Hi,

I have clear diplomat resos on Gretsch New Classic toms. With thicker heads, the sound is on the boomy/tubby side, the dip reso makes them sound a bit more airy. Better response to low volume, too, I think. I don't notice any lack of sustain, I'd havre to make an a/b recording with clear Ambys. Bill Stewart I think prefers clear Dip resos, too.

The coated ones might sound a little shorter; other than that, I don't think there is a difference - you don't really hear the reso head overtones out front the way you hear it with batter heads.

I used to have diplomats as all my resos, but I find it easier to reach the short-sustain, thuddy sound that I like with ambassadors.

Could be just my incompetence in tuning, though.

Like said above, the sound will be more boomy and sustained, somewhat more ringy and less warm, IMHO.

Don't know what kinda music you're playing and what are your sonic tastes.

Could be the right thing for you!

Such a head will work very well on some drums; not so much on others. My reply sounds like a "non-answer" but I have used diplomat resonator heads on many tom toms over the years, and a few of them 'rejoiced' with booming resonance, while others only sounded quite "thin" and "flat".

Experiment. At the very least you can always pack the head in your floor tom case when you gig to have ready as an emergency "backup".

p.s - And if you discard that head or trade it, you will soon afterwards acquire a rare 16" vintage snare with a busted out snare side head and then you'll wish you'd never gotten rid of it.

What ply is the diplomat?

Diplomats are single ply 7.5 mil Mylar film. They are best known for their bright warm tones,resonance and sustain. I think it could be a great reso, I've used clear diplomats and never had any issues. Honestly some of my favorite heads were ones I bought completely by accident. One of my favorite Remo lines now is the Ebony Pinstripes. Personally speaking I'd give it a spin. Worse case you decide you don't like it. But drums are funny, one head might sound great on one but wretched on another.

Thanx, all. Yes, I'll simply experiment and find out. There a 12 inch deep 16 inch floortom that I have trouble with to get it to sound the way I like it. Maybe this diplomat head can make it work.

I'll do some rogorous AB tests as well.