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Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

When the rhythmic tide of the 1960s began to shift from jazz to rock and roll, the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead was there to capture the essence of the era. This iconic drumhead is a faithful reissue of the original Emperor drum head, revered for its ability to deliver a punchy attack with a harmonious sustain. Crafted from two plies of 7.5-mil polyester film, this drumhead provides a robust yet responsive feel that has captivated drummers for over half a century.

The Remo Vintage Emperor stands out with its ability to withstand rigorous play while delivering consistent tone. Its design ensures a mid-range punch that resonates with clarity and precision, making it an ideal choice for genres ranging from classic rock to blues and jazz. Drummers seeking that perfect blend of durability and sound quality will appreciate how these drumheads can endure high-energy performances without losing their tonal integrity. Whether you're revisiting the past or paving a new path, the Vintage Emperor is your reliable partner in creating music that resonates.

Key Features:

  • Constructed with 2-ply 7.5-mil polyester film for added durability
  • Offers a balanced combination of punchy attack and mellow sustain
  • Ideal for a wide range of genres, including rock, blues, and jazz
  • Known for its ability to endure intensive drumming sessions without sacrificing sound quality

Product specs

Batter/Resonant Batter
Size 18"
Material Mylar
Clear/Coated Clear
Thickness 15mil (2 x 7.5mil)

FAQs

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

The Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead delivers a bright, open sound with enhanced projection and a strong attack. Its dual 7.5mil Mylar plies offer increased durability and a punchy tone, making it suitable for various drumming styles.

Is the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead is well-suited for rock music due to its strong attack and bright, resonant sound, which can cut through dense mixes effectively.

How does the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead compare to coated drumheads?

The Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead provides a more open and brighter sound compared to coated drumheads, which tend to produce warmer tones with less sustain. The clear finish emphasizes high frequencies and overtones.

What is the thickness of the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead?

The Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead features a thickness of 15mil, comprised of two 7.5mil plies, offering durability and a balanced tone suitable for various playing styles.

Is the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead durable for heavy playing?

Yes, with its dual 7.5mil Mylar plies, the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead is designed for durability, making it suitable for heavy playing and high-volume performances.

Remo Inc.

Remo Inc.

Daniel Adair: Emperor Vintage Clear Drumhead | Remo

Video thumbnail for Daniel Adair: Emperor Vintage Clear Drumhead | Remo by Remo Inc.

Daniel Adair: Emperor Vintage Clear Drumhead | Remo

Remo Inc.

Remo Inc.

Video thumbnail for Product Review with Biernt - Remo Clear Vintage Emperor Drumheads by AdventureDrums

Product Review with Biernt - Remo Clear Vintage Emperor Drumheads

AdventureDrums

AdventureDrums

Video thumbnail for SONOR Birch Infinite + Remo Vintage Emperor Clear - No Close-Miking by Martin Drumm

SONOR Birch Infinite + Remo Vintage Emperor Clear - No Close-Miking

Martin Drumm

Martin Drumm

Video thumbnail for REMO - Emperor Vintage Clear Test by Rafael Belculfiné

REMO - Emperor Vintage Clear Test

Rafael Belculfiné

Rafael Belculfiné

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Using a coated Emperor as a snare side head can result in poor sound due to its thickness; recommended to use a dedicated snare side head for better snare wire activation.

    Source
  • Inserting 6-12 jumbo-sized cotton balls through the vent hole of drums can manage sustain without altering tone, offering a noise gate-like effect.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Coated Ambassadors are commonly paired with Vintage Emperors on the resonant side for a balanced sound, unlike using Emperors on both sides which may affect tone.

    Source
  • Dunnett Res-o-tone heads are noted for providing an open tone with strong attack, offering a middle ground between clear and coated heads.

    Source

User experience

  • Users note thicker Emperor reso heads can make drums sound 'boxy' or 'pingy,' particularly when played outside the kit environment.

    Source
  • Clear heads, including Emperor Clears, show stick marks more visibly than coated heads, which develop a patina-like finish over time.

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Use cases and applications

  • Clear Emperor heads are praised for their bright sound and attack, ideal for rock and high-volume settings, but less suitable for jazz-exclusive playing.

    Source
  • Clear Emperor heads excel on oak kits for genres requiring cutting power, such as rock, but may not suit lighter jazz styles.

    Source
  • Clear Emperors on resonant tom sides result in a punchy, thuddy, 80's sound, especially effective on 18" floor toms for a vintage rock vibe.

    Source
  • Combining clear Emperor batters with Smooth White Ambassadors on toms creates an 808-like sound, suitable for vintage and modern shells alike.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Using clear Emperor resos can make batter heads feel less flexible, increasing projection and cutting power with minimal striking force.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Freese uses Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead

Josh Freese

Drummer

Foo Fighters

...
Verified

Josh Freese is confirmed to use Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumheads for his toms, as stated on his Remo drumheads profile.

See how Daniel Adair uses Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead

Daniel Adair

Drummer

Nickelback

...
Verified via YouTube

"I've always been an Emperor guy, but with a super resonant drum like DW, you almost want to tone it down just a bit because of the excessive hum, and the excessive noise in the room. It (The Vintage Emperors) didn't mute the drum or made it sound ugly, it controlled a bit more and it added this low end to it."

See how John Blackwell uses Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead

John Blackwell

Drummer

The New Power Generation

...
Verified via Photo

John Blackwell uses the Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead, as confirmed in the July 2012 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine.

See how David Palmer uses Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead

David Palmer

Drummer

Steely Dan

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video titled "David Palmer - Rod Stewart - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, David Palmer states at 0:59 that he uses Remo Vintage Emperor Clear drumheads on the tops of his toms.

See how Adam Reed uses Remo Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead

Adam Reed

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 7:15 in the video from Modern Drummer Official, Adam Reed confirms his use of Remo Vintage Emperor Clear drumheads on his toms and UFO drum.

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 Vintage Emperor Clear Drumhead, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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