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Thread: Clear snare drum heads?

  1. #1

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    Default Clear snare drum heads?

    I've seen a few drummers using clear batter heads on their snares. Mainly because they're acrylic etc. I saw a video of Neil Peart at the Buddy Rich memorial. Probably the first time I've seen a clear head on a wood snare. Does anyone use a clear batter head? I'm thinking of trying it with an emperor x
    Quote Originally Posted by rickthedrummer View Post
    There is intelligent life out there. The problem is that there isn't any here.

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  2. #2

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    Default Re: Clear snare drum heads?

    I have a 6.5 x 13 tama artwood with a clear ambassador batter head with a hazy 300 snare side, I don't remember why I put that head on there but it is one of my favorite sounding snare drums.

  3. #3

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    I put a 14" twin ply clear head on my Pearl steel shell snare as a temporary replacement for the (original) head - it sounded better. I replaced it with a coated Ambo, which I changed again for a Genera HD dry as the Ambo left it too open and the drum rang like crazy.

    I found the twin Ply clear preferable to the Ambo on that snare but couldn't live with the looks. I don't know why but clear heads on snares look odd to me - I have no problems with clear tom batters. I believe the coating is there for brush work (something I still have to learn). I may be wrong but I don't see any reason why you shouldn't use clear heads on snares.

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Clear snare drum heads?

    The good ole black dot was a popular snare head in the 70's and 80's.

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by Northern Redneck View Post
    The good ole black dot was a popular snare head in the 70's and 80's.
    Yep, I used a black dot for a little while, and I think also a silver dot. I was playing in a rock band (1982-1986), we covered the heavier side of top-40 (like Night Ranger).
    I went through quite a few heads. I went back to Ambassadors/Emperors just because they were always easy to find / in stock.
    *******************************
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  6. #6

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    Not sure if the EC frosted with reverse dot is considered a clear head. I have always used coated heads on my snares and this EC is the first one that is clear to me.

  7. #7

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    Specific drags, grace notes, etc., have a better feel with coated heads...........especially if you are using nylon-tipped sticks like I do.
    We were taught in school to always use a coated head on the snare drum.
    I prefer coated Emps............will ring less than the Ambos.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  8. #8

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    Default Re: Clear snare drum heads?

    I'm sure a black dot has made its way onto my snare at some point, but not an out-and-out clear head. IMO, it makes the snare look cheap (like a Sears catalog special), but I don't know how it would sound.

    I'm sticking with coated.

  9. #9

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    Quote Originally Posted by Pearl MCX Man View Post
    Not sure if the EC frosted with reverse dot is considered a clear head. I have always used coated heads on my snares and this EC is the first one that is clear to me.
    I picked up one of these EC heads out of the clearance bin for $5. Totally impressed with it so far. I think that it is the same coating as on the G1, but without the white pigmentation. Great head for snares.

  10. #10

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    I own 3 acrylic snares and each has a clear head. I'm using Evans 360 and a G2.

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by xsabers View Post
    I picked up one of these EC heads out of the clearance bin for $5. Totally impressed with it so far. I think that it is the same coating as on the G1, but without the white pigmentation. Great head for snares.
    Me too as soon as I put it on my maple snare wow man she came to life. Would never have that sound from a coated head. So much tone anywhere you hit just amazing.

  12. #12

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    I've played snares with clear heads before (not my own, but others) and they sounded fine. Compared to a coated head they were a little brighter with more overtones. I prefer coated heads on snares and toms (even my 6" LP Micro Snare has a coated head).

  13. #13

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    I only used black dots on a wood snare I had in the late 80's. I liked the sound. Most recently have used the Ludwig silver dots. Atlanta Pro Percussion stocks them believe it or not.
    RDM/Damage Poets
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  14. #14

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    Depends upon the sound you are going for.
    I use an Attack clear on a Pearl FF brass pic and love the overtones it allows.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnnlO-XWIsE

  15. #15

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    I recently put Evans EC Reverse Dots on my Black Beauty and Acrolite snares and I really like the sound - especially for recording.

  16. #16

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    If they made a clear head but textured it some how for brushes I might try one.

    all the best...

  17. #17

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    I just can't do it. It has nothing to do with the sound, it is purely a visual thing.

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by -bongos- View Post
    I just can't do it. It has nothing to do with the sound, it is purely a visual thing.

    Same here. I'm an old guy, and white heads all around just look better to me.

    GeeDeeEmm

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