What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Vintage Coated head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7.5-mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 15-mil. This makes it one of the thickest and most durable two-ply heads produced by Remo.

How does the 'Vintage' model differ from a standard Emperor head?

The standard Emperor uses two plies of 7-mil film, whereas the Vintage version uses slightly thicker 7.5-mil plies. This adds durability and a deeper, more mid-focused tonal response.

What is Remo's Free-Floating Bending Technology?

This technology allows the two plies of film to resonate in unison rather than being restricted. This results in more sustain and a more pronounced tone than is typically found in standard 2-ply drum heads.

Does this head come with a coating?

Yes, it features Remo's infused coating technology. This finish is designed to provide a more subtle stick attack and contribute to the warm, vintage sound.

What size is this specific drum head?

This specific model is designed for drums with a 13-inch diameter. It is commonly used for 13-inch rack toms or snare drums.

Is this drum head suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Emperor Vintage Coated is designed for powerful projection. It provides a tonal profile that fills the sonic space between the snare and the kick drum effectively in live scenarios.

How does this head affect overtones?

The two-ply construction naturally reduces overtones and sustain compared to single-ply heads. This results in a more controlled sound that is easier to tune for many drummers.

What kind of 'feel' does this head provide to the drummer?

It is described as having a soft under-stick feel. This makes it comfortable for players who want a responsive surface that doesn't feel overly rigid despite its thickness.

What is the typical price range for this drum head?

In the UK market, the Remo Emperor Vintage Coated 13" drum head typically retails for approximately £23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can this head be used on a snare drum?

While it is a popular choice for toms due to its low-end warmth, it can be used on a 13-inch snare drum for a thick, dampened 'fat' snare sound with reduced ring.

Is the Emperor Vintage the most durable head Remo makes?

According to the manufacturer, the Vintage Emperor heads are the strongest and most durable two-ply heads currently on the market. Their 7.5-mil construction resists stretching and wear significantly well.

How does the coating impact the sound of the drum?

The coating adds warmth and mutes some of the high-end 'ping' that clear heads produce. It creates a more rounded, subtle attack when the stick strikes the head.

Gear article

Remo Emperor Vintage Coated 13" Drum Head

The Remo Emperor Vintage Coated 13" is a high-durability, two-ply drum head designed to provide enhanced mid-to-low frequencies and powerful projection. Constructed from two plies of 7.5-mil film, it offers a distinct tonal profile that balances modern durability with a classic vintage response.

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Overview

The Remo Emperor Vintage Coated drum head is a professional-grade component designed for drummers seeking a robust, resonant sound. As part of Remo's 'Vintage' series, this 13-inch head is built using two layers of 7.5-mil film, making it one of the most durable two-ply heads currently available on the market. It is engineered to bridge the tonal gap between the snare drum and the kick drum, providing a full, rounded sound suitable for various musical genres.

Design and Technology

The primary innovation within the Vintage Emperor series is Remo’s Free-Floating Bending Technology. This design allows the two plies to resonate together more freely than standard two-ply heads, which typically result in significant dampening.

Key structural features include: * Infused Coating: A specialized finish that softens the initial stick attack while maintaining clarity. * 15-mil Total Thickness: The combined 7.5-mil plies provide a heavy-duty build that resists denting and stretching. * Overtone Control: The two-ply construction naturally reduces high-frequency overtones and shortens sustain compared to single-ply alternatives.

Sound Character

The tonal profile of the Emperor Vintage Coated is characterized by a pronounced mid-to-low frequency response. While the dual plies reduce unwanted ring, the Free-Floating Bending Technology ensures that the head still retains more sustain and 'body' than other heavy-duty two-ply heads. The result is a 'vintage' tone—warm, deep, and punchy—with enough projection to be clearly heard in live performance environments.

Target Audience

This drum head is particularly suited for drummers who require a 'soft' under-stick feel and those who play with a heavy hand. Due to its durability and projection, it is an excellent choice for live rock, pop, and blues settings. It is ideal for players who want to eliminate harsh high-end frequencies without completely killing the resonance of their drum shell.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to single-ply heads, the Emperor Vintage Coated offers significantly more durability and a shorter decay. When compared to the standard Remo Emperor (which uses two plies of 7-mil film), the Vintage version is slightly thicker at 7.5-mil per ply, providing a darker tone and a more rugged construction. While specialized marching heads like the Evans MS3 offer extreme tension resistance for snares, the Emperor Vintage focuses on a melodic, resonant quality for standard drum kits.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Emperor Vintage Coated head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7.5-mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 15-mil. This makes it one of the thickest and most durable two-ply heads produced by Remo.
How does the 'Vintage' model differ from a standard Emperor head?: The standard Emperor uses two plies of 7-mil film, whereas the Vintage version uses slightly thicker 7.5-mil plies. This adds durability and a deeper, more mid-focused tonal response.
What is Remo's Free-Floating Bending Technology?: This technology allows the two plies of film to resonate in unison rather than being restricted. This results in more sustain and a more pronounced tone than is typically found in standard 2-ply drum heads.
Does this head come with a coating?: Yes, it features Remo's infused coating technology. This finish is designed to provide a more subtle stick attack and contribute to the warm, vintage sound.
What size is this specific drum head?: This specific model is designed for drums with a 13-inch diameter. It is commonly used for 13-inch rack toms or snare drums.
Is this drum head suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Emperor Vintage Coated is designed for powerful projection. It provides a tonal profile that fills the sonic space between the snare and the kick drum effectively in live scenarios.
How does this head affect overtones?: The two-ply construction naturally reduces overtones and sustain compared to single-ply heads. This results in a more controlled sound that is easier to tune for many drummers.
What kind of 'feel' does this head provide to the drummer?: It is described as having a soft under-stick feel. This makes it comfortable for players who want a responsive surface that doesn't feel overly rigid despite its thickness.
What is the typical price range for this drum head?: In the UK market, the Remo Emperor Vintage Coated 13" drum head typically retails for approximately £23. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can this head be used on a snare drum?: While it is a popular choice for toms due to its low-end warmth, it can be used on a 13-inch snare drum for a thick, dampened 'fat' snare sound with reduced ring.
Is the Emperor Vintage the most durable head Remo makes?: According to the manufacturer, the Vintage Emperor heads are the strongest and most durable two-ply heads currently on the market. Their 7.5-mil construction resists stretching and wear significantly well.
How does the coating impact the sound of the drum?: The coating adds warmth and mutes some of the high-end 'ping' that clear heads produce. It creates a more rounded, subtle attack when the stick strikes the head.