mcdrummer,

Thanks for the input and suggestions. I especially like the djembe with the jingles idea.

I'll have to just keep experimenting. That's part of the fun I guess.

Have a great weekend!

No rules! Experiment, have fun, Happy drumming!

@mcdrummer (or anyone): I recently tried fibreskyn batters w/clear diplos res. on my Holiday toms (12, 16) and a FS batter/Evans EQ3 ebony res on 20 BD. Did. Not. Like. though I'd seen this highly recommended in numerous posts/reviews. Perhaps I tuned too low (74-72 using a DD) for the thickness. But my thinking is this should be about right. Even wide open with the tone control off they sounded dead. Those thin shells should sing. I'm wondering how you tune yours up. Maybe FS require slightly higher tension but I'm concerned about choking it off. interested in thoughts, thanks!

I have found thin reso heads is not a sound I care for. Try a heavier head, clear Ambassador, and see if that helps.

agreed, the diplomat is a light airy sound, Ambassador will solve your problem.the coated will give you warmth, a smooth will give you more attack.

Sean,

Want to throw my hat in the ring here and suggest Remo Renaissance heads. They have a warm, organic sound and the look and feel is spot on for that type of music.

One of my bands plays Americana-type stuff (think Rolling Stones in their country phase or Black Crowes playing acoustic instruments). I'm using a pieced-together vintage concert/marching drum kit alá Fred Young or Levon. I'm running Renaissaince Ambs top and bottom on the drums and feel that I get a very authentic sound.

[IMG]http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b273/ryanculberson/B30606D7-5CC9-4A29-843A-3BCBAA1136CB-19241-000014B8B6E6C52F_zpse962c60d.jpg[/IMG]