What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 Drum Head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil Ebony film. This thickness is considered a medium weight, offering a balance between durability and resonance.

What is the primary benefit of the Ebony film?

The Ebony film provides a high-quality reflective design. Sonically, it offers open resonant tones combined with an increased attack compared to standard clear films.

Can this 16-inch head be used on a floor tom?

Yes, a 16-inch head is the standard size for most traditional floor toms. It is designed to provide the necessary resonance and depth required for this drum type.

Is the finish of this drum head matte or glossy?

The manufacturer describes the Remo Ambassador Ebony as having a reflective design. This gives it a glossy, black appearance rather than a dull or matte finish.

How does the 'attack' of the Ebony Ambassador differ from the Clear version?

The Ebony film is specifically designed to provide an increased attack. This means the initial sound of the stick hitting the head is more pronounced and sharp than the Clear Ambassador.

Is this a single-ply or double-ply drum head?

The Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 is a single-ply drum head. This construction allows for maximum resonance and sensitivity compared to thicker double-ply alternatives.

What is the typical price for this specific drum head?

The typical price range for the Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 Drum Head is approximately GBP 40. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.

Does this head offer good tonal control?

Yes, the manufacturer states that this head provides a perfect balance of response and tonal control. It allows the drum to ring naturally while remaining focused enough for various genres.

Can this head be used as a resonant (bottom) head?

Yes, while frequently used as a batter (top) head, the Ambassador Ebony can also be used as a resonant head. Using it on the bottom can add a specific visual aesthetic and influence the decay of the drum.

Is the Ebony film more durable than a standard clear film?

While both are 10-mil thick, the Ebony film is durable for standard kit playing. However, like all single-ply 10-mil heads, it is designed for sensitivity rather than extreme heavy hitting.

Are there other sizes available in the Ebony Ambassador range?

Yes, Remo produces the Ambassador Ebony heads in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent sound and look across their entire drum setup.

How does this head compare to the Evans MS3 14"?

The Evans MS3 is a 14-inch head specifically designed for marching snare side applications, featuring a different film and reinforcement. The Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 is a larger, general-purpose kit head designed for resonance and attack.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 Drum Head is a 16-inch single-ply drum head constructed from a 10-mil Ebony film. It is designed to provide open resonant tones with an increased attack and a reflective aesthetic, balancing response with tonal control.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 is a professional-grade drum head designed for versatility across various drumming styles. Constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film, it belongs to the widely established Ambassador series, which is known for its reliability and industry-standard performance. This specific model distinguishes itself through the use of a unique Ebony film that provides a sleek, reflective visual appearance alongside specific sonic characteristics.

Construction and Design

The primary design feature of this drum head is the 10-mil single-ply Ebony film. Unlike standard clear or coated heads, the Ebony film is engineered to offer a specific weight and density that affects the vibration of the head. The 16-inch diameter makes it suitable for floor toms or large rack toms, depending on the configuration of the drum kit. The reflective surface is not merely aesthetic; it contributes to the overall durability and the way the head responds to stick impact.

Sonic Profile

The Ambassador Ebony is characterised by its open, resonant tones. Because it is a single-ply head, it maintains a significant amount of sustain and overtones. However, the Ebony film provides an increased attack compared to standard clear Ambassador heads. This results in a 'punchy' sound that cuts through a mix while retaining a full, natural resonance. It provides a balance of sensitivity and tonal control, making it responsive to different playing dynamics.

Applications and Suitability

This drum head is suited for drummers who require a balance between modern aesthetics and traditional resonant performance. It is particularly effective for:

Live Performance: The increased attack helps the drum sound be heard clearly in amplified environments.
Studio Recording: The open resonance allows for natural sustain that can be shaped with microphones.
Floor Toms: The 16-inch size is ideal for providing the deep, resonant low-end expected from larger drums.
Visual Styling: The black, reflective finish is often chosen to complement specific drum kit finishes or stage lighting setups.

Comparison and Alternatives

When compared to other heads in the Remo range, such as the clear Ambassador, the Ebony version offers a darker aesthetic and a sharper initial attack. Compared to double-ply heads like the Remo Emperor, the Ambassador Ebony provides more sustain and a faster response. Within the wider market of drum parts and spares, it competes with specialized heads such as the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side 14", though the MS3 is specifically designed for high-tension marching applications rather than general kit use. The Ambassador Ebony remains a versatile choice for standard kit configurations.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 Drum Head?: The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil Ebony film. This thickness is considered a medium weight, offering a balance between durability and resonance.
What is the primary benefit of the Ebony film?: The Ebony film provides a high-quality reflective design. Sonically, it offers open resonant tones combined with an increased attack compared to standard clear films.
Can this 16-inch head be used on a floor tom?: Yes, a 16-inch head is the standard size for most traditional floor toms. It is designed to provide the necessary resonance and depth required for this drum type.
Is the finish of this drum head matte or glossy?: The manufacturer describes the Remo Ambassador Ebony as having a reflective design. This gives it a glossy, black appearance rather than a dull or matte finish.
How does the 'attack' of the Ebony Ambassador differ from the Clear version?: The Ebony film is specifically designed to provide an increased attack. This means the initial sound of the stick hitting the head is more pronounced and sharp than the Clear Ambassador.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply drum head?: The Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 is a single-ply drum head. This construction allows for maximum resonance and sensitivity compared to thicker double-ply alternatives.
What is the typical price for this specific drum head?: The typical price range for the Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 Drum Head is approximately GBP 40. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current availability.
Does this head offer good tonal control?: Yes, the manufacturer states that this head provides a perfect balance of response and tonal control. It allows the drum to ring naturally while remaining focused enough for various genres.
Can this head be used as a resonant (bottom) head?: Yes, while frequently used as a batter (top) head, the Ambassador Ebony can also be used as a resonant head. Using it on the bottom can add a specific visual aesthetic and influence the decay of the drum.
Is the Ebony film more durable than a standard clear film?: While both are 10-mil thick, the Ebony film is durable for standard kit playing. However, like all single-ply 10-mil heads, it is designed for sensitivity rather than extreme heavy hitting.
Are there other sizes available in the Ebony Ambassador range?: Yes, Remo produces the Ambassador Ebony heads in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent sound and look across their entire drum setup.
How does this head compare to the Evans MS3 14"?: The Evans MS3 is a 14-inch head specifically designed for marching snare side applications, featuring a different film and reinforcement. The Remo Ambassador Ebony 16 is a larger, general-purpose kit head designed for resonance and attack.