What is the diameter of this drum head?

The Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke is 13 inches in diameter, making it suitable for 13-inch snare drums or rack toms.

Will the smoke colour rub off on my drumsticks?

No, the colour is permanently embedded into the structure of the film using Skyndeep Imaging Technology. This prevents any colour transfer to your sticks during play.

How many plies does the Emperor Colortone have?

It is a 2-ply drum head, which provides increased durability and a warmer tone compared to single-ply models.

Does the Colortone finish change the sound compared to a Clear Emperor?

No, it is designed to sport the same sound characteristics as the standard Emperor Clear drumheads, delivering a warm and open tone.

What technology is used to apply the colour?

The head features Skyndeep Imaging Technology, which allows for vibrant colour without compromising the film's vibration or durability.

Is the Smoke finish transparent or solid?

The Smoke finish is a vibrant, semi-transparent colour that allows for a personalised look while still showing the interior of the drum to some degree.

What kind of tone can I expect from this head?

You can expect a warm, open tone with great response and controlled overtones, similar to a traditional 2-ply clear head.

Is this head durable enough for heavy rock drumming?

Yes, the two-ply Emperor construction is known for its increased durability and powerful projection, making it ideal for heavier playing styles.

Can I use this on a snare drum or only on toms?

It can be used on both 13-inch snare drums and 13-inch toms, depending on the desired sound and aesthetic for your kit.

How much does the Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke 13 usually cost?

The typical price range for this specific 13-inch drum head is approximately £24.00.

Are other colours available in the Colortone series?

Yes, the Emperor Colortone is available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and styles to suit different kits and preferences.

Does this head come with internal muffling?

The Emperor Colortone relies on its two-ply construction for natural tonal control, but it does not feature an additional internal dampening ring.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke 13 Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke 13 is a high-performance drum head featuring Skyndeep Imaging Technology to provide a distinct aesthetic without compromising acoustic properties. It is a two-ply head designed to offer the same warm, open tone and durability as the industry-standard Emperor Clear series. This 13-inch model is finished in a 'Smoke' hue, integrating the colour directly into the film structure to prevent stick marking.

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Background and Construction

Remo developed the Colortone series to meet the demand for customisable drum aesthetics. Unlike traditional coloured drum heads that use surface coatings, the Emperor Colortone utilises Skyndeep Imaging Technology. This process embeds the 'Smoke' colour directly into the structure of the film. This ensures that the pigment does not flake off or transfer onto drumsticks during play, maintaining the appearance of the head over its lifespan.

The 13-inch Emperor model consists of two plies of film. This construction method is favoured for its balance of sustain and durability, making it a staple for drummers who require a head that can withstand heavy hitting while retaining musicality.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary design goal of the Emperor Colortone Smoke is to mirror the sonic profile of the classic Emperor Clear drumheads. It delivers a warm, open tone characterised by a great response and excellent tonal control. The two-ply construction provides natural muffling compared to single-ply heads, reducing harsh overtones while maintaining powerful projection. This makes it suitable for both live performance and studio environments where a controlled yet resonant sound is required.

Visual and Functional Features

The standout feature of this head is the Smoke finish, a semi-transparent grey that offers a sophisticated alternative to standard clear or coated heads. Key features include:

Skyndeep Imaging: Permanent colour integration that does not affect vibration.
Enhanced Durability: The two-ply design extends the life of the head compared to single-ply alternatives.
Stick Protection: The embedded colour ensures no residue is left on the tips of drumsticks.
Universal Fitting: The 13-inch diameter is compatible with standard 13-inch snare drums or rack toms.

Target Audience and Applications

This drum head suits drummers who want to personalise their kit without sacrificing professional sound quality. It is particularly effective for genres such as Rock, Pop, and Fusion where a warm, punchy sound is desirable. Because the Colortone series is available in various sizes, drummers can create a uniform look across their entire shell pack.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to the standard Remo Emperor Clear, the Colortone Smoke offers identical acoustic properties but with a custom visual appearance. Compared to single-ply heads like the Remo Ambassador, the Emperor Colortone is more durable and offers more control over high-frequency overtones. While marching snare heads like the Evans MS3 14" Clear provide extreme tension for specific applications, the Emperor Colortone is designed for the more nuanced requirements of standard drum kit setups.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of this drum head?: The Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke is 13 inches in diameter, making it suitable for 13-inch snare drums or rack toms.
Will the smoke colour rub off on my drumsticks?: No, the colour is permanently embedded into the structure of the film using Skyndeep Imaging Technology. This prevents any colour transfer to your sticks during play.
How many plies does the Emperor Colortone have?: It is a 2-ply drum head, which provides increased durability and a warmer tone compared to single-ply models.
Does the Colortone finish change the sound compared to a Clear Emperor?: No, it is designed to sport the same sound characteristics as the standard Emperor Clear drumheads, delivering a warm and open tone.
What technology is used to apply the colour?: The head features Skyndeep Imaging Technology, which allows for vibrant colour without compromising the film's vibration or durability.
Is the Smoke finish transparent or solid?: The Smoke finish is a vibrant, semi-transparent colour that allows for a personalised look while still showing the interior of the drum to some degree.
What kind of tone can I expect from this head?: You can expect a warm, open tone with great response and controlled overtones, similar to a traditional 2-ply clear head.
Is this head durable enough for heavy rock drumming?: Yes, the two-ply Emperor construction is known for its increased durability and powerful projection, making it ideal for heavier playing styles.
Can I use this on a snare drum or only on toms?: It can be used on both 13-inch snare drums and 13-inch toms, depending on the desired sound and aesthetic for your kit.
How much does the Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke 13 usually cost?: The typical price range for this specific 13-inch drum head is approximately £24.00.
Are other colours available in the Colortone series?: Yes, the Emperor Colortone is available in a wide range of colours, sizes, and styles to suit different kits and preferences.
Does this head come with internal muffling?: The Emperor Colortone relies on its two-ply construction for natural tonal control, but it does not feature an additional internal dampening ring.