A negative experience with Saluda

[killer_deep]

I bought a Saluda 16" Mist-X crash based on the comments on this thread, and the reputation of Saluda on several forums. I was severely disappointed in the sound of the crash. I gave it a week, played it in different settings (amplified band, acoustic band, etc.) and it simply was not very good at all. Even my band members specifically complained about how bad the crash sounded. I have to figure out whether I'll be more likely to make my money back on eBay, or whether I should return the cymbal to Saluda.

I can't really complain about Jamie's customer service, it was average to decent, certainly not aversive in any way. Not as great as Tony from cymbalsonly.com though... oh man, now that guy knows how to help customers.

I'll be sticking to buying discs from cymbalsonly.com from now on, particularly the beautiful beautiful Bosphorus/Istanbul cymbals, each of which has excellent recordings available online to listen to, to decide before you buy. The price of Saluda's are appealing, but thats about it.

I hope people realize that even given all of the love for Saluda out there, there are people that are quite disappointed with their product. I don't think Saludas even close to compare to the big three or the turkish companies. Could be my own preference though. I certainly still wish the company and Jamie well and hope they have success.

Regards,
S

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Saluda would probably take it back- even offer to fine tune it some more for you. That almost sounds like a blatant commercial for cymbalsonly.com.

Oh well. You can send it to me since that is one of the next cymbals from Saluda I want to buy. I have an 18" Mist-X crash and it sounds quite nice. :)

[jiltednut]

I love my Saludas, can't say enough things about them.

[dom]

i love mine and plan on getting more. maybe you dont like it because its a 16'' and not something bigger j/k i hate anything 16'' and below. i dont know why but maybe thats because i havent played any really good cymbals that size.

anywaysss what did you ask for? did you just ask for a 16'' mist or did you get custom work done to it. you can send it back have it fine tuned tell jamie what you dont like about it and if he cant fine tune it he will get you something new.

before you judge the customer service i would try sending it back and see what jamie and hook you up with just tell him what you want and what you really dont like about the cymbal you have and he can fix it up for you

[fourstringdrums]

I'm waiting for a Saluda Glory Crash right now, I'll report when it comes in. What didn't you like about it specifically? Keep in mind that just like other cymbals from Paiste, Zildjian, Sabian etc.. it might just not be a size and/or model of Saluda that you like. I like all of the big 3 but all of them have atleast one model or cymbal that I hear it and it's just not my thing. Even in the case of size. I've heard let's say a 17" that I loved, but then I hear the 18" or the 16" inch and I think it's terrible.

Like everything, it's subjective.

[fourstringdrums]

I just saw this thread on PDF http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/showpost.php?p=1851836400&postcount=1007

Wow, not good. But it seems almost TOO negative compared to all the positive reviews I do see.

[tamadrummer132]

i just watched one of the videos on saludacymbals.com... and the hats sound clangy and the crashes too trashy and too fast of a decay... i want to try them out, but i wish i coiuld play them in person first!!

[dom]

Its funny I think he needs to learn how to spell before he bashes them so much. I hope that Jamie gets everything sorted out with his order it would be a shame if he doesn’t get what he wants and hope fully he can get his stuff back.

[franklinj]

Killer- Sorry to hear about the experience. If I were you, I would send them back and tell them what you dont like in the crash. they usually do a very, very good job with their cymbals, but ive seen two threads in the past week w/ complaints about Saluda... I hope this isnt a trend. I hope Saluda doesnt start to decline...

-Trent

[goalieman92]

from what I've heard, if you don't like a cymbal's sound, you can just send it back for the cost of shipping and they'll fix it for you.

[d.c.drummer]

next time you should buy ad space from Bernhard. I am certain that the will take the cymbal back and make it to your liking.

[fourstringdrums]

I'd like to know why in the PDF thread I posted, the mistakes that were made happened. I still think his 20" crash being measured as 19+" is his fault in measuring, and I know with the hi-hats being different sizes slightly, sometimes they're designed that way. Will Calhoun's Mad Hats are like that. The bottom is about 1/8" bigger. Also if he didn't ask for a brilliant cymbal and got one? Any complaints about sound I still think are subjective, and especially when you're trying to describe what you want to someone, how you describe it and how the other person interperets it makes a difference.

