16 Snare Heads Comparison Part 1: Sticks by Kai Jokiaho

[@leoenrico]

I know how difficult is to do a test like this, and the clips are so even in volume, pitch and performance! You did a Master job! Thank you for share it!

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks very much for your positive comment!!

[@Mikas_Emil]

Amazing job. Really. This is so incredibly helpful!! Thank you so much - you really nailed the playing, the level matching and the tuning!

[@marekwroblewski8794]

Znakomitą robota!!! Jesteś Mistrzem!!! Wielkie dzięki. To jest niezmiernie przydatne.

[@LetThereBeDrums]

Now that's what I call a snare head comparison. Excellent!!

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks Davy!

[@CameronBartholomew]

Remo Ambassador 0:20, Evans G1 0:47, Evans G2 6:22, Evans UV1 1:14, Vintage Ambassador 2:08, Remo Coated Emperor 5:52 (2 plies of 7, like Evans ST), Remo CS Emperor 7:16...

[@Dogdrum]

Remo heads knocked out the competition to my ears. Just fantastic tones with so much liveliness and colour. Well done!!

[@thecyyoungs7985]

Tough call between these: 0:21 coated ambassador 2:38 calftone 3:39 modern vintage medium 4:07 ludwig coated medium

[@dignifiedDog]

Modern vintage medium seems nicest to me, but the coated ambassador and ludwig coated are next in line (equal second) of these bunch. Good to know how good a basic coated ambassador is compared to the sometimes pricier heads with "vintage" labels though

[@Amarilliobrillo]

Why isn’t anyone talking about the Ludwig head? It sounds amazing, especially in certain tuning ranges, I use it exclusively and with a bit of the internal muffler it sounds amazing on snares. Great video too

[@zandiskoul]

I like the Remo Vintage Ambassador. 1:50

[@danieladamczyk08]

0:20 0:47 1:14 1:40 2:08 2:38 3:09 3:39 4:06 4:34 4:58 5:25 5:52 6:20 6:47 7:16

[@matrixmodulator]

Thanks for that

[@liamsumnicht]

❤️

[@music68man71]

Thanks for taking the time, probably hours to do this demo. Everyone has their own opinion of what they like best...as it should be!

[@3stann78]

I love this video! excellent! I can now choose snare heads without wasting my money with trial and error. thanks!

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks!! Drumheads might sound different on various snares but at least you'll hear some basic differences.

[@3stann78]

absolutely! thanks man! :)

[@mariaulfah7902]

and without making review for all heads youve wasted.lol.

[@FultonStreetBeats]

I just switched to Evans 57 calftones on all of my snares. I love the response and sound of these heads, as well as the vintage look. Great comparisons. They are all great heads in their own way.

[@willcochran5555]

Evans calfskin my lord

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

Excellent comparison! I've been using a Remo Coated CS Reverse Dot for over 25 years on my Gretsch ply and Brady Jarrah Block 6-1/2" x 14" snares, and this video confirms that it's still the right one for me. Thanks, Kai, and please keep these outstanding videos coming!

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks very much! I have also used Remo CS on this snare all the time but it was fun to experiment and try to find different head possibilities.

[@titogap]

KaitsuDrums I'm practically new in the drumming world, but I'm seriously in love hearing the Remo CS and the Ambassador! Than you very much for sharing your knowledge, is very useful!

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks titogap!

[@titogap]

Wow KaitsuDrums this is what I call the best snare heads comparison... Thank you very much! Excellent!

[@nenissaK]

Why does that fiberskyn sound so heavenly to me? I have good earphones btw

[@kulkraghav]

Is it just me or the Remo coated emperor sounded really good?

[@KaitsuDrums]

I think it sounded good too 👍

[@acidbath3226]

probalby one of the best tones IMHO

[@golferal]

I've been using Emperor or G2 coated heads on almost all my snares for awhile. It dampens just enough of the overtones without choking the drum's tone. I've found the EV1s to be right in the middle between the Ambassador/ G1 coated and the Emperor/ G2 coated.

[@Assimilator702]

kulkraghav Yes the Coated Emperor is always the forgotten snare head for me. I use them on my floor toms most of the time so I always have extras lying around. I have a problem not being able to throw heads away. I guess I’m a drum head hoarder.

