What is the total thickness of the Remo Ambassador Fiberskyn head?

The head consists of a 10-mil clear film laminated to a 3-mil polyspun fiber, resulting in a total thickness of 13-mil. This provides a slightly heavier weight than a standard 10-mil Ambassador.

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

Yes, the 22" Fiberskyn Ambassador is versatile enough to be used on either side of the bass drum. As a resonant head, it provides a vintage look and controlled sustain; as a batter head, it offers a warm attack.

How does Fiberskyn differ from standard coated heads?

Unlike standard white coating which is sprayed on, Fiberskyn is a laminated fiber layer. This results in a warmer, darker tone and a texture that more closely resembles real calfskin.

Is the Fiberskyn 22" Bass Drum Head suitable for jazz?

It is highly recommended for jazz due to its incredible sensitivity and soft articulation. It allows the bass drum to produce a melodic, resonant tone rather than a short, modern thud.

How does the price of this head compare to other Remo models?

The typical price is approximately £63.00, which reflects the specialized lamination process used to create the polyspun fiber surface.

Does the fiber layer peel off over time?

While modern lamination is very durable, heavy use with felt beaters is recommended to preserve the surface. Extreme impact can eventually cause wear, but it is designed for professional longevity.

What kind of beater is best for this head?

Felt beaters are generally preferred to enhance the warm, vintage character of the Fiberskyn. Plastic or wood beaters can be used but will produce a much sharper attack.

Is this head available in other sizes?

Yes, Remo produces Ambassador Fiberskyn heads in a wide range of sizes to suit various drum kit configurations beyond the 22" bass drum model.

How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for quiet practice with minimal volume. The Fiberskyn is a traditional acoustic head designed for full-volume performance and tonal quality.

Does this head come with a port hole for microphones?

The standard 22" Ambassador Fiberskyn does not typically come with a pre-cut port hole. Drummers often prefer this to maintain maximum resonance, though a hole can be added manually if needed.

What is the 'Ambassador' weight class?

In the Remo lineup, Ambassador denotes a medium-weight head. In the Fiberskyn series, this means a single-ply 10-mil base film, providing more resonance than the thicker 'Emperor' version.

How does the sound compare to the Evans EQ3?

The Evans EQ3 is a double-ply head designed for more focus and internal dampening. The Fiberskyn Ambassador is single-ply and un-muffled, offering a more open and resonant sound.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Fiberskyn 22" Bass Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Fiberskyn 22" Bass Drum Head is a premium single-ply drumhead designed to replicate the warm, organic qualities of traditional calfskin. It features a unique 13-mil laminated construction that balances modern durability with vintage resonance and soft articulation.

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Background and Design

Remo introduced the Fiberskyn series to provide drummers with a reliable, synthetic alternative to animal-skin heads. The Ambassador weight is the industry standard for versatility, offering a mid-range thickness that performs well in a variety of musical contexts. By laminating a 3-mil polyspun fiber to a 10-mil clear film, Remo created a head that mimics the texture and aesthetic of natural hide while maintaining the tuning stability and consistency of Mylar.

Technical Specifications

The 'Ambassador' designation in the Fiberskyn line refers to its specific single-ply thickness. Unlike standard clear or coated Ambassadors, this model features a total thickness of 13-mil due to the added fiber layer. This construction is designed to provide:

High Sensitivity: Responds to light touches and soft dynamic levels.
Full-Range Tones: Offers a wide frequency response from low-end warmth to clear highs.
Polyspun Texture: A surface that is ideal for both stick and brush work, though primarily used as a resonant or batter head on bass drums for tonal shaping.

Sound Character

The primary characteristic of the Fiberskyn 22" head is its warm, 'darker' timbre compared to standard clear heads. It provides brilliant definition without the harsh overtones often associated with thin synthetic films. The resonance is full and open, making it a popular choice for jazz, orchestral, and vintage rock applications where a 'woody' and natural kick drum sound is desired.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other vintage-style heads such as the Evans 56 Calftone series, the Remo Fiberskyn is often noted for its slightly different laminate texture and durability profile. While the Evans Calftone 26" or 18" models offer similar aesthetic qualities, the Fiberskyn Ambassador remains a distinct industry staple. For those seeking maximum volume and attack, a clear single-ply head like the Attack ProFlex1 might be more suitable, whereas the Fiberskyn excels in tonal richness and soft articulation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total thickness of the Remo Ambassador Fiberskyn head?: The head consists of a 10-mil clear film laminated to a 3-mil polyspun fiber, resulting in a total thickness of 13-mil. This provides a slightly heavier weight than a standard 10-mil Ambassador.
Can this head be used as both a batter and resonant head?: Yes, the 22" Fiberskyn Ambassador is versatile enough to be used on either side of the bass drum. As a resonant head, it provides a vintage look and controlled sustain; as a batter head, it offers a warm attack.
How does Fiberskyn differ from standard coated heads?: Unlike standard white coating which is sprayed on, Fiberskyn is a laminated fiber layer. This results in a warmer, darker tone and a texture that more closely resembles real calfskin.
Is the Fiberskyn 22" Bass Drum Head suitable for jazz?: It is highly recommended for jazz due to its incredible sensitivity and soft articulation. It allows the bass drum to produce a melodic, resonant tone rather than a short, modern thud.
How does the price of this head compare to other Remo models?: The typical price is approximately £63.00, which reflects the specialized lamination process used to create the polyspun fiber surface.
Does the fiber layer peel off over time?: While modern lamination is very durable, heavy use with felt beaters is recommended to preserve the surface. Extreme impact can eventually cause wear, but it is designed for professional longevity.
What kind of beater is best for this head?: Felt beaters are generally preferred to enhance the warm, vintage character of the Fiberskyn. Plastic or wood beaters can be used but will produce a much sharper attack.
Is this head available in other sizes?: Yes, Remo produces Ambassador Fiberskyn heads in a wide range of sizes to suit various drum kit configurations beyond the 22" bass drum model.
How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for quiet practice with minimal volume. The Fiberskyn is a traditional acoustic head designed for full-volume performance and tonal quality.
Does this head come with a port hole for microphones?: The standard 22" Ambassador Fiberskyn does not typically come with a pre-cut port hole. Drummers often prefer this to maintain maximum resonance, though a hole can be added manually if needed.
What is the 'Ambassador' weight class?: In the Remo lineup, Ambassador denotes a medium-weight head. In the Fiberskyn series, this means a single-ply 10-mil base film, providing more resonance than the thicker 'Emperor' version.
How does the sound compare to the Evans EQ3?: The Evans EQ3 is a double-ply head designed for more focus and internal dampening. The Fiberskyn Ambassador is single-ply and un-muffled, offering a more open and resonant sound.