Pricing and availability

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Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$22.95 $21.95 $1.00 · All time low
Guitar Center
5.0 (59)
$21.95
Amazon
4.8 (1433)
Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (91)
$22.95
zZounds
2.0 (1)
$21.95
Thomann
4.8 (359)
$19.50 $19.40 $0.10 · All time low

Price History

Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the perfect blend of warmth and durability with the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead, a staple in the world of drumming for over 50 years. Crafted with two free-floating plies of 7-mil Mylar film, this drumhead delivers a rich, resonant sound that has made it a favorite among professional drummers worldwide. The medium-weight construction allows for a versatile performance across various musical styles, from rock to jazz, providing a broad tonal range that is both open and controlled.

The Emperor Coated drumhead's distinctive coated finish enhances its tonal warmth while subtly dampening overtones, ensuring a focused and articulate response. This coating not only contributes to the drumhead's signature sound but also adds an extra layer of protection against the rigors of frequent playing. Whether you're on stage or in the studio, these drumheads maintain their integrity and sound quality, making them an ideal choice for any drummer looking for a reliable and versatile addition to their kit.

Designed to withstand the demands of hard-hitting performances, the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead is known for its exceptional durability and longevity. With its ability to produce full, resonant tones and a bright attack, this drumhead is suited for drummers who require both power and precision.

Key Features:

  • Dual-ply construction with two 7-mil Mylar plies
  • Coated finish for warm, controlled tones
  • Exceptional durability and longevity
  • Suitable for a wide range of musical styles
  • Consistent, resonant sound with controlled sustain

Product specs

Batter/Resonant Batter
Size 12"
Clear/Coated Coated
Thickness 14mil (2 x 7mil)

FAQs

What sound characteristics can I expect from the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead?

The Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead delivers a warm, controlled sound with a moderate attack and reduced high-frequency overtones due to its coating. It provides balanced, warm tones with moderate sustain, making it ideal for medium to high-volume drumming.

Is the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead suitable for all music styles?

Yes, the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead is versatile and suitable for various music styles. Its warm and controlled sound makes it a great choice for rock, jazz, and pop, providing a balanced tone that fits well in many musical settings.

How does the thickness of the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead affect its performance?

The Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead is 14mil thick, consisting of two 7mil plies. This thickness offers durability and a balanced tone, providing a warm, controlled sound with moderate sustain, suitable for medium to high-volume playing.

Is the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead durable enough for heavy playing?

Yes, the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead's two-ply construction enhances its durability, making it suitable for heavy playing and more intense drumming styles while maintaining a warm, controlled sound.

Can the Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead be used as a resonant head?

The Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead is designed as a batter head, which is typically used on the top side of the drum for striking. While it can technically be used as a resonant head, it is optimized for batter applications.

Remo Inc.

Remo Inc.

Emperor Coated Drumhead | Remo

Video thumbnail for Emperor Coated Drumhead | Remo by Remo Inc.

Emperor Coated Drumhead | Remo

Remo Inc.

Remo Inc.

Video thumbnail for REMO Emperor Coated Tom Drum head | Sound Check by Michael Oloyede

REMO Emperor Coated Tom Drum head | Sound Check

Michael Oloyede

Michael Oloyede

Video thumbnail for Coated Emperor vs G2 Coated Remo vs Evans  comparison by Timmy G

Coated Emperor vs G2 Coated Remo vs Evans comparison

Timmy G

Timmy G

Video thumbnail for Drum Review : Remo Emperor Coated Snare Batter Drum Head by Michael Oloyede

Drum Review : Remo Emperor Coated Snare Batter Drum Head

Michael Oloyede

Michael Oloyede

Reviews

PROS

  • Consistently delivers high-quality sound across various genres

  • Coating stays durable and withstands high tensions

  • Offers a punchy, warm sound with great attack

  • Easy to tune, reducing the difficulty for different styles

  • Lasts longer compared to some competing heads

  • Provides a vintage and modern sound simultaneously

  • Favored by professional drummers like Bonham and Grohl

  • Excellent for studio use with warm, dark tones

  • Ideal for experimental tuning and sound customization

  • Made in the USA, ensuring quality craftsmanship

CONS

  • Coating durability may vary; some experience quicker wear

  • Quality control issues; occasional aesthetic defects present

  • Less suitable for live performances due to durability concerns

  • Coating can flake off, affecting brushwork and playing feel

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead.

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a coated Emperor on the snare reso side is discouraged due to its 14 mil thickness, which can hinder snare wire activation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Coated Emperor heads can sound boxy and lack tone on the reso side, particularly when too thick.

    Source
  • Emperors maintain stick attack and sustain with added low-end from the second ply, suitable for varied musical styles like indie rock and funk.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Single-ply reso heads are recommended over Emperor for better response and control.

