ULTIMATE Remo Bass Drum Head Comparison - Timpano Percussion

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0:08 Ambassador Clear
0:17 Ambassador Coated
0:26 Ambassador Smooth White
0:35 Ambassador Fiberskyn
0:44 Controlled Sound
0:53 Emperor Clear
1:02 Emperor Coated
1:10 Emperor Smooth White
1:19 Pinstripe Clear
1:28 Pinstripe Coated
1:37 Powerstroke 3 Clear
1:46 Powerstroke 3 Coated
1:55 Powerstroke 3 Smooth White
2:04 Powerstroke 3 Black Suede
2:13 Powerstroke 3 Renaissance
2:22 Powerstroke 3 Fiberskyn
2:31 Powerstroke 3 Clear Black Dot
2:40 Powerstroke 3 Coated Black Dot
2:49 Powerstroke 4 Clear
2:57 Powerstroke 4 Coated
3:06 Powerstroke Pro
3:15 Powersonic Clear
3:24 Powersonic Clear (with damping system)
3:33 Powersonic Coated
3:41 Powersonic Coated (with damping system)
Kit: Yamaha Absolute Maple Hybrid 22X18" bass drum & 14X6" snare
Cymbals:
Zildjian K Custom Dark 14" hi-hat
Performer: Andrew Wyatt
Reso head is a standard Remo Powerstroke 3 Smooth White (labeled Yamaha)
The audio was recorded using a matched pair of AKG C414 for overheads, a AKG D112 inside the bass drum and a AEA R84 outside the bass drum.
The video was filmed using a Canon Eos 70D and a Canon Eos Rebel T3i.
Thank you for watching!

[@gerrymander3868]

This is the best drumhead comparison video on KZbin. No talking over the playing, no extraneous information, no pointless noodling, just sound comparison. Thank you.

[@Timpanopercussion]

Hi Gerry, you're welcome! Glad you like it!

[@mmmbetter55]

And a legit beat to move it along. Very nice

[@MrShaggrock]

I can't thank you enough for making these awesome comparisons. Honestly, they are the best resource in the internet for any drummer chasing a certain sound. Hats off to you!

[@Timpanopercussion]

Hi there, we're really happy you like them! Be prepared, it's not the last one (!)

[@mikecooper8621]

I second that!!

[@piero9738]

I agree, one of the best comparison video for drummers

[@alessandroventura1330]

Powerstroke3 series is my favorite, no doubt !!!

[@dylanbaldwin7934]

I got the powerstroke pro today. I'm stoked I was curious to see how it sounded so I decided to watch this and see how it compares. I'm happy it seems to have some good beef and low end to it. Also not too ringy/ overtoney. That's what I like for a kick! Also got I think it's a p3 reso side ebony head. I'm so stoked I dont think I've ever experienced new heads on a bass drum. I got heads for my whole set too and the resos of all of my toms hadn't been changed in maybe 30+ years. I'm excited to hear them. But I'm saving them I have possible studio work ahead if that works out I'll change them before the studio.

[@gibby3350]

It’s a classic!

[@Ruben_Patricio]

For sure !!

[@drummernicky3423]

I agree on that

[@gottliver]

Wow, surprised how good the Clear Emperor sounds!!

[@Laptops1781]

Yep, this and the powerstroke 3 (clear) were my favs

[@Assimilator702]

mike finnity I’m trying the Clear Powerstroke 3 with Black Dot next.

[@Xolin11]

definitely sounds better than it does on a snare

[@tak1ngover]

I bought this one after this vid - its god but you need muffling pillow or something like that, 'cause without muffling it has too long sustain

[@axldrumz9619]

My fav is powerstroke 3 to

[@Swift016]

Metal guys: Powerstroke 3 Clear is what you're looking for.

[@inalavalamp]

I've always liked the PS3, but man, hearing the Coated Ambassador, Smooth Ambassador, Fiberskin Ambassador, and Smooth Emperor did something for me. It had that punch that is often not found in modern music. You can always muffle more if you want, but those sounded so old school, ranging from Motown to Bonham.

[@inalavalamp]

Listening back I think I like PS3 Fiberskyn and Ambassador Fiberskyn the best. Emperor Coated is great too. Watch as I change my mind in 10 minutes again.