[@golferal]

@@Assimilator702 The Emperor was a part of Bonham's iconic snare sound. I started using them after watching Jeff Ocheltree's Bonham tuning video and they work amazing well on about 90% of my snares.

[@CrappyProducts]

For Brady's nothing beats the Remo CS, it's the standard

[@rowintettero1255]

Remo has the great consistent sound. (love it!) Aquarian is beautiful. Evans is not for me. Ludwig has a nice workable messy sound.

[@ODDEPOXY]

I think you just sold me on the Fiberskyn 3!

[@g.j9748]

Great comparison my favorite is #1 Remo Ambassador or Ludwig Coated Medium tied for first very slight edge to Ludwig # 2 Remo Emperor Coated

[@LanceCampeau]

That Aquarian Modern Vintage Medium @ 3:18 sounded pretty good in this demo.

[@EvilSewnit]

LanceCampeau I agree!

[@-Ricky_Spanish-]

I've been an Evans guy for 20 years, but the Aquarians really impressed me on this.

[@Mikas_Emil]

Such a great video still. So well done. Love the Modern Vintage, Ludwig Medium and straight Ambassador is pretty cool always.

[@pleximanic]

Greatest snare head comparison i have heard so far ! Thanks

[@alfaholic3]

I was reading the coments while listening and i though they all sound ok but when you played the emperor it immediately caught my attention. I had to rewind the vid to see what head it was. I love Emperors on the snare and Ambassador coated on the toms can't go wrong.

[@KaitsuDrums]

Yeah Remo Emperor sounded good on this snare :)

[@peteyaskovic5567]

the Aquarian Modern Vintage has my vote.

[@thomasmoje5926]

Well done video. I generally like the 'faux calf' heads like Remo Fiberskyn (FD 'diplomat' thickness) except I have found that Fiberskyn heads have a tendency for the top layer to delaminate with age. Therefore I have gone to Evans '56 Calftone as an alternative to Fiberskyn. We'll see how those hold up. I just like the built-in 'dampening' effect that the faux-calf heads have and the playing feel of them.

[@larryalexander900]

remo single coated: 0:12 evans single coated: 0:38 Aquarian single coated: 1:29 Aquarian modern vintage 3:26 (This is just for me, I just want to compare key parts)

[@kevinturvey8213]

thanks very much for doing that - as per you tom test, i thought they all sounded great and virtually indistinguishable from each other. i think that probably says a lot about the very high quality of your snare drum!

[@ryevick]

Great comparison video, much appreciated. I will say I would've like to of seen/heard the Evans Genera HD Dry Drum Head in there. It's rated really high and one I'm looking at maybe trying.

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks Sockfoot! I have noticed that with a little damping you can change the sound of the head quite a lot so I'd start with a lively head and then muffle it a little bit if necessary.

[@batkovan]

Wow lots of favorits there.I liked coated ec 1 reversed dot, power center, ambassador x, emperor coated and uv1 the most.

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Ambassador X or coated Emperor. 👍

[@musicisthecure6934]

2:38 it sound so good

[@raymondhmchew]

Excellent druming with excellent video and sound recording! This is a video every drumer must watch. Now I understand why snare is so colurful and a very personal taste. All sound are excellent depends on yr personal liking. Than you so much...

[@MeTuLHeD]

Evans Power Center Remo Fiberskyn 3 FA Aquarian Modern Vintage Medium In that order. They all had a great sound that was pretty dry, yet not to the point of being choked. But that Evans Power Center was just synergistic on this drum at this tuning. Perfect snare sound.

[@charlesfkessler]

Dude, that kick drum sounds great.

[@jamesnortonofficial1566]

Remo just has it

[@NabilKarsheh]

Remo reverse dot for my taste although i didn't hear that big difference. I missed the powerstroke 3 :(

[@KaitsuDrums]

I was also surprised that there weren't bigger differences between heads. Sorry for missing PS3.

[@NabilKarsheh]

KaitsuDrums no problem, the ps3 would have killed the wood snares sound :) its better on metal snares

[@RainstormOverHoenn]

I here this "Yes!" everytime a remo reversed black dot is played.

[@KaitsuDrums]

That's my usual snare head choice :)

[@RainstormOverHoenn]

Mine, too. There are not much snare heads that get nearly to the sound pool where the black dots are in.

[@jordansaltmarsh3808]

I'm so sad Brady is no longer making drums....the jarrah block 5.5 is one of my favorites. Hope to see one on eBay sometime. Thanks for the video!

