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DoglegSniff
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2163 Posts |
 Posted - 10/06/2012 : 12:34:01
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I've been tending towards bigger cymbals in the last couple of years - 19"/20" crashes, nothing smaller than 17" and 15" hats, 21"/22" rides. However, the band recently commented that they just seemed too loud. Why it's taken them that long to realise I dunno!
We had a wedding gig last night and had the luxury of getting in and setting up on Friday evening. I'd taken a set of Sabians, mainly HHX, so quite dark. I was going pretty easy on them, but still too loud ...and it was a big, high ceilinged hall.
When we went back for the gig I took 15" & 16" A customs (had them years) and a 14" Stagg DH Exo, plus some 12" Alchemy sweet hats. Sounded fantastic by all accounts ...and the Alchemy's were a joy to play! I'm a convert to the joy of smaller cymbals!
As an aside I also used my DIY IEM set-up for the first time - that was a stunning success ...for the princely sum of about £40 all in. Not a hint of ringing ears at any point.
So - anyone else big on wee bronze? |
Master of Hounds and Head of Prescription Drugs, Over The Counter Medication, Lubricants and Imbibements for the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
If you think people aren't taking you seriously enough, you're damn right. |
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jamoca
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
12486 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2012 : 12:57:18
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| I like small cymbals - I used to use 15" and 16" all the time when I started 6 years ago and someone told me I would never go back once going bigger. I have to say I do like big cymbals now, but in the right venue, the small cymbals still work a charm. Love them! |
Edible Goody Consumption Officer and Parallel Parking Specialist of the forum's Sonor Delite appreciation society
Personal roistering assistant to Mr Bob Dobalina and (nearly) undisputed Curry King |
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Anthra Kx
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
6337 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2012 : 13:28:24
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| I like my 14 and 15" crashes and 13 or 14" hats. no ones ever commented I'm too quiet, so I've seen no need to go big as of yet. |
yellow Resonator
All posts are based on one of the following:
I know what I'm talking about
I'm having a stab in the dark
I'm bored
You're an idiot and I'm poking you with sticks |
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DoglegSniff
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
2163 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2012 : 17:11:56
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| I can see a clear out of a few bigger crahses coming ...and maybe some more of the Stagg DH Exos picked - they're seriously nice cymbals, regardless of the cost. |
Master of Hounds and Head of Prescription Drugs, Over The Counter Medication, Lubricants and Imbibements for the forum's Sonor Delite Appreciation Society.
If you think people aren't taking you seriously enough, you're damn right. |
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benjisonfire
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4837 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2012 : 19:53:26
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I like the sound of a big cymbal played quietly, more than a smaller cymbal played at a medium velocity. more depth of sound and ride possibilities. 12" hihats though, they are perfect. I have never had a complaint that they were too quiet. they just don't do sloshy so well. but thats not a problem for me most of the time.
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http://soundcloud.com/benjipage
www.facebook.com/thevacationsuk
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ian-40
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
6211 Posts |
Posted - 11/06/2012 : 18:04:16
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| 18" rides, 16 Crash,, 14" hats and a 10" splash. all i ever use (not sureif you'd class them as small) |
26 |
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MacDB7
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
254 Posts |
Posted - 15/06/2012 : 16:16:10
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My set-up tends to consist of a big contrast in sizes.
I use a pair of Zildjian K 13" Dark hi-hats which seem to suit every situation!
But then in stark contrast my rides tend to be 20" & 21" all round!
Gotta love the smaller sizes! I also have a pair of 10" Zildjian Recording Hi-hats which are great for a completely different sound. |
Jazz drummer
Mapex & Zildjian = the perfect combination!
http://soundcloud.com/calum-macleod |
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wibblylad
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1224 Posts |
Posted - 23/06/2012 : 09:26:00
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Er....size doesn't matter, right?
The physical size of a cymbal is all to do with its tone. A 6" splash won't give the same tone as a 18" crash, will it?
Ergo - we need them all!
Someone once said at a clinic I went to in the '90's that your largest cymbal should be no bigger than your largest Tom.
Naaaah...... |
Wanted:
Yamaha 9000RC 16" Floor Tom in 'Deep Aqua'
Here's Hoping..... |
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four_on_the_floor
New Contributer
United Kingdom
11 Posts |
Posted - 26/06/2012 : 15:57:16
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Hi,
I know you guys are discussing size in the context of 'modern' music (regardless of whether it's a vintage or new cymbal), I play 1930s and 40s swing on comparitively tiny cymbals. They are all old K and A Zildjians. My ride is 15" and sound 22", my hats are 12.5" and sound 15"; it's really only the splashy/trashy 13" and 11" crashes that sound as you'd expect. listen to Is You Is (Or Is You Ain't My Baby) on our website www.bevinboys.com to get an idea of how old, small cymbals sound!
