Heads for fusion sound?

[HobbyCore]

What heads are you guys using for that sharp-attack fusion drum sound? Any specific tuning tips?

[Chunkaway]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

What heads are you guys using for that sharp-attack fusion drum sound? Any specific tuning tips?

The last I read about Dave Weckl, he was using Ambassadors that were "medium" tight. I mention that because that configuration seems to be the most common fusion set-tp/tuning.

[tomswift]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

What heads are you guys using for that sharp-attack fusion drum sound? Any specific tuning tips?

I'm using Evans EC2 for batter toms. A little warmer than ambassadors or generas, but still plenty of attack. Record great!! Evans has a new head called the G Plus which has good reviews. I'd like to try them.

[tomswift]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

What heads are you guys using for that sharp-attack fusion drum sound? Any specific tuning tips?

As far as tuning tips, try to keep the pitch range in the "resonant" area with each drum. Not too tight-but still provide proper stick bounce. Generally top and bottom heads at the same resonant pitch. Then try detuning one top lug SLIGHTLY. This will cause a slight pitch bend as the head relaxes.
New heads will generally improve any "stretch" variations. Take your time mounting the heads to seat them cleanly and equally to maximize rim contact. For a problem drum a quick fix could be to loosen the head entirely, re-seat and re-tune. Amazing what a difference this can make!!

[HobbyCore]

Originally Posted by Chunkaway

The last I read about Dave Weckl, he was using Ambassadors that were "medium" tight. I mention that because that configuration seems to be the most common fusion set-tp/tuning.

Ive those right now and I can't get that glassy poink sound out of any of my toms with ambassadors.

[Chunkaway]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

Ive those right now and I can't get that glassy poink sound out of any of my toms with ambassadors.

Are you using coated or clears?

[chrisso]

I think a lot of people are using clears.
Evans G2 or G1. Remo Ambassador or Emperor.
Tune to a resonant pitch, not too pingy, not too thuddy.

[666666]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

Ive those [Ambassadors] right now and I can't get that glassy poink sound out of any of my toms with ambassadors.

Then you need to spend more time experimenting with tuning. It's mostly about tuning... and how you hit the drum too of course. If you can't achieve a desirable "fusion" sound with either Ambassadors or Emperors, clear or coated, then you're doing something wrong. Don't forget the bottom heads... they need attention too in order to get the drum sound happening.

Also keep in mind, the tom sound you hear on world class recordings is somewhat "better" than real life... sort of. You're hearing top-notch instruments through top-notch gear, carefully dialed in by pro recording engineers, gated, eq-ed, compressed, etc... this process can "flatter" the original sound, yield very clear attack, etc... and when mixed in with a whole band, it sounds even better, the other sounds tend to eat up any fine ringing / harmonics etc that might be less than pleasant otherwise, etc. and... oh yeah, if the player is top-notch, this will be yet another reason why what you're hearing on a recording sounds so good.

If you've got Ambassadors there, keep working with them. Instead of following this thread any longer, perhaps start a new thread entitled, "How to TUNE heads for fusion sound?"... this will likely be of more help.

(Note: I also prefer a "fusion" type sound with a lot of clear attack... my head of choice: clear Emperors, which are just a little thicker than Ambassadors)

[HobbyCore]

I am using coated... I just switched to clear (I have way too many drumheads) and I'm much closer to the sound now.

To the above poster, I did ask for tuning tips in my original post


Is anyone using diplomats on the batter side? I've been reading of a lot of fusion artists using those, and it seems to make sense to me.

[Chunkaway]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

I am using coated... I just switched to clear (I have way too many drumheads) and I'm much closer to the sound now.

To the above poster, I did ask for tuning tips in my original post


Is anyone using diplomats on the batter side? I've been reading of a lot of fusion artists using those, and it seems to make sense to me.

Diplomats on the batter side? Really? Maybe on the resonant side, but I haven't heard of very many-if any-drummers using Diplomats on the batter side.

Tuning- well, let's start off with finding out what you are doing now. No need for me to go into a huge diatribe if you are already doing what I was going to suggest.

Briefly- I find that every drum has some sort of specific pitch that it can be tuned to. (DW prints the "note" of the drum. Kind of the same idea.) I have used a piano before to get me close and then I fine tune by ear. Drum dials can do the same basic thing. When I was doing more fusion-y kind of things I tuned my bottom head a bit tighter (maybe a quarter to half turn higher) than the batter head. I ran my batters medium to medium-tight, which gave me a decent attack.

[chrisso]

Originally Posted by Chunkaway

Diplomats on the batter side? Really? Maybe on the resonant side, but I haven't heard of very many-if any-drummers using Diplomats on the batter side.

Yes this is doubtful - and I've known a few fusion players.

[TheArchitect]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

Is anyone using diplomats on the batter side? I've been reading of a lot of fusion artists using those, and it seems to make sense to me.

Really? Who?

[TheArchitect]

Originally Posted by HobbyCore

What heads are you guys using for that sharp-attack fusion drum sound? Any specific tuning tips?

Ambassadors typically. I like the White suede ambassadors over clears personally. Generally most people I have heard don't tune them high enough to get the sound they are shooting for. The typical "rock" tuning "just above wrinkle" won't get it done for that sound.