The best source of calf heads, though, is Stern Tanning, which is the gold standard in calf heads. Rob also authored Absolute Authenticity: When Only Cowhide Counts for Drum! Magazine that I recommend reading if you have any interest in natural heads.
A less expensive choice for natural heads (albeit goat skin) is Earthtone. Yes, they are goatskin heads instead of calf, but they are a compromise between cost and tone. I have little experience with Earthtone heads, so proceed at your own risk. There are many happy customers, but the diehard calfskin folks claim that there is a world of difference between the two.
In the close, but no cigar category, there is always Remo's Fiberskyn. I prefer the Fiberskyn 3 Diplomat Thin Weight Drum Heads, but there are others who prefer the Remo FiberSkyn 3 Medium Batter Head weight. I pair mine with Remo Renaissance Ambassador Tom Batter heads for resonant side heads (yes, I know the product description calls them batter heads, but they do go very well with the Fiberskyns. Another head that I like is the Remo Skyntone Drumhead, 14 inch, which comes in only 13" and 14" (although I have heard a rumor that Remo will shortly be releasing this model in all popular sizes.) Do be aware that these heads are thin and may not lead long lives if you are a heavy hitter. For brushes, shuffles and press rolls, however, they are excellent.
1 comment:
Earthtone is calf now.
Post a Comment