New head opinion

Blake N · #11 (**permalink**) 02-28-2007, 02:29 PM

I have used Remo, Evans and Aquarians. In my opinion Aquarian has the best low end tone of all the heads. The "lowest-deepest" Aquarian sound I have used/heard is Aquarian Performance II's. Currently I use Aquarian Response II's.

mouse · #12 (**permalink**) 03-01-2007, 04:08 AM

My 2c, what you are using sounds o.k for warm and deep. The Evans G2 coated i have used are warm, i have also used similar sounding Aquarian double thins coated which were great heads. Tune them looser for fatter sound or depth.I think pinstripes are too muffled for live work unless miked (or you hit hard), and hydraulics only for miking/recording (or toned down practice kit).
I currently use on the toms Remo Emperors with G2 clear reso's which make the drums nice and alive, and speak well for live gigging.
Snare i use either Powerstroke 3's or Aquarian coated both with powerdot on inside and they are reasonably warm and deep, mind i have a wood shell which gives that warmth.
Kick i concentrate on punch, which i get from Superkick 2 and ported front head, so warmth not an issue. Perhaps muffling slightly, a small towel rolled up and touching both or one head will give you some depth and warmth by taking away the ring. I find not necessary from a distance as the ring blends in, depends on head choice tuning as well..

I find the Aquarian heads that i have used excellent, just put them on, tune and go.

How do you find those Response 2's Blake, they look like ones i could use (too many choices)

?

http://www.ruppsdrums.com/Drum_Heads..._drum_he.shtml

Blake N · #13 (**permalink**) 03-03-2007, 09:06 PM

I love the Response II's mouse. Alot of people say they are supposed to be the equivalent to Evans G2's. I have used G2's and must admit they are good heads but I actually prefer the Aquarian's. I can't really explain in words but I find Aquarian gives me a certain tone like no other.

mouse · #14 (**permalink**) 03-08-2007, 05:18 AM

Thanks, BlakeN. Haven't had a dud Aquarian yet.
Mandy, what did you end up with getting, and how do they go?

givemethebeat · #15 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 12:10 PM

To be really honest heads are attached to a drum.... so to get a really nice sound you need a really nice drum. This involves spending money on the shell.

Aquarians are good. I nearly married one....

mouse · #16 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 04:08 AM

Yes and no, i've heard el cheapo drums with wood shells sound great with good tuning and quality heads. I can't say the same for shells not made of wood, i had a swingstar kit ( near more coating than thin ply) that was dreadful no matter what head i threw at it. Bearing edges can make a dramatic difference, i recut my old John Gray kit's bearing edges and it transformed it from something that went thud to something musical.
Certainly the better quality shells ( birch, beech, maple etc) the more dramatic difference to sound quality.

givemethebeat · #17 (**permalink**) 03-13-2007, 08:31 AM

your right , the bearing edges make a difference, maybe you could post some info on how you trimmed up cheap kit edges... Its a great alternative

Blake N · #18 (**permalink**) 03-14-2007, 08:03 PM

You can make a cheap set of drums sound very good with a combination of 2 things 1)good heads AND 2)correct tuning. You can have a $5,000 set of DW's but if you can't tune the heads they will sound like junk.