Mike(other 'Verb guitarist) and I just bought a set of early 60s Gold Sparkle Ludwigs. The same kit played in That Thing You Do!.

Back during the first wave, there wasn't much of a selection as far as heads go. Evans made the first plastic heads in the mid-50s I believe, and most drummers were still using calfskins into the early 60s. I would say go with coated single-ply Remo Ambassadors, or the Evans/Attack/Aquarian equivalent. They'll give a more open, ringy tone when they're tensioned fairly tight...which is the sound most of the early surf guys had (little or no muffling).

Shawn Martin
http://www.drummerman.net
http://www.youtube.com/GKacedrummerman
http://www.facebook.com/drumuitar

Alright Bill. You got me out of lurker mode at long last. (It's only been a year and a half for me.)

Now, on the head subject. I've never heard of a specific head being better for surf than another. If the heads you have on there right now sound good to you and are in decent shape, keep them. If you want to replace them singlyply, coated heads-Remo ambassadors, Evans G1's etc might be worth checking out for the snare and toms. Remo has a line of "vintage" heads out there that you might seek out. The aquarian super kick head seems to always be a good choice for the kick. I am using an Evans EQ3 on my kick drum (Ayotte 22x16 maple) which I've been enjoying.

Keep in mind also that anyheads you have on the drums won't sound worth a lick if the drum's not tuned properly.

Anyway, congrads on the new kit. It sounds like a beauty.

-Taylor

drummer-Lava Rats

Thanks all--that really helps point me in the right direction.

The rims and other plated parts are polishing up beautifully. While I had everything off, I just thought it would be nice to put everything back together with new/proper heads. I'll look into those brands mentioned.

edit to add:

Jake, I love "That Thing You Do". Gold sparkle---so cool! Love all the sparkle finishes. Champagne is killer too. And the pearl finishes and . . .

Too much fun!

I'm not an authority on vintage surf drumming sound, but I have observed something regarding surf music and drum heads.

I don't consider myself a hard hitter, but single ply heads are usually trashed after a couple hours of practice or about 45 minutes on stage with The Maderia.

The snare especially needs to be heavier than a single ply. The snare head that holds up best for me is the Aquarian Hi-Energy. I used this head on the Sandstorm album and use it live. I use Evans G2 or Remo Pinstripe on the toms depending on the kit. I think the G2s stay in tune longer, though.

The comment about tuning is the overriding thing, though. IMO, about any drum/head combination can sound great if tuned properly. Drum head selection for me is based more on durability.

Dane

Oops...
I forgot to mention that your choice of drumsticks and technique of hitting the heads can be just as important when determining what type of head to use, for the sound you want....just my 2 cents worth. Have fun!

• Surfbeatnik

surfbeatnik
Woo Hoo! Drum talk!
My '64 Slingerlands currently have Remo fiberskyn ambassador heads on top (batter side) and Remo coated diplomats on the bottom (resonant side). This set-up (for me) is for smaller, more intimate venues and vintage-sounding recording. These fiberskns are closer in tone to real calf skin heads. I have played on real calf skins at Pete Curry's (Halibuts, Los Straitjackets, occasional Torquay)

Anyone else have thoughts on Remo Fiberskyn heads? I need to get some new drum heads to replace the crappy stock ones that came with my Pearl set and these mock-calfskin ones have appeal.

Sean

Oh man, this was the first thing I posted here. You never know when these things are going to come back to haunt you. The funny thing is, I just ordered new heads (for the snare only) a couple of days ago! I went with Aquarian Modern Vintage medium and classic clear snare side. Tuning a drum for the first time should be an adventure.

Yeah, the kickoff to Walk, Don't Run is a good reference!

Wanted to add--that my choice of head had a lot to do with my getting into brushes, and getting a good sound for that as well.

Right now, I'm only approaching playing them like regular drumsticks--except that they have practically no rebound. But that's the whole point for me. I like the physical act of having to make and lift each strike. It's strengthening my hands and I notice when I do pick up the sticks, my strokes sound a lot more even.

When I got the brushes, I also switched to traditional grip and it feels so much better. That is a real surprise to me.

Eventually I will look into the real brush playing like Clayton Cameron or Ed Thigpen who have some great books out on the subject.

CaptainSensible
Anyone else have thoughts on Remo Fiberskyn heads? I need to get some new drum heads to replace the crappy stock ones that came with my Pearl set and these mock-calfskin ones have appeal.

I've used Fiberskyns on my old Slingerland set lots of times... you'll get a warmer, almost richer sound... not quite calfskin warmth, but not bad, AND they're way easier to tune, and keep in tune. I liked 'em best when I was playing mostly rockabilly. LOVE that Bill Haley & The Comets snare crack!

If you're using brushes, I think you pretty much need coated heads. Smooth heads (and Fiberskyns) are too slickery to give you any kind of a whoosh sound as you wipe the brushes across the head. BUT if you're using stick technique with brushes, I don't think head choice makes much of a difference.

Steve
The Apollo Four 2012-present
https://www.facebook.com/ApolloFour/
The Verbtones 2002-2012