What is the primary benefit of Skyndeep Imaging Technology?

Skyndeep Imaging Technology allows Remo to apply vibrant colours to drum heads without affecting the tone. It also ensures that the colour will not chip off or leave orange marks on the drummer's sticks.

Does the orange colour affect the sound of the drum head?

No, the Emperor Colortone is designed to sound exactly like a standard Remo Emperor Clear head. The imaging process is intended to provide visual appeal without altering the warm, open resonance.

How many plies does the Remo Emperor Colortone have?

The Emperor Colortone is a dual-ply drum head. This two-layer construction provides more durability and a more focused tone than single-ply heads.

Is the 13-inch size compatible with snare drums?

Yes, if the snare drum has a 13-inch diameter, this head can be used as a batter side head. It provides a warm tone and good durability for snare applications.

Will the orange pigment rub off on my drumsticks?

According to the manufacturer, the Skyndeep technology ensures the head won't leave any marks on your drumsticks. The colour is embedded in the film rather than being a surface coating.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 13-inch head typically retails for approximately £24.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can this head be used for heavy rock drumming?

Yes, the dual-ply construction makes the Emperor series very durable. It is designed for powerful projection, making it ideal for louder musical styles like rock.

Is this head available in other colours?

Yes, Remo produces the Colortone series in a wide range of colours and sizes. This allows drummers to find specific matches for their kit's aesthetic.

How does this compare to the Emperor Clear?

The sonic characteristics are identical, offering the same warm and open tone. The only difference is the visual orange tint provided by the Skyndeep Imaging.

Is the finish gloss or matte?

The Colortone heads have a translucent, clear-like finish that allows light to pass through. It maintains the look of a clear head but with a distinct orange hue.

Does this head come with a dampening ring?

The standard Emperor Colortone does not include an internal dampening ring. It is designed for an open tone, though external dampening can be added if desired.

Which drum stick tips are best for this head?

The head is compatible with all standard tips, including wood and nylon. Maple sticks like the Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip are suitable for a lighter touch, while heavier sticks can be used for more projection.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 13-inch Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 13" is a dual-ply drum head that integrates Skyndeep Imaging Technology to offer vibrant visual aesthetics without compromising sonic performance. It provides the same warm, open tonal characteristics as the standard Emperor Clear series with enhanced durability and a non-chipping finish.

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Background and Design

The Colortone series represents Remo's efforts to combine visual customisation with professional-grade drum head construction. This specific 13-inch model uses Skyndeep Imaging Technology, which allows for vivid orange pigments to be embedded directly into the film. Unlike painted or coated heads, this process ensures the colour will not chip, peel, or leave residues on drumsticks during heavy play.

Technical Features

Constructed as a dual-ply head, the Emperor Colortone mimics the architecture of the industry-standard Emperor Clear. The two plies offer increased durability and projection compared to single-ply alternatives. The Skyndeep process is designed to maintain the structural integrity of the film, ensuring that the visual treatment does not dampen the natural resonance of the drum shell.

Sound Character

The Emperor Colortone Orange is characterised by a warm, open tone. Because it shares the same specifications as the Emperor Clear, it provides a balanced frequency response with a focused attack and controlled sustain. It is designed to project powerfully, making it suitable for live environments where both volume and tonal clarity are required.

Suitability and Applications

This drum head is versatile enough for a wide range of musical styles, including rock, pop, and fusion. The 13-inch diameter is typically used for rack toms or specific snare drums. It is particularly suited for drummers who wish to match their drum heads to their kit's finish or stage lighting while maintaining a professional sound standard.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard Clear Emperors, the Colortone offers identical acoustic properties but with the added benefit of visual customisation. In contrast to coated heads, the Colortone maintains more brightness and 'openness'. While marching heads like the Evans MS3 14" focus on high-tension durability for snare use, the Emperor Colortone is designed for the resonance and sustain needed in kit drumming.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of Skyndeep Imaging Technology?: Skyndeep Imaging Technology allows Remo to apply vibrant colours to drum heads without affecting the tone. It also ensures that the colour will not chip off or leave orange marks on the drummer's sticks.
Does the orange colour affect the sound of the drum head?: No, the Emperor Colortone is designed to sound exactly like a standard Remo Emperor Clear head. The imaging process is intended to provide visual appeal without altering the warm, open resonance.
How many plies does the Remo Emperor Colortone have?: The Emperor Colortone is a dual-ply drum head. This two-layer construction provides more durability and a more focused tone than single-ply heads.
Is the 13-inch size compatible with snare drums?: Yes, if the snare drum has a 13-inch diameter, this head can be used as a batter side head. It provides a warm tone and good durability for snare applications.
Will the orange pigment rub off on my drumsticks?: According to the manufacturer, the Skyndeep technology ensures the head won't leave any marks on your drumsticks. The colour is embedded in the film rather than being a surface coating.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 13-inch head typically retails for approximately £24.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can this head be used for heavy rock drumming?: Yes, the dual-ply construction makes the Emperor series very durable. It is designed for powerful projection, making it ideal for louder musical styles like rock.
Is this head available in other colours?: Yes, Remo produces the Colortone series in a wide range of colours and sizes. This allows drummers to find specific matches for their kit's aesthetic.
How does this compare to the Emperor Clear?: The sonic characteristics are identical, offering the same warm and open tone. The only difference is the visual orange tint provided by the Skyndeep Imaging.
Is the finish gloss or matte?: The Colortone heads have a translucent, clear-like finish that allows light to pass through. It maintains the look of a clear head but with a distinct orange hue.
Does this head come with a dampening ring?: The standard Emperor Colortone does not include an internal dampening ring. It is designed for an open tone, though external dampening can be added if desired.
Which drum stick tips are best for this head?: The head is compatible with all standard tips, including wood and nylon. Maple sticks like the Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip are suitable for a lighter touch, while heavier sticks can be used for more projection.