Aquarian Drumheads - Snare, Tom & Kick Heads - Comparison Video | Patrick Metzger

[@farshimelt]

Several yrs. ago I called Aquarian to ask for a recommendation to get a vintage Jazz sound. The operator said, "Just a minute please," then the owner, Roy Burns, came to the phone and told me what I needed. That's customer service. I bought the Modern Vintage heads and they sounded great. Similar experience with Don Lombardi at DW & Carol Collato after Joe died. It's nice that there are people in this age of business uber alles who still care about their customers.

[@Drumsformers]

Hey, nice STory... i meet Roy some years ago in the Company in Anaheim. The Vintage Heads are great but i don´t use them in the music i play at the moment.

[@Jeremy_Sims]

How do you get in contact with Dw they never respond to my calls lol

[@jamesadams7131]

The same thing happened to me! I sent them an email and they gave me his direct number. I called and talked to him for about 45 minutes. What a great guy, he told what heads to use, he also said don't stretch your heads when you first put them on. He told me to just tune them a few times and let them stretch naturally. He really liked to talk drums with drummers. He even told me how much support his wife gave him when he was first starting Aquarian drum head company.

[@krusher74]

Pity you can't get an email answered from them from overseas. or a reply from facebook or Instagram.

[@stillphil]

Roy Burns was a class act as a business man.

[@pdrummz]

One of the best drumhead demos I have seen

[@Drumsformers]

thank you

[@19RaxR91]

@@Drumsformers I second OPs statement. A couple of questions, if you dont mind. I really enjoy both the Response-2 Clear and Reflector, but I cant decide on which I would like to settle. Judging by the sound, Reflector has almost no sustain when compared to Response-2, or maybe Im just hearing things? Also, I would love to see you do a video, if you have the ability to do so, demonstrating how these different (or other Aquarian heads) snare heads sound in different tunings. Its just that I want to find the right head, which I can tune to have the particular sound that is an orgasm to my ears ^_^ In any case, you should do these types of videos often - very informative for sure.

[@Drumsformers]

@@19RaxR91 i don´t know what you hear, but my favourit is the responce 2 clear, what i use the most time on this kit. it works perfect with the sheel and the sound that i want. if you can see in my Solo Video here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZrbXn2Zfbx-oNk thanks for your words, maybe we do more videos like that, but at the moment i don´t have time for these stuff.... but we will see...

[@Drumsformers]

@@19RaxR91 hi man, the responce 2 clear is still my favourit. maybe we do more videos like that with different heads and tunings next time.... will see...

[@Tracii_Guns]

Anyone can recommend an app for iphone so i can tune my drum heads?

[@Zeonoid]

the best tunning and sound setting of whole youtube

[@Drumsformers]

thanks man !

[@savagehenry5158]

@@Drumsformers agree, you should do a tutorial on toms, They sound incredible

[@Xtracheesed]

This is the gold standard of drumhead demo videos. I keep coming back to this demo...bought an entire set of Res2s because of it. Very nice job Patrick.

[@niniminimax]

Do they sound as good as in the video in real life? Do you still have that set of heads on your drums, that you bought 4 years ago? How is the durability?

[@TC-lk2ev]

i have used response 2's for years and the sound pretty much like this video. I feel like theres a bit of room reverb in this video, but essentially they sound the same@@niniminimax

[@markharris620]

Fantastic demo video. I switched to Aquarian back in 2010 after playing Remo since the mid 70's. Aquarian tick all the boxes, I would never even think of going back to Remo!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@richardebner1172]

I am using REMO for over 10 years, and I'm looking forward to buy new Aquarian set and this video helped me understand the differecens between the models and types of sounds. Also your drumming is so smooth I like it!

[@Drumsformers]

Thank you ! So you have to chance to AQ now ;-)

[@whophead6837]

Have u have the switch yet?

[@krusher74]

i have given up on remos they have weird overtones you cant control

[@IljaAlbrecht]

Finally a demo of how drums can and should sound. Simple, brilliant and thus perfect to hear the entire range a drumhead can provide.

[@josephmenditto9590]

Damn! They all sound great! Aquarian has really stepped up their game.

