With its iconic Pinstripe drumheads, the US manufacturer Remo has created a long-standing classic that has been trusted for over half a century, particularly in recording situations where controlled sound is essential. The series is defined by its two-ply design, with both layers bonded at the edge to deliver focused tone, reduced overtones, and reliable durability. Its unmistakable look comes from the signature black ring around the outer edge, giving the heads a professional and recognisable appearance. Today, the Pinstripe family includes five variants, including Clear, Coated and Ebony, alongside two Crimplock models designed for marching drums, built to withstand extremely high tunings with confidence.
Unlike the single-ply Remo Ambassador heads, the Pinstripe models feature a two-ply Mylar design, as shown here in the 10", 12" and 14" Clear versions, each with a thickness of 7 mil. This design effectively reduces unwanted overtones, allowing the drum's core tone to come through with greater clarity and focus. The increased mass also slows down vibrations, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound with more body. At the same time, the two-ply structure enhances the attack, giving the drums extra presence and punch, with the Clear models providing a slightly brighter response than their Pinstripe Coated counterparts.
Pinstripe drumheads rose to fame through one of the most influential drummers of all time, Steve Gadd, whose legendary studio work spans countless genres and includes the iconic groove of Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover". As a highly in-demand session musician, Gadd quickly recognised that Pinstripe heads delivered the dry, short, and fat sound that defined the era and remains popular today, all without the need for additional studio damping. Their focused response made them perfect for achieving a clean, controlled tone straight at the source. Even smaller toms, which Gadd still favours, sound impressively full with Pinstripe heads, cutting through the mix thanks to their clearly defined and articulate attack.
Remo was founded in California in 1957 by drummer Remo Belli, who sought a solution to the weather sensitivity of natural drumheads and found it in a synthetic alternative made from Mylar. This innovation led to the creation of the Weather King drumhead, which gradually replaced natural skins in the entertainment music sector and set a new industry standard. Today, the Remo range includes numerous models, with the Ambassador drumhead remaining its most iconic and widely recognised product. Further milestones include the introduction of Rototoms in 1968, featuring a rotating tuning system, as well as the Acousticon-based drum sets of the 1980s and 1990s, while Remo continues to offer an extensive selection of percussion instruments made largely from modern synthetic materials.
Drumkits produce a wide frequency range with complex overtones that are often unwanted in studio recordings, live performances, or rehearsal spaces. This is where the Remo PP-0922-PS Pinstripe Clear drumhead set will prove to be an ideal solution, offering a sound that is both low in overtones yet still present and microphone-friendly. The two-ply design eliminates the need for additional damping while ensuring a controlled, focused tone. The increased durability also makes Pinstripe heads perfect for drummers who prefer a more powerful playing style – without compromising clarity or impact.