Best all-purpose heads for rototoms?

[666666]

Seems that back in the day, Remo Rototoms came stock with Remo black-dot heads.

I've spoken with some percussionists who have expressed their distaste for black-dots on rototoms, some have recommended Coated Ambassadors and others have recommended Pinstripes... quite different from each other.

So I am left a bit confused about what heads might work "best" on rototoms in general. Of course I'd need to try `em first-hand to see what works best for me, but before I start laying out a lot of bread for multiple sets of heads (which I may not even like), I figured I'd stop by here first and see if I can get some initial guidance.

One thought is to just stick to clear black-dots, like how most rototoms came stock back in the day. This would, at the very least, provide a "classic" and recognizable rototom sound.

Though I wonder just how well black-dots will record. It does make sense to me that a coated head (whether an Ambassador or Emperor, etc) might have a bit more of a controlled sound (aiding the recording task). Also, Pinstripes, being thicker, might also be less ringy and more controlled.

So, while black-dots may be "classic", there may be room for improvement here in 2008.

Rototom users out there, what heads are you using these days and why? Have any recordings to post?

Thanks!

[bgrotto]

Pinstripes are most forgiving to tune...which is a nice thing when dealing with RotoToms. I'd take them over coated Ambassadors; those might be a bit dry for the smaller sizes of RotoToms.

[Space Nugget]

Originally Posted by 666666

Seems that back in the day, Remo Rototoms came stock with Remo black-dot heads.

I've spoken with some percussionists who have expressed their distaste for black-dots on rototoms, some have recommended Coated Ambassadors and others have recommended Pinstripes... quite different from each other.

So I am left a bit confused about what heads might work "best" on rototoms in general. Of course I'd need to try `em first-hand to see what works best for me, but before I start laying out a lot of bread for multiple sets of heads (which I may not even like), I figured I'd stop by here first and see if I can get some initial guidance.

One thought is to just stick to clear black-dots, like how most rototoms came stock back in the day. This would, at the very least, provide a "classic" and recognizable rototom sound.

Though I wonder just how well black-dots will record. It does make sense to me that a coated head (whether an Ambassador or Emperor, etc) might have a bit more of a controlled sound (aiding the recording task). Also, Pinstripes, being thicker, might also be less ringy and more controlled.

So, while black-dots may be "classic", there may be room for improvement here in 2008.

Rototom users out there, what heads are you using these days and why? Have any recordings to post?

Thanks!

Back when I was a drummer...I bought 1 head of each: Remo Fiberskin 3, Evans Hydraulic, and Remo pinstripe to see which I liked best.

I think in the end I went with the Hydraulics but the Fiberskin sounded good too. I dont know if Remo even makes the fiberskin anymore, Ive been out of the drum loop for a while.
Pinstripe a little too controlled for such small diameter "drums" in my opinion.

Black dots that came on them were way too thin sounding.

Like I mentioned, I havent drummed in years, but I figure Id share my experiences with a fellow Long Islander. Wish I had some recorded samples for you but I dont.

Good luck!