Cymbals Direct

The most eye-catching part of your drum kit is the cymbals. They flash and reflect light when you are crashing them, so not only do they sound great, they become part of the show you put on as well. When purchasing cymbals, drummers are attracted to both the sound quality and the appearance. Cymbals can come in different finishes, including dark, aged, extremely dry looking cymbals to those with such a brilliant finish that you can see yourself reflected in them. Not only do cymbals with a natural finish look differently than that of a brilliant, the finishing process can affect the sound of the cymbal.

The difference in appearance between a natural cymbal and a brilliant cymbal starts with the way it is created. A natural cymbal is only lathed. You can see the tonal grooves in the cymbal but there is no extra polish or shine. In contrast, a brilliant cymbal goes through a high heat, high-pressure process that causes it to have a luminous, reflective quality. Each cymbal is hand buffed to a dazzling shine. Brilliant cymbals are favored by those who want a lot of flash with their clash, as they are eye-catching in appearance. Natural cymbals, while still somewhat reflective of light, do not have the same glow a brilliant cymbal would as they are not polished in the same way.

Although some may say that the difference in finish does not affect the sound of the cymbal, most drummers would agree that the brilliant cymbals sound drastically different than the natural. Particles from the cymbal creation process are jammed into the grooves or lathe marks of natural cymbals. Because of the extra particles that are present, the natural cymbal is capable of creating a different sound or tone. Sound travels along the deep grooves, and as it travels it creates a different tone as it encounters the particles along the way. As the brilliant cymbal is heat pressured and hand buffed, an extra layer is removed and all of the particles that would be present in a natural cymbal are shaved off. Smoother grooves would be present, without the distortion of extra particles to slow the travel of sound. The result? The sound of a brilliant cymbal is washier, glassy, and more open than a natural cymbal. Another way to equate the sound differences of the cymbal is that the brilliant provides a brighter sound quality, whereas the natural gives a lower tone.

The differences in the brilliant and natural finishes are like night and day. Choose brilliant for effect, as the shine alone is a showstopper. Cymbals with a natural finish are chosen for their classic, natural sound quality. Either choice will provide you with a great cymbal for your kit.

Labels: Cymbals Tips, Tips for Drummers

Congrats to the winners of the Meinl FACES OF PERCUSSION contest!

Anne Amrehn (Germany), Olivier Verger (France) and Mareike Wagner (Germany) will have their have their smiling faces on the cover of the 2010 Meinl Book of Percussion and will win new Meinl Percussion Instruments!

Labels: Meinl Cymbals

Remember the feeling you had when you took your brand new cymbal out of the box and put them on your kit? They gleamed in the light, and you couldn't wait to play them. Unfortunately cymbals are made to take a pounding, and while you crashing away on them, they can get extremely dirty. The bright luster of your brand new cymbal is long gone. Luckily for you, you can restore your cymbals to their (almost) original appearance with a little elbow grease and some products you may have around your home.

Your first step when cleaning your cymbals is to assess what type of cleaning they really need. How dirty do the cymbals look? If you can see grime in the grooves, it's time for a deep clean. If your cymbals appear to just need a good buffing, you may get away with giving them a good polish.

The type of cleaning you plan on doing also determines what products you will be using on your cymbals. Most manufacturers like Meinl Cymbals make their own cleaner that is safe for use on all finishes, from your brilliant chinas to your aged splashes. Sabian recommends you clean around the logo, as the cymbal cleaner can remove the logo completely. Other cymbal specific cleaners include Buckaroo Cymbal Cleaner and Blitz Cymbal Cleaner.

For deep cleaning, you can try various household products that have been known to remove grime. Comet, an abrasive household cleaner, can really get into the grooves of your cymbal and remove dirt. Be careful with products like Comet, as they are so abrasive they may scratch your cymbal. Fantastic or Formula 409 are both deep cleaners that can work on cymbals, as is Scrubbing Bubbles.

When deep cleaning your cymbal, be sure to rub with the grooves as opposed to up and down from the bell. If you find that the dirt and grime is not lifting, try to soak the cymbal for a few hours in a warm water solution. Some of the dirt may lift with soaking. Always be sure to use a soft cloth and not something abrasive like SOS pads or steel wool. They won't get your cymbal any cleaner, and you will end up with a lot of scratches in the process.

Cymbals that require a good polish will come clean with Cymbal Cleaner. If you want to add that extra shine, use some Car Wax or an all-natural lemon juice. Constant buffing and polishing will restore the gleam to your cymbals.

The best advice to restore the gleam to your cymbals is to always keep them clean in the first place. Although you have no control over the fact that they are exposed to dirt, smoke, or oil from your hands, you can make cleaning them a weekly ritual. Keep the necessary products handy and give your cymbals a once over whenever you have 10 minutes free. It is extremely important that you keep your cymbals dry and free from any water residue. Water can cause oxidization, which turns into rust. Although rust will not ruin the sound of your cymbal, it won't look as shiny and new as it once did.

