Call your local Drum Shop guy and ask him if he can get REMO Crimp-Lock heads. They're usually for Drum Corps but what is not usually known is that the Crimp-LocK heads do come in different weights and coatings which, because of the thinner, low profile flesh hoop, should fit the shells nicely. Order 1 for the 13" to see how it works. Or if you know a local Drum Corp they might have an odd extra lying around to try out.

Here's a selection: http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?_adv_prop=image&fr=moz35&va=REMO+drum+heads+crimp+lock

If the head does work, you can call REMO directly and ask about what is available with the Crimp Lock hoop.

Attack heads are sized a bit larger. Also the new Evans 360, which comes out soon.

Evans.

They're what's known as floating heads. Always bigger than their Remo counterparts(which are known to be pretty much rite on 14").

My 13" Phonic is exactly 13",..I got a 13" Emporer batter on it and it allows for floating head. the form of the head is exactly 13" and the rim of the head extends past it, you need to have the right size hoop flange to accept it. My hoop flange is 3/4" wich is plenty for the head rim.

Thanks. I tried a Coated G1 and it wouldn't fit.

Thanks. I'm not sure how an Emperor would be different than an Ambassador (Ambassador won't fit) as far as head size, as they are both Remo, standard issue products. But I'll go ahead and compare the two the next time I am at the store.

I'm going to try an Attack 1 Ply Coated and an Aquarian Texture Coated before I resort to the American Vintage heads.

I have several really old drums that a modern head won't begin to fit. Someone here suggested taking the head and cutting its metal rim in 4 equally spaced places being careful not to go into the plastic. Just through the metal. This works really well and the heads tune and sound great.

Steve

That's a good suggestion, thanks. I have some heavy duty wire cutters and tin snips too.

Obviously I just want to cut into the metal and not touch the plastic. Should I make the cuts at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o' clock? Any suggestions on the process?

Has anyone tried the American Vintage heads on oversized drums? Do they need special hoops? I am using MIJ "Slingerland Style Stick Saver" hoops (unintentional alliteration!)

That's what I did. I used a dremel with a little cutting wheel. Worked really well and I felt I had better control over that than if I had used a hack saw or some other hand tool. Snips might torque the hoop out of shape maybe? 12, 3, 6, 9 o'clock cuts. If you didn't have a dremel I'd consider a hack saw but go slow and careful.

Steve

I had American Vintage heads on the late 50s Slingerland kit I just traded. That was the only head that would relatively easily fit the slightly out of round snare drum. I had them on the tom batters and they sounded good. I used two on the kick and it was very boomy...sounded real good.

Give them a shot. I'd recommend bringing one or two of your drums to the store and try them before you order/buy them. You don't wanna buy them and still be in the same boat.

Good luck!

Lynn