[maddrummr]

This is why its a good idea to try the stuff before you buy it.
Everyones advice can be helpful, yes, but how do you know if your gonna like it.

all companies have a few fluke products, im you can send it back, recieve another one, and if it sounds better, then well that cymbal that you bought in the first place was just a dud.


its a different case for heads of course.

[fusssion]

I bought a Saluda 16" Mist-X crash based on the comments on this thread, and the reputation of Saluda on several forums. I was severely disappointed in the sound of the crash. I gave it a week, played it in different settings (amplified band, acoustic band, etc.) and it simply was not very good at all. Even my band members specifically complained about how bad the crash sounded. I have to figure out whether I'll be more likely to make my money back on eBay, or whether I should return the cymbal to Saluda.

I can't really complain about Jamie's customer service, it was average to decent, certainly not aversive in any way. Not as great as Tony from cymbalsonly.com though... oh man, now that guy knows how to help customers.

I'll be sticking to buying discs from cymbalsonly.com from now on, particularly the beautiful beautiful Bosphorus/Istanbul cymbals, each of which has excellent recordings available online to listen to, to decide before you buy. The price of Saluda's are appealing, but thats about it.

I hope people realize that even given all of the love for Saluda out there, there are people that are quite disappointed with their product. I don't think Saludas even close to compare to the big three or the turkish companies. Could be my own preference though. I certainly still wish the company and Jamie well and hope they have success.

Regards,
S

Killer, call Jamie and he'll take it back and get you what you want,...bottom line.

Remember folks..........even Paiste, Zildjian and the rest of them have their NEGATIVE reports....it is what it is......

Tamadrummer.....that video has poor sound quality. I'll tell you now, MY cymbals don't sound that way! :)

As for the measurements.....remember,...these are all hand hammered,...perfect measurements don't exsist.....my 21" ride is actually 20 13/16 or so.....big deal....it sounds great.......right? :)

Franklin...I'm sure it's not a trend....look around at who has them here,....complaints are WAY low compared to the masses. And like I said.....look at every other cymbal maker.....they have thier issues and nay-sayers too...

As for the PDF from the Pearl forum.....this guy,...well.....sounds like a complainer and is probably a kid because of his "english" ...theres' got to be an explanation....just too many GOOD reviews of Saluda, ya know?

[fourstringdrums]

Killer, call Jamie and he'll take it back and get you what you want,...bottom line.

Remember folks..........even Paiste, Zildjian and the rest of them have their NEGATIVE reports....it is what it is......

Tamadrummer.....that video has poor sound quality. I'll tell you now, MY cymbals don't sound that way! :)

As for the measurements.....remember,...these are all hand hammered,...perfect measurements don't exsist.....my 21" ride is actually 20 13/16 or so.....big deal....it sounds great.......right? :)

Franklin...I'm sure it's not a trend....look around at who has them here,....complaints are WAY low compared to the masses. And like I said.....look at every other cymbal maker.....they have thier issues and nay-sayers too...

As for the PDF from the Pearl forum.....this guy,...well.....sounds like a complainer and is probably a kid because of his "english" ...theres' got to be an explanation....just too many GOOD reviews of Saluda, ya know?

The size issues that kid has with the hi-hats and the ride (or crash or whatever) don't bother me because as you said, it's hand hammered, so it may be alittle off. As for the hi-hats, like I said sometimes they designed that way. Hell some hi-hats I've had don't come together perfectly unless I press on the pedal really hard. I was told they're designed that way to eliminate air lock. But him not ordering Brilliant finish and getting one, and also none of the sounds are what he asked for is a bit disheartening. But, those could just be subjective things.

[fourstringdrums]

Jamie just responded to the kid

http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/showthread.php?p=1851838603#post1851838603

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

That's really funny. When I received my first two crashes I was a bit bothered that I had received a Diamond instead of one of my Mist-Xs, considering the detailed discussion Jamie and I had through email. However, with a couple weeks of playing I realized the Diamond 'was' what I had asked for in the sound, and the Mist-X I thought I was going to get wouldn't have come close to that sound I described. I asked if I could return it and Jamie said it would be no problem at all. I'm not returning it. I love that Diamond now. Saluda cymbals will sweeten over time. It takes a little while for the metal molecules to settle after being beaten into submission via hammer. Now, I want my cymbals to be a mix of Mist-X and Diamonds. So in my experience, not getting what I thought I was going to get turned out to be great. And if it had not, I could have returned or exchanged it anyway!