[@waynechurchill7212]

Great job what best brush sounding

[@milesfarnan9049]

the thing that i don't like too much about the coated g1s compared to the coated ambys, is that the coating on the g1s wears down really easily.

[@deanzimmer2460]

Try the UV1s. You will be very pleased.

[@blakegowan6623]

Remo heads seemed to have a little extra than the Evan's. And my go to is usually Evan's HD Dry. But every drum likes different heads. Its whatever works sometimes.

[@mariaulfah7902]

greatest drums eblem logo ive ever seen

[@yrussq]

6:47 - Evans Reversed Dot EC1 4:34 - Remo Ambassador X Coated 3:09 - Remo Fiberskin 3 FA Sounding almost the same: Evans more middle without high comparing to Ambassador while Fiberskin less resonant than previous two.

[@bg357wg]

I loved that you included both snare and snare off comparisons! I just wished that the snare on parts were grouped in one part of the video and the snare off the other part. That way it's easier to remember the different sounds for comparison. Anyway, great video!

[@alydude2011]

The 1st one, ambassador, 2nd the second one g1..close but ambassador slightly crisper and brighter.

[@jimkoblick1776]

Remo Coated Amb X - Great Job on the Video....

[@kushsharma6987]

Evans coated ec1 reverse dot

[@acidbath3226]

using it now, it rules

[@eddieg4320]

The Brady snare sound amazing,

[@Twardy100Letz]

and where is Evans HD dry level 360?

[@TheMASDrummer]

Helps to have that legendary snare

[@believeinittobe]

That Remo Vintage Ambassador 😍.

[@hitwallrecords]

Ludwig coated med - Remo vin amb #2 is close in a bunch of ways- that took some time! nice job makin some tasty waves

[@freecitizen2760]

I’ve used coated Ambassadors (and sometimes clear) over clear Ambassadors for years and love that combo which is the standard. I’m now looking for less sustain and resonance. I liked: 1) Vintage coated Ambassador. 2) Dunnett Resonance coated. 3) Vintage clear Emperor. 4) Coated Emperor.

[@caviannicuruso]

try a diplomat as reso

[@freecitizen2760]

Giovanni Caruso : I will at some point. I went to coated Ambassadors with coated Ambassadors as the resonant heads as well, and I really like it!

[@caviannicuruso]

@@freecitizen2760 yeah. always better to take the same on both sides. clear or coated!

[@johnedemelo]

Which drumhead is using the kick, and what pitch?

[@jacinthclifton636]

This video made me really want a Beyer Dynamic M201.

[@Amarilliobrillo]

Ludwig weather master medium was my favorite

[@paulysci925]

I like those new Evans uv1's, they're great and feel responsive

[@KaitsuDrums]

Yes they are pretty good, not so much attack compared to ambassador but the coating will last much longer. UV1's are very easy to tune compared to other heads.

[@joeschlicht]

What are the specs of the Fiberskyn 3 FA? Are they like an ambassador? I have these on my toms for several years now, but it seems now there is Fiberskyn diplomat, ambassador and powerstroke. I can't find any info on the specs of the original FA. Also I really like the Fiberskyn, Calftone, and the Aquarian modern vintage. I'd be hard pressed to choose.

[@KaitsuDrums]

Joe, that Fiberskyn is thicker than regular Ambassador but I don't have exact specs.

[@joeschlicht]

@@KaitsuDrums That's what I thought... maybe 10+3 mil

[@jeffhelmlinger7914]

Is the bottom head a clear or coated

[@matthewmore6893]

Aquarian texture coated were my favorite

[@blueavadis22]

As I said, it sounds good on hard essence woods , I tried once on a carved Jarrah Brady at Sam Ash in NJ , it sounded amazing . I was stupid enough to not buying it .

[@KaitsuDrums]

We all make mistakes :)

[@blueavadis22]

I'm surprised you didn't try Evans ST Dry , it sounds best on that snare

[@KaitsuDrums]

I didn't have that head so I couldn't try it, thanks for the suggestion :)

[@timroffe9460]

Gotta love Australian drums! Great video mate!!

[@boubalitox]

A Ambassador on head side ?

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

When I use a single ply head I switch between Remo, Evans or Aquarian, not because the sound but because of the diameter of the shell.........it`s Remo for small shells, Aquarian for middle and Evans for big shells.......

