I want a jazz sound--help!

[Mass Hysteria]

I want to try and get a clear jazz sound (and not much sustain) out of my Pacific FX set. Any suggestions for drum heads? Should they be different on the top and bottom? What might I do about the snare and bass drum? I used to have a mid-70s Slingerland set with no bottom heads, so I don't know much about this stuff.

Thanks!

[drumtechdad]

Standard jazz kit is coated Ambassadors over clears. (Some like Fiberskyns.)

Tune highish, with the resos higher than the batters.

Also, see Wavelength's post in this thread. (http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45775)

[Birdman]

with the resos higher than the batters.

Yep that will cut the sustain (too bad;)).

[Cymbalrider]

Fiberskyn Ambassador heads have a shorter sustain with a nice warm round sound. Fiberskyn diplomats are a bit more open. Nothing wrong with classic Coated Ambassadors though. I would suggest the same heads all around for a nice even sound.

[John Riley]

John Riley here.

Hi Guys - I agree with all the suggestions made so far. Regardless of which combination of heads, it's crucial that each head is perfectly in tune with itself. I find pre 90's drums have less sustain than newer drums because the shells are less true so, with older drums, tune both heads to exactly the same pitch to get a clear tone and maximum sustain. Newer drums are truer and naturally ring more so tune the bottom head higher - I tune my bottom heads a minor 3rd higher - for a pleasing tone and nice, round sustain.

Hope this helps, John