Cymbals

[Brain-Sick]

Ok the drummer for my band and some guy from another local band got into a little argument over this.
The guy said that you could buy two of the exact same cymbal and they would sound totally different ie two Paiste power crashes.
Now my drummer and I completely disagree with the guy because we have heard a guy play with two of the exact same crashes and it sounded like he was hitting one crash twice.
Now tell me is this guy a total idiot or is he right?

[Emeric]

Your friend is right. Cymbals are such a noisy thing to begin with, the tone and pitch should be very close with two of the same model/make of cymbals, but technically, he's right.

[Tim Brown]

Originally posted by Emeric
Your friend is right. Cymbals are such a noisy thing to begin with, the tone and pitch should be very close with two of the same model/make of cymbals, but technically, he's right.

I'll argue with you on this point, Emeric.

I chose Paiste in the late 1980's for this very reason; Cymbals of the same make and size are all matched against a "Master Cymbal", and those that don't sound like it are relegated to "lower" lines. If you get a 20" Full Crash from the Sound Formula line, you can break it and replace it with one that will sound exactly like it...I know because I've done it.) I lso use "redundant" cymbal setup, so that I can use two cymbals of the same type, and have them sound the same without smacking the same cymbal two times in a row.

Paiste's Consistency is why I prefer them; On the other hand, I find it almost impossible to find geat sounding Zildjians because of the hand hammering aspect their manufacturing process. When you find one, it's a stroke of luck.


Tim

[Brain-Sick]

Well Emeric the guy was saying that there would be a drastic difference between them. And he used two Sabian cymbals as an example. The drummer for his band supposedly had two of the same cymbals (I couldn't tell because they were so old that writing had faded on them) I believe he said they were two B8 Rock Crashes and they did sound different but I noticed the bell was different on them so I don't think they are the same cymbal.

[Tim Brown]

Originally posted by Brain-Sick
Well Emeric the guy was saying that there would be a drastic difference between them. And he used two Sabian cymbals as an example. The drummer for his band supposedly had two of the same cymbals (I couldn't tell because they were so old that writing had faded on them) I believe he said they were two B8 Rock Crashes and they did sound different but I noticed the bell was different on them so I don't think they are the same cymbal.

Hi Brain-Sick,

This only works with Paiste.
Not for Zildjian or Sabian.
I started out with Zildjians and once my original set was broken-I could not find cymbals that sounded the same, even though the same makes and models as those previously broken.

Tim

[mikeh]

I agree with Tim. Paiste does have a reputation of producing consistant cymbal sounds and Zildian and Sabian do not. However, as a drummer who has played for over 30 yrs. (and who has owned more cymbals than I can remember - always seeking that "perfect sound") I prefer to have each cymbal project its own sound. If 100 drummers all had the same cymbal, which sounded the same way, it compromises the unique sound/style we all strive for?

[Tim Brown]

Originally posted by mikeh
I agree with Tim. Paiste does have a reputation of producing consistant cymbal sounds and Zildian and Sabian do not. However, as a drummer who has played for over 30 yrs. (and who has owned more cymbals than I can remember - always seeking that "perfect sound") I prefer to have each cymbal project its own sound. If 100 drummers all had the same cymbal, which sounded the same way, it compromises the unique sound/style we all strive for?

Hi Mike,

I agree with you on that.
My Favorite Paiste is the now discontinued Sound Formula 20" Full Crash.
I just find it to be everything that I want in a cymbal; it's got exactly what I want in a Crash.
I use alot of different sounds (7 Cup chimes and Accent Cymbals) 5 crashes, a China & a Ride for now.

Once I got hooked on Paiste, there was no turning back! hahaha

Tim

[snapper]

If one of those cymbals is dirty it will sound different-worse. Cymbal cleaner will really brighten it back up.

[Emeric]

Now the question, why would you want two cymbals that sound the same?

[Tim Brown]

Originally posted by Emeric
Now the question, why would you want two cymbals that sound the same?

Because if you want the same sound-you either hit the same cymbal twice (which over time can cause it to break, if it's repeatedly struck while it's still ringing) or you get two that sound the same, thereby allowing the first to ring out while striking the second one.

I like to think of drums in the terms of "notes", so I have certain frequncies/notes that I tune the kit to.

I've done alot of recording for other people ( i.e, played drums for alot of sessions) and for my own personal music-I look at the kit as a "1 man symphonic percussion pit".
So I tune the snare & toms to certain pitches (You can play the trumpet/bugle piece that is played at the horseraces on them) and I have certain pitches that I like for the cymbals. I guess i just find some sounds more "musical" than other sounds.

Tim