Gear article
Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 14 Drum Head
The Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 14 is a professional-grade 14-inch drum head featuring dual-ply construction and Skyndeep imaging technology for a vibrant aesthetic. Designed for drummers seeking a balance of durability and visual customisation, it delivers a warm, open tone with controlled sustain.
See live pricesOverview
The Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 14 Drum Head is a specific variant of the renowned Emperor series, designed to provide both high-level performance and striking visual appeal. By integrating colour directly into the film layers, Remo has created a head that maintains the structural integrity and sonic qualities of a standard clear Emperor while offering a bold orange finish. This 14-inch model is most commonly utilised on snare drums and floor toms, fitting standard hoops across various drum brands.
Visual Technology and Durability
A primary feature of the Colortone series is the use of Remo's proprietary Skyndeep imaging technology. Unlike painted or coated heads, the orange pigment is permanently embedded into the structure of the film. This ensures that the colour will not chip, flake, or wear off over time. Furthermore, the design prevents the transfer of colour to drumsticks, ensuring that equipment such as 5A Wood Tip Maple Drumsticks remains clean during heavy play sessions.
Sonic Characteristics
Sonically, the Emperor Colortone Orange is defined by its warm, open tones. Because it is constructed from two plies of 7-mil Mylar film, it offers a distinct tonal response that balances resonance with control. The dual-ply nature provides a natural dampening effect compared to single-ply heads, making it ideal for drummers who require a focused sound without excessive overtones. It is highly responsive to different tuning ranges, maintaining clarity in both high-tension and low-tension applications.
Applications and Compatibility
This drum head is suited for a wide range of musical styles, including rock, pop, and fusion, where a blend of projection and warmth is desired. While it serves as a functional replacement part, it also acts as an aesthetic upgrade. It is frequently compared to other specialty heads like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side, though the Emperor Colortone is typically used as a batter-side head rather than a resonant-side marching head. It functions effectively alongside high-quality hardware such as the Tama Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater for a cohesive kit setup.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the diameter of this drum head?
- The Remo Emperor Colortone Orange is 14 inches in diameter, making it compatible with standard 14-inch snare drums and floor toms.
- Will the orange colour rub off on my drumsticks?
- No, the orange colour is permanently embedded into the structure of the film. It is designed not to chip or leave marks on your sticks, even during aggressive playing.
- How many plies does the Emperor Colortone have?
- The Emperor Colortone is a dual-ply drum head. It consists of two layers of 7-mil Mylar film, providing enhanced durability and tonal control.
- What kind of tone can I expect from this head?
- It produces a warm and open tone. The two-ply construction helps control overtones while maintaining a resonant, musical response.
- Is the orange finish a surface coating?
- No, the finish is not a standard surface coating. It uses Skyndeep imaging technology to integrate the colour within the film itself.
- What is the typical price range for this model?
- In the UK market, the Remo Emperor Colortone Orange 14 typically retails for approximately £26.00.
- Is this head suitable for a snare drum?
- Yes, it is very common to use a 14-inch Emperor Colortone as a snare batter head. It offers the durability needed for backbeats and a focused sound.
- How does it compare to the standard Clear Emperor?
- It is sonically identical to the standard Clear Emperor. The main difference is the aesthetic orange tint provided by the Colortone technology.
- Can I use this as a resonant head?
- While primarily designed as a batter head, it could be used as a resonant head if a very controlled and dark sound is desired. However, it is most effective on the striking side.
- Does the colour affect the sustain of the drum?
- The colour technology is designed to have no impact on the vibration of the film. The sustain remains consistent with that of a standard two-ply clear head.
- Is this head available in other colours?
- This specific model is Orange, but the Remo Colortone series includes a variety of other colours using the same Skyndeep technology.
- What musical genres is this head best for?
- It is highly versatile and ideal for rock, pop, and R&B. Its warm tone and durability make it a popular choice for a variety of medium-to-heavy hitting styles.
