Antman
Cafe VIP
Silver Member
 Offline
Posts: 282
Purple!
|
 |
« on: June 19, 2008, 07:38 AM » |
|
Honestly, everytime I go looking for a new head for my 13" snare I have a hell of a time trying to find something suitable, but never exactly what I want. And my 13" is my primary (only) snare. 13" Snares these days APPEAR to be on the rise (No idea of actual sales figures) so you'd figure that companies would be making more snare skins in those sizes. I tried to pick up a Remo Fibreskyne for my snare tonight, at a very large and well stocked drum shop. Nada! Ended up going home with a coated ambassador, which will hopefully sound better for my brushwork than my coated EC2  Anyway, does anyone else have this problem? On a side note, I bought tickets tonight for a show with Billy Ward, Mike Mangini and Hoaratio something-arather  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
wHeeeee!
|
|
|
New York Frank
supporter
Platinum Member
Offline
Posts: 1697
|
|
« Reply #1 on: June 19, 2008, 07:55 AM » |
|
I think you have to get your heads online. Even the best stores are bound
to disappoint you, but a good online place with a ginormormous warehouse
should keep you in business.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Bart Elliott
Chef de Cuisine
Platinum Member
 Online
Posts: 12772
Be Thankful
|
 |
« Reply #2 on: June 19, 2008, 08:01 AM » |
|
-Perhaps the lack of 13" heads is connected with the fact that many pro-level kits only use even sized Tom Toms. Even when I had my drum shop (1989-92), I didn't sell as many 13-inch drumheads as I did even sized ones. No one wants to stock what's just going to sit there. Granted, stocking the 13-inch head isn't like stocking a 15-inch drumhead, but it's definitely going to be the runner-up as far as being scarce ... especially in the way of variety.
Once you find a drumhead you like for your Snare drum, my suggestion is to stock up on them. I have about a years supply of drumheads here at my house. I can afford to do that because I have an endorsement with Aquarian. Perhaps you could at least stock a few drumheads, especially those that are hard to find.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
My doctor says it's bad for my blood pressure if my mind is blown for more than five minutes at a time.
|
|
|
cavanman
Cafe VIP
Gold Member
Online
Posts: 984
"And I do the Cha-Cha like a little sissy Girl"
|
|
« Reply #3 on: June 19, 2008, 08:21 AM » |
|
I agree with both Bart and NY Frank.
I have (3) 13" snares and they are the most common snares I use, especially for live playing. I normally will order heads online along with other items like sticks or some other accessories (of course using the Musicians Friend link here at the DC!). I know what heads I want and trust Aquarian's (the heads I normally use) quality control and customer service so I don't need to walk into a brick and mortar store to get items. Although I will say it's fun to do that just to browse.
That being said, I do live in Los Angeles and have 1/2 a dozen music stores to choose from with a GC and Sam Ash being with 15 minutes driving distance. I can usually find a 13" head in one of the stores if I want to spend the gas money to get it. West LA Music usually has a good selection of 13" heads of the different Big 3 drum head mfrs.
The thing is with gas prices being stupid, it's a wise idea to save up and/or budget the dough for a bulk purchase from MF where you don't pay for shipping, taxes - or may I say it again - GAS!! (..have I mentioned I hate spending gobs of money on gas???). Then you have the head you want ready to go.
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"I like-uh....dooo....da cha-cha..."
|
|
|
Antman
Cafe VIP
Silver Member
Offline
Posts: 282
Purple!
|
|
« Reply #4 on: June 19, 2008, 08:31 AM » |
|
Hmm, thanks for the good ideas guys.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
wHeeeee!
|
|
|
Dave Heim
Cafe VIP
Platinum Member
Offline
Posts: 4743
I'm Dave Heim, and I approve this message.
|
|
« Reply #5 on: June 19, 2008, 08:45 AM » |
|
Honestly, everytime I go looking for a new head for my 13" snare I have a hell of a time trying to find something suitable, but never exactly what I want. And my 13" is my primary (only) snare. 13" Snares these days APPEAR to be on the rise (No idea of actual sales figures) so you'd figure that companies would be making more snare skins in those sizes. I tried to pick up a Remo Fibreskyne for my snare tonight, at a very large and well stocked drum shop. Nada! Ended up going home with a coated ambassador, which will hopefully sound better for my brushwork than my coated EC2 Anyway, does anyone else have this problem?On a side note, I bought tickets tonight for a show with Billy Ward, Mike Mangini and Hoaratio something-arather Hmmm... I guess I'm among the lucky ones. My drum shop of choice, The Drum Pad, is a firm believer in keeping lots of inventory on hand. So, I've never had trouble finding 13" heads. Sounds like on-line may be the way to go. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
boomka
supporter
Gold Member
Online
Posts: 758
|
|
« Reply #6 on: June 19, 2008, 10:36 AM » |
|
-Perhaps the lack of 13" heads is connected with the fact that many pro-level kits only use even sized Tom Toms. Even when I had my drum shop (1989-92), I didn't sell as many 13-inch drumheads as I did even sized ones. No one wants to stock what's just going to sit there. Granted, stocking the 13-inch head isn't like stocking a 15-inch drumhead, but it's definitely going to be the runner-up as far as being scarce ... especially in the way of variety.
