• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

NCD - New Cymbal Day

bolophonic

bolophonic

Supporting Member
Dec 10, 2009
9,731
18,460
Durham, NC
www.brendanlove.com
#1
I recently refurbished my old drum set that I had found in a dumpster. I have a 17" Zildjian K dark crash on indefinite loan from a friend. I decided to get a match for it and after fruitlessly chasing deals on Craigslist for about a week, I took a ride to the 2112 Percussion store in Raleigh, NC. They hooked me up with a nice deal on a used bass beater, a stand, and a 16" Zildjian A Custom thin crash. I need to evaluate my ride next.
 
#4
Before I picked up the Bass I started on drums. This is my Ludwig Smoked Vistalite with Zildjian cymbals that I got in the mid-70's. My Mom helped me buy it. She passed years ago. This set is a constant reminder of her love of music...and me.

X8

8d84d76c.jpg
 
#5
Exploiter8 said:
Before I picked up the Bass I started on drums. This is my Ludwig Smoked Vistalite with Zildjian cymbals that I got in the mid-70's. My Mom helped me buy it. She passed years ago. This set is a constant reminder of her love of music...and me.

X8
Click to expand...

Wow, what a great drum set and a great story about keeping your family's musical connection together!
 
#7
String Theory said:
My favorite cymbals are the K customs followed closely by the A customs. Great sounding for all genres.
Click to expand...

I really lucked out... I started asking my drummer friends for advice on cymbals and many of them have such extensive collections that they just lent me cymbals to try out. I never had to shell out money on beginner cymbals.

What are the differences between the K and A lines?
 
#8
bolophonic said:
I really lucked out... I started asking my drummer friends for advice on cymbals and many of them have such extensive collections that they just lent me cymbals to try out. I never had to shell out money on beginner cymbals.

What are the differences between the K and A lines?
Click to expand...

K's are warmer and darker than the A or Avedis line, not to be confused with the A Customs which are a brighter, brilliant finished version.
 
#12
You can also visit www.mycymbal.com and www.cymbalsonly.com (my personal favorite) to hear how cymbals of the same model/size can sound different from one another. That makes it even more interesting.

I personally play Bosphorus and Istanbul cymbals myself (both represented on those sites). Old fashioned and hand hammered in Turkey. I like them because even more so does one cymbal sound different from another.
 
#13
Exploiter8 said:
Before I picked up the Bass I started on drums. This is my Ludwig Smoked Vistalite with Zildjian cymbals that I got in the mid-70's. My Mom helped me buy it. She passed years ago. This set is a constant reminder of her love of music...and me.

X8

8d84d76c.jpg
Click to expand...


Our drummer has those in clear. But, never uses 'em. He's too picky about his sound. Have you ever heard such a thing? Friggin' drummers..
 
#15
dalahorse said:
Excellent news about the new crash! I would chime in with suggestions for your future ride cymbal. However, it's such a personal thing that you'll have to choose on your own. Sounds like you're well on your way!

Swingstars are excellent drums, IMHO. Congrats!
Click to expand...

Thanks! If you have any suggestions about how to evaluate a ride, I am all ears.
 
#17
bolophonic said:
Thanks! If you have any suggestions about how to evaluate a ride, I am all ears.
Click to expand...

Like any cymbal, it's a personal thing. What style of music are you playing? When I test a ride cymbal I play with the tip at the edge of the cymbal, toward the middle and closer toward the bell, as well as on the bell with the tip. I use the shaft of the stick on the bell as well. I like to have ride cymbals that can be crashed so I crash them as well.

I listen to the stick articulation to how tight it is compared to the wash or build up of the cymbal swell as you play. The bell I like to have a clear tone that is mostly separate, but blends well with the wash of the cymbal. As for the crash I like to find one that has a sweet spread that doesn't sound gongy.

I'm not sure if any of that makes sense but if you listen to the areas I suggested you play, just go with a cymbal that qualities that you find pleasing. I actually do the same with crashes. I ride them, play the bell etc.. I love cymbals that are multi purpose.
 
#18
fourstringdrums said:
Like any cymbal, it's a personal thing. What style of music are you playing? When I test a ride cymbal I play with the tip at the edge of the cymbal, toward the middle and closer toward the bell, as well as on the bell with the tip. I use the shaft of the stick on the bell as well. I like to have ride cymbals that can be crashed so I crash them as well.

I listen to the stick articulation to how tight it is compared to the wash or build up of the cymbal swell as you play. The bell I like to have a clear tone that is mostly separate, but blends well with the wash of the cymbal. As for the crash I like to find one that has a sweet spread that doesn't sound gongy.

I'm not sure if any of that makes sense but if you listen to the areas I suggested you play, just go with a cymbal that qualities that you find pleasing. I actually do the same with crashes. I ride them, play the bell etc.. I love cymbals that are multi purpose.
Click to expand...

I've been doing all I can to read up on cymbal terminology to begin grasping all these nuances. I will be playing mostly metal and hardcore to begin with, but the cymbals I tried that are marketed for that purpose (Rudes, etc) sounded like pots and pans to me. My plan is to age gracefully into more soul/funk/jazz as I gain experience.
 
#19
millsbass5 said:
Our drummer has those in clear. But, never uses 'em. He's too picky about his sound. Have you ever heard such a thing? Friggin' drummers..
Click to expand...

I used to be a drummer, and I was never a fan if the clear acrylic kits. They look cool, especially under some nice lighting, but the sound they produce...well as Mike Portnoy said, they look good more than anything.
 
#20
bolophonic said:
I've been doing all I can to read up on cymbal terminology to begin grasping all these nuances. I will be playing mostly metal and hardcore to begin with, but the cymbals I tried that are marketed for that purpose (Rudes, etc) sounded like pots and pans to me. My plan is to age gracefully into more soul/funk/jazz as I gain experience.
Click to expand...

Are you wanting to just stick with Zildjian? I usually ignore whatever a brand says their cymbals are good for.. It's a decent place to start, but just like a cymbal designation "ride, crash.." a cymbal is whatever you choose it to be.

I would look into a Sabian Raw Bell Dry Ride. It has a nice tight sound and clear bell that would work well in metal/hardcore but will work in Funk and Soul as well. Here is a comparison video because that model is produced in the Sabian AA/AAX/HH/HHX series which all sound a little different.

 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back