I think the sound descriptions are highly subjective which is why anyone interested in Saludua should extensively talk with Jamie about what they are looking for. Be as descriptive as you can. Don't be afraid if what you get isn't exactly what you wanted, it's not the end of the road.

[wy yung]

What a saga!


That Jamie guy seems pretty cool. Personally I am very happy that there are a number of other cymbal manufacturers competing with the Big Three. The Big Three's prices have been going through the roof. The last Zildjian cymbal I bought was incredibly expensive.

[Miggle]

i've heard the 15" mist crash and hats. The hats sound awesome! They have this fine and delicate but very projecting sound. The 15" crash is just as loud as my 18" A thin crash. It sounds very nice too.

[fourstringdrums]

Jamie has been talking with my regarding my cymbals. Initially we thought I was going to get a 17" Glory Crash because I wanted something that sounded like an HHXtreme crash, only not so harsh and "extreme" :) Just a nice dry, full, versatile crash with a trashy edge. He eventually wrote me back and said that he doesn't think the Glory will fit the bill, although he's going to try a few of them and see if he can't get that sound of it it, because he knows I like the finish. He thinks though that a Mist-X will be my ticket.

What's really cool is that if I do a full set of cymbals, atleast for my hi-hats, because he knows I want the look of a Black Mist but the a Black Mist top hat won't work with the sound I want, he's going to do something he's never done before and try and make a blackened Mist X.

It just shows that he really is willing to try and get you what you want, you just have to trust in and him and possibly compromise in a few visual areas or specific series if it gets you the tone that you want.

[=J=]

Personally I am very happy that there are a number of other cymbal manufacturers competing with the Big Three. The Big Three's prices have been going through the roof. The last Zildjian cymbal I bought was incredibly expensive.

Indeed, its difficult to see how they can justify their prices considering other companies can make cymbals as good (or as close as doesnt matter) and from the same materials for a tiny fraction of the price. OK, they may be manufactured in china but then for the most part so are the others (casting etc.) Makes you wonder how long it will take for the effect of the big threes branding to wear off.

[Deathmetalconga]

Indeed, its difficult to see how they can justify their prices considering other companies can make cymbals as good (or as close as doesnt matter) and from the same materials for a tiny fraction of the price. OK, they may be manufactured in china but then for the most part so are the others (casting etc.) Makes you wonder how long it will take for the effect of the big threes branding to wear off.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't Zildjian, Paiste and Sabian make their cymbals in Europe or the US? Agreed, these cymbals are expensive (I only play Zildjian A Customs) but some of what you're paying for is fair working conditions and complying with environmental regulations.

I don't think employees at the Wuhan factory get worker's compensation, health insurance or matching 401(k) retirement plans. I read all the time about China's trashed environment and I suspect the Wuhan factory dumps a lot of its toxic waste in theYangtze River. Keeps costs down for the consumer.

A whole lot of resources, energy and human effort goes into delivering that shiny new cymbal to your doorstep. The human and environmental costs are the same, regardless of where it was made. The only question is whether the manufacturer passed the full costs on to you, or whether it was passed along to someone else in the form of environmental degradation and de facto slavery.

Yes, I own Wuhans. But I know why their prices are so low and I've stopped buying them.

www.terrasonus.com

[drozzy]

I dont know what toxic waste the wuhan factory would produce (radioactive cymbals ftw!), but all i can think of is excess ores and materials being dumped. Maybe also oils and lubricators.

But a valid point dmc.

I have two sets of 14' hihats, one set 9the machine hammered set) is fractionally smaller (2-3 mm) than the hand hammered set, doesnt make much of a difference at all.

[fourstringdrums]

I have two sets of 14' hihats, one set 9the machine hammered set) is fractionally smaller (2-3 mm) than the hand hammered set, doesnt make much of a difference at all.