[@KaitsuDrums]

Andreas, have you tried Remo Classic Fit Ambassadors yet? Those worked great for my oversized vintage Ludwig's :)

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

no i didn't..... but I'm really very glad with the uv1´s on old Gretsch or the Aq vintage or the Ev reverse dot on some of my vintage custom snares........ btw, good work, nice channel! .....What is your favorite tunebot setting for 16" floor tom ?....... your Brady sounds very nice!!

[@jorgelopez9620]

Great vid, do u have one with remo p 77

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks Jorge! I don't have a video of Remo P77 but i have that head on my Pearl Steve Ferrone snare and it's like CS but a little heavier. And it seems long lasting also, I played with one head 30 hard hitting gigs and it still sounds pretty good.

[@starless9829]

Ambassador 0:12 Vintage Amb. 1:58 Amb. X 4:23 Fiberskin 2:57 CS 4:50 CS Emperor 7:07

[@CJ-kk2vi]

All good but the Remo Emperor was superb 👌🫰❤️

[@weeschwee]

Do you find that there is a difference in feel? Do thinner or single ply heads have more bounce? Do you find more response at lower dynamics? I've been playing coated emperor's for so long that I can't remember if there is a difference in feel, tuning, etc. from an ambassador or ambassador x.

[@nazzare79]

Hello, what snare coated drum head single ply would you suggest me considering that I want it thinner than 10 mil? Thanks

[@maixce]

Nice...and what a snare drum (Brady) Wow!

[@Customwinder1]

Great comparison. All of them sound good. I've got a used coated emperor I'll be trying on one of my snare drums. I have a PS3 on my nice snare drum. Still has nice tone to it without the ringing. Have you heard of Attack No Overtone heads ? I've been using the Coated Medium heads on a couple of my snare drums. Sound really punchy and are quite durable. Thanks for the video 👍

[@JonathanCruz-ms7nj]

The true and tried Coated Remo Ambassador

[@boomerguy9935]

@@JonathanCruz-ms7nj They are wonderful all around heads. My only complaint is that the coating wears out with brush use. The Remo Ambassador Renaissance batter head is textured and has the advantage of the sound of the Remo Ambassador Coated while keeping the texture.

[@pipeline555]

Thank you, great video !!

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks!

[@Clance_ashley]

That UV1 Though

[@ちくわぶ-m1k]

Thank you for uploading. I have a question, what is the bottom head using?

[@KaitsuDrums]

The bottom head was Remo Ambassador Hazy snare side head. Thanks for watching :)

[@ちくわぶ-m1k]

@@KaitsuDrums Thank you for your reply : ) After all, the bottom is also the ambassador the best.

[@pipeline555]

The best for me is Evans Coated G1

[@ledzeppelinfan4704]

I like the CS and the aquariun vintage

[@freespiritwalter8844]

Nicely done..

[@Gorthkill666]

Remo heads have a nice bass and warm end that evans missing.

[@ReecePlaysDrums_]

Gorthkill666 you're absolutely right. Except for the calftones which sound almost identical to fiberskyn. Evans work better for sharper, more aggressive playing I think

[@boomerguy9935]

For those of us who also play jazz, how about including brushes on the coated or textured batter heads?

[@KaitsuDrums]

Please watch the part 2 of this video, that’s the same heads with brushes.

[@boomerguy9935]

@@KaitsuDrums Thanks! I just watched it. It was very well done. Unfortunately, it didn't include my favorite for brushes which is the Remo Ambassador Renaissance.

[@bpdrumstudio]

Great vid. What was your tuning used on theses snares...tks

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks Brant! Top head was 297 Hz and bottom head 386 Hz.

[@bpdrumstudio]

Tks I'll try it

[@tonylapsansky530]

Great video. It's hard to make that snare sound bad =)

[@robinalexandermusic2265]

Thank you for this video!! Such a great help! What do you recommend for funk drumming? Have a DW Collectors maple snare and want something fat without too much ring. Cheers

[@KaitsuDrums]

No problem Robin :) I usually have Remo CS on my snares and it's a good basic choice. Don't worry about the ringing because you can always mute head with tape, moongel or other stuff. I recently bought Snareweight M1 damper it worked great for muting a little unwanted ring. Remo Ambassador works everytime. Evans UV1 seemed to be one of the more durable heads if that's what you want but personally I haven't broken a snare head for 10 years so that's not usually problem.