[@Consolous]

I came to compare drum heads but you play so nice that it ended relaxing me. Undiscovered pleasure: Drum ASMR

[@Nevernow721]

Great drummer !!

[@henry44ph]

That's the meaning of comparison! Good job Patrick!, have a good day!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks

[@gregwilliams2764]

This was good. Most are not. I just found new head. The DeJojnette on snare and modern vintage 2 on toms. Nice !

[@DevouredByWolves]

definitely the best sounding combo

[@fredbentley4944]

I love this video. I like the extended comparison instead of just a few taps here and there. This is what I want to hear for a comparison ! Very well done !!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks Man

[@carlupthegrove262]

I just found this video... very well done. I have been using Aquarian heads for some time now. I'm just now trying the Jack DeJohnette heads. I really like the Modern Vintage series. Thanks for doing this video

[@aferra9238]

amazing playing ! that's how a demo should be!! Really, awesome sounds .... and love your precise playing !! (and you last 3 strokes on the bass drum) lovely!! very nice!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@danieladamczyk08]

0:22 1:15 2:08 3:02 3:55

[@Unicornmayo4]

Those reflector toms sounds beautiful, i need a pair for the future definitely

[@alanduncan1980]

The kit sounds nice, man! I like that it's panned from drummer's perspective. Drives me nuts when the floor tom is in my left ear. I've to flip the headphones around.

Great video, wish more KZbinrs did this kind of comparing products in this quality.

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@cutitshaveit]

Absolutely phenomenal the response 2 on the toms . Please what are the bottom heads used so i can order these immediately thank you

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@LucasSheldon]

Snare Heads 0:04 Texture Coated with Power Dot 0:58 Super-2 Coated 1:51 Jack DeJohnette 2:44 Texture Coated 3:38 Triple Threat Texture Coated Tom Heads 0:22 Response-2 Clear / Tom Heads 1:15 Super-2 Coated / Tom Heads 2:08 Modern Vintage II / Tom Heads 3:02 Texture Coated / Tom Heads 3:55 Reflector / Tom Heads

[@enzoseven]

A buddy of mine is hard core Aquarian heads. Found some Evans EC2 heads $30 new so I was researching because I normally run Remo Pin Strips on my old Tama Swingstar (10", 12", 16"). The Pinstripes make the deeper toms sound pretty good. I got a Remo Empror (clear) for my 10" and it sounds horrible to me. Don't want to do Pinstripes again so I saw the EC2's for cheap then I came across this video. What a great job you guys did. Not only does the recording sound good but you can hear the subtle differences and not so subtle differences between the heads. Hats off to the drummer. Killer pattern to get a feel for the sonics of the kit. Super consistent. I'll have to say right now that I am going to have to learn this pattern as a warm up routine. The video that gives just a little bit more! One thing I wish I could hear is a combo of heads. If I could have a custom set of these delivered to the front door I'd love to hear the Jack DeJohnette on Snare. Response 2 clear on toms and the Reflector Super Kick II. Anyway. Well done guys!

[@georgebirddrums]

Interesting that the reflectors seemed quieter than the rest. When I put them on my toms they seemed so loud that they overpowered the snare. More volume was exactly what I was looking for

[@big_cromch6829]

Might be because of the mics. Or just the fact that it have different effects on those specific shells.

[@austinpalmer8850]

It may be because the reflectors are louder in terms of low end; usually you roll that off in a full mix, thus creating the effect that they're quieter than the other heads because they're emphasizing the highs mid-range more.

[@JoelEmmanuelMusic]

Never heard much from Aquarian but that triple threat snare head sounds sweet!

[@Fucklesticks]

Heard it on another video and immediately wanted one

[@Drumming-Life]

Really dig the Jack D. snare head. Those are all really great heads. I need to buy some. Thanks for this vid.

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@hansgrueber8169]

I use the Super Kick II clear and Regulator clear w/port on reso for bass drum. Snare is a Triple Threat with Hi-Perfomance on wireside. Toms are Force Ten with Classic Clear on reso. All are excellent!! I get many compliments on how amazing my kit sounds.

[@phillipsharring]

Huge fan, but sorry to hear about what went down at Nakatomi Plaza...