Are they Saluda or just hand hammered from another company. I've owned hi-hats that don't come together cleanly, there is always a gap unless I really press on the hi-hat pedal, including my HHX Groove hats. But I let it go.

It shouldn't be an issue but he obviously made it out to be one. I got into something with some other kid there about the original posters spelling and lousy grammar. It's annoying enough to begin with but when the person is ranting about something, it doesn't really give them too much credibility at first glance.

[dom]

Are they Saluda or just hand hammered from another company. I've owned hi-hats that don't come together cleanly, there is always a gap unless I really press on the hi-hat pedal, including my HHX Groove hats. But I let it go.

It shouldn't be an issue but he obviously made it out to be one. I got into something with some other kid there about the original posters spelling and lousy grammar. It's annoying enough to begin with but when the person is ranting about something, it doesn't really give them too much credibility at first glance.

i agree. if he wasn’t satisfied then he should have approached the problem in a different way to begin with. With his spelling Jamie may not have even been able to understand what he wanted to begin with. Saluda is a great company and they were very willing to help Joey fix the problem. I agree with fourstringsdrums he is probably some punk kid who wants a freebee.

[fourstringdrums]

i agree. if he wasn’t satisfied then he should have approached the problem in a different way to begin with. With his spelling Jamie may not have even been able to understand what he wanted to begin with. Saluda is a great company and they were very willing to help Joey fix the problem. I agree with fourstringsdrums he is probably some punk kid who wants a freebee.

Glad you agree. That other idiot I got into a debate with felt that I shouldn't be in the conversation because of my "newb" status on PDF, and because of the things I said to the original poster I might be burning bridges. Like I would care over there anyway.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

DMC, I completely agree with you on your environmental and ethical stance and now that you've said that, I'm now only going to buy from reputable companies, thanks for opening my eyes on that respect. However, there is a certain amount of markup with the big three, don't you agree? I do find it slightly ridiculous how some companies' cymbals can literally rise in price by £50 one year. Surely there isn't an inflation issue that bad over in the states is there? I know our import taxes and transport costs aren't increasing to that extent either. I do personally find the worse offender in this respect to be Zildjian, but I also find the same occurs to a lesser extent with Meinl, Sabian and Paiste amongst others.

[fourstringdrums]

DMC, I completely agree with you on your environmental and ethical stance and now that you've said that, I'm now only going to buy from reputable companies, thanks for opening my eyes on that respect. However, there is a certain amount of markup with the big three, don't you agree? I do find it slightly ridiculous how some companies' cymbals can literally rise in price by £50 one year. Surely there isn't an inflation issue that bad over in the states is there? I know our import taxes and transport costs aren't increasing to that extent either. I do personally find the worse offender in this respect to be Zildjian, but I also find the same occurs to a lesser extent with Meinl, Sabian and Paiste amongst others.

No we don't have bad inflation over here year after year, so there doesn't seem to be any justification in it.

[killer_deep]

Hi All,

First off, I'd like to thank everyone that posted for not escalating this into a flame war. This is a public forum, and my job as a drummerworldizen is to inform my fellow board members as best as I can from my own experience, so they can make their own decisions.

My initial reaction to my Mist-X crash was to return it because I didn't like it in the least, but the suggestions in this post have led me to believe that I should return it and get it modified. Returning it would've meant I'd lost the shipping cost x 2 to get it back, but I believe Jamie said at the Pearl Drummers' Forum that returns for modifications will be paid for both ways. Is that the case? Has anyone sent a cymbal back to be modified? I'm thinking about getting holes put in (a-la the Sabian O-zone crashes) to have it sound like a funky crash/china cymbal. Should work well and certainly be unique in terms of the funk/alternative music I play.

Thoughts?

S

P.S. Kudos on the environmental stance DMC - you get a hell of a lot of respect for that.

[dom]

im glad you are not going to give up on saluda just yet. if you let jamie know what you dont like about it, and what you want out of the modified one then im sure he can get you something you will love. Im not really sure of anyone off the top of my mind who has returned and thing, but if you email jamie about im sure he will be glad to work something out. once again i would like to thank you for not makeing this a bash saluda thread like what happend on the PDF.

