What material is the Remo Ambassador Ebony 20" head made of?

It is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil Ebony film. This material is known for its durability and reflective aesthetic.

What is the primary benefit of the ported design?

The ported design allows for more effective pickup from external drum microphones. It enables the microphone to be placed inside the drum for better isolation and attack capture.

How does this head affect the bass drum's attack?

The Ebony film is specifically designed to offer an increased attack compared to standard clear heads. This results in a more defined 'thump' that cuts through a mix.

Is this head suitable for use as a batter head?

While technically possible, the Ambassador Ebony Ported is specifically designed as a resonant (front) head. The port hole makes it unsuitable for strike-side use in most drumming configurations.

What is the thickness of the film used in this head?

The head features a single ply of 10-mil film. This is the standard weight for Remo's Ambassador series, offering a balance of sensitivity and resonance.

How does the Ebony finish differ from the Smooth White version?

The Ebony finish is reflective and provides a slightly different harmonic profile and increased attack. Visually, it provides a high-gloss black look compared to the matte or solid white of other models.

Does this head come in other sizes?

Yes, Remo Ambassador Ebony Bass Drum Heads are available in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select the correct diameter for their specific drum kit setup.

What kind of tonal control does this head offer?

It provides a balance of response and tonal control. The single-ply design remains open and resonant, while the port helps manage air pressure and sustain.

Can I use this head for jazz and rock?

Yes, the versatile design makes it suitable for various genres. The open resonance fits jazz contexts, while the increased attack and porting suit rock and pop requirements.

How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke series?

The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for low-volume practice. In contrast, the Ambassador Ebony is a standard film head designed for full-volume performance and resonant tone.

What is the typical price for this 20-inch model?

The typical price for the Remo Ambassador Ebony 20-inch Ported Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 96.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Does this head include built-in dampening rings?

This specific model is a standard Ambassador single-ply head without internal muffling rings. Tonal control is achieved through the 10-mil film thickness and the ported design.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Ebony 20" Ported Bass Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Ebony 20" Ported Bass Drum Head is a single-ply resonant head constructed from 10-mil Ebony film. It is designed to provide open resonant tones with increased attack and features a factory-cut port for external microphone placement.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador Ebony 20" Ported Bass Drum Head is a professional-grade resonant head designed for drummers seeking a balance of aesthetic appeal and functional performance. Utilizing a single ply of 10-mil Ebony film, this head is part of Remo's storied Ambassador line, which has long been a standard in the percussion industry. The reflective Ebony finish provides a sleek, modern appearance that distinguishes it from traditional clear or coated resonant heads.

Design and Functionality

The primary functional feature of this specific model is its ported design. By including a pre-cut hole, the head facilitates the placement of external drum microphones, allowing the capsule to be positioned inside the shell for a more direct capture of the beater's impact. This design also affects the air movement within the drum, typically resulting in a faster decay and a more controlled feel compared to non-ported alternatives.

Tonal Character

In terms of sound, the Ambassador Ebony film is known for delivering open resonant tones. While it maintains the classic sustain associated with the Ambassador series, the Ebony construction specifically offers an increased attack. This makes it particularly effective for genres where bass drum definition is required without sacrificing the natural resonance of the drum shell.

Comparative Context

When compared to other options on the market, the Ambassador Ebony sits between heavy-duty dampened heads and ultra-thin resonant skins.

Versus Evans EQ3 Resonant: Unlike the EQ3 Smooth White (No Port), the Remo Ebony provides immediate microphone access and a brighter attack.
Versus Evans 56 Calftone: While the Calftone series aims for a vintage, calfskin-style warmth, the Ebony film provides a more modern, reflective sound and visual.
Versus Attack ProFlex1: The Ebony film generally offers more sustain and a different harmonic profile than clear single-ply alternatives like the ProFlex1.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Remo Ambassador Ebony 20" head made of?: It is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil Ebony film. This material is known for its durability and reflective aesthetic.
What is the primary benefit of the ported design?: The ported design allows for more effective pickup from external drum microphones. It enables the microphone to be placed inside the drum for better isolation and attack capture.
How does this head affect the bass drum's attack?: The Ebony film is specifically designed to offer an increased attack compared to standard clear heads. This results in a more defined 'thump' that cuts through a mix.
Is this head suitable for use as a batter head?: While technically possible, the Ambassador Ebony Ported is specifically designed as a resonant (front) head. The port hole makes it unsuitable for strike-side use in most drumming configurations.
What is the thickness of the film used in this head?: The head features a single ply of 10-mil film. This is the standard weight for Remo's Ambassador series, offering a balance of sensitivity and resonance.
How does the Ebony finish differ from the Smooth White version?: The Ebony finish is reflective and provides a slightly different harmonic profile and increased attack. Visually, it provides a high-gloss black look compared to the matte or solid white of other models.
Does this head come in other sizes?: Yes, Remo Ambassador Ebony Bass Drum Heads are available in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select the correct diameter for their specific drum kit setup.
What kind of tonal control does this head offer?: It provides a balance of response and tonal control. The single-ply design remains open and resonant, while the port helps manage air pressure and sustain.
Can I use this head for jazz and rock?: Yes, the versatile design makes it suitable for various genres. The open resonance fits jazz contexts, while the increased attack and porting suit rock and pop requirements.
How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke series?: The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for low-volume practice. In contrast, the Ambassador Ebony is a standard film head designed for full-volume performance and resonant tone.
What is the typical price for this 20-inch model?: The typical price for the Remo Ambassador Ebony 20-inch Ported Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 96.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Does this head include built-in dampening rings?: This specific model is a standard Ambassador single-ply head without internal muffling rings. Tonal control is achieved through the 10-mil film thickness and the ported design.