Gear article
Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 14 Drum Head
The Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 14 is a professional-grade drum head designed to provide a balanced mid-range tone and a soft stick feel. It utilizes a unique two-ply construction consisting of a 7.5-mil and a 3-mil layer to replicate the sonic characteristics of classic drum heads.
See live pricesOverview
The Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated 14 Drum Head is a versatile replacement part within the percussion category. It is engineered to bridge the gap between various established Remo series, offering a specific blend of sensitivity and durability. The head is characterized by its white coated surface, which contributes to its distinct frequency response and tactile response under the stick.
Construction and Design
Unlike the standard single-ply Ambassador, the Vintage Coated model features a dual-ply design. It combines one 7.5-mil ply with one 3-mil ply. This specific configuration is intended to provide the durability typically associated with the Ambassador line while maintaining a softer under-stick feel. This construction allows the head to remain sensitive to light ghost notes while standing up to heavier playing styles.
Tonal Character
The primary sonic profile of the Ambassador Vintage Coated is focused on the mid-range. By drawing inspiration from other Remo series, it attempts to capture the high-end sensitivity found in the Diplomat Coated series while maintaining the robust midrange presence of an Emperor Coated head. The result is a balanced sound that offers tonal control without sacrificing nuance.
Application and Versatility
Due to its balanced response, this drum head is suited for a wide variety of musical situations. It is particularly effective in environments where nuance and articulation are required, such as jazz or studio recording, yet it possesses enough durability for live rock applications. It is often used on snare drums to achieve a 'vintage' sound that avoids the harshness of modern single-ply heads.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to the standard Remo Ambassador, the Vintage Coated version offers a softer feel and slightly more controlled overtones due to its two-ply construction. While it lacks the sheer thickness of a heavy-duty marching head like the Evans MS3 Clear, it provides significantly more resonance. Compared to the Emperor series, the Vintage Coated provides a more sensitive response for lighter strokes.
Related gear
£20.35 ($26)EVANS
Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side Drum Head 14"
£24.99 ($32)Tama
Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater
£29.00 ($37)Gotoh
Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge Chrome
£54.00 ($69)Fender
Fender 10-Hole Contemporary Jazz Bass Pickguard 3-Ply Black
£11.49 ($15)Fender
Fender Stratocaster Knobs 1 Volume 2 Tone Aged White
£2.49 ($3)Gear4Music
5A Wood Tip Maple Drumsticks by Gear4music
£158.00 ($201)Fender
Fender American Standard Stratocaster Tremolo Bridge Assembly Chrome
£7.99 ($10)Fender
Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers Aged White
Frequently asked questions
- What is the ply construction of the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated?
- The drum head features a two-ply construction consisting of one 7.5-mil ply and one 3-mil ply. This combination is designed to balance durability with a soft tactile feel.
- What kind of sound does this drum head produce?
- It produces focused mid-range tones. The design is intended to offer a vintage character with a balance of response and tonal control.
- How does the 'Vintage' model differ from a standard Ambassador?
- The standard Ambassador is a single-ply head, whereas the Vintage model uses two plies of different thicknesses. This results in a softer feel and more focused frequencies compared to the standard version.
- What is the typical price for this 14-inch drum head?
- The typical price range for this specific model is approximately GBP 24 to 24. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock.
- Is the Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated suitable for snare drums?
- Yes, it is highly versatile and frequently used on 14-inch snare drums. It provides the sensitivity needed for ghost notes and the durability for standard backbeats.
- What other Remo series influenced the design of this head?
- The design takes inspiration from the Diplomat Coated series for its sensitivity and the Emperor Coated series for its midrange characteristics.
- What is the benefit of the coated finish?
- The coating helps to produce focused mid-range tones and provides the necessary texture for brush playing. It also adds a layer of warmth to the overall sound.
- Does this head offer a soft or hard stick feel?
- The Remo Ambassador Vintage Coated is specifically designed to provide a soft under-stick feel. This helps the drummer craft a more traditional or 'vintage' musical sound.
- Can this head be used for genres other than jazz?
- Yes, it is marketed as one of the most versatile drum heads available. It works well in any musical situation where nuance and tonal control are required.
- How does the durability compare to other Ambassador heads?
- The two-ply construction adds to the durability that users expect from the Ambassador line. The extra 3-mil ply provides reinforcement without making the head feel overly stiff.
- What diameter is this specific drum head?
- This specific model is designed for 14-inch drums. This is the standard size for most snare drums and some floor toms.
- How does the sensitivity of this head compare to a Diplomat?
- It is designed to match the sensitivity of the Diplomat Coated series. This allows for clear articulation even at lower dynamic levels.
