I once long long (1970s) ago had an Asahi snare-side resonant head that was very very thin and crackled when off tension and soon got ripped. Can't remember where from but I must have got it as it was cheap.

Asahi made Compo heads in the mid/late 80's. The only time I've ever seen or heard of them was in 1989 when the Concord Blue Devils used them. The head you have is rare, but I doubt if it has any value other than being a piece of percussive history.

Ralf, Yes the head you have a rare to fine these days..ASahi heads were made in japan 1980's west coast drums in santa ana,ca had these heads they did not go over to good with drummers..Funny thing they could not sell the heads at 1.00 each so i got them all still have them in the boxes heads came in white and black..I used to put them on sets to sell them off i had over 600 heads from 12"-22"...Only have a few 12",13" 14"...Just to keep them in my head collection..Mikey

Hello Mikey, I also have a few compo heads that I found on ebay. You say you have a small collection in 12, 13, 14. Do any of them have the model no. or code no. N3RC If so, would you be willing to sell a few? Larry

Ralf, I was online looking for more Compo Heads. These were made by the Asashi Chemical Cloth Company years ago. They came in ( as I remember ) 3 different series,with each series having different weight classes. ( Don't quote me on this ) I have a set with the letters ( model no. ) printed on the heads as N3RC 12, N3RC 14, N3RC 18 . 12 tom, 14 tom or snare batter, and 18 bass drum. I was told that the N series was the Natural series.Their version of the calf skin sound. And the no. 3 was theeir medium weight. Also I have a 16" head labeled A2RC16. Same texture on top as the others ( I'm not sure exactly what it is ) but on the bottom of the 16 it has a thin kevlar weave just like some of the Remo marching heads. The last on is a 14" head labeled K4RC . I bought 3 of these still wrapped in the original package with a card describing these as best suited for rock. I would love to have some of these in a thinner weight. Some people hated them, some wished they had never gotten rid of them.I guess it all depends on what your ear wants to hear. I think I purchased the first three I mentioned in the 80's brand new. Played them for awhile and then gave them away. About four years ago my friend gave them back. I put them on my just purchased Camco set and did a jazz studio date. KILLER sound. So I took them, off just to see what they would sound like on my Ludwig toms. SUPER KILLER. But they only sound good if I really crank then up. I'm not sure if this is because they are so worn and old. But they sound really good. What writing is on the one you have? Larry

Mikey,

I'd be interested in a set for a 5 pc. I used to sell Compo heads, or at least tried to sell them, years ago.

Just came across this post, as I just turned up 2 14" Compo heads in my storage locker. They both seem to be for marching purposes, as they're both quite thick and heavy. Labels are M1RC and M2RC. Both are coated.

(Also in the box, I found some Remo Falams-K heads and a Duraline Concert head.)

No idea why I had all these once upon a time... I imagine they're from the 1980s

Asahi(established in 1963) still exists if my understanding is correct!!

They changed the company name to Asapura in 1998.

But, I've never seen and heard their products.

Yes, their employees are only 5.

I still have a few 12" heads to sell...black 12" n1r in box out of bag...the reat are white 12" A3X have 2 of them,N2R all are in bags two hav boxes...Heads are 7.50 each+ shipping.....Mikey