What's the difference between the White Dot, Black Dot and Clear Dot? Also, what's the difference between an Ebony coated head and a clear head?

If the dot is clear, how can it be seen?

Why don't you check the manufactures website for information on the heads.
Remo lists :
Center clear dot for durability and tone control. Ideal for that classic, warm, open snare sound.

Aquarian lists:
The Power Dot™ is adhered to the underneath side of the head. This is one of the best all around snare drumheads ever designed. Full sound, sensitivity and durability make it suitable for a wide variety of musical styles.

Speaking about heads like the Remo CS... The white dots are made from white plastic, black dots are made from black plastic, and clear dots are made from clear plastic. It really is that simple. There's no perceptible difference in sound between same model heads with different color dots.



One's made of clear plastic while "ebony" heads are made of black plastic. Unlike dots, though, when a whole head is made out of a different colored film, there's often a difference in sound. Fittingly enough, many black heads have a lower, darker sound than their clear or lighter-colored counterparts. Evans MX Black heads are the exception -- they actually have a brighter sound.

I'd generally recommend staying away from Remo's "ebony" heads. I just don't like the slappy, muddy sound I've heard from them. Remo's Black Suedes, Black Max, and Evans MX Black heads can sound good, though.

...and when we talk about "coated" drum heads, we're usually talking about a textured film applied to a head -- the kind that gives brushes their characteristic sound when swished across the head. I don't think I've ever seen a coated ebony head, nor could I find one on Remo's site.

Ok,thanks. And one more question; why are mylar marching snare heads usually clear?

Because pink wouldn't sell as well.

The three usual colors have been clear, white, and black. Those may simply be the polyester film options that were readily available to drum head manufacturers. Black heads haven't sold as well because while they look nice for a little while, they often didn't sound as good and their looks degraded pretty quickly. (Recent black heads like the MX Blacks and Black Suedes are a whole lot better in these respects.) When it comes to clear vs. white, I don't know why clear became more popular than white.

In my opinion, I Think clear heads are more popular because they enable you to look through your drum and see the ground while marching, therefore making it easier to be more accurate and precise. Other than that, I can't think of any other reasonable reason.

You shouldn't be looking down while marching. Your head should be up so you can see what's going on around you, dress to forms, keep from running into people, and generally maintain good posture and stage presence. If you are looking down, you're not going to be accurate or precise. And the audience probably doesn't want to stare at the top of your head while you appear to be busy counting worms.

Besides, even with clear heads, you probably wouldn't be able to see through your drum too well. You wouldn't have a big window through the shell since the shell and hardware aren't transparent. (Shut up Vistalite players and '95 BAC. ) And clear heads aren't exactly transparent once they've been played a bit.

Hmmm...see-through drums....

Y'know, I can't think of any reason one couldn't put an acrylic shell on a Pearl FFX. Might want to reinforce the bottom edge.

Might sound good, might sound like crud; but, it would sure look cool.

Next time I see FFX parts sans shell on ebay I may have a new drum project!

Hmmm, I don't remember BAC marching vistalite's I do know they took the shells out of the USA snares for one season..