Focus-X on a Supra-Phonic

[Patriot1776]

As you know, I got lucky and recieved a free 14x5 Supra-Phonic on Memorial Day weekend, and I've since then put an Aquarian Focus-X batter and Remo Diplomat snare on it and love the sound with both heads cranked good.

But I'm wondering what other heads would work fine on this snare, so I'm opening a poll. Now I know this is going to have personal bias, but I don't care. I'm wanting those who've used the Focus-X and other heads on a snare to give me their opinion.

EDIT - Crap, forgot to put on an "Other" option in the poll.

[nzrocker]

Ambassador.

[thismercifulfate]

I had used a coated ambasador for a long time and in Easter I switched to coated CS, but just a few days ago I switched back to the coated ambassador and decided to stay with the amb. Why? I love the sensetivity, open-sound and sympathetic overtones the ambassador has to offer. It sounds great cranked and it has an enormous tuning range! It lets my maple snare drum sing. I have come to the conclusion than anything more than a coated 1-ply head is too much muffling (for me that is), and a coated emperor or a coated CS will filter out some of the more beautiful tones the snare has potential to release. I have not had any experience with any Evans or Aquarian snare heads so I can't tell you anything about those, but I am totally satisfied with coated ambassador and I recommend you this head.

[Stuyou]

I agree...definately an Ambassador on that or any other quality snare.

[Patriot1776]

Well, I've still got the old coated Ambassador that I had been for awhile using as the bottom head on my old Forum snare. I may just try putting it on the batter side of the Supra-Phonic for brief moment and see how it sounds. Problem is it's so worn the coating's worn clean through in the center and you can see through the middle of the head. Still, I'll try that, and maybe get a new Ambassador head then.

[thismercifulfate]

Well, I've still got the old coated Ambassador that I had been for awhile using as the bottom head on my old Forum snare. I may just try putting it on the batter side of the Supra-Phonic for brief moment and see how it sounds. Problem is it's so worn the coating's worn clean through in the center and you can see through the middle of the head. Still, I'll try that, and maybe get a new Ambassador head then.

The ambassador I mentioned in my post which I replaced my CS with, is exactly in that form. Coating gone around the center, but it still sounds so darn nice. So don't hesistate, give it a try and tell us how you like it!

[Patriot1776]

Here's that actual head I was talking about:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/Patriot76/100_0281.jpg

I'm kicking myself now. I can't believe I actually ALMOST threw this thing away, after taking it off the bottom of the Forum snare so I could put the Supra-Phonic's stock bottom on it.

[nzrocker]

Here's that actual head I was talking about:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v253/Patriot76/100_0281.jpg

I'm kicking myself now. I can't believe I actually ALMOST threw this thing away, after taking it off the bottom of the Forum snare so I could put the Supra-Phonic's stock bottom on it.

About time to plop down a whopping $12 for a new Ambassador...

[Patriot1776]

Yeah, I'll try this worn one on it, and if I like it, I'll grab a new one to put on it.

[Midnight Camel]

either the ambassador or an evans g1
both are pretty much the same
that should give you a nice classic sound

[Hit 'Em Hard]

If you like the Focus-X try Aquarians Texture Coated Reverse Dot... favorite batter head I've ever used. (Have played it exclusively since '94.)

Lots of cut...sounds great medium to tight tensioning.

[philthy]

yeah id go with the ambassador, gives you a lot of versatility on a great sounding drum

[fezzasus]

I own a supraphonic and have used most drum heads on the market and always go back to the Remo CS, it is similar to the ambassador (same thickness head) but the dot in the middle makes rim shots and back beats played in the middle of the head sound more full and powerful.

[Patriot1776]

Well, I just tried the worn Ambassador on it just a few minutes ago, and I couldn't really tell a difference between it and the Focus-X at first. I'll leave it on there a while and see how much I like it.

[lud2002]

I use a coated Ambassador. That worn head needs to go. It's not giving you an accurate sound. Just get a new one and try it.

[Patriot1776]

Well, I got a new coated Ambassador several days ago and put it on there. I'm thinking about putting the Focus-X back on. The snares now ring more when using the toms and bass, especially when playing on the top tom. They weren't ringing at all with the Focus-X.

[Blizzle]

if you like the sound of the focus-x why change? Id say if your curious try 1-2 other heads, but i would definitly stick to the focus

[Patriot1776]

I think I will then. Mostly did it to see what a new Ambassador would sound like, and the wetter sound I got I'm not as satsified with. I'm more into drier sounds.

[thismercifulfate]

I think I will then. Mostly did it to see what a new Ambassador would sound like, and the wetter sound I got I'm not as satsified with. I'm more into drier sounds.

Try to tune it, not just 5 minutes. I can take up to an hour just to tune my toms. Both heads, not just the batter side. Also mess with the snare tightness. You'll also have to tune your snares so they do not excite the snares on the Supra-Phonic. Also, try loosening the 4 lugs on the reso side of the snare which are either side of where the snares run along the reso head. This will eliminate most of the buzz.
Give it a try, and if all else fails, go back to the Focus-X which you liked the sound of. Goodluck! :)

[Patriot1776]

Thanks for the advice! Loosening up the 4 rods adjacent to the snare wires really helped take care of most of the buzz. The coated Ambassador is back on and it and does sound awesome now.

[thismercifulfate]

Thanks for the advice! Loosening up the 4 rods adjacent to the snare wires really helped take care of most of the buzz. The coated Ambassador is back on and it and does sound awesome now.

I'm glad to help, and more so that your Supra-Phonic is sounding nice! :)
Thank you for giving the amb a chance! :D