What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Coated head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil coated film, resulting in a total thickness of 14 mils. This provides increased durability compared to single-ply heads.

Does this 8-inch head include any muffling?

Yes, it features a 3-mil inlay ring specifically designed for tom and snare heads. This helps to provide a perfect balance of response and tonal control.

What kind of sound can I expect from the coating?

The coating offers a warmer, more traditional tone compared to clear heads. it also provides a slight increase in durability and a more controlled sustain.

Is the Remo Emperor Coated 8" suitable for jazz?

While often used for rock, its warm and open tones make it versatile enough for jazz drummers who prefer a more controlled tom sound. However, single-ply heads are more traditional for that genre.

How does the Emperor compare to the Remo Ambassador?

The Emperor is a 2-ply head making it darker and more durable than the Ambassador. The Ambassador is a single-ply head known for its brightness and maximum resonance.

Can this head be used on a snare drum?

While this specific 8-inch size is usually for small toms, the Emperor Coated series is frequently used on snare drums for a fat, controlled 'pop'. You would need to ensure your snare is 8 inches in diameter.

What is the price range for this drum head?

The typical price for a Remo Emperor Coated 8" Drum Head is approximately GBP 18. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer.

Does the 2-ply design affect projection?

Yes, the 2-ply design increases projection and volume. This makes it an excellent choice for live performances where the drums need to cut through a loud mix.

Are Remo Emperor heads available in other sizes?

Yes, Remo produces the Emperor Coated series in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select matching heads for their entire drum kit setup.

How often should I replace an Emperor Coated head?

Because of the 2-ply construction, these heads last longer than single-ply models. They should be replaced when the coating wears off significantly or when the tone becomes 'dead' and loses its sustain.

Is this head suitable for recording?

Yes, it is highly regarded in the studio. The 3-mil inlay ring and dual plies help control overtones, which often makes the drum easier to mic and mix.

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

While it can be used as a resonant head, it is most commonly used as a batter (top) head. Using a 2-ply head on the bottom will significantly shorten the drum's sustain.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Coated 8" Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Coated 8" Drum Head is a dual-ply drum skin designed for high durability and warm, open tonal characteristics. Constructed from two layers of 7-mil coated film, it is a staple choice for drummers seeking a balance of projection and controlled sustain on smaller tom-toms.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Remo Emperor Coated series represents one of the industry standards for multi-ply drum heads. Specifically, the 8-inch variant is designed for high-tuned rack toms or accent drums. Its construction utilises two layers of 7-mil coated film. This dual-ply approach significantly increases the head's lifespan compared to single-ply alternatives, making it a reliable choice for heavy hitters.

To further refine the sound, these heads include a 3-mil inlay ring. This feature is particularly useful for tom and snare applications as it helps manage overtones and focuses the fundamental pitch of the drum.

Tonal Profile

The Coated Emperor is known for its 'warm' and 'open' sound. While the two plies provide a degree of dampening that rounds off the sharpest high frequencies, the coating adds a textured warmth and a subtle 'crunch' to the attack.

Key characteristics include: * Projection: Enhanced volume suitable for live performance. * Control: The 3-mil inlay ring reduces unwanted 'ringing' without choking the drum. * Resonance: Maintains a balanced decay that is neither too short nor excessively long.

Applications

This 8-inch head is ideally suited for drummers who require durability without sacrificing the natural resonance of their shells. Because of its 14-mil total thickness (two 7-mil plies), it excels in rock, pop, and R&B settings where consistent tuning and resistance to denting are required. It is also a popular choice for studio recording due to its predictable overtone profile.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to single-ply heads, the Emperor Coated offers more focus and a darker timbre. For instance, while a Remo Ambassador (single-ply) provides maximum brightness and sensitivity, the Emperor provides more 'thud' and longevity.

In the context of other percussion accessories like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare head, the Emperor is designed for standard drum kit use rather than high-tension marching applications. It is often paired with hardware such as Tama Iron Cobra beaters or Gotoh bridges in broader kit setups to achieve a professional, reliable performance standard.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Coated head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil coated film, resulting in a total thickness of 14 mils. This provides increased durability compared to single-ply heads.
Does this 8-inch head include any muffling?: Yes, it features a 3-mil inlay ring specifically designed for tom and snare heads. This helps to provide a perfect balance of response and tonal control.
What kind of sound can I expect from the coating?: The coating offers a warmer, more traditional tone compared to clear heads. it also provides a slight increase in durability and a more controlled sustain.
Is the Remo Emperor Coated 8" suitable for jazz?: While often used for rock, its warm and open tones make it versatile enough for jazz drummers who prefer a more controlled tom sound. However, single-ply heads are more traditional for that genre.
How does the Emperor compare to the Remo Ambassador?: The Emperor is a 2-ply head making it darker and more durable than the Ambassador. The Ambassador is a single-ply head known for its brightness and maximum resonance.
Can this head be used on a snare drum?: While this specific 8-inch size is usually for small toms, the Emperor Coated series is frequently used on snare drums for a fat, controlled 'pop'. You would need to ensure your snare is 8 inches in diameter.
What is the price range for this drum head?: The typical price for a Remo Emperor Coated 8" Drum Head is approximately GBP 18. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer.
Does the 2-ply design affect projection?: Yes, the 2-ply design increases projection and volume. This makes it an excellent choice for live performances where the drums need to cut through a loud mix.
Are Remo Emperor heads available in other sizes?: Yes, Remo produces the Emperor Coated series in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select matching heads for their entire drum kit setup.
How often should I replace an Emperor Coated head?: Because of the 2-ply construction, these heads last longer than single-ply models. They should be replaced when the coating wears off significantly or when the tone becomes 'dead' and loses its sustain.
Is this head suitable for recording?: Yes, it is highly regarded in the studio. The 3-mil inlay ring and dual plies help control overtones, which often makes the drum easier to mic and mix.
Can I use this as a resonant (bottom) head?: While it can be used as a resonant head, it is most commonly used as a batter (top) head. Using a 2-ply head on the bottom will significantly shorten the drum's sustain.