[@pastalavista5754]

I like the cotton wool in the floor tom idea, will be trying thanks very much. Modern Vintage WOW! Great demo.

[@brodiemeyers2223]

Awesome stuff Patrick, were you changing the reso heads too or was this just with changing out the batter?

[@johnneothomas1]

Fantastic video and audio quality... super cool..Killer stuff.

[@blackbird7864]

I was a die hard Remo guy for many years. After several annoying issues with the quality and sound of their heads I made the switch to Aquarian. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. I’m currently running performance 2’s on toms and snare but you really can’t go wrong with any of their heads. They all sound great and it just depends on the type of sound you’re looking for. And you just can’t beat the super kick II.

[@dilankarun9172]

I haven't subjected my drums to the elements since the 80's & I don't play the kit like a baseball batter 🤪The Remo's have been awesome for me. No quality issues in 40 plus yrs. Remo Amb or Emp's are the standard imho. The Aquarian Super2 Clears w/ the SX ring or the Evans UV2's are great for drummers who need to abuse their kits on a regular basis. (I know because once upon a time in the 80's I played in some punk bands ugh smh) Yay Ludwig/Remo Black Dots 😂🤣😂

[@walterrousseau1831]

hello, can you tell me what is your microphone set please, you have the best sound I've heard, thanks

[@Drumsformers]

Hi thanks a lot for this words. I´m using mostly Drum Mics of Beyerdynamic. On the Snare is a Shure on Top also... Its TG Series on Toms !

[@syakirharith3]

What are the resonant heads on the toms?

[@TheNielCodex]

I'm in love with the sound of these toms.

[@dalekay9ine]

Are these all tuned by ear? If you used a drum dial what were your settings? Batter and reso the same? One higher of lower? Absolutely love this tom sound. Excellent!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks ! Yes tuned by ear and how it sounds in the room !

[@danlc95]

I really like the Clear Response 2 and the Modern Vintage 2 on the toms. I'd like to hear Clear Performance 2, Super 2 w/ Studio X Ring, Clear and Coated Studio X and Classic Clear w/ Power Dot

[@Drumsformers]

Maybe i malke some new Videos with other heads... but i don´t found the time... Sorry

[@SuperBrictson]

Set 2 is the BEST: I always liked Super Kick II Clear and I think Super 2 Coated sound kick ass!!!

[@seelanne]

What a great comparison. My Favorites: Bass-Drum: Force 1 Snare: Jack de J. Tom: Super 2 or Modern II @Patrick: great Playing and Tuning - as always ! 👍 Im loving 8“-Toms, but they are difficult to tune. Your 8“ is delicious, any special tips or hz (tune-bot) ?

[@Eurodrummer666]

In my case I don´t have a tune bot, but I don´t intend to tune it either too high or too low. Mine is a PDP CM7, perhaps its maple shell helps to get enough lows naturally. I tune the reso a bit higher than the batter. I use Evans EC2 and EC reso.

[@quinflint4619]

Hi Patrick. First,marvellous playing. Is there a big difference between the response 2 and the super 2 drumheads? Regards,Quint

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks ! yes the Super 2 is also 2 ply but thiner as the Responce 2 ! Check out the Aquarian Homepage... there you find all Infos in Details...

[@halseyballistic]

Very awesome demo. I use the Aquariun Deep Vintage on the Tom's in my metal bands and sound totally killer!

[@Drumsformers]

great

[@skwark56]

outstanding video! thank you so much for this! you;re playing is so easy and smooth, no wasted movements, and i love how i can actually hear the differences in the heads, very well done. i was hoping you could tell me how you tune your resonant heads to get them all to sound this good. how tight do you have your snare reso? i can hear every ghost note, : ) and the musicality of your toms, wow!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@noelgrech6570]

Great review .. thanks a lot for this. I have been using Aquarian for years now .. nothing beats them ..

[@davidperez5089]

That is one gorgeous kit! Holy shit!

[@wojtekw2012]

Great sound of drum set! Is it Yamaha Maple Hybrid?

