AKARSH SHEKHAR
Cymbals Made Simple : How To Buy The Right Ones
Cymbals go a long way in determining the sound of your drum kit . The choice is so great that it is difficult for almost any drummer to quickly find the right model . It gets even more complicated with personal taste and the style of music being played . Here ’ s a quick guide to help you out .
Weight = Strength
Weight is a very important factor in playing feel , volume and presence . Terms such as Heavy , Power , Rock or Metal correspond to the heavy versions . The terms Medium , Medium-Thin , Thin or Jazz suggest moderately light to light weight models . A heavy cymbal tends to sound metallic and louder than a light cymbal of identical construction . At the same time the response is slower and the resonance longer . The “ load ” must first be set in motion , and take longer to stop .
Therefore , heavy cymbals are more suitable for aggressive drummers playing in loud , heavy metal bands . Heavy cymbals are also more audible on large stages . But be careful : don ’ t go overboard with the weight , you run the risk of the overall sound being too heavy
The Score
44 highonscore Magazine . com and annoying everyone sooner or later . If you are a Rock , Pop , Funk , Soul or Hip Hop drummer , you will certainly be more satisfied with midweight models . The current trend for these musical styles includes very thin models that respond quickly and fade out just as quickly . If you play a lot in small venues , accompany a singer-songwriter , or consider yourself a Jazz drummer , thin cymbals that require little impact energy to achieve their full sonic fullness will be more appropriate .
What is the cymbal made of ?
The alloy used to make a cymbal has a major influence on its sound . Most professional models are made with a bronze alloy with a 20 % tin content ( B20 ). Most cymbal manufacturers across the world use this . The B8 alloy cymbals made of 8 % tin visually differ from the B20 models in their reddish tint . The B8 versions produce a bright , clear sound and the B20s a warmer and softer sound . While manufacturers such as Zildjian and Sabian produce their middle and upper class series in B20 bronze , Swiss manufacturer Paiste is renowned as a pioneer in the use of B8 bronze . Brass is used only for entry-level models . This material is cheaper and can be fabricated with little effort .
For whom the bell tolls
Even if you don ’ t play the bells often , they have a significant impact on the sound of the cymbals . They add harmonics which ensure the presence and the possibility of imposing a cymbal . Drummers who ’ ve played on Flat-Rides know what we ’ re talking about . Compared to normal Wrinkles , these