The best heads would be any heads but the originals. But seriously, for a deep melodic sound just go for a clear Remo emperor or Evans g2, and that should get you there. How does that snare sound? I always liked the Sonor hi-lite scandidavian birch and the phonic plus snares they made back in the 80's, but I don't think I've ever heard a sonic plus.
yesric,
It should be noted that Remo today is NOT the Remo of 20 years ago.
The QC has gone in the perverbial "toilet" and you run a real chance of getting a head that sounds like "poo".
Its about a 50/50 split, so you spends yer money, you takes yer chances.
I remember, back around the last time you played out, Remo Legacy was THE head everyone was just starting to fall in love with (actually, that was more than 20 years ago, now that I think about it), but alas, they're long gone.
Fiberskin 3 replaced them, but its a different sound. Not as warm or fat, although I've heard that the FS3 in diplomat weight is close to the old Legacy in Ambassador weight.
Unfortuately, there is no other equivelent to these head by other makers, except maybe for some animal (goat) skin heads that are on the market these days.
I think you'll be happy with the Evans.
The Genera's were just hitting their stride the last time you played out and the current "G1" is today's equivelent of that.
The line has since morphed into, what is more or less, their standard head now.
Speaking of which, you may remember that the Blue Evans Hydraulic heads were "lighter" than the red ones....and they still make the blue ones (just a reminder/suggestion).
BTW, just get a set for the batter side and see how you like using the original heads on the resonant side.
I don't know about the particular heads that are on your kit now, but "factory heads" for lower line drums tend to be on the thin side and they often make excellent resonant side heads.
Check it out. You can always replace them if its not for you.
I understand the old Sonor Sonic kits were pretty nice, with a sound that belied its price.
I remember playing a new set of Sonorlites at a local music store back in '86, too.
Man, those babies were sweet!
Welcome back to the fray, my friend. =)
Elvis