[@ddrum121]

My biggest take away from this is just how vastly different the single ply sounds from the double ply. The ambassadors give you that awesome open airy sound

[@jadeone]

controlled sound black dot 🤤

[@realitybeatslivedrumchanne8261]

agreed! PS3 use to be my jam. I’m gonna get ambassador fiberskyn. That was my fave

[@geomcc109]

You've 100 percent written the comment I was going to make. I too currently have a PS3 coated which came with my 60s Slingerland and it's killing something (I wasn't sure what until watching this vid) so I'm reverting it back to a coated ambassador. Get that punch back that you were talking about 👊🏼 💥 I grew up playing in the 90s when people practically put entire duvet and pillow sets in their bass drums to kill the sound. It's nice to now hear something a little more sonorous

[@PatrickSmith831]

This groove gets stuck in my head for days, and so does the groove for the snare drum head demos. Thanks for your hard work!

[@Timpanopercussion]

Hi Patrick, we hope it's more pleasant than haunting haha! Thank you for your appreciation!

[@chillpillology]

Thank you for great demos with no BS and not being someone who needs to hear themselves talk for 5 minutes before playing.

[@Azarie03]

This video took a ton of work and I am VERY grateful for your time and effort!

[@Timpanopercussion]

Glad you appreciate it JP!

[@kolchek1000]

For all that are curious as to which head generated the most bottom end: I captured the audio, imported into ProTools & ran a frequency analyser over all the heads, annnnnd, you’ll never guess which head won out... significantly... the good ol’ PINSTRIPE!!! It blew away all the new fangled pro-power-sonic-nonsenses. Those heads generate a HEAP of resonant low-mids which give the impression of bottom end, but the pinstripe was all about the 60hz, baby! (Having said that, I did the same test on the Evans roundup & the Gmad & Emad seem to slightly beat the pinstripe). Cheers.

[@jooplin]

Do you think I could achieve the same sound with an emperor if I just put a blanket in it? I would assume it does not only kill sustain but also high frequencies

[@jooplin]

and also thank you, that was really helpful. I am gonna try the Pinstripe on my 24"

[@tyler4girlz]

Industry standard for a good reason.

[@danlc95]

Not a fan of the PS Pro or PowerSonic. I used to love the Ebony PinStripes on bass drums. Now that I play them wide open these days, I'd have to see how they sound. I've been mostly at P3/P4 guy for the last 25 years or so.

[@BOBStyle94]

01:20 Pinstripe clear 01:38 Powerstroke 3 clear 02:49 Powerstroke 4 clear

[@danlc95]

Thank you!

[@dmark2639]

Clear PS3 or PS4 for me. Thanks for the great comparison video.

[@ricardogonhin]

Single-handedly the best drum head comparison video I've ever seen!

[@XtopherusMusic]

These drumhead comparison vids must have taken SO much work and they are SO helpful. Thank you!

[@bigloaded8324]

Through my home stereo with subwoofer. #1 is the Coated PS3/Black dot. Amazing low end punch and boom.

[@JohnD72277]

that and the PS3 black suede really impressed me

[@bigloaded8324]

I agree

[@dezleegraham]

Great comparison! Could you do Remo tom heads next?

[@JohanSegeborn]

Great playing!

[@Timpanopercussion]

Hi Johan, thanks for the kind words! :)

[@lovebirdsmusic]

not a drummer just a producer who started recording drums a little while back i have to say this was the most valuable video on this subject (being bassdrum sound) by far! will check your channel, thanks a million!

[@russejg]

phenomenal. this is how every comparison should be ever

[@kevinmcgovern5110]

Couldn’t ask for a better comparison video. Perfect!

[@NOAHCASAS]

I HAVE MINE WITH THE "POWERSTROKE 3 EBONY" AND THAT 2 INCH PATCH AND I LO💚E SOO MUCH

[@jamesbradford1153]

All of the P3 series, and the P4 coated are my favorites. Something about that P3 line that is just undefeated, and works all these years later. If ain't broke don't fix it! I hope they NEVER tamper with the P3's and just keep them as they are.

[@SuperBrictson]

Beware of the papery sound of Powerstroke 3 Coated and specially Powerstroke 4 Clear, an ironic name given the difficulty to appreciate the double kick even with both headphones at max volume!!! Stick with the Powerstroke 4 Coated or the other P3 except Coated, if this comparison is realistic!!!

[@rhythmista7707]

I use a P4 coated for the resonant side and P3 clear for batter. That combination for me is the perfect bass drum sound. I also play a 20x14 bass drum and don't use a port. The result is a punchy, controlled boom with plenty of bottom end, with just a slight overtone, that sounds much larger than a 20x14, and gives me a wide tuning range.

[@boomerguy9935]

Have you tried the opposite? I've been using the P4 Ambassador coated on the batter side and the P3 Ambassador coated on the resonant side of my 18" bass drum for jazz and pop small venues. I'm thinking of going to P3 Ambassador coated on the batter side and P3 Ambassador Fiberskyn on the resonant side for less of a "thump" sound. I don't have a heavy foot since the other instruments are usually acoustic.@@rhythmista7707

[@topperhardy1614]

Another great comparison video ... thank you so much ..