[@robinalexandermusic2265]

KaitsuDrums thank you for the reply! Yeah money isn’t in great supply so I had to settle with an ambassador. I’m not usually a fan of muting with moongel, normally sounds too muted, normally detuning a little. I’m a huge fan of big fat snare with lots of snare buzz. However the last head I broke was snare bottom which was horrible. However I might try that CS on the snare. I was using a SD dry and Genera dry which aren’t bad but I might switch back to remo for toms. What’s on your toms?

[@KaitsuDrums]

I just changed coated ambassadors for my toms, great for recording and a little more volume compared to double ply heads like emperor. I think you can't go wrong with either clear/coated/smoothwhite emperors or coated ambassadors and a piece of dampening if needed. If those sound bad then it's because of tuning :) Big Fat Snare is great also, I guess you have watched my demo of those heads? When I use Moongel I usually only have 1/4 piece so it's not so much dampening.

[@robinalexandermusic2265]

KaitsuDrums ahh ok I didn’t think about cutting those bits up! I knew a guy who bought those window stickers which are the same material as moon gel but a third of the price. At the moment I have g2’s on the Toms which sound nice but maybe don’t resonant as much as I’d like I think I might switch over all to remo and also watch your video

[@johncollins5552]

Pinstripe gives fat sound with built in muffling. Or just use old school ambassador with fat leather wallet on top!Try it works.

[@eddieg4320]

Awsome snare drum 🤩

[@evo2009180175]

great job !!! thank you so much....

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks!!

[@Monsterdrumma]

Ambassador then the Evans EC1 reverse dot for me.

[@danielschroder6678]

Rea)y useful, thank you so much for your effort!

[@MikeMcLarenDrumming]

great comparison !

[@darrenproctor1687]

I'm glad I came across this . I thought I was going mad with old age but dosnt remo sounds much better to my ears for some reason everyone likes Evan's head I really cant stand them.. the 57 sounded ok tho

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

beautiful job man!!!very helpful

[@valtersgotlaufs8292]

excellent video

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

REMO....hands down

[@danlatham4569]

Has anyone done a reso snare head comparison??

[@boromir_8428]

is it me or all those skins seem to be a bit too tight? they sound dry with a lack or warmness.. or maybe that snare does that sound, almost like a metal one.

[@caninemedia595]

Is their a way to they the “ting” sound out with the snares on

[@VeryScaryBiscuits]

Yes, practice tuning for a few years.

[@VeryScaryBiscuits]

Try cranking the head up to medium pitch, then detaining one or two to finger tight. Also most important, loosen up the snares to just above a rattle.

[@Gunnon1]

Kyllä nää tässä sun vertailussa kuulostaa kaikki pirun hyvälle. Johtunee ehkä siitä että on kaikki viritetty just oikeelle korkeudelle (toki hyvä soitto tietenki) mikä itteä miellyttää. Kaikissa muissa vertailuissa kun tuntuu että on ideana ollu virittää vaan tietylle jännitteelle. Jäikö mieleen joitain lemppareita mitkä selkeesti olis hypähtäny muiden edelle syystä tai toisesta? nimim. tilasin jo kalvoja :D

[@dilankarun9172]

Pretty sure I've watched this upload many many time ovr the years 😛. 7 yrs later and its still relevant (since I'm trying out different heads 😋). So I guess there's really no reason for me to change the heads on the Ludwigs ? To my ears & taste it sounded the "best". One problem, I liked all the heads san's a couple. Per Jeff Porcaro's advice (RIP), when in doubt go with Remo Coated Amb's 😂🤣😂. Might have to get a Evan's Calftone, sounded way different than the others. Are the Ludwigs made by Remo ? Jus askin Thanks for keeping this uploaded all these years 🙏

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks for watching Dilan! To be fair, I have used the Remo Coated CS & Ambassador heads after doing this comparison, they always work for me. Evans Calftone might not last too long, if played a little bit harder...there will be some bubbles as with Remo Fiberskyn also. But for semi-light-medium playing it will be fine.

[@JulianFernandez]

Nice! What was your personal favorite? Cheers!

[@KaitsuDrums]

Thanks Julian! I'm not quite sure what was my favourite but I thought that Vintage Ambassador, Emperor, G2, CS were really good for this snare.

[@isoarska8235]

Thanko you sir !