vintage bass drum head

dc2 · #1 06-19-2008, 03:39 AM

I am searching for a vintage-looking resonant bass head for my '69 Ludwig kit. Does anyone know who makes an off-white, yellowish coated head with no manufacturer logo? I wanna put a shield style sticker on it with my bands initials for a classic look. Any help here would be greatly appreciated.

Bob Smith · #2 06-19-2008, 03:57 AM

Why don't you just buy a head from a store like vintagelogos.com?

dc2 · #3 06-19-2008, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Smith

Why don't you just buy a head from a store like vintagelogos.com?

I have been looking into that, but they have to special order the head and I figured it would take a long time and cost more $$. It may be easier to do that though. Thanks.

harryconway · #4 06-19-2008, 06:40 AM

Remo Fiberskyn 3............

Clayton_C · #5 06-19-2008, 07:23 AM

Yeah I think most of those vintage-looking kits use Fyberskin heads. From my limited experience, they're great heads... although it seems you need to take a more intensive approach to tuning (i.e: more often, more carefully). However, if you're talking resonant bass head, one tune-up should obviously be sufficient.

Michael G · #6 06-19-2008, 08:04 AM

If you want a yellowish coat, then go with Aquarian Modern Vintage bass drum head w/ felt strip (or not if you don't want it)

IMO, they are much better than fiberskyns in sound and look, but in this case, it is mainly just look.

I actually don't get the fuss over Fiberskyns. And I think they overdo the look of the coating for making it "vintage." The I like the yellow coating on the Aquarian, but I would be happy if it was lighter.

but its all up to you

Fiberskyn

Aquarian vintage

I don't know how to remove the logo off vintage or Fiberskyn heads though, I don't think the same method for smooth white heads would work.

Oh yeah, there is one more option, and that is just to get a Ludwig front head from Ludwig or a Ludwig dealer.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/produ...ead?sku=448933

drumtechdad · #7 06-19-2008, 01:14 PM

I get a kick out of Aquarian's color choice for their "vintage" heads. When calfskin heads were in common use, they pretty much looked off-white. The Aquarians look like old heads that nobody bothered to replace for 40 years!

dc2 · #8 06-26-2008, 03:27 AM

thanks for all the help guys. I'll probably end up with a fiberskyn.

Vipercussionist · #9 07-19-2008, 05:03 PM

IF you can find them, used or NOS, try a Remo Legacy drum head. The were only around for a short while, but I still have a 26in that I'll keep to my grave.

I had it on a set of vintage Radio Kings. and it isn't grainy like the Fiberskin, or too yellowed like the Aquarian. It's just heavy enough to sound AWESOME as a reso head too.

But unfortunately, they are not made anymore.

MIGHT be worth a search though 'cause if you get one I'm SURE it'll be EXACTLY what you're looking for.

Cymbalrider · #10 07-31-2008, 04:54 AM

Coated G1 looks great to me and for a 1969 kit it would fit right in. (or Remo Ambassador if you want to go that way). I've got a G1 Coated as a reso for my 26" bass, works fine. As far as any logos, do them yourself. That's how they used to be done, before the fancy printing technology of today came about. Just stencil it off (you can draw it in pencil if you like) with tape or something and get some black paint and a small paintbrush and paint away. Remo Fiberskyns look like calf heads that have aged considerably, and work fine too, but I think the coated white still looks better and more vintage anyway since most people (even with calf skin) had white heads, not the patchy look of Fiberskyns....certainly by 1969.