Please forgive me...

[jazzkat]

Ok, so i recently got a DW Jazz series kit
12, 14, 20

Playing coated factory ambassadors.

I think I am going to go with something thicker. 2-ply even
A little more control would be nice for the rock and R&B I am currently playing. Is this sacrilegious?

I know these things sound great now, but it seems the single ply coated heads are too boomy for now.

Again

Please forgive me

[Russ]

I'm guessing you're into Remo heads? What about pinstripes or powerstroke3's? They will give you a bit more in the way of focus and controlled tone, not quite as wide open as ambassadors.

[jazzkat]

tried the clear pins from my old mapex. might be good with a new set not borrowed from my old mapex. that powerstroke pro looks cool
yup, i think i am going to try a more "modern" pop sound on this kit.

[SpecialAnthony]

Coated Emporers, or Ambassador X? Coated Emporers have been my go to for years. I like the toms to sing, but still be a controlled but open sound. Worth a try.

[pastor_bob]

jazzkat, just because a kit is in a jazz configuration, and lends itself to jazz, it doesn't mean that with new heads it can't be made to sound any way that you need it to sound. Hey, I've got an Evans Hydaulic batter head on my 18" kick. It came to me that way, and I love the way it sounds.

[TamadudeNJ]

Evans coated G2 (two ply) or if you wanna stay single ply try coated G-Plus (12mil). If you want to stay with a clear head try EC2 SST.

Being an Evans guy, those get my votes. However if you're loyal to Remo, then what SpecialAnthony mentioned should do the trick as well.

Hope this helps!

[Pearl MCX Man]

I think the Evans EC2s would work well with a single ply reso. I use the EC2's/ EC resos and just love the nice deep warm sound of the drums and the good thing I don't have to use any muffling cause they are built into the heads..

[Nechre]

The Jazz series is played by Dave Grohl when he plays for Them Crooked Vultures. Put what you want on them, and play what you want. If you want two ply heads, go for em. I would recommend the thick single ply heads as an option, but you noted they were too boomy, so I would think something like a 2 ply or even something with some kind of damping ring would be a better idea for you.

[Digital]

I just tried a set of Evans G2 and I love them.

[Russ]

There's no real rules regarding heads, if what you have isn't working out for your kind of music then it's okay to go off and try something else. And 20's can sound pretty deep, don't kid yourself! The right soundman can make it record like a 24 or 26! Just because it's a kit tailored towards jazz, doesn't mean you can't turn it into a kit for another type of music.

[jazzkat]

Thanks guys!
I put all the factory heads back on tonight to include the non-ported kick heads with the dogbone pillow. The kick is just outstanding and the toms tuned up well. Tonight was a songwriter/country thing too, which is not so poppy and everything sounded great in the room.
This is honestly the only set of drums I have played that react so differently to head choice.
Yes, I love 20" kicks. They can sound real fat if done right, and tune up real tight for bop.
A local drummer tonight gave me some words from experience playing rums with 30 degree edges and cast hoops. He said that the Vintage Ambassadors have been his choice for versatility since they came out.
Seems tempting, but so do those EC2's!