If you want drier, and I like drier, consider an Evans Genera, or Genera dry.
I'll +1 for the Genera Dry. (Not the HD Dry!!)
If you're looking for a dry sound, yet with a certain "deepness" to it, the Genera Dry is the way to go. Unfortunately (or fortunately as it may be) the Genera Dry will make every drum, no matter what material and what thickness and build, sound exactly the same. I assume it does this by removing all overtones and all "characteristics" of the snare from existence.
I loved the Genera Dry for about 2 weeks and then I realized my mistake. Anyway, just like any head, it has it's place. And if you're playing in your basement and you need to tone it down, it's a great head. I wouldn't use it live though, as it would just be too "dull".
Peace, Defender
Honestly the most true match would be an old beat up Remo Ambassador with gaff tape all over it.We play mostly music from the 60's and 70's and most venues are outdoors on a large stage. So my question is what head combination (top and bottom) would be more "true" to the music era we are playing?
Okay, so I'm joining this conversation very late in the game because I just stumbled onto this site and saw how great the suggestions were. Here's my question, and I know it's a matter of taste and experimentation and all of that, but I just landed a mint condition Ludwig Blackrolite and I'm using it in an oldies band that I'm joining next month. We play mostly music from the 60's and 70's and most venues are outdoors on a large stage. A pro sound company does all of the work with mics, sound, lights, etc..all we do is show up, play, get our checks and go home. So my question is what head combination (top and bottom) would be more "true" to the music era we are playing?
Here is an example I made a while ago to try to get a clear demonstration of the Acrolite's overtones. The drum really wants to sing, and I imagine that you would have to throw a lot of dampening at it, or tune it way up (as suggested above) to the point where it sounds like Ludwig's 4" Maple Piccolo offering.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDL0vWFy-2I
If you're looking for the same Retro-budget-student-vibe as an Acrolite, and want to stay with Ludwig, look for a used Pioneer.
I'm certain that others will likely have much better suggestions for other manufacturers, as I'm pretty much a Ludwig-or-bust snare guy.
It's tough to get a true read on the head or snare when most of the hits are rim shots.
It's tough to get a true read on the head or snare when most of the hits are rim shots.