What is the primary function of the Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side 12?

It is designed exclusively as a resonant (bottom) head for a 12-inch snare drum. Its purpose is to vibrate against the snare wires to produce the characteristic 'snap' of the drum.

Can this head be used as a batter (top) head?

No, it is not recommended for use as a batter head. At only 3-mil thick, it is too fragile to withstand direct stick impacts and would likely break almost immediately.

How thick is the film on this drum head?

The Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side features a single ply of 3-mil (0.003 inches) film. This thin construction is essential for high sensitivity and resonance.

What does the term 'Hazy' mean in the product name?

Hazy refers to the semi-transparent, cloudy appearance of the film. Sonically, it is the industry standard for snare resonant heads, offering a balance between clear and textured response.

What size drum shell does this head fit?

This specific model is designed to fit a 12-inch diameter snare drum. It will not fit standard 13-inch or 14-inch snare drums.

How does this head affect the frequency response of the drum?

It provides a perfectly balanced frequency response across the entire spectrum. This prevents the drum from sounding overly bright or excessively dark, making it suitable for all snare types.

Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?

Yes, its open resonant tones and sensitivity make it ideal for jazz. It allows for the subtle ghost notes and brush work often required in the genre.

Is this head suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Ambassador Hazy is a versatile 'all-rounder'. When tuned correctly, it provides the crispness and projection needed for high-volume rock environments.

How does the Ambassador Hazy compare to the Evans MS3?

The Evans MS3 is a 14-inch marching snare head designed for extreme tension and durability. The Remo Ambassador Hazy 12-inch is a thinner, more sensitive head for standard kit snare drums.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The typical retail price for this 12-inch resonant head is approximately £18. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Does this head come with snare wires?

No, this is a replacement drum head only. Snare wires, hoops, and other hardware must be purchased separately or repurposed from your existing drum.

How often should a snare side head be replaced?

While they do not take direct hits, they can stretch and lose their 'life' over time. If your snare response feels dull or the head appears pitted from the snare wires, it is time for a replacement.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side 12 Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side 12 Drum Head is a 12-inch resonant-side drumhead designed specifically for the bottom of a snare drum. Constructed from a single ply of 3-mil film, it is widely considered an industry standard for achieving a balanced, open resonance and sensitive snare response.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side is a specialised resonant head designed for the bottom of 12-inch snare drums. Unlike batter heads, which are designed to withstand direct impact, this 'Hazy' head is significantly thinner at 3-mil (0.003 inches) to allow for maximum vibration and interaction with the snare wires. It is manufactured by Remo, a leading producer of drumheads, and is intended to provide a neutral, open foundation for a variety of musical styles.

Construction and Design

The head is constructed from a single ply of Mylar film. The 'Hazy' designation refers to its translucent, semi-opaque finish, which sits between a clear and a coated head in terms of aesthetic. The choice of 3-mil film is deliberate; it provides enough durability to hold tension under a snare bed while remaining thin enough to respond instantly to the vibrations transferred from the batter head.

Sound Character and Performance

The Ambassador Hazy is noted for its perfectly balanced frequency response across the spectrum. Key sonic characteristics include:

Resonant Tones: It produces open, sustain-rich tones that allow the drum's natural shell character to emerge.
Snare Sensitivity: The thinness of the film ensures that the snare wires react to even the softest ghost notes and articulate sticking.
Versatility: Because it does not heavily bias towards highs or lows, it functions well across various tuning ranges, from low and fat to high and crisp.

Applications and Compatibility

This 12-inch model is suited for smaller primary snare drums or auxiliary side snares. It is compatible with all standard 12-inch snare drum hoops and shells. While the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side 14" is an example of a heavy-duty marching alternative for larger drums, the Ambassador Hazy 12" is focused on standard drum kit applications where a balance of sustain and crispness is required.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side 12?: It is designed exclusively as a resonant (bottom) head for a 12-inch snare drum. Its purpose is to vibrate against the snare wires to produce the characteristic 'snap' of the drum.
Can this head be used as a batter (top) head?: No, it is not recommended for use as a batter head. At only 3-mil thick, it is too fragile to withstand direct stick impacts and would likely break almost immediately.
How thick is the film on this drum head?: The Remo Ambassador Hazy Snare Side features a single ply of 3-mil (0.003 inches) film. This thin construction is essential for high sensitivity and resonance.
What does the term 'Hazy' mean in the product name?: Hazy refers to the semi-transparent, cloudy appearance of the film. Sonically, it is the industry standard for snare resonant heads, offering a balance between clear and textured response.
What size drum shell does this head fit?: This specific model is designed to fit a 12-inch diameter snare drum. It will not fit standard 13-inch or 14-inch snare drums.
How does this head affect the frequency response of the drum?: It provides a perfectly balanced frequency response across the entire spectrum. This prevents the drum from sounding overly bright or excessively dark, making it suitable for all snare types.
Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?: Yes, its open resonant tones and sensitivity make it ideal for jazz. It allows for the subtle ghost notes and brush work often required in the genre.
Is this head suitable for rock music?: Yes, the Ambassador Hazy is a versatile 'all-rounder'. When tuned correctly, it provides the crispness and projection needed for high-volume rock environments.
How does the Ambassador Hazy compare to the Evans MS3?: The Evans MS3 is a 14-inch marching snare head designed for extreme tension and durability. The Remo Ambassador Hazy 12-inch is a thinner, more sensitive head for standard kit snare drums.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The typical retail price for this 12-inch resonant head is approximately £18. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Does this head come with snare wires?: No, this is a replacement drum head only. Snare wires, hoops, and other hardware must be purchased separately or repurposed from your existing drum.
How often should a snare side head be replaced?: While they do not take direct hits, they can stretch and lose their 'life' over time. If your snare response feels dull or the head appears pitted from the snare wires, it is time for a replacement.