What is the construction of the Remo Pinstripe Clear 13"?

It is constructed using two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-ply design is intended to increase the lifespan of the head while focusing the tone.

What is the purpose of the 'pinstripe' ring on the edge?

The ring marks the area where an overtone-reducing agent is applied between the plies. This helps control unwanted high-frequency ring and focuses the sound.

How does the clear version differ from the coated Pinstripe?

The clear version possesses a more attack-oriented tone with sharper highs. The coated version typically offers a slightly warmer, more muffled response.

Which musical genres are best suited for this drum head?

It is ideal for Rock, Pop, and Grunge. These styles benefit from the head's increased durability and high-impact attack.

Does this drum head provide a lot of sustain?

No, it is designed for controlled decay. The overtone-reducing agent between the plies limits sustain to provide a punchy, focused sound.

What size is this specific Remo Pinstripe model?

This model is 13 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for rack toms or occasionally small snare drums.

How does the Pinstripe Clear affect the low-end of a drum?

It provides a focused low-end response. This helps create a better sonic balance between the toms and the bass drum.

Is the Remo Pinstripe Clear 13" durable?

Yes, the two layers of 7-mil film make it more durable than single-ply heads. It is specifically designed to withstand heavier playing styles.

Does this head require additional muffling like tape or gels?

Often it does not, as the internal overtone-reducing agent provides built-in control. However, users can still add muffling if they desire an even shorter decay.

What is the typical price for this 13" drum head?

The typical price range for the 13" Remo Pinstripe Clear is approximately £25. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can this head be used on a snare drum?

While primarily used for toms, a 13" Pinstripe can be used as a batter head on a 13" snare for a very dampened, fat sound. It is not suitable for the snare side (bottom).

How does the clear film affect the 'attack' of the drum?

The clear film provides a brighter, more immediate 'crack' when hit. This increased attack helps the drum sound stand out in a loud band setting.

Gear article

Remo Pinstripe Clear 13" Drum Head

The Remo Pinstripe Clear 13" is a dual-ply drum head designed for mid-range focus and enhanced durability. It is constructed from two layers of 7-mil clear film and features a specific overtone-reducing agent applied between the plies to provide a dampened, attack-oriented sound.

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Background and Design

The Remo Pinstripe series is one of the most widely used drum head lines in contemporary percussion history. The 13-inch clear model is engineered to provide a balanced frequency response that bridges the gap between the high-frequency snap of smaller toms and the deep resonance of bass drums. By utilizing a dual-ply construction, Remo offers a head that is significantly more robust than single-ply alternatives, making it a standard choice for high-impact playing styles.

Technical Specifications

This drum head is built from two plies of 7-mil clear film. A distinguishing feature of the Pinstripe design is the inclusion of an overtone-reducing agent applied between these two layers, specifically concentrated toward the outer edges. This design choice serves several functions:

Overtone Control: It dampens high-frequency ring without the need for external muffling.
Increased Attack: The clear film ensures a sharp initial transient.
Enhanced Durability: The layered construction provides greater resistance to denting and stretching.

Sonic Character

The Remo Pinstripe Clear is characterised by a focused low-end and a strong mid-range presence. Unlike coated versions of the same head, the clear film version offers a more pronounced attack, making the drums cut through dense musical mixes. It is specifically designed to reduce harsh overtones, resulting in a 'pre-processed' sound that is often easier to record and mix in studio environments.

Suitability and Genre

Due to its durability and aggressive attack, the Pinstripe Clear is highly recommended for genres that require heavy hitting and high volume. It is a staple in Rock, Pop, and Grunge music. Because it provides a consistent balance between the toms and the bass drum, it is a versatile choice for drummers who require a cohesive sound across their entire kit.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to coated drum heads, the Pinstripe Clear offers more brightness and a sharper strike. While single-ply heads might provide more sustain and a wider harmonic range, they often lack the durability and controlled decay of the Pinstripe. For marching applications, drummers might look to specialised heads like the Evans MS3 14", but for standard kit toms, the Pinstripe remains a primary industry standard.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the construction of the Remo Pinstripe Clear 13"?: It is constructed using two plies of 7-mil clear film. This dual-ply design is intended to increase the lifespan of the head while focusing the tone.
What is the purpose of the 'pinstripe' ring on the edge?: The ring marks the area where an overtone-reducing agent is applied between the plies. This helps control unwanted high-frequency ring and focuses the sound.
How does the clear version differ from the coated Pinstripe?: The clear version possesses a more attack-oriented tone with sharper highs. The coated version typically offers a slightly warmer, more muffled response.
Which musical genres are best suited for this drum head?: It is ideal for Rock, Pop, and Grunge. These styles benefit from the head's increased durability and high-impact attack.
Does this drum head provide a lot of sustain?: No, it is designed for controlled decay. The overtone-reducing agent between the plies limits sustain to provide a punchy, focused sound.
What size is this specific Remo Pinstripe model?: This model is 13 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for rack toms or occasionally small snare drums.
How does the Pinstripe Clear affect the low-end of a drum?: It provides a focused low-end response. This helps create a better sonic balance between the toms and the bass drum.
Is the Remo Pinstripe Clear 13" durable?: Yes, the two layers of 7-mil film make it more durable than single-ply heads. It is specifically designed to withstand heavier playing styles.
Does this head require additional muffling like tape or gels?: Often it does not, as the internal overtone-reducing agent provides built-in control. However, users can still add muffling if they desire an even shorter decay.
What is the typical price for this 13" drum head?: The typical price range for the 13" Remo Pinstripe Clear is approximately £25. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can this head be used on a snare drum?: While primarily used for toms, a 13" Pinstripe can be used as a batter head on a 13" snare for a very dampened, fat sound. It is not suitable for the snare side (bottom).
How does the clear film affect the 'attack' of the drum?: The clear film provides a brighter, more immediate 'crack' when hit. This increased attack helps the drum sound stand out in a loud band setting.