Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$27.50
Guitar Center
5.0 (19)
$22.50
Amazon
4.5 (56)
Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (51)
$23.95
zZounds
4.5 (4)
$23.95
Thomann
4.8 (44)
$38.00

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead, a must-have for the discerning drummer seeking a unique, non-reflective aesthetic and a distinctive sound profile. Crafted with two plies of textured ebony 7.5-mil film, this drumhead offers a soft feel that makes playing an absolute pleasure.

With its focused warmth and enhanced mid-range tones, it can bring a new level of depth to your snare drums and toms. This drumhead is not just about the looks, its two-ply durability ensures it can withstand hard-hitting styles, making it ideal for genres such as pop, rock, R & B, punk, and funk.

Moreover, the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead is not just for batter heads. Its unique aesthetic also makes it a perfect choice for resonant heads, adding a touch of sophistication to your kit.

Key Features:

  • Size: 14"
  • Emperor Black Suede series
  • Black, slightly roughened surface
  • Each layer is 7.5 mil (0.19 mm) thick
  • Double ply
  • Combines the warm sound of a coated head and the open tone of a transparent head
  • Ideal for both batter and resonant heads
  • Suitable for various music styles including pop, rock, R & B, punk, and funk.

Product specs

Batter/Resonant Batter
Size 14"
Clear/Coated Matte Black
Thickness 14.5mil (1 x 7.5mil, 1 x 7mil)

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead?

The Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead offers a warm, articulate sound with moderate sustain. Its dual-ply construction provides enhanced durability and a focused tone, making it suitable for various music styles.

Is the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead is well-suited for rock music. Its two-ply design delivers a powerful, punchy sound that can cut through the mix, making it ideal for high-energy performances.

How does the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead compare to the Remo Ambassador?

The Remo Emperor Black Suede is a two-ply drumhead, providing a thicker, more durable surface compared to the single-ply Remo Ambassador. This results in a warmer, more controlled sound with less overtone.

What is the primary application of the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead?

The Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead is primarily used as a batter head for snare drums or toms, offering a balanced combination of durability and warm tonal characteristics.

Does the Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead require any special maintenance?

The Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead requires standard maintenance like any other drumhead. Regular cleaning with a dry cloth can help maintain its matte black finish and ensure consistent performance.

Remo Inc.

Remo Inc.

Emperor Black Suede Drumhead | Remo

Video thumbnail for Emperor Black Suede Drumhead | Remo by Remo Inc.

Emperor Black Suede Drumhead | Remo

Remo Inc.

Remo Inc.

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique black suede finish enhances drum kit aesthetics

  • Excellent attack and punch with a defined top-end

  • Produces a warm, studio-like sound with reduced overtones

  • Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance

  • Easy to tune with consistent sound quality

  • Ideal for rock, blues, and metal genres

  • Enhances low-end while controlling sustain and overtones

  • Provides a snappy, aggressive snare sound

  • Suitable for both vintage and modern drum kits

  • Versatile sound for various music styles

CONS

  • Visible stick marks on the matte black surface

  • Can produce excessive resonance if not dampened

  • May not achieve desired low tones for all users

  • Sound may vary slightly between production batches

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • Players who prefer a low tuning in jazz, hip hop, and funk find Black Suede heads excellent for toms, providing a deep, controlled sound.

    Source
  • Black Suede Emperor heads are noted for a dark, controlled tone on snares, suitable for low tuning enthusiasts.

    Source
  • Pairing Black Suede Emperors with Ebony Ambassadors as resonant heads enhances resonance and delivers a unique "doppler dip" sound on Mapex Saturn maple/walnut shells.

    Source
  • Drummers seeking a "fat wallop" sound have successfully used Black Suede Emperors across both toms and snares, notably on a Ludwig Bronze 14x6.5 snare.

    Source
  • Pairing a two-ply batter with a single-ply resonant head allows the shell to maintain singing qualities, enhancing both punch and tonal range.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Black Suede Emperor heads are seen as less glossy alternatives to Ebony heads, with players preferring the matte finish for a more understated look.

    Source
  • Some users find the Coated Vintage Emperor heads offer a more vibrant sound than the muted tone of the Black Suede, making them consider switching between the two.

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  • Unlike Ebony Hydraulics, which can deaden sound, Black Suede Emperors retain resonance, highlighting the importance of head selection based on desired tonal outcomes.

    Source
  • The two-ply Emperor Black Suede heads are noted for their punchy, warm attack, while single-ply Ambassador Black Suede heads provide high and mid-range resonance, ideal for classic rock.

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User experience

  • Owners of Ludwig Classic Maple kits report that Black Suede heads can dampen the lively qualities of the shells, leading to a more muted resonance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Black Suede heads emphasize stick attack due to the suede texture, offering a pronounced initial strike compared to the softer attack of clear heads.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Black Suede Emperor heads are priced competitively, around $11 for 10" toms and $25 for 18" floor toms, similar to other coated heads.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Remo Black Suede Heads Reviewed! - DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

Remo's Black Suede drumheads deliver a rich, warm tone that channels nostalgic '70s vibes while fitting seamlessly into modern genres. The Emperor heads shine with impressive articulation, making them ideal for heavy music, though they may require some tuning finesse. Conversely, the Ambassador heads offer a muted bite that some may find challenging to dial in. While their subdued aesthetics are striking, the heads can sound a bit lifeless when tapped off the drum, hinting at their focused design. Overall, these heads excel in providing control and warmth, making them a worthy addition for drummers seeking a versatile sound.

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3.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chad Sexton uses Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead

Chad Sexton

Drummer

311

...
Verified via YouTube

Chad uses Black Suede drum heads on his toms

See how feezo uses Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead

feezo

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Feezo's Studio Tour 2025," at the 10:18 mark, Feezo is seen showcasing another drum in his kit, which features a Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead.

See how Michael McDermott uses Remo Emperor Black Suede Drumhead

Michael McDermott

Drummer

The Bouncing Souls

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Michael McDermott - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, at the timestamp 3:54, Michael McDermott discusses the use of Remo Emperor Black Suede drumheads on his drums, despite being an Evans endorser.

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 Black Suede Drumhead, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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