Coated Ambassadors on Vistalites...any problem?

[Morbid Koala]

So is there any reason why using coated Ambassadors on my old Vistalite toms would be weird in any way?

I like the tone, it seems to ring a bit more than the pinstripes or black dots.

Are clear heads on old Vistalites simply based on aesthetics or sonic science?

Thanks for your 2 cents.

[Vum]

I think the coated heads have more "mass" and therefore require more energy to resonate - so they'll be more mellow will less sustain. However, if your bottom head has less mass (ie clear coated) it might sound a little trebly as that is what's being resonated easiest by the head.

What weirdness are you hearing?

[Morbid Koala]

No real weirdness. I just wanted more of a defined tom sound instead of a "whump" punchy sound I was getting with the Pinstripe/Powerstroke.

Plus, aside from the kick resonant head, I'd never seen pictures of Vistalites with coated ambassadors.

[joeq]

Originally Posted by Morbid Koala

Are clear heads on old Vistalites simply based on aesthetics or sonic science?

I am sure it is aesthetics

but on the other hand so are the shells

knowhatimsayin?

[Morbid Koala]

Originally Posted by joeq

I am sure it is aesthetics

but on the other hand so are the shells

knowhatimsayin?

mmmm, kinda.

....but I like em' because they're loud. Real loud. It's cool that they're transparent but I wouldn't care either way. I just like their projection ability.

[digibird]

I have the Vistalite reissues (14-16-18-26) and use either clear Ambassador or clear Emperor on all toms and snare.. No dots, silver or black, and no pinstripes = too dead. Tune resonant heads tighter than batter heads and let them ring. If you want the slight dampening effect the coated heads would have, use moongels instead. The clear heads look so much better on the Vistalites. These drums record very well, too, IME.

P.S. : Powerstroke 3 works great on kick batter with clear logo front head.

[digibird]

Originally Posted by Morbid Koala

mmmm, kinda.

....but I like em' because they're loud. Real loud. It's cool that they're transparent but I wouldn't care either way. I just like their projection ability.

Yes. Loud as balls. They're great.

[Morbid Koala]

Originally Posted by digibird

I have the Vistalite reissues (14-16-18-26) and use either clear Ambassador or clear Emperor on all toms and snare.. No dots, silver or black, and no pinstripes = too dead. Tune resonant heads tighter than batter heads and let them ring. If you want the slight dampening effect the coated heads would have, use moongels instead. The clear heads look so much better on the Vistalites. These drums record very well, too, IME.

P.S. : Powerstroke 3 works great on kick batter with clear logo front head.

I was using a PS3 on the kick batter but now I really dig this Evans EMAD and I can't stand Evans products and I currently have a clear reso with logo.

Have you found that vintage Vistas keep their tunings alright?

I was thinking about getting a Yahama Stage Custom birch with a 17x22" kick to compare the punch of the two different kick drums but I'm pretty certain that the Vistas will probably still be way better at projection than the birch. Any thoughts?

[digibird]

[QUOTE=Morbid Koala;3743869]

Have you found that vintage Vistas keep their tunings alright?

QUOTE]

The Vistalites I have are the new reissue series, not vintage. Mine are only about 4 years old. Big, loud, beautiful drums. With all Paiste 2002 series cymbals. As much or more fun than my Ludwig Maple Classics from 1999.

[deve]

Originally Posted by Vum

I think the coated heads have more "mass" and therefore require more energy to resonate - so they'll be more mellow will less sustain. However, if your bottom head has less mass (ie clear coated) it might sound a little trebly as that is what's being resonated easiest by the head.

What weirdness are you hearing?

coated ambassador more mellow than pinstripe? no way...

Ambassadors are richer in overtones and have more tone than the emperrors, powerstrokes or pinstripes. I hear them everywhere, you can't go wrong with them.