What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Suede 22 Bass Drum Head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil White Suede™ film.

What kind of tone does this head produce?

It produces a warm, open, and resonant tone with a soft attack.

Does the Suede coating peel off like traditional coatings?

No, Remo uses a proprietary texturing process on the film itself, which is more integrated and durable than traditional sprayed coatings.

Is this head suitable for use as a resonant head?

Yes, its 1-ply 10-mil construction makes it an excellent resonant side head for a warm, full-bodied bass drum sound.

What is the visual finish of the White Suede™ film?

It has a textured, non-reflective white appearance that reduces glare under lights.

How does the Suede feel compared to a standard coated head?

The Suede texturing process provides a softer feel and a smoother response under the beater compared to traditional grit-based coatings.

Can this head be used for high-volume rock music?

While it can be used for rock, it is a single-ply head focused on resonance; heavy hitters may prefer a 2-ply head for increased durability.

Does this head include any internal dampening or muffling rings?

No, the Ambassador Suede is an open head without internal rings. Dampening must be added externally if desired.

What is the typical price for this 22-inch model?

The typical price range for this specific 22-inch bass drum head is approximately GBP 55.

How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for quiet practice, whereas the Ambassador Suede is a standard acoustic head designed for full-volume performance.

Is the 22-inch size compatible with all standard 22-inch bass drums?

Yes, it is designed to fit all standard 22-inch diameter bass drum hoops from manufacturers like DW, Pearl, Tama, and others.

What is the difference between Suede and Clear heads?

Suede heads provide a warmer attack and fewer harsh overtones than clear heads, which are typically brighter and punchier.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Suede Coated 22 Bass Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Suede Coated 22 is a single-ply bass drum head constructed from a 10-mil treated White Suede™ film. It is designed to provide a warm, open resonance with a distinct soft feel and textured appearance, occupying a middle ground between clear and standard coated heads.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador Suede Coated 22 Bass Drum Head is a specialized drumhead that utilizes Remo's proprietary texturing process. It is constructed from a single layer of 10-mil White Suede™ film, which differentiates it from the standard Mylar used in traditional Ambassador heads. This model is specifically engineered for bass drum applications where a balance of resonance and warmth is required.

The Suede series is notable for its unique visual and tactile properties. The texturing process results in a non-reflective, matte-white appearance and a surface that is soft to the touch. Unlike traditional sprayed-on coatings, the Suede texture is integrated into the film itself, contributing to the head's specific tonal profile.

Key Features and Construction

The primary technical feature of this head is the 10-mil treated film. Key attributes include:

1-Ply Construction: Provides the maximum sustain and sensitivity associated with the Ambassador line.
Proprietary Texturing: The White Suede™ process creates a surface that is more durable than traditional coatings.
Non-Reflective Surface: Ideal for stage environments where glare from overhead lighting is a concern.
Warm Attack: The treatment softens the initial impact sound compared to a clear head.

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Sound Character

This drumhead is characterised by its warm, open, and resonant tones. While a standard clear head provides a sharp, bright attack and a traditional coated head offers a muffled, warmer sound, the Suede film sits between these two extremes. It produces a soft feel under the beater and a 'warm attack' that rounds off the higher frequencies. Because it is a single-ply 10-mil head, it maintains a significant amount of sustain and allows the natural resonance of the 22-inch drum shell to be heard.

User Suitability

The Ambassador Suede 22 is best suited for drummers seeking an 'open' bass drum sound without the harshness of clear plastic. It is frequently chosen by jazz, fusion, and classic rock players who prefer a resonant bass drum rather than a heavily dampened, 'thumpy' sound. It is also an excellent choice for those who want a unique aesthetic that avoids the glare of glossy heads under stage lights.

Market Comparison

Within the industry, the Remo Ambassador Suede competes with several other specialized bass drum heads. The Evans 56 Calftone (available in various sizes) offers a synthetic calfskin alternative that is generally warmer and more vintage-oriented. The DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head 22 provides a similar single-ply experience but with a standard coating. For players seeking maximum resonance without overtones, the Attack 24" ProFlex1 or Evans EQ3 series offer integrated dampening rings, whereas the Ambassador Suede remains an untreated, open head requiring external muffling if a shorter decay is desired.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Suede 22 Bass Drum Head?: The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil White Suede™ film.
What kind of tone does this head produce?: It produces a warm, open, and resonant tone with a soft attack.
Does the Suede coating peel off like traditional coatings?: No, Remo uses a proprietary texturing process on the film itself, which is more integrated and durable than traditional sprayed coatings.
Is this head suitable for use as a resonant head?: Yes, its 1-ply 10-mil construction makes it an excellent resonant side head for a warm, full-bodied bass drum sound.
What is the visual finish of the White Suede™ film?: It has a textured, non-reflective white appearance that reduces glare under lights.
How does the Suede feel compared to a standard coated head?: The Suede texturing process provides a softer feel and a smoother response under the beater compared to traditional grit-based coatings.
Can this head be used for high-volume rock music?: While it can be used for rock, it is a single-ply head focused on resonance; heavy hitters may prefer a 2-ply head for increased durability.
Does this head include any internal dampening or muffling rings?: No, the Ambassador Suede is an open head without internal rings. Dampening must be added externally if desired.
What is the typical price for this 22-inch model?: The typical price range for this specific 22-inch bass drum head is approximately GBP 55.
How does it compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for quiet practice, whereas the Ambassador Suede is a standard acoustic head designed for full-volume performance.
Is the 22-inch size compatible with all standard 22-inch bass drums?: Yes, it is designed to fit all standard 22-inch diameter bass drum hoops from manufacturers like DW, Pearl, Tama, and others.
What is the difference between Suede and Clear heads?: Suede heads provide a warmer attack and fewer harsh overtones than clear heads, which are typically brighter and punchier.