[@Timpanopercussion]

The pleasure is all ours!

[@ryangroom2959]

Bro all of the powerstroke 3´s gave me a little stank face, Dang!!

[@EvoIX2.0L4G63T]

Clear emperor and emperor coated sound really amazing

[@dubstellation]

These are the few I'm really into right now and trying to decide between! (Deleting soon, just posting for timestamps) 1:02 Emperor Coated 2-ply 1:55 Powerstroke 3 Smooth White 1-ply 2:57 Powerstroke 4 Coated 2-ply

[@halosakte1946]

Same!!!!!

[@dubstellation]

@@halosakte1946 they're sooo good!

[@MatthiasKnorrMusic]

I think I'll check out the P3 Renaissance on my PHX next. Sounds amazing

[@paistetamazildjianvicfirth4275]

This perfect video made me immediately buy a Powerstroke 3 coated with black dot. TY tons

[@HR2635]

without a doubt the best Remo BD head comparison on the internet! THANK YOU! @remo you should hire these guys!

[@RobbyTheGlitch]

Been drumming for over 4 decades and I'll probably always be a Remo guy, but the Evans Emad is my favorite bass head. I have a few dozen bass drums and the handful that have an Emad are another level above the rest that all have a Remo model on them.

[@danlc95]

They sound great saying the kit, but those style heads haven't worked for me in a live, un-mic'd situation. Even as sweet as they sound, the projection just isn't there for me.

[@BayouMaccabee]

Great demo...Thank you for this. I still like the Fiberskyn the best and will continue using them.

[@Timpanopercussion]

You're welcome Bayou!

[@dugjay]

Hands down the best drum head comparison on the tube. Thanks for this!

[@Iloveyhwh_1974]

Hands down best bd head comparison I’ve seen yet. You’ve made my decision easy. The emperor coated smooth is that nasty sound I’m looking for. Ty so much. Gunna go ahead and subscribe bc of what I saw in this one video. The beat is pretty nasty too. 😎❤️

[@gazzabel7040]

These people are incredible I found my perfect snare from the other video now I’m there with the bass drum

[@EmilioGarcia-fr5po]

Now I have that beat in my head all day. Jeezzz thanks 😊

[@jimflys2]

Excellent. Actually hear the drum, room and not the mixing. Great job. Love smooth white ambassador. Rediscovering the great bass drum sound I had in 1983. It worked then, works now. Fantastic tone.

[@Timpanopercussion]

Glad you appreciate!

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

GREAT VIDEO....Thanks My next kick head is the Powerstroke 3 Clear P3-1322-C2

[@GT-fx8fd]

Thank you massively for making such an amazing, pure and honest video. You are the best out there for comparisons on any drum gear on youtube and the whole internet. Thanks again for your time and efforts. Cheers.

[@deejaaywalker2314]

The difference between the Powerstroke 3 clear and coated is night and day. It starts at 1:37. Think of the money drummers have saved by viewing and listening to this video. THANKS for posting : )

[@s.patrick8604]

I'd say that powersonic clear and coated are right there with the emperor clear and coated

[@skyko]

01:38 Powerstroke 3 Clear 01:46 Powerstroke 3 Coated 01:55 Powerstroke 3 Smooth White 02:31 Powerstroke 3 Clear Black Dot 02:40 Powerstroke 3 Coated Black Dot 02:49 Powerstroke 4 Clear 02:58 Powerstroke 4 Coated 03:06 Powerstroke Pro 03:15 Powersonic Clear 03:24 Powersonic Clear (w/dampening rings) 03:33 Powersonic Coated 03:42 Powersonic Coated (w/dampening rings)

[@thebiglebowski9849]

Thank you for this.., My order of preference after this 1: Power Stroke 3 Clear 2: Pin Stripe Clear 3: Emperor Clear

[@REFondrums]

For all the things KZbin has become essential and valuable for, this kind of comparison presentation is at the top. Really incredible job.

[@samuliauno8163]

Definitely a good video to highlight the effect a head choice has on the overall sound of a given drum. Having in example a clear Ambassador, a powerstroke variant and a fiberskyn variant in the bag helps you achieve a plethora of sounds easily. Nice video, thank you.

[@pastalavista5754]

Iv'e been using PS3 for so long now but as I grow older I crave a more open, complex sound. Wide open clear Ambassador does it for me right now. Thanks for a great demo!