    Source
  • The coating on Remo heads is considered less durable, often flaking off quicker compared to Evans, which maintains its coating longer.

    Source
  • Evans UV series is praised for its longevity and resistance to stick marks, contrasting with Remo's more brittle coating that can chip.

    Source
  • Emperors offer durability and a rounder sound compared to Ambassadors, which are more resonant but may sound "thwappy" when cranked.

    Source

User experience

  • Emperors are praised on snares and toms for their robust sound, though some prefer the brighter tone of thinner heads.

    Source
  • Remo Coated Emperor heads tend to sound better after a few hours of play, as the coating smooths out, enhancing attack and warmth.

    Source
  • Owners recommend Emperors for their ability to handle harder playing, with a suggestion to try a 10" Ambassador for a direct comparison.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • For achieving a 60s/70s sound, pairing coated Emperors with thinner reso heads can offer a more authentic tone.

    Source
  • Remo Coated Emperors are favored for achieving a Gavin Harrison tom sound, appreciated for its articulate attack and warmth.

    Source
  • The coated Emperor heads are preferred for punchy yet open sounds, ideal for 90s rock and Bonham-inspired tones on birch drum kits.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using a coated single-ply reso can enhance tone control compared to thicker, dual-ply options.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Remo Emperor Coated Review - Drumhead Authority

drumheadauthority.com

The Remo Emperor Coated drumhead shines in studio and medium-volume settings, delivering a warm, moderate attack with controlled overtones. Its dual-ply construction and coating offer a responsive surface for both sticks and brushes, making it a versatile choice for drummers. While it excels in balanced tones and sustain, it might struggle in extremely high-volume live gigs without microphones. Overall, it's a durable, adaptable option for drummers seeking a warm, balanced sound.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 21 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bradrummer

Great for any drum at any gig with any tuning.

If you don't know where to start or what head you want to end up with, just go with this one for any drum

tgifribae

Snare and Toms

I use these on my snares and toms sometimes.

rumpujamppa

Great head.

Great head. I have these on my Pearl Export Series kit.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via MusicRadar

DW Jazz Series drums: 8" and 10" 'Toy' concert toms; 13" tom-tom; 16" and 18" floor toms; 24" bass drum; 20" gong drum - with Remo White Coated Emperor heads on toms; Powerstroke 3 on bass drum; 5B-XL drumsticks with acorn wood tips and DW 9000 hardware

See how Travis Barker uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Travis Barker

Drummer

Blink-182

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:57 into this video, Travis Barker's drum tech says Barker uses "Coated Emperors on top" of everything.

See how Lars Ulrich uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Lars Ulrich

Drummer

Metallica

...
Verified via Metallica

Listed as White Coated Emperor Tomhead on the Metallica website.

See how John Bonham uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

John Bonham

Drummer

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Drumhead Authority

This page discusses how John Bonham's drumheads for recording were always Remo Emperor for batter tom heads and bass drum. This video shows John Bonham's drum technician discussing how felt strips were used on the bass drum to control its sound. Note that when playing live, Bonham used clear drumheads: Coated heads were used only for recording.

See how Dominic Howard uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Dominic Howard

Drummer, Music Producer

Muse

...
Verified via Musewiki

Used as Batter head during the OoS period.

See how Zac Farro uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Zac Farro

Singer, Drummer

Paramore

...
Verified via Wikipedia

Zac uses Remo Coated Emperor's on his toms

See how Abe Cunningham uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Abe Cunningham

Drummer

Deftones

...
Verified via Wikipedia

Abe uses this head on the top of his snare.

See how Jimmy Chamberlin uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Jimmy Chamberlin

Drummer

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "Jimmy Chamberlin - The Smashing Pumpkins - 2022 Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, at the timestamp 20:11, Jimmy Chamberlin's drum technician, Vic Salazar, explicitly states the use of Remo Emperor Coated Drumheads on Jimmy Chamberlin's drums.

See how Ray Luzier uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Ray Luzier

Drummer

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Ray Luzier - Korn - Tour Kit Rundown," produced by Modern Drummer Official, Ray Luzier is observed at the 1:07 mark displaying the red Remo Emperor Coated Drumheads used on his drum set.

See how Eric Singer uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Eric Singer

Singer, Drummer

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via YouTube

7:10 Here you can see Remo drumheads on Eric's signature drum set

See how Larry Mullen, Jr. uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Larry Mullen, Jr.

Drummer

U2

...
Verified via Photo

He uses this drum heads on all his toms. You can see all his gear on this site

See how Steven Adler uses Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead

Steven Adler

Drummer

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Steven Adler playing with Remo Coated Emperor drumheads

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Remo Emperor Coated Drumhead, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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