What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Renaissance bass drum head?

The head consists of two plies of 7.5-mil film. This creates a total thickness that provides enhanced durability and a warmer, darker sound compared to single-ply models.

What type of finish does the Renaissance head have?

It features a specially treated, textured surface rather than a standard smooth coating. This treatment is designed to enhance mid and low-mid range frequencies for a more complex tone.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is designed for a 20-inch bass drum. Remo produces the Emperor Renaissance line in various sizes to suit different kit configurations.

How does the Emperor Renaissance sound compared to a clear head?

It produces a warmer and darker tone with less high-end 'click'. The two-ply construction and textured surface focus the sound on the low and mid frequencies.

Is the Emperor Renaissance suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the two-ply 7.5-mil construction offers added durability. It is more resilient than single-ply heads, making it capable of handling more aggressive playing styles.

What is the typical price for the 20-inch model?

In the UK market, this head typically retails for approximately £72. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

How does the feel of this head differ from other Remo heads?

It is designed to have a 'soft feel' under the beater. This provides a response that is less rigid than some high-tension clear heads, leaning towards the feel of traditional calfskin.

Does this head come with an internal dampening ring?

No, the Emperor Renaissance is a standard two-ply head without built-in internal dampening rings. Drummers may add external muffling or porting as required for their specific sound.

Can this head be used as a resonant head?

Yes, while primarily used as a batter head, its warm tonal characteristics make it an excellent choice for a front resonant head to achieve a vintage look and sound.

What genres is the Remo Emperor Renaissance best for?

It is highly versatile but excels in jazz, blues, and folk. Its warm, dark character also makes it a popular choice for studio sessions where a controlled bass drum sound is needed.

How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

While both aim for a warm, vintage-style sound, the Emperor Renaissance uses two plies of 7.5-mil film for a specific tonal focus, whereas Calftone uses a unique synthetic material to replicate calfskin.

Is this head pre-ported?

No, the Remo Emperor Renaissance 20 Bass Drum Head comes as a solid sheet. If a microphone port is required, it must be cut manually or using a port hole cutter.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Renaissance 20 Bass Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Renaissance 20 Bass Drum Head is a professional-grade percussion skin designed for warm, dark tonal characteristics and enhanced durability. Constructed from two plies of 7.5-mil specially treated film, it provides a textured surface that emphasises mid and low-mid range frequencies while maintaining a soft feel.

See live prices

Background and Design

Remo introduced the Renaissance series to provide drummers with a contemporary alternative to traditional calfskin or standard coated heads. The Emperor Renaissance 20-inch model specifically caters to bass drums, utilising a unique manufacturing process where the film is chemically treated to create a textured, amber-hued surface. Unlike standard single-ply heads, the Emperor variant employs two plies of 7.5-mil film, significantly increasing the mass and durability of the head while controlling high-frequency overtones.

Technical Specifications

The primary design feature of this head is its two-ply construction. Each layer is 7.5-mils thick, resulting in a total thickness that offers a substantial feel under the beater. The Renaissance coating is not a traditional spray-on white coating; instead, it is a treatment of the film itself. This texture is engineered to enhance the low-mid and mid-range frequencies, providing a more complex harmonic profile than standard clear or smooth white heads.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Tonal Profile and Performance

The Emperor Renaissance is characterised by its warm, dark tonal palette. The double-ply design naturally dampens sharp, metallic high-end frequencies, focusing the energy into the lower registers. This results in a balanced response with controlled sustain. The 'soft feel' mentioned by the manufacturer refers to the way the head gives slightly more under the beater compared to stiffer, single-ply clear heads, which can improve playability for drummers seeking a traditional aesthetic and response.

Market Comparison

When compared to alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone, which aims for a vintage calfskin aesthetic, the Remo Renaissance offers a more modern take on textured heads with a specific focus on durability via its two-ply construction. It stands in contrast to the Remo Silentstroke series, which is designed for low-volume practice, and clear heads like the Attack ProFlex1, which offer more immediate attack and brightness. The Renaissance occupies a middle ground, offering more warmth than a DW Coated Clear head but more punch and durability than a standard single-ply resonant head.

Suitability

This drum head is particularly suited for drummers playing genres that require a 'round' and 'vintage' bass drum sound without sacrificing the structural integrity needed for modern playing. It is an excellent choice for jazz, folk, and studio recording where excessive 'click' or high-end attack is undesirable. Its 20-inch diameter makes it a standard fit for mid-sized kick drums, providing a versatile balance of portability and low-end presence.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Renaissance bass drum head?: The head consists of two plies of 7.5-mil film. This creates a total thickness that provides enhanced durability and a warmer, darker sound compared to single-ply models.
What type of finish does the Renaissance head have?: It features a specially treated, textured surface rather than a standard smooth coating. This treatment is designed to enhance mid and low-mid range frequencies for a more complex tone.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is designed for a 20-inch bass drum. Remo produces the Emperor Renaissance line in various sizes to suit different kit configurations.
How does the Emperor Renaissance sound compared to a clear head?: It produces a warmer and darker tone with less high-end 'click'. The two-ply construction and textured surface focus the sound on the low and mid frequencies.
Is the Emperor Renaissance suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the two-ply 7.5-mil construction offers added durability. It is more resilient than single-ply heads, making it capable of handling more aggressive playing styles.
What is the typical price for the 20-inch model?: In the UK market, this head typically retails for approximately £72. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does the feel of this head differ from other Remo heads?: It is designed to have a 'soft feel' under the beater. This provides a response that is less rigid than some high-tension clear heads, leaning towards the feel of traditional calfskin.
Does this head come with an internal dampening ring?: No, the Emperor Renaissance is a standard two-ply head without built-in internal dampening rings. Drummers may add external muffling or porting as required for their specific sound.
Can this head be used as a resonant head?: Yes, while primarily used as a batter head, its warm tonal characteristics make it an excellent choice for a front resonant head to achieve a vintage look and sound.
What genres is the Remo Emperor Renaissance best for?: It is highly versatile but excels in jazz, blues, and folk. Its warm, dark character also makes it a popular choice for studio sessions where a controlled bass drum sound is needed.
How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: While both aim for a warm, vintage-style sound, the Emperor Renaissance uses two plies of 7.5-mil film for a specific tonal focus, whereas Calftone uses a unique synthetic material to replicate calfskin.
Is this head pre-ported?: No, the Remo Emperor Renaissance 20 Bass Drum Head comes as a solid sheet. If a microphone port is required, it must be cut manually or using a port hole cutter.