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks - yes it is the Hybrid Maple

[@jamescassidy4045]

Are you sure the snare was tuned the same in examples 2 and 4? Didi the head really make it sound that different, and higher? The toms were all the same basically, but the snare seemed a lot different.The snare seemed quite different in all of them actually, so just curious.

[@Drumsformers]

Yes, 90% Sure... but i work with 2 Snares in the Videos... can not say wich one is that

[@believeinittobe]

Good Lord, those Reflectors are amazing.

[@sebastianlindon1673]

Great comparison! I'm getting the reflector series. It seems to have the best pitch range from the lowest tom to the highest.

[@victorreid4106]

Sebastian Lindon Oh yea, dude the reflectors are amazing. I’ve never played anything like them, the tone and feel is just amazing 🙄💯💯

[@Drumsformers]

hi, thanks. my favourit is the response 2 clear on this set !

[@HereticHulk]

Are there small pieces of poly fill in the floor toms?

[@Drumsformers]

this is a small peace of cotton !

[@phillamoore157]

Hey Patrick....what sizes are those? I think I just bought this exact same kit. Polar white Hybrid Maple?? Mine are 10-12-14-16-22. Best sounding kit I've ever had.

[@Drumsformers]

Its 8 + 10 Rack Toms, 14 + 16 Floor Toms, 13" Snare and 22 Bass Drum

[@phillamoore157]

@@Drumsformers….I’m wishing I’d gone with those sizes. With the warmth to these shells, I’d rather have an 8” instead of the 12”….I’m having problems getting that 12” to sound good. It’s incredibly finicky. All the other drums sound killer. That said, I’d love to see how you tune up your kit. These sound spectacular.

[@dilankarun9172]

Really liked the Response 2 Clears. Thanks, will need to add to my Remo/Evans collection.

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@cutitshaveit]

All sound amazing

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@GabrielGarcia-nb5zp]

Quick Question > I want my hihat with that rod that usually sticks out at teh top to be super low too...do they sell them like that?

[@Drumsformers]

oh good question ? Sabian dont have it, thats i know... cant´t remember where i get this ! Sorry

[@danlc95]

Absolutely incredible playing! Drums sound incredible too... Wow on both accounts!

[@johnchighizola2543]

Great Sound. I know you stated the kit was maple. But, What is the make and series of the kit? That makes a difference in the sound also.

[@Drumsformers]

hi it´s the yamaha Hybrid Maple Series. All informations about that you will find here: de.yamaha.com/de/products/musical_instruments/drums/ac_drums/drum_sets/absolute_hybrid_maple/index.html

[@underpressureman]

Hey, can I ask about how you had the toms tuned. Was the lower heads tuned lower, or what method did you use? I loved the sound!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@DerekInTheFront]

This was an awesome video. It helped me out a lot when picking out my heads. Thanks!

[@pongnakornchai5082]

Wow amazing performance.

[@Drumsformers]

thanks

[@No_Transitory]

I’ve seen Eric Moore play the reflector series and I was impressed, but this whole video was impressive! I’d love to see you do other brand of drum heads too! Great playing and showcasing of all the heads

[@benjaminplumet3033]

Witch reso drumheads did you use for this video pls ?

[@Drumsformers]

the Reso Heads are the normal Aquarian Classic Clear on all Toms !

[@budda777pl]

And bass reso? :)

[@ChrisHunterSavesTheDay]

Great demo! Thank you for doing it!

[@RodizellMusicalOne]

On your tuning of the toms, are you tuning the Batter tight and Resonant heads loose or vice versa?

[@Drumsformers]

I try to tune both heads the same. this works for yamaha sets the best and i getthe best sound for me.

[@TheBardFather]

For a quieter sound overall what would you go with? I noticed the Vintage and Reflector heads had a little less attack in them. I am needing some heads with less attack and brightness for a slightly quieter sound. Thanks man and awesome comparison video!

[@Drumsformers]

Yes, you´re right, if you wanna have quiter sounds, but also warm with a little attack, use the Super 2 Coated or the Vintage 2... another Head could be the Respnce 2 Coated, there are not in the Video but can work for a little quiter stuff

[@TheBardFather]

Patrick Metzger awesome thanks! Would you say the same thing for the snare drum along with the toms? Vintage 2 or Super Coated 2?

