What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Smooth White 20" Bass Drum Head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil Smooth White film, which is the standard thickness for the Ambassador series.

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

Yes, its versatile design and 10-mil construction make it suitable for use on either the beater side or the front (resonant) side of a 20-inch bass drum.

What is the typical price range for this drum head?

The Remo Ambassador Smooth White 20" Bass Drum Head typically retails for approximately GBP 38.

How does Smooth White differ from a standard Coated head?

Smooth White film has the pigment throughout the ply and lacks the rough, textured surface of a traditional coated head, resulting in a smoother feel and slightly more attack.

Does this head come with any built-in dampening?

No, the Ambassador Smooth White is a wide-open, single-ply head with no internal muffling rings or control dots, allowing for maximum resonance.

What kind of sound should I expect from this head?

Expect a warm, resonant tone with a soft feel and a clear, defined attack that balances response and tonal control.

Is a 20-inch head compatible with all bass drums?

It is specifically designed for bass drums with a 20-inch diameter. You should check your drum shell size before purchasing.

Who is the target user for the Ambassador Smooth White?

It suits drummers who prefer a versatile, open sound and are looking for a balance between the brightness of clear heads and the warmth of coated heads.

How does it compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant Smooth White?

While both use smooth white film, the Evans EQ3 is often configured specifically for resonance with specific features, whereas the Ambassador is a general-purpose single-ply head.

Does the Smooth White finish affect beater wear?

The smooth surface provides a different wear pattern than textured heads; it is generally gentle on felt beaters but may show scuffing more clearly over time.

Can I use this head for jazz or rock?

Yes, its open resonance makes it a classic choice for jazz, while its increased attack allows it to perform well in rock settings when appropriate dampening is added.

Is this head available in other sizes?

Remo offers Ambassador Smooth White heads in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various drum kit setups beyond the 20-inch model.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Smooth White 20" Bass Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Smooth White 20" Bass Drum Head is a versatile single-ply drumhead constructed from a 10-mil film. It is designed to provide a balanced combination of warm resonance, soft feel, and increased attack, making it suitable for both batter and resonant applications.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador Smooth White series is a cornerstone of the Remo product line, specifically engineered to offer a middle ground between clear and coated heads. The 20-inch variant is designed for standard-sized bass drums, providing a classic aesthetic and a versatile sonic profile. It is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil Smooth White film, which differs from standard coated heads by having the white pigment integrated into the film rather than applied as a top coating.

Design and Construction

The primary feature of this head is its 10-mil Smooth White film. This specific gauge is considered the industry standard for 'medium' weight heads, offering enough durability for moderate playing while remaining thin enough to vibrate freely. The 'Smooth White' finish provides a surface that is tactilely smoother than a traditional textured coating but maintains the warmer tonal characteristics associated with non-clear heads. This construction allows for a soft feel under the beater and a significant increase in attack compared to thicker multi-ply heads.

Sound Character

In terms of audio performance, the Ambassador Smooth White 20" is noted for its warm, resonant tones. Because it is a single-ply head without internal dampening rings, it offers a wide-open sound with substantial sustain. The 'Smooth White' film contributes to a slightly brighter attack than a standard coated Ambassador, but with more warmth and body than a clear head. It provides a highly responsive feel, allowing the player to achieve precise tonal control through various tuning ranges.

Comparisons and Alternatives

When compared to other market offerings, the Ambassador Smooth White sits alongside products like the Evans EQ3 Resonant Smooth White, though the Ambassador is often preferred for those seeking a more traditional, wide-open sound without built-in ports. For drummers seeking a vintage aesthetic or different sonic textures, alternatives include the Evans 56 Calftone series or the DW AA Coated heads. For those requiring maximum volume reduction, the Remo Silentstroke series serves as a specialized alternative, whereas the Attack ProFlex1 offers a different approach to single-ply design.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Smooth White 20" Bass Drum Head?: The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil Smooth White film, which is the standard thickness for the Ambassador series.
Can this head be used as both a batter and a resonant head?: Yes, its versatile design and 10-mil construction make it suitable for use on either the beater side or the front (resonant) side of a 20-inch bass drum.
What is the typical price range for this drum head?: The Remo Ambassador Smooth White 20" Bass Drum Head typically retails for approximately GBP 38.
How does Smooth White differ from a standard Coated head?: Smooth White film has the pigment throughout the ply and lacks the rough, textured surface of a traditional coated head, resulting in a smoother feel and slightly more attack.
Does this head come with any built-in dampening?: No, the Ambassador Smooth White is a wide-open, single-ply head with no internal muffling rings or control dots, allowing for maximum resonance.
What kind of sound should I expect from this head?: Expect a warm, resonant tone with a soft feel and a clear, defined attack that balances response and tonal control.
Is a 20-inch head compatible with all bass drums?: It is specifically designed for bass drums with a 20-inch diameter. You should check your drum shell size before purchasing.
Who is the target user for the Ambassador Smooth White?: It suits drummers who prefer a versatile, open sound and are looking for a balance between the brightness of clear heads and the warmth of coated heads.
How does it compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant Smooth White?: While both use smooth white film, the Evans EQ3 is often configured specifically for resonance with specific features, whereas the Ambassador is a general-purpose single-ply head.
Does the Smooth White finish affect beater wear?: The smooth surface provides a different wear pattern than textured heads; it is generally gentle on felt beaters but may show scuffing more clearly over time.
Can I use this head for jazz or rock?: Yes, its open resonance makes it a classic choice for jazz, while its increased attack allows it to perform well in rock settings when appropriate dampening is added.
Is this head available in other sizes?: Remo offers Ambassador Smooth White heads in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various drum kit setups beyond the 20-inch model.