Just wanted to get some input on selecting a bass drum head for my 63 Slingerland. It came with calf skin heads that sounded nice, but where a little beat up. It did have a blanket in the inside of it, but I have removed that and only have the original felt strip on the batter head now.

Currently, I have a Remo Pinstrip on there, but really don't like the sound. I want to get fuller, open sound that is warm and not abrupt. Any suggestions?

Thanks

maybe a fiberskyn

Fiberskyn would be good. I used one for a while. The head will kind of pull apart after a while, though. Not out of the hoop, but the plies and fibers will bubble and separate.

I use the Modern Vintage (normal size) heads on my Ludwig toms and Slingerland snare. They're very warm in sound, but single ply, so they have a bit longer note than, say, an Emperor. They're incredible. I have never used one on a bass drum, though. If you do, let me know what you think. I'm thinking you wouldn't need the American Vintage (same thing but slightly larger in size to fit older drums), given that your set is from '63.

I get plenty of resonance on my 20" from a Powerstroke 3 with an Ambassador on the resonant side. No ported front head, no muffling. Much "rounder" than most people use for rock.

I also would go with the Fiberskyn.

I've used the Fiberskyn on the toms before and really like them. I am a little worried about the larger size though. My bass is a 22", so I don't know how well it will hold up.

I thought about putting a Fiberskyn on as a resonant head, but maybe use an Emperor for the batter side.

I am using Ambassador's for the toms now, so trying to blend them would be nice.

I think the Aquarian Force I head gives you a really nice "open" sound.

Danny, what kit have you used a Force 1 on?

I'd recommend using something thinner for a resonant head if you're looking for boom.

Fiberskyns hold up just about the same on a bd as they do on a tom. It's more that separating/bubbling thing you have to worry about.