[@Drumsformers]

@@TheBardFather try, the Super 2 on Snare, i use it also an different Snares... it works !

[@TheBardFather]

Awesome! Thanks for all your help! This comparison video was fantastic!

[@serafim4194]

what are u recommended for rock/ pop also..??

[@Drumsformers]

Hi, i use the Responce 2 Clear. It works on Maple, Birch and Oak Shells the best for Rock + Pop Music.

[@twoshirts17]

It looked like you had something inside the floor toms as dampening. What did you use? sounded killer.

[@Drumsformers]

Yes, its a like cotton balls, so the fly a little and damp the reso heads !

[@kevinchronister6668]

Where's the Studio-X clear tom heads? Where's the Focus-X coated snare heads? Would have loved to have heard them!!

[@Drumsformers]

hi kevin, yes you are right but the thing is, that these heads are not in the Top Selling list in Germany and so we have to use the 5 most famous ones... and by the way i don´t use the Studio X and Focus X ... they are not available in germany :-(

[@Jouz_326]

I only play aquarian drum heads the best imo

[@michelecrescimbeni9931]

Wow, Very useful video to know better this valid heads. Amazing tuning on each drum heads changing. Very good job with this video, can you tell if the snare is a Yamaha 14 Dave Weckl signature? And also what kind of kit have you used to made this video (i suppose a Yamaha too). Thank you so much ;)

[@Drumsformers]

hi thanks, no its the 13" Weckl Snare but i have the older ones, and the new in black

[@michelecrescimbeni9931]

@@Drumsformers very cool, i have the new too (30th anniversary in black 13 Dave Weckl). What about your drum kit? It's Yamaha PhX?

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks, i have this snyre too, its in the Video. The Drums are Hybrid Maple !

[@evensteven8129]

THIS is the way toms should sound. Nice.. 👍🏻

[@Drumsformers]

thanks !

[@chavezwalker3953]

I have the reflector on my kit for snares and Toms and super kick 1 on bass drum. very sweet.

[@Sundaydrumday]

dude this was awsome, great player!!!!

[@Drumsformers]

thanks a lot

[@blackasthesky]

This is awesome. Helpful, and great playing.

[@gregwilliams2764]

I just ordered the MV ii 10,12,14, but deep vintage 16". Love the DeJohnette black snare. Great high crack.

[@113089Drummerboy]

Reflector series is the best sounding out of all of them in my opinion, the less sustain esonance the better. What kind of drum set is it and what kind of wood?

[@Drumsformers]

Hey Thanks, its a YAMAHA Hybrid Maple Custom .... Maple Ply with one Wenge in the Middle ;-)

[@chiefwarrior2567]

Bro are you running two snare strainers? Dude that is so awesome that snare sounds awesome you have to make a video on that snare alone!!! I’m very interested I bet other guys are too that caught your snare set up

[@pablovergaraorihuela3075]

Patrick I´m looking for a head with lots of attack, focused sound and sensibility in my toms, do you think the reflector series will work in a mid-range maple kit? i have a gretsch catalina. thanks a lot!

[@Drumsformers]

hi Pablo, i would use Response 2 in clear, or with coated for a little less attack. The reflector Heads are very dry... i think they don´t work good on that that kit !

[@pablovergaraorihuela3075]

@@Drumsformers amazing, I have just read it, thanks a lot!!!

[@chv307]

Great video. Great sounding drum heads 👏

[@whitecloud_94]

What size is that HHX ? Evolution ?

[@Drumsformers]

Its 18" on the right side and le left is 16" with 10" Holy China on Top !

[@omerkap]

Great video!! What are the resonant heads that you are using on each? Many thanks:)

[@Drumsformers]

i use the normal classic clear of aquarian on all toms and snare

[@sergeraymond1989]

is it possible to listen all diffrences drum head with out full mike thank you so much good insparation

[@Drumsformers]

maybe we do stuff like that in another video next time...

[@sergeraymond1989]

@@Drumsformers thank you so much

[@boonfire3714]

this is EXACTLY what I was hoping it was; good F'ing job Aquarian! :)

[@jaychavez4662]

what’s used for reso head?

