What is the thickness of the Remo Pinstripe Coated head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil coated film, resulting in a total thickness of 14-mils in the striking area.

What does the 'Pinstripe' line on the head actually do?

The pinstripe is an overtone-reducing agent applied between the two plies. It helps dampen high-frequency ring and focuses the drum's natural low-end.

Is this head suitable for an 18-inch floor tom?

While specifically marketed for bass drums, this 18-inch head can physically fit an 18-inch floor tom, though its sonic profile is optimized for the low-end impact of a kick drum.

How does the coated finish affect the sound compared to a clear Pinstripe?

The coating adds a bit of warmth and subtle muffling to the attack. It results in a slightly 'dryer' sound compared to the sharper, brighter crack of a clear head.

Which music genres best suit this drum head?

It is particularly well-suited for pop, rock, and grunge. These genres benefit from the head's increased durability and focused, punchy attack.

Does this head require additional internal muffling?

Because it features a built-in overtone-reducing agent, many drummers find they need less internal muffling (like pillows or blankets) compared to single-ply heads.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch model?

The typical price for the Remo Pinstripe Coated 18" Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 49.

How does the durability of this head compare to single-ply heads?

The two-ply 7-mil construction offers significantly higher durability. It is less likely to stretch or dent under heavy playing than a standard single-ply head.

Is the Remo Pinstripe Coated 18" good for jazz?

While 18-inch kicks are standard in jazz, Pinstripes are often considered too 'dampened' for traditional bebop. However, they are excellent for modern fusion or loud funk-jazz styles.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 18"?

The Calftone is designed for a vintage look and a warmer, more traditional sound. The Pinstripe is more focused on modern durability and overtone control.

Can I use this as a resonant head?

While it is primarily a batter (striking) head, it can be used as a resonant head for a very short, thuddy sound. However, most drummers prefer thinner single-ply heads for resonance.

What is the difference between this and a Remo Silentstroke?

The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for quiet practice. The Pinstripe Coated is a standard Mylar film head intended for full-volume performance.

Gear article

Remo Pinstripe Coated 18" Bass Drum Head

The Remo Pinstripe Coated 18" is a professional-grade bass drum head constructed from two plies of 7-mil coated film. Part of one of the world's most popular drumhead series, it is designed to provide focused low-end frequencies and controlled overtones for smaller bass drums.

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Background and Series History

The Pinstripe series by Remo stands as one of the most commercially successful and widely utilised drumhead lines in history. Developed to meet the needs of drummers seeking a controlled sound without the need for excessive external muffling, the series is defined by its twin-ply construction and distinctive 'pinstripe' dampening agent. This specific 18-inch model is tailored for smaller bass drums, often found in jazz-fusion kits, bop kits, or compact travel setups, bringing the heavy-duty Pinstripe character to a smaller diameter.

Technical Construction

The head is manufactured using two layers of 7-mil Mylar film. A key feature of the Pinstripe design is the application of an overtone-reducing agent between the two plies. This agent is applied specifically to the outer edge of the head, visible as the signature black line, which helps to dampen high-frequency overtones and focus the fundamental pitch. The coated finish adds a layer of texture to the surface, which slightly mellows the initial stick or beater impact compared to clear versions.

Sonic Characteristics

The Remo Pinstripe Coated 18" delivers a sound characterised by mid-range warmth and a tight, focused low-end. Because of the dual-ply construction and the internal dampening agent, it possesses a shorter decay and a significant reduction in unwanted 'ring'. The coated surface enhances the attack and provides a slightly warmer, more traditional 'thump' than a clear head, making it highly effective for studio recording where overtone control is paramount.

Application and Versatility

While 18-inch bass drums are frequently associated with jazz, the Pinstripe's specific design targets genres requiring more aggressive play and durability. Remo recommends this head for:

Pop: For a clean, processed sound that sits well in a mix.
Rock: Where durability and a consistent, punchy low-end are required.
Grunge: Where a raw yet controlled attack is necessary to cut through heavy guitar layers.

The added durability of the two 7-mil plies ensures the head can withstand heavier foot techniques than single-ply alternatives.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other 18-inch options, the Pinstripe Coated sits between vintage-style heads and ultra-modern dampened heads. The Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4, for example, offers a more synthetic 'calfskin' aesthetic and vintage warmth, whereas the Remo Pinstripe is more focused on modern attack and durability. Unlike the Remo Silentstroke series, which is designed for low-volume practice, the Pinstripe is a full-volume performance head. Compared to single-ply heads like the Attack ProFlex1, the Pinstripe offers significantly more dampening and a shorter sustain.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Remo Pinstripe Coated head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil coated film, resulting in a total thickness of 14-mils in the striking area.
What does the 'Pinstripe' line on the head actually do?: The pinstripe is an overtone-reducing agent applied between the two plies. It helps dampen high-frequency ring and focuses the drum's natural low-end.
Is this head suitable for an 18-inch floor tom?: While specifically marketed for bass drums, this 18-inch head can physically fit an 18-inch floor tom, though its sonic profile is optimized for the low-end impact of a kick drum.
How does the coated finish affect the sound compared to a clear Pinstripe?: The coating adds a bit of warmth and subtle muffling to the attack. It results in a slightly 'dryer' sound compared to the sharper, brighter crack of a clear head.
Which music genres best suit this drum head?: It is particularly well-suited for pop, rock, and grunge. These genres benefit from the head's increased durability and focused, punchy attack.
Does this head require additional internal muffling?: Because it features a built-in overtone-reducing agent, many drummers find they need less internal muffling (like pillows or blankets) compared to single-ply heads.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch model?: The typical price for the Remo Pinstripe Coated 18" Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 49.
How does the durability of this head compare to single-ply heads?: The two-ply 7-mil construction offers significantly higher durability. It is less likely to stretch or dent under heavy playing than a standard single-ply head.
Is the Remo Pinstripe Coated 18" good for jazz?: While 18-inch kicks are standard in jazz, Pinstripes are often considered too 'dampened' for traditional bebop. However, they are excellent for modern fusion or loud funk-jazz styles.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 18"?: The Calftone is designed for a vintage look and a warmer, more traditional sound. The Pinstripe is more focused on modern durability and overtone control.
Can I use this as a resonant head?: While it is primarily a batter (striking) head, it can be used as a resonant head for a very short, thuddy sound. However, most drummers prefer thinner single-ply heads for resonance.
What is the difference between this and a Remo Silentstroke?: The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for quiet practice. The Pinstripe Coated is a standard Mylar film head intended for full-volume performance.