Gear article

Remo Emperor Hazy Snare Side Drumhead 10"

The Remo Emperor Hazy Snare Side 10" is a heavy-duty resonant drumhead designed specifically for the bottom of snare drums. Constructed from a single ply of 5-mil Mylar, it is the most durable and darkest-sounding option within Remo's Hazy resonant range.

Remo Emperor Hazy Snare Side Drumhead 10"
Remo Emperor Hazy Snare Side Drumhead 10"
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Overview

The Remo Emperor Hazy Snare Side is a specialised resonant head designed to be fitted to the bottom of a 10-inch snare drum. Unlike batter heads, which are designed to be struck, snare side heads are engineered to react to the vibrations of the top head and interact with the snare wires. The Emperor Hazy is distinguished by its thicker construction compared to standard resonant heads, providing a specific tonal profile and increased longevity.

Design and Construction

This drumhead is manufactured using a single ply of 5-mil Mylar film. While many resonant heads use thinner 2-mil or 3-mil films for high sensitivity, the 5-mil thickness of the Emperor series offers a more robust build. The 'Hazy' finish provides a semi-translucent appearance that sits between a clear and a coated aesthetic, contributing to its specific frequency response.

Fender Jazzmaster Pickup Covers Aged White
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Tonal Characteristics

The Emperor Hazy is marketed as the darkest sounding skin in Remo's Hazy range. Key sonic features include:

  • Warmth: The thicker 5-mil film produces warmer tones compared to thinner resonant heads.
  • Focus: It offers a more controlled sound with a significant reduction in unwanted overtones.
  • Darkness: The frequency response is tilted towards the lower-midrange, resulting in a 'darker' acoustic character.

Suitability and Applications

Due to its durability and focused sound, the Emperor Hazy is highly recommended for high-volume settings, particularly rock music. However, its controlled nature makes it suitable for any drummer looking to tame a 10-inch snare that exhibits excessive ring or harsh high frequencies. It is also an excellent choice for drummers who tend to break resonant heads or those who require a consistent, dry snare response.

Comparisons

Within the Remo catalogue, the Emperor Hazy stands in contrast to the Ambassador Hazy (3-mil) and Diplomat Hazy (2-mil). The Emperor provides the most durability and the darkest tone, whereas the Diplomat offers maximum sensitivity for light ghost notes. Compared to marching-specific heads like the Evans MS3 14", the Emperor Hazy 10" is designed for standard kit snare drums, offering a more traditional 'hazy' feel rather than the extreme tension requirements of marching percussion.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Hazy Snare Side 10"?
The head is constructed from a single ply of 5-mil Mylar film. This makes it thicker and more durable than the industry-standard 3-mil resonant heads.
Can I use this as a batter (top) head?
No, this is a snare side (resonant) head specifically designed for the bottom of the drum. At 5-mil, it is too thin to withstand regular stick impact as a primary batter head.
What does 'Hazy' mean in the context of Remo drumheads?
Hazy refers to the semi-translucent finish of the Mylar. It provides a specific aesthetic and a slightly warmer sound compared to a completely clear film.
How does the sound compare to other Remo Hazy heads?
The Emperor Hazy is the darkest sounding head in the range. It provides fewer overtones and a deeper fundamental tone than the Ambassador or Diplomat Hazy models.
Is this drumhead suitable for 10-inch popcorn snares?
Yes, it is designed specifically for 10-inch snare drums. It helps control the high-pitched overtones often associated with smaller diameter snare drums.
What musical genres is the Emperor Hazy best for?
It is ideal for rock and heavier styles due to its durability and focused sound. However, it is versatile enough for any style where a controlled snare response is desired.
How does the 5-mil thickness affect snare wire response?
The thicker film provides a slightly slower response than thinner heads, which helps in reducing 'snare buzz' and sympathetic vibrations from other drums. It results in a more 'focused' snare snap.
Does this head help reduce overtones?
Yes, one of its primary design features is the reduction of overtones. This results in a cleaner, more controlled sound without the need for excessive external muffling.
Is the Remo Emperor Hazy durable?
Yes, Remo describes the Emperor Hazy Snare Side heads as the most durable resonant snare heads they offer. The 5-mil construction is resistant to stretching and tearing under high tension.
What is the typical price for this 10-inch drumhead?
The typical price for the 10-inch version of this head is approximately £23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does this compare to an Evans MS3?
The Evans MS3 is a 14-inch marching snare head designed for extreme high-tension use. The Remo Emperor Hazy 10" is a standard drum kit resonant head intended for traditional snare drums.
Will this head fit a 10-inch tom?
While it physically fits a 10-inch diameter, it is specifically designed for the snare side. Using a resonant snare head on a tom is generally not recommended as it lacks the sustain and body required for tom-toms.