[@Drumsformers]

Always the same Reso.... Aquarian Classic Clear !

[@3stann78]

glad that I had that response 2 on my toms. good video!

[@MrNickDrummer]

Hello Patrick, great demo! Can you tell me what microphones were used on the snare drum? Is there a bottom mic as well? Very hi-fi sound, congrats!

[@Drumsformers]

oh i can´t remember... i think it was a beyerdynamic MC??? and one shure... ???

[@MrNickDrummer]

Thanks for the reply! I see a small microphone between the tom toms pointed to the snare... I'm thinking that's the one who gives the high quality crisp snare wire sounds. Doesn't look like any current Beyer though... That snare at 3:19 has two sets of wires at the bottom?... never seen that before 😱

[@Drumsformers]

@@MrNickDrummer hey nick. yes i remember that there was a Bottom Mic and it was the beyerdynamic TG D58 and on Top it was an Beyerdynamic MC 930... the second Snare Mic was a Shure ??? but this is off in the Video... !

[@MrNickDrummer]

Perfect! Thanks again for the reply. It's amazing how clear and hi-fi everything sounds in this video, some day I'll get there :)

[@Stro_Rocka]

Thanks for this work bro.. Great job

[@swangonzalez4797]

I don't think anyone noticed ...do you have tea bags bouncing in the floor toms for muffling? I could never get a good sound without damping rings on my floor toms. What did you stuff inside those floor toms? Great video

[@PhilRounds]

Ok, a bit of criticism; First everything is close-miked and EQ'd so there's not a lot of apparent difference in the sound of the heads. Most of us play unmiked gigs and rely on the heads for an acoustic sound. I would like to have heard them with only room mikes for a more realistic comparison. Second there is a pillow or blanket in the bass drum and you're burying the beater on each stroke, so we never get to hear how the bass drum head actually sounds. (Just for full disclosure, I use Aquarian heads myself. TC on snare, TC Super2 on toms and SuperKick2 on bass with a TC SuperKick1 resonant head and no muffling.)

[@pabloserrano709]

Great video man🔥🔥

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks

[@dennisonstyles5976]

Dude your drums sound amazing

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Are the bottom heads tuned extra tight? Great video! 👍

[@Drumsformers]

no, i would say normal... i like to have both heads in the same tune. it works on that maple set the best way... on snares of course, the bottom head is tighter !

[@aristotle5698]

I think Dave Weckl is an influence?

[@Drumsformers]

Yes you´re right ! Dave is one of my heros. i had a chance to take a lesson with him. one of the best in my life !

[@matthewsoto78]

Love the comparison, but wish the response 2 coated and force ten series were included

[@Drumsformers]

thanks, next time in Video 2 ;-)

[@matao33]

Excellent 😎

[@briannguyen1245]

Do they all have the same classic clear resos ?

[@Drumsformers]

Always the same Reso.... Aquarian Classic Clear !

[@courtbeall7768]

Is that an original groove pattern? It's phenomenal.

[@Drumsformers]

Hey, Thanks. Witch Pattern do you mean ? The Tom Groove i copy a little bit from the Mushanga Groove of Jeff Porcaro... but just a little ;-)

[@TheReal_Animale]

Very useful demo. The 8" attack is to tight it almost sounds like the typical tom-attack from some E-drum kits.

[@Drumsformers]

hey, thanks. Yes... it sounds a little bit like that. But i love these attack.

[@charliecontrino1626]

I usually prefer clear heads on my toms but im loving the punch,depth and tone from the modern vintage!!

[@ToddTheJoker]

Always great tuning,,,much respect for that.

[@RobertEdwards-t6d]

GREAT JOB GUYS!

[@Drumsformers]

Thanks !

[@_Kevin_Timm_]

i love this crazy solo

[@Drumsformers]

thanks man

[@MrItanaa]

what is that on the bottom of the floor toms ?

[@Drumsformers]

its a little piece of cotton for damping the Reso-Heads

[@pdrummz]

It would be nice to hear these also without compression, gating, or any other processing.

[@calebmooneyham287]

What on the reso side?

[@Drumsformers]

of the Toms a normal Classic Clear