What is the construction of the Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke?

It features two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-layer design is a hallmark of the Emperor series, providing durability and a focused tone.

What size is this specific drum head?

This specific model is 16 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for floor toms or large rack toms.

Does the Smoke colour affect the sound quality?

Remo states that the Colortone series provides the same high-level classic performance as the standard clear heads. The colour is integrated into the film to ensure tonal consistency.

What is the purpose of the 3-mil inlay ring?

The inlay ring is designed to reduce overtones. This helps in providing a more focused sound and greater tonal control during play.

What frequencies does this drum head emphasise?

The Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke is designed to provide focused mid and low-end tones. This makes it ideal for achieving a deep, punchy sound on larger drums.

Is this drum head suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the two plies of 7-mil film offer increased durability. It is designed to withstand more aggressive playing styles than thinner, single-ply heads.

What is the typical price for this 16" drum head?

The typical price range for this specific 16-inch model is approximately GBP 29. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can I get this head in other colours?

Yes, the Remo Emperor Colortone series is available in a variety of colours. This allows drummers to select the right look to match their setup.

How does the attack of this head compare to others?

The head is designed with increased attack. The dual-ply construction helps the drum cut through the mix with a clear initial impact.

Is this a coated or clear drum head?

It is based on a clear design but features the Smoke coloured tint. It does not have a traditional white texture coating.

Which drum kit components is this head best for?

At 16 inches, it is most commonly used for floor toms. It provides the necessary depth and control required for larger drum diameters.

Does Remo offer this head in other sizes?

Yes, the Colortone series is available in various sizes. This ensures drummers can have a matching set across their entire tom configuration.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke 16" Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke 16" Drum Head is a dual-ply drumhead designed for tom-toms and floor toms, combining the construction of the classic Emperor series with a translucent grey aesthetic. It is engineered to provide focused mid and low-end frequencies with enhanced durability and attack. This head is particularly noted for its balance of response and tonal control, aided by an internal dampening ring.

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Overview

The Remo Emperor Colortone 16" Smoke Drum Head belongs to the 'Parts & spares' category of musical equipment. It is designed as a direct evolution of the standard clear Emperor series, integrating Skyndeep Imaging Technology to offer vibrant visual customisation without compromising the structural integrity or sonic properties of the original design. The 'Smoke' variant provides a translucent, dark grey finish suitable for various drum kit aesthetics.

Retailing at approximately GBP 29, the head is built using two layers of 7-mil Clear film. This construction provides the durability required for heavy hitting while maintaining a clear and resonant sound profile.

Technical Features

The primary design feature of the Emperor Colortone series is its two-ply construction. By using two layers of 7-mil film, the head offers increased longevity compared to single-ply alternatives.

Key technical specifications include: * 3-mil Inlay Ring: A specifically designed internal ring helps to reduce unwanted overtones, providing a more controlled sound. * Material: High-quality clear film treated with Colortone pigments. * Tonal Balance: Engineered to focus on the mid-range and low-end frequencies, ensuring the 16" diameter typical of floor toms produces a deep, punchy note. * Attack: The dual-ply nature enhances the initial 'crack' or attack of the stick hit.

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Sound Character and Performance

The sound of the Emperor Colortone Smoke is characterised by a focused and warm resonance. Because of the 2-ply construction, the sustain is more controlled than that of a Diplomat or Ambassador head, making it easier to record and mix. The addition of the 3-mil inlay ring further tightens the sound, removing the 'ringy' high-frequency overtones that can often be problematic on larger 16-inch drums. The result is a consistent tone that works well in both live and studio environments.

Target Audience

This drum head is suited for drummers seeking a balance between modern aesthetics and traditional performance. It is particularly effective for genres that require a powerful, durable head, such as rock, pop, and fusion. The 16" size makes it a primary choice for floor toms. It suits players who want to customise the look of their kit with the Smoke finish while maintaining the reliable tuning stability associated with the Remo Emperor range.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other products in the market, such as the EVANS Black Chrome Drum Head 8 Inch, the Remo Emperor Colortone offers a different approach to darkening the tone and appearance. While the Black Chrome series uses a different film combination for a very dark sound, the Emperor Colortone maintains the classic clear Emperor feel with added visual flair.

Compared to single-ply heads, the Emperor Colortone provides significantly more durability and a shorter sustain. While it sits at a specific price point of GBP 29, it remains a competitive option for drummers looking for professional-grade replacement parts alongside other hardware upgrades like the Gotoh 203B-4 Bass Bridge or Tama Accu-Strike beaters.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the construction of the Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke?: It features two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-layer design is a hallmark of the Emperor series, providing durability and a focused tone.
What size is this specific drum head?: This specific model is 16 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for floor toms or large rack toms.
Does the Smoke colour affect the sound quality?: Remo states that the Colortone series provides the same high-level classic performance as the standard clear heads. The colour is integrated into the film to ensure tonal consistency.
What is the purpose of the 3-mil inlay ring?: The inlay ring is designed to reduce overtones. This helps in providing a more focused sound and greater tonal control during play.
What frequencies does this drum head emphasise?: The Remo Emperor Colortone Smoke is designed to provide focused mid and low-end tones. This makes it ideal for achieving a deep, punchy sound on larger drums.
Is this drum head suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the two plies of 7-mil film offer increased durability. It is designed to withstand more aggressive playing styles than thinner, single-ply heads.
What is the typical price for this 16" drum head?: The typical price range for this specific 16-inch model is approximately GBP 29. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can I get this head in other colours?: Yes, the Remo Emperor Colortone series is available in a variety of colours. This allows drummers to select the right look to match their setup.
How does the attack of this head compare to others?: The head is designed with increased attack. The dual-ply construction helps the drum cut through the mix with a clear initial impact.
Is this a coated or clear drum head?: It is based on a clear design but features the Smoke coloured tint. It does not have a traditional white texture coating.
Which drum kit components is this head best for?: At 16 inches, it is most commonly used for floor toms. It provides the necessary depth and control required for larger drum diameters.
Does Remo offer this head in other sizes?: Yes, the Colortone series is available in various sizes. This ensures drummers can have a matching set across their entire tom configuration.