In addition to cleaning, protect your cymbals from scratches and wear by carrying them in a hard-shelled case. Use felts when ever possible to protect them from rubbing against the stand.

Keeping your cymbals in tip top shape is similar to housework; if you let it pile up, it takes you that much longer to clean up. Staying on top of your cymbal maintenance is your best bet to keeping them in good working order. Next Tip: Dealing with Cymbal Cracks.

Labels: Cleaning Cymbals, Cymbals Tips, Meinl Cymbals, Sabian Cymbals

As a drummer, it is inevitable that your equipment will need to be replaced at some point. You may have had a great gig and crashed just a bit too hard on your Cymbal, resulting in an unwanted crack. Although most companies have great exchange policies for cracked Cymbals, the best thing you can do is to avoid actions that can cause the crack in the first place.

If you are a hard rocker, odds are you won't choose a lightweight, super thin Cymbal such as a Sabian B8 Thin Crash. The force of the music you are playing requires a heavy, thick Cymbal that can withstand the pressure you are imposing upon it. Choose the right Cymbal for your type of music, and avoid undue force that will result in a crack.

Proper stick handling is essential for avoiding cracks. If you find that your sticks are getting marked up by the way you strike your Cymbal, change your handling of your drumsticks. The makers of Sabian Cymbals recommend 'slicing' across the edge of your Cymbal and avoid hitting it straight up and down. Play off the Cymbal with a glancing blow to the left or right. Hitting your Cymbal straight up and down with a rigid arm will put undue pressure on it and may cause a crack.

Holding your sticks properly will help to avoid cracks, but having the appropriate drumsticks for your Cymbals is also important. You can purchase all wooden sticks or sticks with a plastic tip. Although some say that plastic tips sound better when striking a Cymbal, wooden sticks are more durable and less likely to have the tip fly off when playing.

Proper cushioning of your Cymbals while they are set up is extremely important. Be sure to apply felts at the bell of the Cymbal, and use plastic sleeves to keep the Cymbal from touching the metal stand.

Storing your Cymbals properly is as important as playing them carefully. Keep them in a hard-shelled case or a bag between gigs. Avoid placing your Cymbals in situations where they can get nicked along the edges, as this can lead to cracks. Never let your Cymbals come into contact with the stand or other metal materials when transporting, as this can mark them in a way called key holing.

Good working Cymbals are cleaned and polished often. In much the same way that oil from your hands soils your jewelry, handling will cause your Cymbals to become worn. Keep them polished and shiny for the best durability.

If you do find that you crack one of your Cymbals, there are a few options. You can carefully drill a hole by the bell of the Cymbal, near to the crack. This will stop the crack from growing along the grooves. A machine shop can cut your Cymbal down to a smaller size, removing the crack entirely. Although these fixes will extend the life of your Cymbal, you will still need to replace it sooner rather than later.

When drumming, the best advice for keeping your equipment intact is to take care of it according to manufacturers instructions. Proper thickness choice, adequate storage, and the way you choose to strike will all factor into a long and healthy life for your Cymbal.

Labels: Cymbal Cracks, Cymbals Tips, Tips for Drummers

When you are just starting out as a drummer, you probably invested in a standard 5-piece kit. With a beginner's kit, your Cymbals generally fall into the Splash/Ride category with a Hi-hat thrown in. As you learn and grow as a drummer, you will find that you want to experiment with new sounds and different techniques. Adding additional Cymbals is a great way to do that, but is a China Cymbal really necessary for a beginner to intermediate drummer?

The construction of China Cymbals depends on the manufacturer and the type of China it is. Generally the Cymbal has a bell shape at the top, and can come in any number of finishes including brilliant, polished, or aged. The sound of a china cymbal varies depending on the type, but has been described as trashy, dark, or crisp. The variation in sound makes the China a great accent Cymbal. The specific sound you get depends on your stick technique, where some use the shoulder of the stick to generate the trashy sound. Others may use the tip of the stick for a sizzle sound.

China Cymbals are played for effect, so if you are just starting out as a drummer and are trying to master the backbeat and rhythm, having a China in your set up is not necessary. Depending on the type of music you are playing, you may wish to add one as you develop your drumming skills.

Chinas are used heavily in metal and grindcore music, but rock drummers will also play with them. An example of a rock drummer using a China is Daniel Adair from Nickelback, who uses a 19 inch Paragon China. Not all heavy metal drummers find use for China's, such as Matt Walker from Filter who only used a hihat, ride, and crash to create his brand of music.

If you find you want to buy a China for your set up, there are many different types and sizes available. Ranging in size from 12 inches to 20 inches, Chinas come in weights from thin to heavy. The smaller range of Chinas have less sustain, and as you progress through the sizes can produce a trashy, loud crack that will definitely add color to your set.

If you have the extra cash and want to add some original sound to your set, a China is a great Cymbal to buy. If you find that you really favor your rides and splashes, then you might want to continue using them for a time and wait on your China purchase. How far you will go as a drummer depends on your ability to provide an excellent beat, not on how many extra Cymbals you have in your set up.

