What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Clear drum head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film, resulting in a total thickness of 14-mil. This provides a durable surface that can withstand heavier playing styles.

Does this drum head include any internal dampening?

Yes, for tom and snare versions, it features a 3-mil inlay ring. This ring helps to control unwanted overtones while maintaining the head's open and warm character.

Is the Remo Emperor Clear suitable for snare drums?

Yes, the Emperor Clear is designed for both tom and snare drum applications. It offers a crisp attack and durability that is well-suited for a primary snare batter head.

What kind of sound should I expect from a clear drum head?

Clear heads typically provide a brighter attack and more sustain compared to coated versions. The Emperor Clear specifically offers a warm, open tone with high projection.

How does the Emperor Clear compare to the Remo Ambassador?

The Ambassador is a single-ply 10-mil head, whereas the Emperor is a two-ply 7-mil head. The Emperor is more durable and has a warmer, deeper tone, while the Ambassador is brighter and more sensitive.

Can I use this drum head for jazz music?

While popular in rock and pop for its durability, it can be used for jazz if the drummer prefers a warmer, more controlled sound than a standard single-ply head provides.

Is this drum head available in different sizes?

Yes, Remo produces the Emperor Clear in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select the appropriate head for their specific drum diameters across their entire kit.

What is the typical price for a Remo Emperor Clear head?

The typical price range for standard sizes, such as a 12-inch or 10-inch head, is approximately EUR 19. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and specific head diameter.

How does the 2-ply design affect durability?

The 2-ply construction makes the head more resistant to stretching and denting. This increased durability makes it a preferred choice for heavy-hitting drummers and touring professionals.

Will the Emperor Clear provide good projection in a live setting?

Yes, one of its primary features is increased projection. The dual-ply design helps the drum sound carry through loud environments, making it effective for live performances.

What is the difference between Emperor Clear and Emperor Coated?

The Clear version has a sharper attack and more sustain. The Coated version adds a layer of texture that slightly dampens the sound and provides a warmer, more muted tone.

Does Remo manufacture these for marching drums as well?

While the standard Emperor Clear is for drum kits, Remo does produce specialized heads for marching. However, products like the Evans MS3 are specific alternatives for marching snare side applications.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Clear Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Clear is a professional-grade dual-ply drum head designed for high durability and a warm, open tonal response. Constructed from two layers of 7-mil clear film, it is widely used for toms and snare drums where projection and sustain are required.

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Overview

The Remo Emperor Clear is a staple in the percussion industry, recognised for its robust construction and balanced acoustic properties. As a member of the Emperor series, it is engineered to provide a compromise between the bright, fast response of single-ply heads and the heavy muffling of thick multi-ply alternatives. It is particularly noted for its use on tom-toms across various musical genres including rock, pop, and R&B.

Construction and Key Features

The head is manufactured using two plies of 7-mil clear film. This specific gauge provides significant durability compared to the 10-mil single-ply Ambassador series.

Key technical specifications include: * Material: Two plies of high-quality 7-mil clear Mylar film. * Inlay Ring: Features a 3-mil inlay ring for tom and snare heads, which helps in controlling overtones without sacrificing the head's natural resonance. * Design: Clear finish for maximum attack and bright aesthetic appeal.

Sound Character

The Emperor Clear is characterised by its warm, open tones. Because the two plies are not bonded together across the entire surface, they interact to provide a fuller, deeper fundamental pitch than single-ply heads. The clear film ensures that the initial stick attack remains sharp and articulate, while the 7-mil thickness adds sustain and body to the note. It offers increased projection, making it suitable for live performances where the drums need to cut through a loud stage mix.

Suitability and Applications

This drum head is best suited for drummers who require a balance of response and tonal control. It is an ideal choice for heavy hitters who find single-ply heads lack longevity, as the dual-ply design is significantly more resistant to denting and stretching. While excellent for rock and pop, its open resonance also allows it to be used in studio environments where a natural, vibrant drum sound is desired. It is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate standard drum kit configurations.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to the Remo Ambassador, the Emperor Clear offers more durability and a darker tone due to the added mass of the second ply. Conversely, it provides more sustain and brightness than the Remo Pinstripe, which features a dampening agent between the plies. Compared to competitors like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side, the Emperor Clear is designed for traditional kit play rather than specialized marching applications, focusing on resonance rather than the extreme tension required for marching percussion.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Clear drum head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film, resulting in a total thickness of 14-mil. This provides a durable surface that can withstand heavier playing styles.
Does this drum head include any internal dampening?: Yes, for tom and snare versions, it features a 3-mil inlay ring. This ring helps to control unwanted overtones while maintaining the head's open and warm character.
Is the Remo Emperor Clear suitable for snare drums?: Yes, the Emperor Clear is designed for both tom and snare drum applications. It offers a crisp attack and durability that is well-suited for a primary snare batter head.
What kind of sound should I expect from a clear drum head?: Clear heads typically provide a brighter attack and more sustain compared to coated versions. The Emperor Clear specifically offers a warm, open tone with high projection.
How does the Emperor Clear compare to the Remo Ambassador?: The Ambassador is a single-ply 10-mil head, whereas the Emperor is a two-ply 7-mil head. The Emperor is more durable and has a warmer, deeper tone, while the Ambassador is brighter and more sensitive.
Can I use this drum head for jazz music?: While popular in rock and pop for its durability, it can be used for jazz if the drummer prefers a warmer, more controlled sound than a standard single-ply head provides.
Is this drum head available in different sizes?: Yes, Remo produces the Emperor Clear in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select the appropriate head for their specific drum diameters across their entire kit.
What is the typical price for a Remo Emperor Clear head?: The typical price range for standard sizes, such as a 12-inch or 10-inch head, is approximately EUR 19. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and specific head diameter.
How does the 2-ply design affect durability?: The 2-ply construction makes the head more resistant to stretching and denting. This increased durability makes it a preferred choice for heavy-hitting drummers and touring professionals.
Will the Emperor Clear provide good projection in a live setting?: Yes, one of its primary features is increased projection. The dual-ply design helps the drum sound carry through loud environments, making it effective for live performances.
What is the difference between Emperor Clear and Emperor Coated?: The Clear version has a sharper attack and more sustain. The Coated version adds a layer of texture that slightly dampens the sound and provides a warmer, more muted tone.
Does Remo manufacture these for marching drums as well?: While the standard Emperor Clear is for drum kits, Remo does produce specialized heads for marching. However, products like the Evans MS3 are specific alternatives for marching snare side applications.