[hurf_durf]

Hey guys,

I just got an old set of Tama Superstars in great condition.

They have a terrible set of remo reso's on them though.

I was wondering what the optimal skins would be for this kit, I like a deader tom sound. Think Opeth.

What do you guys think would sound best?

[Harry]

Hi Hurf Durf,

I have just been through a very similar process for my vintage Premier kit.
I do not like, like you, very "gongy" drums; especially toms.
My trusted drumshop-mate advised me to switch to Aquarian heads.
He advised me to go for The Focus X, which is a texture coated single skin with a vented (very thin and light) clear muffling ring at the bearing edges.(underneath)
This ring takes just only the overtones out of the sound scala.

I first repaced my snare with this Aquarian head and the result is amazing, my snare was a bit "ringy" and that disappeared.
However; if I want a higher note-accent I just wack it close to the edge and I still get a bit of "ring".

I will install the same head on my 12" tom, and my 16" tom.
I have heard the Aquarian Focus X on toms and they sound just great!
It does not deaden the toms, but definitely takes the "boing" out.

The ideal thing is, for me, that it does not kill the drums and you can still have open sounding lively accents!
I was always an Evans man but now I totally dig the Aqarians!

I am now also going to replace my bass heads, using Aquarian Superkick II.

I hope this helps you although I realise that head-choice is very very much a matter of personal preference.

Cheers and happy drumming,

Harry

	Aquarian Drumheads Shop for Aquarian Drumheads at Musician's Friend

	Evans Drumheads Shop for Evans Drumheads at Musician's Friend

[hurf_durf]

hmmm, i probably can't go with the focus x's as they don't seem to come in larger sizes...or at least the larger sizes ar enot orderable from musician's friend.

taking the ring out is a big deal for me with this kit, it is birch with basswood...so that birch can really produce some high tones that can resonate poorly on the wrong heads. at the same time i am not sure if i want to go g2, because i am afriad that might kill some of the natural sound of the drums.

[Harry]

It would be a real bummer if you could'nt get the bigger sizes! Aquarian makes them up to 18".
After reading your reply I am convinced that the Focus X will do wonders for you. You see, my Premier kit is a birch kit and it works so well with this wood.
I find the G2's OK but they kill quite a bit of "the life" in the sound.
That is why I am keen on single ply solutions (apart from the bass drum),
I have used G1's and Coated Ambassadors in the past and found them quite allright when they were new but very quickly became dull , like loosing their guts.

Maybe some other drummers want to chime in on this, I have my own (strong) opinions, so be carefull

Cheers and happy drumming,

Harry

	Aquarian Drumheads Shop for Aquarian Drumheads at Musician's Friend