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"Best" Sounding Heads For MIJ Kits

Posts: 605 Threads: 25

OK, I know sound is subjective, and everyone has a different taste and ear when it comes to sound, but I was wondering what the MIJ drummers out there use to get the "best" sound out of their kits.

My Norma came with Evans G1's on them, except for the snare which came with the original Norma batter head. I think I am satisfied with the G1's, although I lack a lot of experience here, and wonder if they are keepers on this kit, or are there better alternatives out there. And while the snare sounds good to me, I'm pretty sure the original head could be improved upon.

The Evans Calftones have me intrigued. A great vintage look as well as a warm vintage tone, sound like they would bring out the best in my old kit. I have read the reviews and for sound and look, folks love them, but durability seems to be a distinct issue, even for jazz oriented drummers. Most of these reviews are a little old though, so did Evans correct the bubbling and delaminating problems?

Anyway, lets open this can of worms and hear some opinions!:D

Posted on 5 years ago
#1
Posts: 6363 Threads: 223

For MIJ kits, you can't go wrong with a coated ambassador-style head; Evans G1, Remo Ambassdor or equivalent Aquarian. The typical wood used in MIJ drums, and the style of bearing edges, will already give a warm sound. Using coated single-ply heads will offer up a bit of "cut" to the sound. It's always been my choice, but experimenting with other types would certainly be fun. It can just start costing a lot to experiment!

-Mark

Posted on 5 years ago
#2
Posts: 891 Threads: 26

50$ Torodors- Gems after I cleaned and tweaked them- had on the 12" and 16" toms Ludwig Silver Dots; I put a Black Dot clear - I had lying around- on the metal-hoop 20" bass. Was very happy with those.

Those drums were "so easy" to play/ manueveur on. They 'flexed" a little bit (in Tone..) so I sold them. Never get that deal again. They were so "weak" (compared to hard-azz Gretsch..) you could dominate them easily..but that didn't seem reason enough to keep them. I did one gig with them.

I have kept a nice selection of era Japanese cymbals tho.

2-20s 1-18 1-16 2-12s , Pearl Specials, Maxitone, etc had a 22" Kingston -sold.

.................................................. ......Joe
Posted on 5 years ago
#3
Posts: 605 Threads: 25

From idrum4fun

For MIJ kits, you can't go wrong with a coated ambassador-style head; Evans G1, Remo Ambassdor or equivalent Aquarian. The typical wood used in MIJ drums, and the style of bearing edges, will already give a warm sound. Using coated single-ply heads will offer up a bit of "cut" to the sound. It's always been my choice, but experimenting with other types would certainly be fun. It can just start costing a lot to experiment!-Mark

So you like the Evans G1 heads then? Me to actually, they do have a nice warm sound to them and as you stated, so do the drums themselves. I was asking because I don't have a lot of experience with different heads and the sounds they give on different drums. I've been looking on YouTube for comparisons, and I have to be honest, a lot of time's I cant really tell the difference! Seems almost like a marketing ploy sometimes.

I will probably leave the G1's on the toms, but I am at least going to change the original snare head. It actually sounds pretty darn good for an original MIJ head, but I have to think it isn't the best and it can be improved upon.What to try is the question! Stick with the Evans G1 or go crazy and try the Calftone or maybe something else? Decisions, decisions...Help2

Posted on 5 years ago
#4
Posts: 605 Threads: 25

From jda

50$ Torodors- Gems after I cleaned and tweaked them- had on the 12" and 16" toms Ludwig Silver Dots; I put a Black Dot clear - I had lying around- on the metal-hoop 20" bass. Was very happy with those.

I'm not familiar with them and I'm guessing they must be rare birds. Only saw one used set on the bay.

Posted on 5 years ago
#5
Posts: 891 Threads: 26

Torodor was the drum brand (not heads

..and this the color they were:

https://www.google.com/search?q=torodor+drums&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiD7a_C-NrjAhVGxVkKHV5WA2MQ_AUIEygD&biw=994&bih=441#imgrc=dLEUhtVh97BD5M:

[img]https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s---6Uoy8Cp--/f_auto,t_large/v1552601075/fmzdr1phk24w112rj7xg.jpg[/img]

Rail and all. Metal BD hoops.

Like Fancy-later year production- Pearl Exports But in Traditional 60s Sizes (can't beat that..

.................................................. ......Joe
Posted on 5 years ago
#6
Posts: 605 Threads: 25

From jda

Torodor was the drum brand (not heads..and this the color they were:https://www.google.com/search?q=torodor+drums&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiD7a_C-NrjAhVGxVkKHV5WA2MQ_AUIEygD&biw=994&bih=441#imgrc=dLEUhtVh97BD5M:[img]https://images.reverb.com/image/upload/s---6Uoy8Cp--/f_auto,t_large/v1552601075/fmzdr1phk24w112rj7xg.jpg[/img]Rail and all. Metal BD hoops.Like Fancy-later year production- Pearl Exports But in Traditional 60s Sizes (can't beat that..

Ah, thanks for that.

That's a pretty kit. Love the wrap. And for 50 bucks? Wow, what deal!Mind Blowi

Posted on 5 years ago
#7
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

Coated ambassadors for batter and resonant heads...

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 5 years ago
#8
Posts: 605 Threads: 25

From grantro

Coated ambassadors for batter and resonant heads...Cheers

i see a lot of guys here like them.

I could be wrong, but arent they very similar to the Evans G1's, which is what I'm using now?

Anyone using the Calftones? They keep calling my name!DOH

Posted on 5 years ago
#9
Posts: 6363 Threads: 223

From JimmySticks

i see a lot of guys here like them.I could be wrong, but arent they very similar to the Evans G1's, which is what I'm using now? Anyone using the Calftones? They keep calling my name!DOH

Yes, Evans G1's and Remo Ambassadors are similar heads.

-Mark

Posted on 5 years ago
#10
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