 This made me laugh a little. A drum shop I worked at had a collection of 15-inch heads kicking around the back room for years and years and a few years more. I swear, Remo has changed their logo at least twice since they were first procured. Every time we'd be reorganising the stock room and/or looking for space to store something that might actually move, we'd be cursing the person who had the bright idea to order so many 15" heads. Every now and again, when someone was purchasing something else completely unrelated, I would quickly quip, "I'll throw a 15" head in for real cheap, too!" Never a single taker. They're probably still there. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
In lumine lucem
|
|
|
Dave Heim
Cafe VIP
Platinum Member
Offline
Posts: 4743
I'm Dave Heim, and I approve this message.
|
|
« Reply #7 on: June 19, 2008, 10:52 AM » |
|
This made me laugh a little. A drum shop I worked at had a collection of 15-inch heads kicking around the back room for years and years and a few years more. I swear, Remo has changed their logo at least twice since they were first procured. Every time we'd be reorganising the stock room and/or looking for space to store something that might actually move, we'd be cursing the person who had the bright idea to order so many 15" heads. Every now and again, when someone was purchasing something else completely unrelated, I would quickly quip, "I'll throw a 15" head in for real cheap, too!" Never a single taker. They're probably still there. Maybe there's a way to take them apart and reassemble them like a quilt so they'll work on that new 23" DW bass drum!  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Chris Whitten
Honorary Cafe VIP
Platinum Member
Online
Posts: 5899
|
|
« Reply #8 on: June 19, 2008, 04:18 PM » |
|
I'm with the stocking up camp, although I haven't exactly practiced what I preach.
I think in the current economic climate most drum outlets are cutting back stock to the lowest common denominator, the sure fire sellers.
I was recently in a well known store in the U.S. and bought the last two 14" snare batters they had in my usual first choice brand and product - Evans PC Reverse Dot.
As usual they didn't have any of my stick choice - Vic Firth 'Steve Smith'.
Mr Smith's sticks are virtually unavailable everywhere I've travelled around the western world.
Alas, the online stores are a little less user friendly for non-American customers (which I believe Antman to be). Once you factor in restricted payment methods, shipping etc, it would be easier to buy a head of choice from a local drum shop, but it looks like the two best options are US based online dealers, or ordering locally in bulk before you need the product.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
boomerweps
supporter
Silver Member
Offline
Posts: 322
I love the Drummer Cafe!
|
|
« Reply #9 on: June 20, 2008, 01:25 PM » |
|
Hey,
I LIKE my 15"s. I'm on my second set with a 15" floor tom. Yup, I mail order them in ;>) Also have a 15" Ludwig metal marching tom, too!
The OP's problem was more likely with being a Fiberskyn more than being a 13". Remo batch manufactures their heads and Fiberskyns are made on a cycle of maybe 2-3 times a year. I had to wait over 3 months to get a 10" FS in PS3 diplomat weight for a reso a I desired ;>( And as Bart said, stores don't stock what doesn't move and Fiberskyns are a niche item.
Boomerweps
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Louis
Cafe VIP
Platinum Member
Online
Posts: 5878
Will Drum for BBQ
|
|
« Reply #10 on: June 20, 2008, 08:26 PM » |
|
If you are a regular customer at a shop and develop a working relationship they should stock what you require. You may get a discount if you buy several of the same head at one time. It never hurts to ask.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
No one will believe it's the "Blues" if you wear a suit, 'less you happen to be an old person, and you slept in it last night!
|
|
|
Paicey
Platinum Member
Offline
Posts: 1552
I love the Drummer Cafe!
|
|
« Reply #11 on: June 21, 2008, 10:51 AM » |
|
Somebodys usually got some kind of frosted 13 locally for me, Evans, Aquarian which i prefer or the Remo. My favorite local shop FLOOD music has recently closed its doors after being in business for decades. Im a medium stock up guy now with either Interstate or Explorers percussion.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
metalshredder
Silver Member
Offline
Posts: 263
|
|
« Reply #12 on: June 24, 2008, 01:54 PM » |
|
Hey,
I LIKE my 15"s. I'm on my second set with a 15" floor tom. Yup, I mail order them in ;>) Also have a 15" Ludwig metal marching tom, too!
Boomerweps
I'm glad you added that, boomer. I was really scratching my head when Bart said 15" head......who uses that? I thought to myself...lol. I can't say that i've seen one in person though. 15" drum, that is. Usually floor toms I see are 14, 16, 18...typically even. But yeah, I've run into the same thing. If I'm looking for something special, or generally anything i'm looking to 'try', GC doesn't stock it. Like the Evans EQ2 kick head. Don't stock that one...but they have the EQ3, and the EMAD. Well, i'm sorry but the tone chart shows me that I want the EQ2... Don't worry, I feel your pain. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Gretsch Catalina Birch 7 piece
Paiste Alpha and Signature Cymbals
Tama Iron Cobra double pedal
Evans EC2 and EMAD (currently)
|
|
|
563
supporter
Platinum Member
Offline
Posts: 6612
drum + hand
|
|
« Reply #13 on: June 24, 2008, 02:33 PM » |
|
I've given up buying heads in a brick and mortar. For too many years now it's been a struggle to find anything I want, regardless of size. I've only broken one head before and that was a fluke. So I've gotten away with never needing one RIGHT AWAY. So if I feel my heads are wearing down, I can get away with mail order. If I were prone to breakage, I'd buy them 2 or 3 at a time for sure. So you always have at least one on, one in backup.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Making bad art. Saying stupid things. Implimenting my master plan to be forgotten when I'm gone and forgettable while I'm here. The Luna MothmeTableland |
|
|
|
