What is the construction of the Remo Emperor Colortone Yellow?

The drum head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil film. It also features a 3-mil inlay ring to help reduce unwanted overtones.

What size is this specific drum head?

This specific model is designed for an 18-inch diameter drum. It is commonly used for large floor toms or small auxiliary bass drums.

Does the yellow colour affect the sound quality?

No, the Colortone technology is designed to provide visual customisation while providing the same high-level classic performance as the standard Emperor series. The imaging process does not dampen the resonance like traditional coatings might.

What kind of tone can I expect from this head?

It provides focused mid and low-end tones. The double-ply design ensures a punchy attack with controlled sustain.

Is this drum head durable enough for heavy hitters?

Yes, the use of two 7-mil plies makes it highly durable. It is specifically designed to offer increased attack and longevity for high-impact playing.

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

The inlay ring is designed to reduce overtones. This results in a more focused sound and provides a better balance of response and tonal control.

Can I use this on a bass drum?

Yes, if your bass drum is 18 inches in diameter, this head is suitable. It provides the low-end focus required for smaller kick drums.

How does the Emperor Colortone compare to the standard Clear Emperor?

Sonically, they are virtually identical as they use the same 2-ply 7-mil construction. The primary difference is the aesthetic yellow finish provided by the Colortone series.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?

The typical price range for the Remo Emperor Colortone 18 Yellow Drum Head is approximately £36.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Are other colours available in the Colortone series?

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

Is the finish transparent or opaque?

The head features a high-quality clear design that is tinted yellow. This allows for a vibrant look while maintaining the characteristics of a clear drum head.

Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?

While it can be used for jazz, it is generally preferred for rock and pop due to its 2-ply thickness and focused low-end. Jazz drummers often prefer the higher sensitivity of single-ply heads.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Colortone Yellow 18" Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Colortone Yellow 18" is a high-performance drum head that integrates Skyndeep imaging technology for a vibrant yellow aesthetic without compromising acoustic performance. Constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film, it is designed to provide focused mid and low-end tones with a specific emphasis on durability and attack. It is intended for use on 18-inch drums, offering a balance of response and tonal control for drummers seeking both visual and sonic customisation.

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Background and Design

The Remo Emperor Colortone series represents a significant advancement in drum head aesthetics, moving beyond traditional clear, coated, or smooth white finishes. The series utilizes Remo’s proprietary Skyndeep imaging technology to infuse the film with vivid colours. The 18-inch yellow variant provides a striking visual profile while maintaining the structural integrity and sound characteristics of the classic Emperor line.

Historically, the Emperor series has been a staple in the drumming community for its reliability and projection. By introducing the Colortone range, Remo allows drummers to coordinate the appearance of their kit with specific stage lighting or personal branding without the dampening effects typically associated with aftermarket painting or thick wraps.

Technical Specifications

This drum head is built with a heavy-duty construction suited for high-impact playing. Key technical features include:

Dual Ply Construction: Two layers of 7-mil Mylar film provide increased resistance to stretching and denting.
Inlay Ring: A 3-mil inlay ring is integrated to help control overtones and focus the fundamental pitch.
Size: 18-inch diameter, suitable for large floor toms or small bass drums.
Imaging: The yellow colour is applied via a process that ensures the film remains resonant and does not flake or peel over time.

Sonic Characteristics

The sound of the Remo Emperor Colortone Yellow is defined by its focused mid and low-end frequencies. Because of the 2-ply 7-mil construction, the head naturally suppresses higher-frequency overtones that can often lead to 'ringing' in single-ply heads.

The result is a warm, punchy attack with a shorter sustain, making it easier to record and mix. The internal 3-mil inlay ring further aids this by narrowing the tonal spread, ensuring that the 18-inch drum produces a deep, authoritative 'thud' rather than an uncontrolled boom.

Suitability and Applications

This specific 18-inch head is ideally suited for drummers playing genres that require high volume and durability, such as rock, metal, and pop. Its robust construction can withstand heavy hitters, while the tonal control makes it appropriate for studio sessions where excessive resonance needs to be tamed.

The aesthetic appeal of the yellow finish makes it a popular choice for live performances, particularly for drummers who want their kit to stand out under stage lights. It is a functional component for those who view their instrument as both a sonic and visual element of their performance.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to the standard Remo Emperor Clear, the Colortone version offers identical sonic properties but with the added benefit of visual customisation. In contrast to single-ply heads like the Ambassador series, the Emperor Colortone provides significantly more durability and a deeper tone, though it sacrifices some of the high-end sensitivity found in thinner heads.

Compared to specialised heads like the Evans MS3 Marching Snare head, the Emperor Colortone is designed for kit drumming rather than the high-tension requirements of marching percussion. While the MS3 focuses on extreme articulation for snares, the Emperor Colortone Yellow is optimized for the resonance and depth required for floor toms and kick drums.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the construction of the Remo Emperor Colortone Yellow?: The drum head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil film. It also features a 3-mil inlay ring to help reduce unwanted overtones.
What size is this specific drum head?: This specific model is designed for an 18-inch diameter drum. It is commonly used for large floor toms or small auxiliary bass drums.
Does the yellow colour affect the sound quality?: No, the Colortone technology is designed to provide visual customisation while providing the same high-level classic performance as the standard Emperor series. The imaging process does not dampen the resonance like traditional coatings might.
What kind of tone can I expect from this head?: It provides focused mid and low-end tones. The double-ply design ensures a punchy attack with controlled sustain.
Is this drum head durable enough for heavy hitters?: Yes, the use of two 7-mil plies makes it highly durable. It is specifically designed to offer increased attack and longevity for high-impact playing.
What is the purpose of the 3-mil inlay ring?: The inlay ring is designed to reduce overtones. This results in a more focused sound and provides a better balance of response and tonal control.
Can I use this on a bass drum?: Yes, if your bass drum is 18 inches in diameter, this head is suitable. It provides the low-end focus required for smaller kick drums.
How does the Emperor Colortone compare to the standard Clear Emperor?: Sonically, they are virtually identical as they use the same 2-ply 7-mil construction. The primary difference is the aesthetic yellow finish provided by the Colortone series.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch head?: The typical price range for the Remo Emperor Colortone 18 Yellow Drum Head is approximately £36.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Are other colours available in the Colortone series?: Yes, the Remo Emperor Colortone series is available in a variety of colours and sizes. This allows drummers to select the right match for their specific kit setup.
Is the finish transparent or opaque?: The head features a high-quality clear design that is tinted yellow. This allows for a vibrant look while maintaining the characteristics of a clear drum head.
Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?: While it can be used for jazz, it is generally preferred for rock and pop due to its 2-ply thickness and focused low-end. Jazz drummers often prefer the higher sensitivity of single-ply heads.