Crash cymbal for recording

[StevenLindsey]

What's a good cymbal to get a good crash without so much "gong" sound? I have a 16" medium ( I think ). Would a 14" thin crash work you think? The one I have sounds ok if you really bash it but I want something a little less subdued but with a good quick crash, if you know what I mean. I don't have much experience with drums. Thanks for any suggestions.

[StevenLindsey]

actually I meant "more" subdued.

[jitteringjim]

I like the 16" Sabian AAX Stage Crash.

[theletterq]

You're definitley looking at a 14-16" thin crash. I would recommend a 16" for a good general purpose, quick crash. A 14" may be a little too quick, almost like a big splash.

[theletterq]

Also remember that cheaper sheet metal cymbals will have somewhat gong-like characteristics regardless of the size or thickness. I have a Sabian B8 Pro 8" splash that sounds like a little gong - great for little special effects but thats about it...

[rushfan33]

Choosing a cymbal for recording is like saying "what mic should I use"! It depends on the song and the style you're going for. Compression can also have an effect on the decay of the cymbal's sound. In general, I have found that thinner and smaller cymbals (15"-17") are more "flexible" for recording. I do have a sweet sounding 18" Zildjian that I use though. It's smooth and big sounding without being overbearing or harsh.

RF

[Nik D]

I love my Sabian 17 inch AA Fast Crash. They totally rule, I wish they came in more than one size though...

[vaughn]

some of the best sounding crashes made are the sabian HHX evolutions (dave weckl series). they come in 16" and 18". they're very thin, great attack and very bright. none of that too loud gong action and you don't have to hit them very hard to get the perfect crash. the AAX stage crashes are a bit too loud IMO. as a rule AAX cymbals are supposed to be loud and bright. I have a couple and they sound great live but recorded are too loud sometimes.

if you want something really really nice that's somewhat unique check out the sabian saturation crashes (virgil donati signature series). the attack isn't quite as fast as most thin crashes but they're really colorful with a sweet, bright shimmering decay. these are pretty thin and the bell is raw, unlathed and has a really bright ping for some nice effects. sabian has some of the greatest effects cymbals made.

peace~

[Prizmaxic]

I second the 17" fast crash from Sabian, they rule!

[StevenLindsey]

thanks everybody for the suggestions. I will check out the Fast Crash and the HHX. I kind of thought the 14" may be a bit too spashy. I just need a good crash that is not too loud with a fairly rapid decay. And, as Rush.. says, I might do more experimentation with compression or eq. My music is generally not that loud - sort of a guitar- intensive country/rock/folk flavor. The one I have now works ok but I'm thinking I could find one that blends a little better with my stuff. I appreciate your replies.

[jimdrake]

i have the sabian pro sonix 16 inch which i like a lot.

you could also try a zildjan (spelling?) paper thin crash, not sure if that's exactly what they're called, something similar anyway, they sound like heaven, probably damn expensive though. my mate got one through various contacts for free, from kylie minogues ex drummer no less!

[Analytical]

i use A custom zildjian projection crashes
i prefer the larger sizes...20" and 19"...at LEAST an 18"
in my opinion larger cymbals have a fuller sound

[Supercreep]

line up ten cymbals of the same type and they'll all sound different. Go listen to a bunch of cymbals and buy the one that sounds best to you.

[PhilGood]

The last post before today was from October 2002. I think he made his choice by now.

[Duggan]

still sabian saturation crashes rule my studio work!