I have modern cymbals and drums too. In general if, you want to keep the big size (for tone) go a little thinner with a lower bell profile; these cymbals will be a quieter. Look at A Custom or Brilliant Avedis - these will not be as dark as some thinner cymbals. |
1930s Premier
1948 Carlton King
1946 Ajax
1960s Ludwig & Slingerland
Zildjians |
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logic_user99
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
10129 Posts |
Posted - 26/06/2012 : 21:01:23
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My day-to-day setup is 12" hats and 2x 18" rides. For 'rock' gigs I go straight to the 14" hats, 21" ride, and 18" & 19" crashes.
It's all about context, baby. |
Drums | Cymbals | Sticks
"Starting my professional life from scratch..." |
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benjisonfire
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
4837 Posts |
Posted - 27/06/2012 : 01:40:19
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quote:
Originally posted by four_on_the_floor
Hi,
I know you guys are discussing size in the context of 'modern' music (regardless of whether it's a vintage or new cymbal), I play 1930s and 40s swing on comparitively tiny cymbals. They are all old K and A Zildjians. My ride is 15" and sound 22", my hats are 12.5" and sound 15"; it's really only the splashy/trashy 13" and 11" crashes that sound as you'd expect. listen to Is You Is (Or Is You Ain't My Baby) on our website www.bevinboys.com to get an idea of how old, small cymbals sound!
I have modern cymbals and drums too. In general if, you want to keep the big size (for tone) go a little thinner with a lower bell profile; these cymbals will be a quieter. Look at A Custom or Brilliant Avedis - these will not be as dark as some thinner cymbals.
all the songs play at the same time! blurgh! get that sorted! |
http://soundcloud.com/benjipage
www.facebook.com/thevacationsuk
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TimSharp
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
477 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 00:27:14
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quote:
Originally posted by benjisonfire
quote:
Originally posted by four_on_the_floor
Hi,
I know you guys are discussing size in the context of 'modern' music (regardless of whether it's a vintage or new cymbal), I play 1930s and 40s swing on comparitively tiny cymbals. They are all old K and A Zildjians. My ride is 15" and sound 22", my hats are 12.5" and sound 15"; it's really only the splashy/trashy 13" and 11" crashes that sound as you'd expect. listen to Is You Is (Or Is You Ain't My Baby) on our website www.bevinboys.com to get an idea of how old, small cymbals sound!
I have modern cymbals and drums too. In general if, you want to keep the big size (for tone) go a little thinner with a lower bell profile; these cymbals will be a quieter. Look at A Custom or Brilliant Avedis - these will not be as dark as some thinner cymbals.
all the songs play at the same time! blurgh! get that sorted!
+1 yeah right! it could be some of the most out-there stuff i ever heard, you guys put eric dolphy to shame! |
www.timsharpdrums.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErF8bF_64JQ
Porkpie USA - Bosphorus Traditional and Master Vintage - DW Hardware
"friends don't let friends clap on 1 & 3" |
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Captain Bubble
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
14638 Posts |
Posted - 28/06/2012 : 08:51:54
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quote:
Originally posted by four_on_the_floor
Hi,
I know you guys are discussing size in the context of 'modern' music (regardless of whether it's a vintage or new cymbal), I play 1930s and 40s swing on comparitively tiny cymbals. They are all old K and A Zildjians. My ride is 15" and sound 22", my hats are 12.5" and sound 15"; it's really only the splashy/trashy 13" and 11" crashes that sound as you'd expect. listen to Is You Is (Or Is You Ain't My Baby) on our website www.bevinboys.com to get an idea of how old, small cymbals sound!
I have modern cymbals and drums too. In general if, you want to keep the big size (for tone) go a little thinner with a lower bell profile; these cymbals will be a quieter. Look at A Custom or Brilliant Avedis - these will not be as dark as some thinner cymbals.
They play fine for me, one at a time. Shame as I was hoping to hear something more "out to lunch" than Eric Dolphy! Very slick too, cymbals and playing perfectly complimenting the music, not DOMINATING it.
I commissioned Matt Nolan to make a quiet 15" ride to use with my compact kit, it had to be 15" to fit in the box, he made 3 attempts and I bought them all as each has its own character, and I have used them in a lot of different situations with great success. I mostly use smaller cymbals and drums these days, but do still sometimes enjoy the roar and power of larger ones. |
Marcus de Mowbray
www.330studios.co.uk/marcus |
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Leggoman
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
473 Posts |
Posted - 01/08/2012 : 18:48:54
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| Last night at a small open mic event we run, I set up using a 14 Super Zyn as a ride and a 10" splash with a 16" bass and a small snare. The 14" Super Zyn was a real revelation! I always thought it too gongy for a crash, but as a ride it was sweet. I just need some mini hats now! |
They've done studies you know. 60% of the time, Leggomen sound good every time. |
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Shaggi
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
1086 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 09:32:07
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I always used to use (a lot!) of smaller cymbals, then 5 or 6 years ago I changed up to much fewer, but larger cymbals - generally 18".
Recently I've changed down an inch, 13 hats, 17 crashes, 21 ride rather than 22 ... basically trying to have the same effect as above but with slightly less volume. Seems to work well so far!
I agree with the comment about about Stagg DH and particularly the DH Exo ... they are indeed fine cymbals at any cost!
This might be a good place for another (potentially Stagg-related) question. I'm thinking of replacing my ride (DH Exo) with a large crash (20 inch) that I can 'also' ride on. Anyone have any suggestions or experience from the Stagg range? |
Shaggi.net |
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monkeythedrummer
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
9184 Posts |
Posted - 03/08/2012 : 09:33:19
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quote:
Originally posted by four_on_the_floor
Hi,
I know you guys are discussing size in the context of 'modern' music (regardless of whether it's a vintage or new cymbal), I play 1930s and 40s swing on comparitively tiny cymbals. They are all old K and A Zildjians. My ride is 15" and sound 22", my hats are 12.5" and sound 15"; it's really only the splashy/trashy 13" and 11" crashes that sound as you'd expect. listen to Is You Is (Or Is You Ain't My Baby) on our website www.bevinboys.com to get an idea of how old, small cymbals sound!
I have modern cymbals and drums too. In general if, you want to keep the big size (for tone) go a little thinner with a lower bell profile; these cymbals will be a quieter. Look at A Custom or Brilliant Avedis - these will not be as dark as some thinner cymbals.
Lovely drums, playing and cymbal sounds, thanks!
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100% NOT SELLING Yamaha DTXplorer Module, 5x ddrum triggers, mesh heads and Yamaha E-cymbals. |
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johnthedrum
Excellent Contributer
United Kingdom
155 Posts |
Posted - 21/08/2012 : 10:17:48
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A timely topic. I realised about 6 months ago that I had unconsciously slimmed down my cymbal set up, both in terms of numbers of cymbals, and their sizes (shame I can't do the same with my waist measurement!  )
I recently went through a phase of collecting cymbals, and realised that each new ( sorry -used)one meant a new stand or bit of hardware, and that my hardware bag was getting heavier and heavier, and offers to help me in with my gear were getting fewer in relation.
My current gigging set up now consists of 13" K/Z hats,(but I've played nothing else but 13s for 25 years or more -) an 18" K session Custom ride, 15" A Custom and 14" vintage K crashes, with just a single 6" A zildjian splash.I have had no problems with volume or tone, and I play, unmiked, in a 7 piece soul/pop/rock band with horns.
I'm fighting the temptation to sell off my surplus cymbals, as I know from past experience that the minute they're gone, I'll want to use them again.
Size, it seems, does matter.
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mattkickkick
Excellent Contributer
193 Posts |
Posted - 02/09/2012 : 20:13:14
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| ive got about 90 different cymbals mostly sabian and im in love with this little set of 10 inch fusion hats . the hhx 13 inch stage hats are also lovely . i normally go for smaller efx splashes and china kangs etc . ive got a 19 inch signature ride which works lovely at small gigs ......ive so many drummers set up a 8 piece kit with a 22 inch china in a tiny pub it doesnt work !! x |
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Bazarre
Advanced Contributer
United Kingdom
7984 Posts |
Posted - 05/09/2012 : 16:07:26
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| Just gone down in size to 13" Paiste hats -- lovely, and a 16 Dream Bliss which is the best crash I've ever heard. |
Sex, magic and R n R! -- all in ZOLIN! now on Amazon for Kindle readers |
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DrumminMuppet
New Contributer
United Kingdom
25 Posts |
Posted - 12/10/2012 : 00:39:08
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| I've tended to play smaller cymbals for a while now; 13 or 12 hats (a custom mastersound), sometimes 10s on the right. 18 or 20 rides (have a nice 18 k heavy, and an 18 omni which is good), splashes and 14 - 18 crashes (mostly thin). I mostly play rock, pop & soul stuff, they work well in those genres.. |
Noonan Stave & MV8/10 kits; A's / A Customs / Ufip Class / Omni's |
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