What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated head?

The head features a dual-ply construction consisting of one 7.5-mil ply and one 3-mil ply. This creates a total thickness of 10.5-mil, which is slightly thicker than a standard single-ply Ambassador.

How does the feel of this head differ from a standard Ambassador?

The Vintage Ambassador is designed with a softer 'under-stick' feel. This is achieved through its specific two-ply layering, which provides more 'give' than a rigid single 10-mil ply.

Is the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 10" suitable for brushes?

Yes, the coated surface provides the necessary texture for brush playing. The sensitivity of the 7.5-mil and 3-mil plies ensures that subtle brush movements are clearly articulated.

Which Remo series inspired the design of the Ambassador Vintage?

The design takes inspiration from both the Diplomat and Emperor series. It seeks to combine the sensitivity of the Diplomat Coated with the mid-range frequencies of the Emperor Coated.

What kind of tone can I expect from this 10-inch drum head?

Expect focused mid-range tones with controlled sustain. It is designed to offer a balanced response that emphasizes nuance rather than extreme brightness or heavy low-end.

Is this head more durable than a standard single-ply head?

Yes, the combination of two plies (7.5-mil and 3-mil) adds enhanced durability. This makes it a long-lasting choice for drummers who want a traditional sound with modern resilience.

What is the typical price for a Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 10"?

The typical price range for this specific 10-inch model is approximately £20. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

Can this head be used on a snare drum or just toms?

While this specific 10-inch model is most commonly used for rack toms, it can be used on a 10-inch side snare. Its sensitivity and mid-range focus make it versatile for various small-diameter drums.

What musical genres is this head best for?

It is highly versatile but excels in situations requiring nuance, such as jazz, blues, and acoustic rock. Its balanced tonal control makes it suitable for almost any musical situation.

How does the 'Vintage' designation affect the sound?

The 'Vintage' designation refers to its construction which mimics the original 1950s polyester heads. This results in a warmer, more controlled sound compared to modern, brighter single-ply heads.

Is this head comparable to the Evans MS3 Clear?

No, they serve different purposes. The Evans MS3 is a marching snare side head, whereas the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated is a resonant/batter head for kit drums focused on vintage tonal qualities.

Does Remo manufacture this head in other sizes?

Yes, while this entry focuses on the 10-inch model, the Ambassador Vintage Coated series is produced in various standard drum diameters to fit full kits.

Gear article

Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 10" Drum Head

The Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 10" is a dual-ply drum head designed to replicate the response and tonal characteristics of the original 1950s Ambassador. By utilizing a unique 2-ply construction of 7.5-mil and 3-mil polyester film, it provides a balance of sensitivity and controlled mid-range frequencies.

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Overview

The Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated drum head is a specialized component within Remo's parts and spares catalogue. It is engineered to bridge the gap between various standard drum head designs by offering a specific blend of durability, response, and tonal warmth. The head is defined by its hybrid 2-ply construction, which aims to provide a 'vintage' aesthetic and sonic profile that differs from the standard modern single-ply Ambassador.

Construction and Design

Unlike a standard 10-mil single-ply head, the Vintage Ambassador features two plies of Mylar film. The top ply is 7.5-mil while the bottom ply is 3-mil, creating a total thickness of 10.5-mil. This configuration is intended to offer the soft 'under-stick' feel often associated with calfskin heads or early polyester designs. The coating adds texture and slightly dampens high-frequency overtones, resulting in a more focused sound.

Tonal Character and Performance

Sonically, the Ambassador Vintage Coated is described as having the sensitivity of a Diplomat Coated but the mid-range emphasis of an Emperor Coated. This makes it highly responsive to soft strokes and ghost notes while maintaining a controlled sustain. It produces a focused mid-range tone that is well-suited for acoustic environments where nuance and tonal control are prioritized over raw volume.

Target Audience and Applications

This drum head is particularly suited for drummers seeking a traditional sound without sacrificing the reliability of modern synthetic materials. It is highly versatile and performs well in jazz, fusion, and light rock settings. Its ability to provide a soft stick feel makes it a popular choice for players who prefer a less rigid playing surface, especially on smaller 10-inch rack toms.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to a standard Ambassador Coated, the Vintage version offers more durability and a warmer, shorter decay due to its multi-ply nature. Against the Remo Emperor, it is thinner and more sensitive, offering greater clarity for intricate playing. For those using marching snare heads like the Evans MS3 Clear, the Ambassador Vintage provides a significantly different, more resonant acoustic response suitable for kit drumming rather than high-tension field applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated head?: The head features a dual-ply construction consisting of one 7.5-mil ply and one 3-mil ply. This creates a total thickness of 10.5-mil, which is slightly thicker than a standard single-ply Ambassador.
How does the feel of this head differ from a standard Ambassador?: The Vintage Ambassador is designed with a softer 'under-stick' feel. This is achieved through its specific two-ply layering, which provides more 'give' than a rigid single 10-mil ply.
Is the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 10" suitable for brushes?: Yes, the coated surface provides the necessary texture for brush playing. The sensitivity of the 7.5-mil and 3-mil plies ensures that subtle brush movements are clearly articulated.
Which Remo series inspired the design of the Ambassador Vintage?: The design takes inspiration from both the Diplomat and Emperor series. It seeks to combine the sensitivity of the Diplomat Coated with the mid-range frequencies of the Emperor Coated.
What kind of tone can I expect from this 10-inch drum head?: Expect focused mid-range tones with controlled sustain. It is designed to offer a balanced response that emphasizes nuance rather than extreme brightness or heavy low-end.
Is this head more durable than a standard single-ply head?: Yes, the combination of two plies (7.5-mil and 3-mil) adds enhanced durability. This makes it a long-lasting choice for drummers who want a traditional sound with modern resilience.
What is the typical price for a Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 10"?: The typical price range for this specific 10-inch model is approximately £20. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
Can this head be used on a snare drum or just toms?: While this specific 10-inch model is most commonly used for rack toms, it can be used on a 10-inch side snare. Its sensitivity and mid-range focus make it versatile for various small-diameter drums.
What musical genres is this head best for?: It is highly versatile but excels in situations requiring nuance, such as jazz, blues, and acoustic rock. Its balanced tonal control makes it suitable for almost any musical situation.
How does the 'Vintage' designation affect the sound?: The 'Vintage' designation refers to its construction which mimics the original 1950s polyester heads. This results in a warmer, more controlled sound compared to modern, brighter single-ply heads.
Is this head comparable to the Evans MS3 Clear?: No, they serve different purposes. The Evans MS3 is a marching snare side head, whereas the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated is a resonant/batter head for kit drums focused on vintage tonal qualities.
Does Remo manufacture this head in other sizes?: Yes, while this entry focuses on the 10-inch model, the Ambassador Vintage Coated series is produced in various standard drum diameters to fit full kits.