What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Vintage Clear 10" head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7.5-mil clear film, providing a total thickness of 15 mils. This makes it slightly thicker and more durable than the standard Emperor series.

What is the main difference between Vintage Emperor and standard Emperor heads?

The Vintage Emperor uses 7.5-mil film plies, whereas the standard Emperor uses 7-mil plies. This results in a head that is more durable and emphasizes lower frequencies.

What frequencies does this drum head enhance?

This specific drum head is designed to enhance mid-to-low frequencies. It provides a warmer, darker tone compared to thinner clear heads.

Is the Remo Emperor Vintage Clear suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, it is marketed as the strongest and most durable 2-ply clear head on the market. Its 15-mil total thickness makes it highly resistant to dents and wear from aggressive playing.

Can this 10" head be used on a snare drum?

While it is a 10" head, it is primarily designed for rack toms. It would only fit a 10" soprano or auxiliary snare, not a standard 14" snare drum.

Does this head have a coating?

No, this is a 'Clear' model, meaning the film is transparent and untreated. This results in a sharper attack and more brightness compared to a coated vintage head.

What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?

The Remo Emperor Vintage Clear 10" drum head typically retails for approximately £21. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

How does the clear finish affect the projection?

The clear film provides a powerful projection with a defined attack. It allows the drum's natural brightness to come through while the 2-ply design keeps the sustain controlled.

Is this head available in other sizes?

Yes, Remo produces the Vintage Emperor Clear heads in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent sound across their entire drum kit setup.

What kind of sound should I expect from this head?

Expect a balance of modern durability and a classic vintage sound. It offers a punchy, low-end focused tone that mimics the polyester films of the late 1960s.

Is this head comparable to the Evans MS3?

They serve different purposes; the Remo Vintage Emperor 10" is a tom head for drum kits, while the Evans MS3 14" is a marching snare-side head. They are not interchangeable in size or function.

Does this head require a specific type of drumstick?

No specific stick is required, though it can withstand heavier sticks like 5A maple or hickory due to its 2-ply construction. It is designed to handle the impact of standard drum performance.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Vintage Clear 10" Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Vintage Clear is a dual-ply 10-inch drum head designed to replicate the sonic characteristics of original polyester films from the late 1960s. Constructed from two plies of 7.5-mil clear film, it provides enhanced durability and a pronounced focus on mid-to-low frequencies with high projection.

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Overview

The Remo Emperor Vintage Clear 10" drum head is a professional-grade replacement head situated within Remo's 'parts and spares' category. It is engineered to bridge the gap between contemporary manufacturing standards and the classic sound of vintage 2-ply heads. By using slightly thicker film than standard Emperors, the Vintage series offers a distinct response tailored for drummers seeking a controlled yet powerful sound.

Construction and Technology

This head is manufactured using two plies of 7.5-mil high-quality clear film, resulting in a total thickness of 15 mils. According to the manufacturer, this specific configuration makes the Vintage Emperor the strongest and most durable 2-ply clear head currently available on the market. The clear design ensures that the head maintains a bright initial attack while the double-ply construction manages sustain and harmonic overtones.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary sonic profile of the Vintage Emperor Clear is defined by enhanced mid-to-low frequency response. Compared to thinner single-ply heads, this model provides a darker tone with significant projection. It is designed to provide a 'vintage' sound—characterised by a focused fundamental pitch and a controlled decay—without sacrificing the volume and durability required for modern performance environments.

Suitability and Performance

Measuring 10 inches in diameter, this head is typically used as a batter head for small rack toms. It is particularly suited for drummers who play with heavy technique or those who require a drum head that can withstand consistent high-impact use. The combination of durability and low-end warmth makes it a versatile choice across various genres, from rock to fusion.

Comparison with Alternatives

Within the Remo catalogue, the Vintage Emperor differs from the standard Emperor (which uses two plies of 7-mil film) by utilizing 7.5-mil plies, offering slightly more weight and durability. While alternative heads like the Evans MS3 14" are designed specifically for marching snare applications, the Vintage Emperor 10" is focused on kit-based tom-tom performance. It offers a more robust alternative to thin single-ply heads while providing more 'knock' and low-end than traditional coated versions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Vintage Clear 10" head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7.5-mil clear film, providing a total thickness of 15 mils. This makes it slightly thicker and more durable than the standard Emperor series.
What is the main difference between Vintage Emperor and standard Emperor heads?: The Vintage Emperor uses 7.5-mil film plies, whereas the standard Emperor uses 7-mil plies. This results in a head that is more durable and emphasizes lower frequencies.
What frequencies does this drum head enhance?: This specific drum head is designed to enhance mid-to-low frequencies. It provides a warmer, darker tone compared to thinner clear heads.
Is the Remo Emperor Vintage Clear suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, it is marketed as the strongest and most durable 2-ply clear head on the market. Its 15-mil total thickness makes it highly resistant to dents and wear from aggressive playing.
Can this 10" head be used on a snare drum?: While it is a 10" head, it is primarily designed for rack toms. It would only fit a 10" soprano or auxiliary snare, not a standard 14" snare drum.
Does this head have a coating?: No, this is a 'Clear' model, meaning the film is transparent and untreated. This results in a sharper attack and more brightness compared to a coated vintage head.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: The Remo Emperor Vintage Clear 10" drum head typically retails for approximately £21. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
How does the clear finish affect the projection?: The clear film provides a powerful projection with a defined attack. It allows the drum's natural brightness to come through while the 2-ply design keeps the sustain controlled.
Is this head available in other sizes?: Yes, Remo produces the Vintage Emperor Clear heads in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to maintain a consistent sound across their entire drum kit setup.
What kind of sound should I expect from this head?: Expect a balance of modern durability and a classic vintage sound. It offers a punchy, low-end focused tone that mimics the polyester films of the late 1960s.
Is this head comparable to the Evans MS3?: They serve different purposes; the Remo Vintage Emperor 10" is a tom head for drum kits, while the Evans MS3 14" is a marching snare-side head. They are not interchangeable in size or function.
Does this head require a specific type of drumstick?: No specific stick is required, though it can withstand heavier sticks like 5A maple or hickory due to its 2-ply construction. It is designed to handle the impact of standard drum performance.