SHASHWATH KARKARE
CYMBALS OF
EXCELLENCE
Cymbals are that integral part of any drum kit that
is far more vibrant compared to the monotone
resonance of drums giving that additional quality
and room for drummers to express better.
The sheer variety of sound available through
different brands of cymbals can be truly
overwhelming. Apart from the usual cymbals
(crash, ride, and hi-hats), there is a whole new
range of cymbals available. Focusing on three of the
biggest companies, this article looks at classic series
from each of these brands that brings out their
representative characteristics.
MEINL Byzance Cymbals
SABIAN AAX Cymbals
Sabian cymbals was
founded in 1981 by Robert
Zildjian when he had
a falling out with his
brother Armand over
the ownership of Zildjian
cymbals. Since then,
Sabian has become the biggest competitor of Zildjian cymbals
and one of the biggest brands. The AAX series debuted in
1993 and has ever since become the most popular series that
Sabian has to offer. Known for a characteristically bright
sound, the series offers a range of crash, ride, hi-hat and
even effects (FX) cymbals under the AAX brand. There are
certain drawbacks to using Sabian. To begin with, Sabian
has not spread out well in India. This makes it difficult to test
and buy some of the more obscure cymbals that they have to
offer. These cymbals are thin and sonorous, thus making the
vibrant sound almost overbearing. Their cymbals are not
very durable either. All this makes buying Sabian an
expensive affair.
Globally, Sabian endorses some of the biggest names in the
business such as Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Jose
Pasillas (Incubus), Jojo Mayer (Nerve) etc.
ZILDJIAN Custom A
Meinl was founded
by Roland Meinl in
Germany in 1951.
Starting out solely as
a wind instrument
manufacturer, Meinl
started making cymbals
in the 1960’s. The Byzance series has become a mainstay of
Meinl. Meinl is known for a variety of dark, polished sounds
owing to the popularity of Byzance. The cymbals are unique
both in sound and design, usually opting for a sandburst
finish. This gives the cymbal an aged appearance. The larger
drawback of these cymbals is that they are usually expensive.
The cheaper models are designed for beginners. Zildjian was founded in
Constantinople in 1623.
Now almost 400 years
old, it is one of the oldest
companies in the world.
Zildjian has looked to
develop its sound over
the years. Their cymbals are never too bright, nor too dark;
they linger in a ‘midtone’ that is now characteristic of the
company’s overall sound. A major drawback of Zildjian
cymbals is their hefty price tag. They are also usually thin
cymbals, which reduces durability. The thin design also
gives a quick decay, that is, their sound does not reverberate
for long.
The biggest advantage of these cymbals in India is
accessibility. Not only has Meinl struck a great partnership
with local businesses, they have also actively pursued big
drummers in India like Jai Row Kavi and Gino Banks for
endorsement deals. This treatment to local artists creates a
very favorable market image. Meinl has shown an adaptable
and versatile quality that looks to stand the test of time in the
expanding Indian market. As stated earlier, Zildjian is one of the oldest cymbal brands
and the common perception is that they do not possess
the know-how of the modern drummer to make the same
technological advances that they were once known for.
Nevertheless, Zildjian is a very reliable and consistent brand.
Famous Zildjian artists include Tré Cool (Green Day), Gavin
Harrison (Porcupine Tree), Talyor Hawkins (Foo Fighters)
Famous Meinl artists include Benny Greb (independent),
Thomas Lang (stOrk), Luke Holland (independent).
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
39