Drum head choice for recording jazz

Jim Easton · 10th June 2007

I purchased a USA maple ludwig set 1990's with 12 and 13 inch toms, 16" floor, 22x16 bass drum,14X5 snare drum.

I want to use them for my studio set.

What heads would be good for recording jazz?

Also any recommendations for cymbals would be helpful but most guys I am told, carry their own.

Thanks
-jim

brendondp · 11th June 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2db

I purchased a USA maple ludwig set 1990's with 12 and 13 inch toms, 16" floor, 22x16 bass drum,14X5 snare drum.

I want to use them for my studio set.

What heads would be good for recording jazz?

Thanks
-jim

Coated Ambassadors top and bottom for kick and toms. You'll want to tune your kick nice and high, with no holes and (maybe) a felt strip on the batter.

Coated Ambassador on snare with Clear Diplomat (snare side). No muffling on anything, except as mentioned above.

If you really want to go all out, you could slap on some Earthtone heads for some real calfskin tone and feel.

Good luck.

bdp

Jim Easton · 11th June 2007

Thanks for your reply.

Will the Earthtone heads on snare be ok for brush work.

Sorry for the ignorance.

-jim

brendondp · 11th June 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2db

Thanks for your reply.

Will the Earthtone heads on snare be ok for brush work.

Sorry for the ignorance.

-jim

Yeah, but it kinda depends on the drummer's expectations. Some like them kinda gritty, others kinda smooth. The Earthtones are textured though, so they will work, but whether they'll work for your drummer in particular I couldn't possible say.

Of course, all those jazz greats from the 30's used calfskin, and it certainly worked for them. One of the common complaints from Mylar heads was the "lack of feel and texture" in comparison to calfskin.

Cheers to you,

bdp

ambo · 11th June 2007

Brushes will break down the surface of calfskin heads pretty quickly, but generally they are very durable. I have vintage calfskin heads on one of my kits that are probably 70 years old and they sound great. If you take good care of them and detune after playing so they won't over stretch, they'll last well.... a lifetime. Definately not for heavy hitters though.

10th June 2007	#1
Jim Easton Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2005 Location: Central Pa Posts: 150 Thread Starter	Drum head choice for recording jazz I purchased a USA maple ludwig set 1990's with 12 and 13 inch toms, 16" floor, 22x16 bass drum,14X5 snare drum. I want to use them for my studio set. What heads would be good for recording jazz? Also any recommendations for cymbals would be helpful but most guys I am told, carry their own. Thanks -jim __________________ Abbeyville Road http://mysite.verizon.net/jiminyrecords1/

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11th June 2007	#3
Jim Easton Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2005 Location: Central Pa Posts: 150 Thread Starter	Thanks for your reply. Will the Earthtone heads on snare be ok for brush work. Sorry for the ignorance. -jim

11th June 2007	#5
ambo Gear nut Joined: Feb 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 99	Brushes will break down the surface of calfskin heads pretty quickly, but generally they are very durable. I have vintage calfskin heads on one of my kits that are probably 70 years old and they sound great. If you take good care of them and detune after playing so they won't over stretch, they'll last well.... a lifetime. Definately not for heavy hitters though.