[@dfgivens]

Wow, this video took a ton of work - THANKS! Great job reducing the "input" to a useful, perfectly repeated riff. Drummers need to factor that subtle choice of bass drum head into the huge list of potential variables. This will help many who aren't sure about ply-count, coating, or dampening choices.

[@marcoreactionary]

Loving the coated emperor on my kick 👌🏽

[@wkrp71]

I echo the many posts as this being an INVALUABLE resource for drummers trying to compare heads without actually purchasing them. I did have a QUESTION for Timpano Percussion: what kind of a front head are you using? Would you using a PS3, for example, for the front head? I can't tell from the photo. Forgive me if this has already been stated. Thank you again! BMM

[@drumfanatik316]

Is there a comparison video where you put Remo up against the Evans equivalent? Like an Ambassador VS. a G1? Emperor VS. G2, Powerstroke 3 vs. EQ4, and so on? This would be the ultimate!

[@Timpanopercussion]

We're working on it! We should release the compilation of all Remo, Evans and Aquarian Bass Drum Heads soon..! Stay tuned ;)

[@captainkuru1]

Very very very useful. Good job! And very nice Yamaha PHX kit!!!

[@Timpanopercussion]

Thank you for the kind words! Actually it's a Maple Hybrid :)

[@musiqueman1]

I've been waiting for this!!

[@Timpanopercussion]

Hey Matt, glad we satisfied your needs haha!

[@dominikhofer_drums]

Finally a straightforward drumhead comparison video. Thank you!! I like the PS 3 and 4 and the Pinstripe. Would be interested in seeing a comparison between a combination of resonance heads too...

[@SuperBrictson]

I really appreciate the Pinstripe especially when the drummer in the video made double kick. That's an easy way to discard the heads that just don't do a remarkable double kick!!!

[@jonashellborg8320]

ooooh - Emperor coated on that drum sounds wicked! If you are after a pretty open sound. On that Yamaha 22 inch drum, the Emperor adds a great punch and tone, and doesn’t kill the drum. I’m officially intrigued!

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

Killer comparison! The Emperor clear and PS3 clear were my favorites. Though I generally use Evans heads for my kicks.

[@dxzxax8772]

Best bass drum comparison video. I love the short, fat sound of the clear Pinstripe personally.

[@lisanders11]

Superb comparison! Ambassador Smooth white is my choice.

[@ajmpatriot4899]

Another groove stuck in my head all day! 😂 I can’t tell. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’ve heard two ply reso and batter heads provide good deep resonance. I’ll have to listen more and refine my ear. If it’s that close then maybe it really doesn’t matter. I mean on my favorite rock songs I can’t tell what kind of drums they use much less heads.

[@PSALM23-verse4]

I dont know how to thank to you..its just ain't enough...this what i searching on internet for years...now you made all the answer iny head...thank you..thank you sir..

[@Timpanopercussion]

Thank you! We're glad you appreciate! There's more to come..! Stay tuned ;)

[@iamtheaaronsmith8358]

That Powerstroke 3 Black Dot was nice 😮‍💨

[@1122stardust]

Absolutely the best head review. So good. Gld i went with emporor smooth white.

[@jesusfloresjuarez6739]

Hi from México. Thanks for your work making this video I got the fiberskyn ambassador for 8,10,12,14,16,22 inches, and fiberskyn diplomat for my snare Drum, all of them sound fantastic on my maple set drums.. Tha bass drum sound so deep and clear, very punchy. Cheers.

[@betulaobscura]

Thank you for the best bass drum heads comparison on the Internet!

[@diversekcox]

best video ever for remo kick drum heads. Thank you

[@rorycooper520]

The best drum head comparison vid by far!

[@kushking420]

i never needed any pillows or towels since using the powersonic with the external dampener, its been my go to for ten years

[@lanceschultz7132]

Remo proud for 31 years!!

[@13MES13]

This was the best comparison video that i ever saw

[@thebarak]

Thank you! I switch back and forth between Ambassador coated and Powerstroke 3 coated, depending on the genre. But now I want add more choices to the arsenal.

[@HoldenMcG]

Outstanding job on the comparo vid... no frills, no BS, just the important stuff!

[@betulaobscura]

I use powerstroke 4 clear. Thank you for the best heads comparison!

[@jmb92555]

Great video. I like the coated Emp, the clear Emp, the Fiberskyn Amb, and the PS 3

[@TheBeats4ya]

That Clear Emperor is a beast!!!

[@RPicard1963]

Using a coated Ambassador now. Sounds amazing.

[@Tenji556]

Omg finally I been waiting for this drumhead comparison 🙌🙌🙌

[@jaime_coca]

Your comparisons are life-saving! Thank you sir!