Labels: China Cymbals, Cymbals Tips, Sabian Cymbals, Tips for Drummers

When one thinks of the 'greatest' Jazz musicians, your mind is immediately drawn to the accomplished pianist and drummer Jack Dejohnette. An immensely talented musician who has been blessed with the ability to pound the ivories as well as provide an amazing backbeat on the drum, Jack is one of those rare individuals who can easily slip between instruments and produce beautiful music with some of the best musicians that Jazz has had to offer.

Jack began his musical career at a young age, starting with the piano at age 4. By the time he was 14, he was ready for the drums. Jack played drums with his high school band while continuing to take formal piano lessons. In the 1960's he began his first foray into the world of Jazz music as part of the Charles Lloyd Quartet.

As a drummer, Jack Dojohnette's musical relationships are as varied as the jazz music he produced. He worked with Miles Davis on the 1968 album 'Bitches Brew', which is now known as a pivotal turning point in Jazz musical history. Other greats also loved to play over Jack's backbeats, including famous Jazz musician John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Rollins, and Eddie Harris.

Dojohnette's most notable mention on his musical discography is the album "The Dohonette Complex" on which he played drums alongside Roy Haynes. After 2 more albums he began to form groups and record with ECM. The groups, Directions, New Directions, and Special Editions are said to have aided in the founding of a new direction for Jazz at that time. Jack has appeared on more titles for ECM than any other musician.

Jack has won many musical awards over the years for his outstanding achievements in Jazz. In 1979 he was given the Grand Prix du Disque and Charles Cros award. In 1989 and 1991 he won album of the year for two of his albums in Japan.

The past ten years have been busy for Jack, as he has contributed to TV and video soundtracks, including two Grammy nominated projects: The Out of Towners and Ivey Divey. Although he has spent most of his musical history collaborating with other Jazz greats, his individual efforts have brought great joy to his fans as well. His individual release of the relaxation CD "Music in the Key of Om" was widely recognized and nominated for a Grammy award. For the purpose of this piece, he developed a relationship with the Sabian Cymbals to develop a Cymbal that would take his music to the next level.

Jack had always used small, bell like Cymbals with his set up. As a co-developer with Sabian, he produced the first set of Resonating Bells. The bells are available individually or in a C-to -C octave. Melodic in sound, the Resonating Bells are useful for sound effects or adding an extra dimension to the music. With Sabian, Jack also assisted in the creation of the Sabian Signature Collection that includes his self-titled "The Jack Dejohnette Encore" range of Cymbals.

Whether accompanying noted Jazz Musicians or branching out on his own to continue his quest for unique sounds, Jack Dejohnette is a true original in the genre of Jazz music.

Labels: Artists

We've all watched them in parades and at football games: Marching bands are a bigger part of our culture than some may think. Unlike competitive sports such as baseball and basketball, marching bands are about music. Or are they? It is a little known fact to those on the outside of this growing sport that it is as highly competitive as football, basketball, or baseball.

Although you might not really notice them if you are focused on the cheerleaders during half time at the big game, it is the high school show band that is providing the beat in the background for routines and cheers. On their own, show bands can provide music and set routines to entertain the crowd. If the show band is one that competes in large competitions, they will usually focus on one routine throughout the year in order to perfect it.

If you think that football is more competitive the marching band, think again. The marching band circuit is fiercely competitive, and there is much more involved than running in formation to catch a ball. Experts choreograph the routines carried out, and often a band will work feverishly on that routine for competition. Marching bands will use the backbeat of the music to mark time, which is the act of keeping in step with your fellow performers. Each movement is precise and carried out specifically to the beat of the music.

Among the lively musical instruments that are played by a high school band, it is the drums and the cymbals that are used to gain attention and provide the beat. Band Crash Cymbals are carried by the player and introduced at key moments in the music. Often the Cymbals are held wide in order to resonate more fully, and those playing will create specific formations and designs as they walk with their Cymbals.

In much the same way that college football has the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl, marching bands have competitions such as Bands of America, MACBDA, or the Honda Battle of the Bands. Depending on whether you are high school or college level, entrants into these competitions are weeded out through smaller contests where the best bands advance. Every single step is analyzed during a competitions, as is originality of music and routine and best overall performance. Those involved in marching bands are extremely dedicated to their sport, and often spend the summer in band camp in order to perfect their routine and skills for the next year.

High profile competitions take place beyond the traditional exhibitions as bands compete for spots at high profile events. President Obama's inauguration provided the most recent skirmish for bands, as the winner was asked to play for the President and his wife in front of millions of people. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is also a coveted trophy for marching bands across the USA, and bands will often work on their routine for years in order to gain a spot.

If you have children entering high school and they are more 'music buff' than they are interested in field and court sports, steer them in the direction of the school marching band. To be involved in a marching band you need dedication and devotion to the sport, but the rewards reaped by such an experience are highly worth it for both yourself and your child.

Labels: Marching Band