What is Skyndeep Imaging Technology?

Skyndeep is Remo's proprietary method of embedding colour or graphics directly into the structure of the drumhead film. This ensures the colour does not chip or peel off during play, unlike traditional surface coatings.

Will the blue colour mark my drumsticks?

No, the colour is embedded within the film structure rather than applied as a top layer. This prevents any pigment transfer or marking on your sticks, even during heavy hitting.

How many plies does the Emperor Colortone have?

This drumhead is constructed with two plies of 7-mil clear film. This 14-mil total thickness provides a durable surface suitable for high-impact playing.

What is the typical price for this 12-inch head?

The Remo Emperor Colortone Blue 12" Drum Head typically retails for approximately GBP 23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.

Is the Colortone Blue head transparent?

Yes, it features a tinted see-through look. This allows it to match well with acrylic kits or provide a unique look where the interior of the drum shell remains visible.

Which musical genres suit the Emperor Colortone best?

It is highly popular among Hard Rock, Funk, and RnB drummers. These genres benefit from the head's warm, open tone and its ability to project at high volumes.

How does the sound compare to a standard Emperor Clear?

The sound is identical to the standard Emperor Clear. It retains the same warm, open tonal characteristics and powerful projection without any sonic compromise from the colour.

Does Remo offer other colours in the Colortone range?

Yes, the Colortone series is available in a wide variety of styles, colours, and sizes. This allows drummers to customise their entire kit or mix and match colours.

Can I use this head on a 12-inch snare drum?

Yes, as long as the drum is 12 inches in diameter, this head can be used on both toms and snare drums. However, it is most commonly used as a batter head for rack toms.

Is this head suitable for acrylic drum kits?

It is specifically noted for its compatibility with classic acrylic kits. The tinted transparent look enhances the aesthetic of see-through shells by providing a matching or contrasting hue.

How durable is the Remo Emperor Colortone?

The 2-ply 7-mil construction offers increased durability compared to single-ply heads. It is designed to withstand heavy use in professional performance environments.

What is the specific diameter of this model?

This specific model is designed for a 12-inch diameter drum. It is a standard size for many rack toms and some auxiliary snare drums.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Colortone Blue 12" Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Colortone Blue 12" Drum Head is a dual-ply drumhead designed to provide the sonic performance of clear Emperor heads with a vibrant blue aesthetic. Utilising Skyndeep Imaging Technology, the colour is embedded within the film structure to ensure visual longevity without affecting stick surfaces. It is primarily utilised by drummers in high-energy genres such as Hard Rock, Funk, and RnB.

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Background and Design

The Remo Emperor Colortone series represents a fusion of the brand's established 'Emperor' head architecture with advanced visual customisation. Historically, coloured drumheads often suffered from surface chipping or left residue on drumsticks. Remo addressed this by implementing Skyndeep Imaging Technology, which integrates the tint directly into the film structure. This 12-inch variant is designed to fit standard rack toms or snare drums, offering a tinted see-through aesthetic that is particularly complementary to classic acrylic drum shells.

Technical Construction

The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-ply arrangement is a hallmark of the Emperor line, providing a balance between responsiveness and durability. The blue tinting is applied in a way that maintains the transparency of the film, allowing light to pass through the drum. Because the pigment is not a top-layer coating, it does not flake off during heavy play, ensuring the head remains visually consistent throughout its lifespan.

Sonic Characteristics

Acoustically, the Emperor Colortone Blue mirrors the performance of the standard Emperor Clear. It produces a warm, open tone with significant projection. The two 7-mil plies provide a controlled sustain compared to single-ply alternatives, while the 'open' nature of the design ensures the drum's natural resonance is not overly choked. It is engineered to handle higher volumes and aggressive playing styles without losing tonal clarity.

Target Applications

Due to its robust construction and punchy sound, this drumhead is a popular choice for drummers performing Hard Rock, Funk, and RnB. These genres often require a mix of durability and a 'wet' attack that cuts through a mix. Additionally, the Colortone series is frequently selected by players looking to enhance the stage presence of their kit, especially those using transparent or acrylic shells where the internal hardware and light can interact with the blue tint.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to single-ply heads, the Emperor Colortone offers increased durability and a slightly darker, more focused fundamental pitch. Compared to Remo's 'Pinstripe' series, the Colortone is more open and resonant. In the wider market, it competes with offerings like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side for specific high-tension needs, though the Colortone is tailored more toward standard kit usage. Unlike traditional coated heads, the Colortone maintains the bright attack of clear film while providing a unique visual identity.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Skyndeep Imaging Technology?: Skyndeep is Remo's proprietary method of embedding colour or graphics directly into the structure of the drumhead film. This ensures the colour does not chip or peel off during play, unlike traditional surface coatings.
Will the blue colour mark my drumsticks?: No, the colour is embedded within the film structure rather than applied as a top layer. This prevents any pigment transfer or marking on your sticks, even during heavy hitting.
How many plies does the Emperor Colortone have?: This drumhead is constructed with two plies of 7-mil clear film. This 14-mil total thickness provides a durable surface suitable for high-impact playing.
What is the typical price for this 12-inch head?: The Remo Emperor Colortone Blue 12" Drum Head typically retails for approximately GBP 23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock levels.
Is the Colortone Blue head transparent?: Yes, it features a tinted see-through look. This allows it to match well with acrylic kits or provide a unique look where the interior of the drum shell remains visible.
Which musical genres suit the Emperor Colortone best?: It is highly popular among Hard Rock, Funk, and RnB drummers. These genres benefit from the head's warm, open tone and its ability to project at high volumes.
How does the sound compare to a standard Emperor Clear?: The sound is identical to the standard Emperor Clear. It retains the same warm, open tonal characteristics and powerful projection without any sonic compromise from the colour.
Does Remo offer other colours in the Colortone range?: Yes, the Colortone series is available in a wide variety of styles, colours, and sizes. This allows drummers to customise their entire kit or mix and match colours.
Can I use this head on a 12-inch snare drum?: Yes, as long as the drum is 12 inches in diameter, this head can be used on both toms and snare drums. However, it is most commonly used as a batter head for rack toms.
Is this head suitable for acrylic drum kits?: It is specifically noted for its compatibility with classic acrylic kits. The tinted transparent look enhances the aesthetic of see-through shells by providing a matching or contrasting hue.
How durable is the Remo Emperor Colortone?: The 2-ply 7-mil construction offers increased durability compared to single-ply heads. It is designed to withstand heavy use in professional performance environments.
What is the specific diameter of this model?: This specific model is designed for a 12-inch diameter drum. It is a standard size for many rack toms and some auxiliary snare drums.