[@jmb92555]

After watching this vid and the Evans vid... if someone said "go buy the head you like best live and un-mic'd" I'd go with Remo. Love the open sound of the first two Ambassadors. The coated Emp is cool too. Honorable mention to the PS 3 and PS 4 clear heads. I could live with those also. The Evans G1 and G2 I'd expected to sound pretty much like Ambassadors and Emperors. The EQ3 and EQ4 are okay and I suppose the emad is fine if you record

[@captain7265]

I had a set years ago that came with a white emperor head. It was thicker than any emperor I’ve ever played. Must have been at least 15 mil. Did they make a special emperor in the 60s or 70s?

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

Meilleure vidéo comparative sur KZbin! Elle a exigé sans doute beaucoup de travail...merci beaucoup!

[@Timpanopercussion]

Merci beaucoup Rafik! Oui ça a prit du temps mais ça en a valu la peine :)

[@kingmusic3617]

I personally love the power stroke 3 series for my bass drum. Gives me more depth and a nice and precise boom.

[@lelandbobpalmer]

Thank you so very much for this great effort!! :)

[@ndSpaz]

Nice head-to-head comparison! So many drumheads, I'm gonna get a powerstroke!

[@remotexpolde]

Madd Thanks for doing this demo. its pretty much a masterpiece the way it's Mic'd, executed, Pace, hearing with a kit, , doubles, and then single solo bass drum notes. Invaluable. THANK YOU! I just grabbed an Ambassador Fiberskyn 3 (would have grabbed the Emperor Smooth White) - Freaking thing reminds me of something you would hear on a mid 70's cop show theme. haha So rad.. but they didn't have it in a 26", But the Fiberskyn was close , just a bit less of what I was looking to mellow out anyway. Perfect. The ability to note the time, and jump Straight to the comparison of the head you want to A/B is priceless. Again! ~ Me and my 1929 Ludwig Pioneer All Mahogany hydrogen bomb thank you!!! ;)

[@jamescovell3105]

Thanks so much for making this - it's been incredibly helpful for choosing heads for a recording session. Best wishes. JC

[@gregc5684]

Excellent! Was surprised by some of the results. Will be doing a re-thinking of my choice of bass drum batter heads. Any chance of you doing a comparison of snare side drum heads? Lots of choices and the snare side drum head can make a difference. Interested in choices from Remo, Aquarian and Ludwig. Please give this request your consideration.

[@hesrealclose1599]

Thank for your hard work in putting this together.

[@tomanetopotomane1953]

Powerstroke 3 coated ♡

[@marvaz5178]

Yeah❤❤❤

[@rok_koritnik]

Surprised by Coated Ambassador! Classic sound. I'm into hiphop, dnb and other urban stuff and this sound certainly appeals to me. Hearing clear Pinstripe made me wonder why I stopped using pinstripes. Awesome, focused, dense sound. I like it far more than Powerstroke. I do like PS Fiberskyn and Black Dot, though.

[@justinlee2268]

I currently have a powerstroke 3. I think I’m gonna get a fiberskyn? They look really cool and so7nd awesome. Except for only covering one brand,this is the best bass head comparison I’ve ever seen.

[@_kiiiwi_5214]

oh, that's exactly what I've been looking for! would be perfect if you made a straight comparison between different manufacturers, just like you did with snare heads c:

[@Timpanopercussion]

We'll do Aquarian next and see what we can do after ;)

[@alaingiguere9197]

I would have liked a hard beater option with an impact pad for comparaison.

[@OtisAvalon]

I find these videos extremely useful. Thanks so much guys!

[@LTDLimiTeD1995]

I've been using a PSPro for years, maybe I should try a coated Ambassador :O

[@alexdunbar8993]

The p3's sound awesome

[@taylorjones2553]

THANK YOU.

[@auratune1]

Great comparison. Very nicely done and extremely helpful. Thx.

[@DrumFuckerFr]

I'm in need of a new head and was about to go for the P4... But that clear Powersonic though...

[@andreasjonsson8075]

ps3 smooth white, ps3 black dot all coated. Beautiful

[@aperez12374]

I'm going to challenge all drummers that dampen the crap out of bass drums. Tune a bass drum like you would any other drum, no dampening, put a mic, eq, compress to your liking, and play it though a live sound system. You will be amazed at how well it sounds. You will not be so inclined to dampen your kick so much anymore. Prove me wrong if you don't believe me.

[@ddrum121]

Wow the double ply heads sound vastly different than the single ply heads like the ambassadors. I recently put on an ambassador coated on my 24" and it sounds amazing, just like in your take.

[@ozkarmaldonado6927]

Thanks a lot friends