What is the construction of the Remo Emperor Clear 13" drum head?

It is constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-layer design provides increased durability and a more controlled sound compared to single-ply heads.

Does this drum head include any dampening features?

Yes, the tom and snare versions of the Remo Emperor Clear feature a 3-mil inlay ring. This ring helps to control overtones and focus the fundamental pitch of the drum.

What is the primary tonal character of this head?

The head provides warm, open tones with significant projection. The clear film ensures a bright attack, while the two plies add depth and warmth to the overall sound.

Is the 13-inch size suitable for a snare drum?

Yes, it is designed for both tom and snare drum applications. If you have a 13-inch snare, this head will provide a durable and controlled playing surface.

How does the 'Clear' version differ from 'Coated' Emperor heads?

The clear version offers a brighter attack and more sustain than the coated version. Coated heads generally provide a warmer, more muffled sound and are better suited for brush work.

What is the typical price for the Remo Emperor Clear 13"?

The typical price range for this specific drum head is approximately GBP 19. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current promotions.

Is this drum head durable enough for heavy hitters?

Yes, the 2-ply 7-mil construction makes it one of the more durable heads available for standard drum kits. It is designed to withstand increased impact compared to 10-mil single-ply heads.

Can I use this head as a resonant (bottom) head?

While it is primarily used as a batter (top) head, some drummers use Emperors as resonant heads for a very controlled, short decay. However, thinner single-ply heads are more common for resonant use.

What genres is this drum head best suited for?

Due to its balance of projection and warmth, it is ideal for Rock, Pop, Fusion, and R&B. Its durability also makes it a favourite for live performance in louder musical settings.

How does this compare to the Evans MS3 marching head?

The Remo Emperor 13" is a standard drum kit head, whereas the Evans MS3 is a 14-inch marching snare side head. They serve completely different purposes and are not interchangeable due to size and design.

What is meant by '7-mil' film?

A 'mil' is a unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of an inch. A 7-mil film is 0.007 inches thick; since the Emperor has two plies, the total film thickness is 14-mil.

Does Remo offer this head in other sizes?

Yes, the Emperor Clear series is available in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent sound across their entire setup, from small toms to large floor toms.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Clear 13" Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Clear 13" is a high-performance drum head constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film. Designed for both toms and snare drums, it is engineered to provide a balance of warmth, durability, and projection for various musical applications.

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Overview

The Remo Emperor Clear 13" Drum Head is a staple component in the world of percussion, belonging to the 'Parts & spares' category. It is defined by its dual-layer construction, featuring two plies of 7-mil clear film. This specific 13-inch model is designed to be versatile, serving as a reliable choice for either rack toms or specific snare drum configurations. The clear aesthetic is not merely visual; it contributes to the specific sonic properties of the head, ensuring a brighter attack compared to coated alternatives.

Design and Construction

The technical architecture of the Emperor Clear series focuses on durability and control. The head incorporates two plies of 7-mil clear film, which increases the overall mass of the playing surface compared to single-ply heads. Additionally, the tom and snare variants feature a 3-mil inlay ring. This design choice is intended to dampen unwanted overtones and provide a more focused, controlled response without sacrificing the natural resonance of the drum shell.

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Tonal Characteristics

In terms of sound, the Remo Emperor Clear 13" is known for its warm, open tones. Because it utilizes clear film rather than a textured coating, it maintains a crisp attack and high-end projection. The two-ply construction adds a level of 'fatness' to the sound, making it particularly effective for drummers who require a punchy, deep tone that can cut through a loud mix. It offers a distinct balance between the sensitivity of thinner heads and the ruggedness of heavy-duty models.

Applications and Suitability

This drum head is particularly suited for drummers who play with a moderate to heavy touch. Its increased durability makes it a practical choice for touring and studio work where head longevity is a priority. The 13-inch size is most commonly found on rack toms, but it is also compatible with 13-inch snare drums, offering a controlled pop. It is highly versatile, fitting into genres ranging from rock and pop to fusion and R&B.

Comparison and Alternatives

When compared to other products in the market, such as the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side 14", the Emperor 13" is tailored more for standard drum kit use rather than specialised marching applications. While it offers more durability than a Remo Ambassador (a single-ply head), it provides more resonance and brightness than heavily dampened heads. For drummers upgrading their kit, it is often paired with high-quality hardware such as the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike beater or Gotoh 203B-4 bridges to ensure a consistent professional setup.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the construction of the Remo Emperor Clear 13" drum head?: It is constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-layer design provides increased durability and a more controlled sound compared to single-ply heads.
Does this drum head include any dampening features?: Yes, the tom and snare versions of the Remo Emperor Clear feature a 3-mil inlay ring. This ring helps to control overtones and focus the fundamental pitch of the drum.
What is the primary tonal character of this head?: The head provides warm, open tones with significant projection. The clear film ensures a bright attack, while the two plies add depth and warmth to the overall sound.
Is the 13-inch size suitable for a snare drum?: Yes, it is designed for both tom and snare drum applications. If you have a 13-inch snare, this head will provide a durable and controlled playing surface.
How does the 'Clear' version differ from 'Coated' Emperor heads?: The clear version offers a brighter attack and more sustain than the coated version. Coated heads generally provide a warmer, more muffled sound and are better suited for brush work.
What is the typical price for the Remo Emperor Clear 13"?: The typical price range for this specific drum head is approximately GBP 19. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and current promotions.
Is this drum head durable enough for heavy hitters?: Yes, the 2-ply 7-mil construction makes it one of the more durable heads available for standard drum kits. It is designed to withstand increased impact compared to 10-mil single-ply heads.
Can I use this head as a resonant (bottom) head?: While it is primarily used as a batter (top) head, some drummers use Emperors as resonant heads for a very controlled, short decay. However, thinner single-ply heads are more common for resonant use.
What genres is this drum head best suited for?: Due to its balance of projection and warmth, it is ideal for Rock, Pop, Fusion, and R&B. Its durability also makes it a favourite for live performance in louder musical settings.
How does this compare to the Evans MS3 marching head?: The Remo Emperor 13" is a standard drum kit head, whereas the Evans MS3 is a 14-inch marching snare side head. They serve completely different purposes and are not interchangeable due to size and design.
What is meant by '7-mil' film?: A 'mil' is a unit of measurement equal to one-thousandth of an inch. A 7-mil film is 0.007 inches thick; since the Emperor has two plies, the total film thickness is 14-mil.
Does Remo offer this head in other sizes?: Yes, the Emperor Clear series is available in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent sound across their entire setup, from small toms to large floor toms.