RFP heads

[notoriousRJD]

So, we have a thread stating some success with Evans G12's and also UV1's. Any other drumhead ex[erimentation going on with your Reference Pures?

I slapped some clear EC2's on and like what I heard. Anyone try hydraulics on these?

[Tommy_D]

I have only tried coated G2's over the factory resos (clear Ambassadors). So far they are working on this kit. I generally don't care for coated G2's on drums 12" and smaller, but for some reason these heads are working with the 10" and 12".

[notoriousRJD]

Cool. I just ordered up some Evans Clear Hydraulics to see how those sound. I've only owned the kit for about a week but so far am liking a low tuning.

[Yodelling_Sheep]

I've tried Ec2's and Emperors, wasn't blown away tbh. Using Evans g14's now, amazing.

[notoriousRJD]

I've tried Ec2's and Emperors, wasn't blown away tbh. Using Evans g14's now, amazing.

I've never used G14's. You using clear or coated? I guess with the hydraulics I will be going on the other side of the spectrum a bit, we can compare notes.

[Drumming-4-Life]

Cool. I just ordered up some Evans Clear Hydraulics to see how those sound. I've only owned the kit for about a week but so far am liking a low tuning.

You will cut out most of the overtones, and quiet the volume a little, but I always liked Hydraulics. While I think they have a bad wrap on this forum, they control overtones more naturally than the EC heads, IMO.

[notoriousRJD]

You will cut out most of the overtones, and quiet the volume a little, but I always liked Hydraulics. While I think they have a bad wrap on this forum, they control overtones more naturally than the EC heads, IMO.

i think thats what I liked about the EC2s...especially on the floor tom...that thing resonates for days!

[notoriousRJD]

So here is my initial take on the Evans hydraulics on my RFPs. These are fat and mellow. Again, just for context I tune low. These seem to be working especially well for the 14x14 floor tom which had a very long sustain/hum to it with both the stock and even the EC2s. The hydraulics seem to have controlled that. I still have the Ambs on the reso side. I played around for about 30 minutes and think I am digging them. They have a good feel and no plasticky click you sometimes get from clears. I also felt I got decent response when hit lightly or hard. Obviously your mileage may vary and I need some more time on them but I wouldn't write them off.

[notoriousRJD]

....so here I am about 1 1/2 months later and....back to Emps. Now that I've had the drums a little longer and have been able to experiment some more with tuning, the Emps are working for me. I am still getting used to this kit and it's sound so will continue to experiment with head choices and tunings.

Come on all you RFP owners, chime in with what you've discovered on this topic.

[Yodelling_Sheep]

I've never used G14's. You using clear or coated? I guess with the hydraulics I will be going on the other side of the spectrum a bit, we can compare notes.

Using clear. They're absolutely spectacular. I've got Emperors on my Maple Custom atm and the G14s are just as warm, but so much more lively. Can't recommend them highly enough.

[Master88]

I've always been a big fan of Clear G2 batters. They're always my go to heads on the kits I've owned. I'll usually go with a clear G1 on an 8" tom to keep from choking it and help keep it as open as possible but G2 on all others. Some say the Emperors and G2 are the same but I can NEVER get Emperors to sound as deep and punchy as G2 heads. They just seem to rest on the drum better and tune up a lot quicker.

[notoriousRJD]

I've been thinking of doing similar with the Remos...changing the 10" to a clear Amby. I recently watched a demo of Nick D'virgilio using clear Amby's all around on an RFP kit and wow did they open up.

[Master88]

I've been thinking of doing similar with the Remos...changing the 10" to a clear Amby. I recently watched a demo of Nick D'virgilio using clear Amby's all around on an RFP kit and wow did they open up.

It really does make a difference, especially on smaller toms. I'll usually leave the G2 on floor toms to get that low deep growl out of them