Clear?

The Evans MS3 is a 14-inch marching snare side head designed for extreme high tension. The Remo Ambassador 13" is a standard drum kit head intended for toms or snares.

Will this head provide more attack than a coated head?

Yes, the smooth clear surface lacks the texture of a coated head, which results in a sharper, more immediate attack. It is ideal for drummers who want a 'wet' and articulate sound.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Clear 13" Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Clear 13" is a single-ply drum head constructed from a 10-mil Mylar film, designed to offer bright, resonant tones and a sharp attack. Widely regarded as an industry standard, it provides a balance of response and tonal control suitable for both batter and resonant applications.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador Clear 13" Drum Head is a fundamental component in contemporary percussion setups. Part of the broader Ambassador series, this specific 13-inch model is engineered to provide a bright, open sound that emphasises the natural resonance of the drum shell. Its transparent design is not merely aesthetic but indicates a lack of coating, which results in a faster attack and more high-frequency content compared to its coated counterparts.

Construction and Design

The head is manufactured using a single ply of 10-mil high-quality clear film. This thickness is considered the industry medium weight, striking a precise balance between durability and sensitivity. The clear film ensures that the energy of the stick strike is transferred efficiently, resulting in a drum head that reacts quickly to subtle ghost notes while remaining capable of projecting in louder musical environments.

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Sound Character

Characterised by its 'bright' and 'resonant' profile, the Ambassador Clear 13" is known for its sustain. Unlike muffled or multi-ply heads, the single 10-mil ply allows for a full range of overtones. Key sonic features include:

Increased Attack: The smooth surface provides a sharp, immediate 'crack' upon impact.
Tonal Control: It offers a predictable decay that can be easily manipulated with external dampening if required.
Resonance: It is frequently used as a resonant (bottom) head to enhance the sustain and projection of a drum.

Applications and Compatibility

This 13-inch head is commonly utilised for 13-inch rack toms or specialized 13-inch snare drums. While often used as a batter head for drummers seeking a bright, 'pop' sound, it is equally prevalent as a resonant head paired with either a clear or coated batter. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for a variety of genres, though it is particularly favoured in jazz, pop, and rock where clarity and resonance are prioritised.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to multi-ply heads like the Remo Emperor, the Ambassador Clear offers more sustain and a brighter top end, though it is less durable under heavy hitting. In contrast to the Evans MS3 14" marching head, which is designed for high-tension snare applications, the Ambassador 13" is intended for standard drum kit use. While guitar-focused parts such as Gotoh 203B-4 bridges or Fender Jazzmaster covers serve different instrumental needs, the Ambassador Clear remains a similarly essential 'standard' replacement part within the percussion world.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Clear 13"?: The drum head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil clear film. This 10-mil thickness is considered the industry standard for medium-weight heads.
Can this head be used as both a batter and resonant head?: Yes, the Ambassador Clear 13" is extremely versatile. It is commonly used as a top (batter) head for a bright attack or as a bottom (resonant) head to increase sustain.
What kind of sound does the clear film produce?: The clear film produces a bright, open tone with significant resonance. Compared to coated heads, it provides a sharper attack and more pronounced high-frequency overtones.
Is the Remo Ambassador Clear 13" suitable for snare drums?: It can be used on a 13-inch snare drum as a batter head if the drummer desires a very bright, harmonic-rich sound. However, it is most commonly found on 13-inch rack toms.
How does the Ambassador compare to the Remo Emperor?: The Ambassador is a single-ply (10-mil) head, whereas the Emperor is a dual-ply (7-mil each) head. The Ambassador offers more resonance and brightness, while the Emperor provides more durability and slightly dampened overtones.
What is the typical price for this drum head in the UK?: The typical price range for a Remo Ambassador Clear 13" drum head is approximately £18. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Does this head come with any built-in dampening?: No, the Ambassador Clear is a standard single-ply head without internal dampening rings or dots. This allows for maximum resonance and tonal freedom.
What size drums does this specific model fit?: This specific model is designed to fit drums with a 13-inch diameter. Remo produces the Ambassador Clear series in a wide range of other sizes to accommodate full drum kits.
How durable is the 10-mil single-ply construction?: While the 10-mil ply is durable enough for general use, it is thinner than double-ply heads. High-velocity hitters may find it wears faster than heavier models like the Emperor.
Is this head suitable for jazz music?: Yes, many jazz drummers prefer the Ambassador series for its sensitivity and wide tuning range. The clear version provides a modern, bright sound that cuts through well.
What is the difference between this and the Evans MS3 Clear?: The Evans MS3 is a 14-inch marching snare side head designed for extreme high tension. The Remo Ambassador 13" is a standard drum kit head intended for toms or snares.
Will this head provide more attack than a coated head?: Yes, the smooth clear surface lacks the texture of a coated head, which results in a sharper, more immediate attack. It is ideal for drummers who want a 'wet' and articulate sound.