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View Full Version : What bass drum head for Vistalite 26?

mikei
08-21-2007, 01:40 AM
Hello all,

I have all but secured my next set. A Ludwig Vistalite reissue kit.

I have heard bad things about the stock heads. I know Bonham used the Remo Black Dots for his toms. But, what did he use on the bass drum for the batter and reso. I know he still used the felt strips, but I am unsure of the heads.

Thanks for any insight you might have.

Mike
somedrummer
08-21-2007, 01:47 AM
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/johnbonhamtech1.html

Check that out.
mikei
08-21-2007, 01:57 AM
http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/johnbonhamtech1.html

Check that out.
I have watched it many times. The heads he refers to are the ones used on the stainless steel and maple kits.
Sirwill
08-21-2007, 01:59 AM
I just fitted my 26" Mahogany Ludwig with a Remo Powerstroke 3 clear. And could not be happier. Remo is the head of choice for critical recording and live performances. I strayed once then returned.
somedrummer
08-21-2007, 02:04 AM
I have watched it many times. The heads he refers to are the ones used on the stainless steel and maple kits.

Right. Well, I'm not sure, but I would expect he used something similar to that on all kits. However, knowing that Vistalites are famous for nasty overtones, he may have used something thicker, perhaps. Just remember, it was the 70s and they were all on drugs..
Cymbalrider
08-21-2007, 02:05 AM
I'm a fan of coated heads but to keep with the image of a Vistalite you would want something clear. Powerstroke 3 heads are my recommendation before something like a wide open clear head (like the power dot things)
harryconway
08-21-2007, 02:16 AM
I played clear Ludwig Vistalite kicks for 25 years. I almost always had a clear Remo Ambassador reso. With or without a port. Batter, I would run clear Ambassador, Controlled Sound, Powerstroke 3, Emperor or Pinstripe heads. On Bonham's amber kit, I think he used a Controlled Sound (Black Dot) batter, and the Zoso logo head was an Ambassador.
Skitch
08-22-2007, 03:03 AM
I played clear Ludwig Vistalite kicks for 25 years. I almost always had a clear Remo Ambassador reso. With or without a port. Batter, I would run clear Ambassador, Controlled Sound, Powerstroke 3, Emperor or Pinstripe heads. On Bonham's amber kit, I think he used a Controlled Sound (Black Dot) batter, and the Zoso logo head was an Ambassador.

The Controlled Sound is one that I haven't heard recommended lately!



Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw
harryconway
08-22-2007, 11:06 AM
The Controlled Sound is one that I haven't heard recommended lately!

The infamous "black dot". Or "clear dot", if you'd rather. Charlie Watts runs controlled sound reso's. So did Tony Williams.
bighaibigdrums
08-22-2007, 11:25 AM
Bonham used BlackDots on his Vistas, kick included.
Skitch
08-23-2007, 12:19 AM
Bonham used BlackDots on his Vistas, kick included.


I remember those days! Okay, at least I remember seeing the pictures in the store displays. Every drum had to have a dot on it. Stores even had POP displays with the just the dots for sale. You took the backing off and applied the dot where you wanted it.


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw