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Post by stormymondays on Feb 11, 2017 7:12:59 GMT -6
I know there's no "one size fits all" answer to this question, but here I go... Can you recommend a high end cymbal set for recording only? I'd rather buy once and buy right. I'm not a drummer, btw.  I'm looking for an all-purpose set, leaning towards Americana / Folk Rock sounds. I want to buy the kind of set that makes your life easier when recording and mixing, you know what I'm talking about. No harsh overtones, no overpowering volume, a "finished" sound when the drummer strikes a crash. Right now I have a more than decent set of Bosphorus cymbals in the studio, thin and dark, but they are also used live and haven't aged that well. I'm looking for a top quality set that will never leave the studio. I know the drummer and the room are the most important part of the chain, and I have that covered. Also, the kit is quirky: a Manu Katché with the 16" bass drum, which we are making sound huge with careful head selection, tuning and mic placement. So I'm leaning more towards smaller/quieter cymbals, to fit with the set. I've augmented it with a 14" floor tom, and a Ludwig Black Beauty, which is just incredible. That thing almost records itself! Once I have it narrowed to maybe a couple sets/brands, I can audition them at the studio before I buy. So, fire away with your suggestions! |
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Post by jcoutu1 on Feb 11, 2017 7:25:02 GMT -6
Ever since seeing this video, I've been in love with these. Haven't heard them in person and Benny Greg could probably make pie plates sound amazing, but wow.
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Post by stormymondays on Feb 11, 2017 7:39:44 GMT -6
I think the video didn't make it to your post. Is it one called "Benny Greb's Meinl Byzance Vintage Sand Cymbal Set" by any chance?
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Post by jcoutu1 on Feb 11, 2017 8:04:18 GMT -6
I think the video didn't make it to your post. Is it one called "Benny Greb's Meinl Byzance Vintage Sand Cymbal Set" by any chance? Yeah, that's the one. Man alive that sounds good. |
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Post by thehightenor on Feb 11, 2017 8:21:01 GMT -6
It's the one thing you cannot ever own enough of - cymbals!
I remember jealously reading about Phil Collins having a room with racks of cymbals, he had one rack alone with 150 rides and he would go in a choose the perfect ride for each track - ahh the luxury.
The cymbals have such an impact (no pun intended) on the overall sound.
I think it's a tough question - I really love them all!
I didn't help did I :-)
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Post by NoFilterChuck on Feb 11, 2017 9:32:34 GMT -6
Ever thought about buying VDrums and going deep into Drum Libraries land? XLN Addictive Drums, Toontrack Superior Drummer, FXPansion BFD... They sound freakin' amazing when triggered by vdrums and an amazing drummer.
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Post by mitchkricun on Feb 11, 2017 9:53:46 GMT -6
Of course, it depends on what kind of music you do, but I think Bospherus Cymbals sound lovely and work really well in most situations.
One other thing to consider is something I read by Brian McCloud, one of my favorite studio drummers... If your space has low ceilings, you may be better off with cheap, thin cymbals, the kind that come in three packs. lol. They have less complex overtones and are less likely to "excite" a small space and wash out a mix. I'm paraphrasing, but you get the point. Not sure what your situation is, but I thought I'd throw that thought into the mix. Good luck!
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Post by Ward on Feb 11, 2017 10:14:50 GMT -6
Best I've ever recorded were Zildjian K Dark series. So I bought a full set of them, including the 13" and 14" hi hats. The dark ride is particularly phenomenal.
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Post by svart on Feb 11, 2017 10:33:28 GMT -6
I use sabian AAX and HH for most things. Never a complaint from a drummer.
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Post by ragan on Feb 11, 2017 10:35:25 GMT -6
Best I've ever recorded were Zildjian K Dark series. So I bought a full set of them, including the 13" and 14" hi hats. The dark ride is particularly phenomenal. I play K Dark crashes. Really nice. |
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Post by stormymondays on Feb 11, 2017 11:27:29 GMT -6
Best I've ever recorded were Zildjian K Dark series. So I bought a full set of them, including the 13" and 14" hi hats. The dark ride is particularly phenomenal. I play K Dark crashes. Really nice. I was leaning towards this set, although the Meinl mentioned above also comes highly recommended. One question though: "K Dark" or "K Custom Dark"? |
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Post by mhbunch on Feb 11, 2017 11:30:18 GMT -6
Vintage Zildjian Ks. 50s.
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Post by stormymondays on Feb 11, 2017 13:23:05 GMT -6
Ever thought about buying VDrums and going deep into Drum Libraries land? XLN Addictive Drums, Toontrack Superior Drummer, FXPansion BFD... They sound freakin' amazing when triggered by vdrums and an amazing drummer. I did consider that, a few years ago, but only the most expensive, top of the line Roland set, was up to snuff. Maybe things have changed nowadays, but I still enjoy acoustic drums anyway! |
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Post by spock on Feb 11, 2017 14:33:02 GMT -6
Regardless of brand, I like darker sounding cymbals.
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Post by svart on Feb 11, 2017 17:25:02 GMT -6
Rumor is that the zildjian brother who formed sabian cymbals stole the K bronze formula and the sabian HH line is the same bronze as the zildjian K line.
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Post by jeremygillespie on Feb 11, 2017 18:37:46 GMT -6
I've got a set of Paiste Giabt Beats that work great - I was hooked up with a set of 16" hats and they record great.
Also - the Paiste 602 Modern Essential series is one of the best I've recorded.
My go to ride when somebody doesn't have something nice is a 20" K Custom Dark.
And I've got a bunch of other random stuff.
Go to mycymbal.com - they have videos of everything they sell recorded pretty well and you can get a good idea of what you like.
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Post by Quint on Feb 11, 2017 19:06:35 GMT -6
Meinl Byzance is awesome. The overtones are great and they decay nice. I still use Paiste 2002 on hi hat and ride but it's Byzance all the way on crashes.
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Post by john on Feb 11, 2017 19:41:09 GMT -6
2 cymbals that made recording drums much more pleasant for me were the Custom Dark Crash 18" and a K Constantinople Ride in 20". I had bought numerous cheap things prior to that. All mistakes.
Another element that made recording drums much less arduous was the Coles 4038 mic.
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Post by jimwilliams on Feb 12, 2017 12:04:07 GMT -6
Visit the Zildjian factory like many other famous drummers have. Take a full day and pick the winners. You will get the best selection that way and you won't be restricted by the tiny selection available at the local Banjo Mart.
Each cymbal is unique and different, select from a large batch to find the winners.
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Post by ragan on Feb 12, 2017 18:12:50 GMT -6
I play K Dark crashes. Really nice. I was leaning towards this set, although the Meinl mentioned above also comes highly recommended. One question though: "K Dark" or "K Custom Dark"? Mine are "K Dark Thin" Crashes. |
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Post by john on Feb 12, 2017 18:26:53 GMT -6
I just heard a 22" Kerope at Sam Ash and it was beautiful. $400 though as I was supposed to be valentine/anniversary shopping. Ouch!
Definitely next on my list.
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Post by lpedrum on Feb 13, 2017 0:03:16 GMT -6
OK, I'll answer this a little differently. (I'm a drummer and I own a fair amount of cymbals.) You shouldn't be looking for a "set of cymbals." You need to focus on getting a great ride, a great pair of hats and then a couple of nice crashes. The search for a great ride is usually the hardest. (Just go over to Cymbalholic where that's all they talk about.) Hats can be tricky too, because they create a lot of problems when recording. Crashes are a bit easier to purchase, but you can get dogs there too if you don't know what you're doing.
I wouldn't buy anything right away. Listen to a LOT of cymbals online. Play a LOT of cymbals in stores that carry high end models. Educate your ears. There's a lot to it, and cymbals more than almost any other instrument can sound radically different from room to room. It's a very tough instrument to pin down -- very much like finding a great acoustic guitar. So take your time. And the more you understand the fine points of how a cymbal sounds the better you'll be a miking them up too. Let us know what you end up with!
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Post by donr on Feb 13, 2017 6:17:18 GMT -6
My experience with cymbals is every one sounds different, even same brand/model and same size. Got to hit them and listen. Loud cymbals are harder to record.
Speaking of Phil Collins, his solo record had no cymbals at all. Drum libraries have many cymbals to choose from if you can record that way. The best cymbal sound is a great drummer with a great kit playing with great dynamics.
All advice in this thread is great.
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Post by stormymondays on Feb 13, 2017 12:41:39 GMT -6
Yes, great advice, thanks everyone! A drummer friend of mine works at a local music store. He can get me a couple kits to try out. I'm going to go for the Meinl Byzance and the Zildjian K Custom Dark, and try as many cymbals as possible too!
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Post by junior on Feb 13, 2017 14:18:32 GMT -6
I've got a set of Paiste Giabt Beats that work great - I was hooked up with a set of 16" hats and they record great. Also - the Paiste 602 Modern Essential series is one of the best I've recorded. Was just going to mention the Paiste Giant Beats - love them! |
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