[fourstringdrums]

Hi All,

First off, I'd like to thank everyone that posted for not escalating this into a flame war. This is a public forum, and my job as a drummerworldizen is to inform my fellow board members as best as I can from my own experience, so they can make their own decisions.

My initial reaction to my Mist-X crash was to return it because I didn't like it in the least, but the suggestions in this post have led me to believe that I should return it and get it modified. Returning it would've meant I'd lost the shipping cost x 2 to get it back, but I believe Jamie said at the Pearl Drummers' Forum that returns for modifications will be paid for both ways. Is that the case? Has anyone sent a cymbal back to be modified? I'm thinking about getting holes put in (a-la the Sabian O-zone crashes) to have it sound like a funky crash/china cymbal. Should work well and certainly be unique in terms of the funk/alternative music I play.

Thoughts?

S

P.S. Kudos on the environmental stance DMC - you get a hell of a lot of respect for that.

I hope everything works out for you and this turns into something positive. The difference between your post and the kid on PDF (who I gave a piece of my mind to whether he and his buddy's liked it or not) was that you explained your negative experience in a calm and organized manner and didn't make it out to sound like a Saluda Sucks post. I give you credit for that.

I believe that Jamie will pay both ways for modification because if they made something and you don't like it, why should you pay everytime you sent it back? But because you're not the one who originally ordered it, that may not be the case. You might have to pay for shipping to get it to him but then I would think atleast he'd pay for return shipping. Which is still fair.

Just shoot him an email info@saludacymbals.com and he'll get back to you as soon as he can. He'll do whatever he can to make you happy, and that may include paying for 2 way shipping. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Good luck with it. I expect to have my 17" Crash hopefuly this week, but most likely next week. He's still trying a few things before he ships out my cymbal. I'll post a review then. I'm also getting a custom snare (trading my Yamaha Musashi Oak 100% + $12 for shipping) which I'll report on two. I should have that in a few weeks.

[Deathmetalconga]

DMC, I completely agree with you on your environmental and ethical stance and now that you've said that, I'm now only going to buy from reputable companies, thanks for opening my eyes on that respect. However, there is a certain amount of markup with the big three, don't you agree? I do find it slightly ridiculous how some companies' cymbals can literally rise in price by £50 one year. Surely there isn't an inflation issue that bad over in the states is there? I know our import taxes and transport costs aren't increasing to that extent either. I do personally find the worse offender in this respect to be Zildjian, but I also find the same occurs to a lesser extent with Meinl, Sabian and Paiste amongst others.

There is probably some truth to that. The big cymbal manufacturers have huge advertising and marketing budgets. Those two-page spreads in Modern Drummer and other trade magazines aren't cheap. The whiz-bang Web sites are also labor intensive. The consumer pays for that through the price of the product. Then again, I'd bet their ad agencies are also First-World companies that provide their employees with benefits.

If you can find a cymbal company that has the sound you like and is cheaper because they don't have all the marketing expense, I think that's great. But not all of the cost of the Big Three is due to marketing. I'm just saying look at the whole picture before you buy.

www.terrasonus.com

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

DMC- Saluda may get their blanks from China but they are still a US based company. Saluda's best marketing has been through word of mouth- which is free. I doubt their employees have a 401k plan. I'd be surprised (but happy) if their laborers had benefits of any kind. A lot of labor jobs (mainly mom and pop shops) do not offer benefits in the US - and that makes up a huge portion of the work force. Adults without health insurance and retirement plans is a growing problem in the US.

Saluda isn't located in China. What they are is a home grown US company that we need to support. With success perhaps their company will gain the ability to produce completely 'in-house'. Does that mean you have to stop buying from the big three or anyone else for that matter? Of course not. I'd be amazed if there wasn't a single item in one of the big three's factories that was made in China, etc. It's kind of hard to escape in this day of age. I'm not condoning poor working conditions or dumping of hazardous material, but I don't think the low prices of Saluda cymbals are because they have enslaved their workers or defied local laws by illegally dumping hazardous waste. Maybe you know something I don't.

We could take this discussion and apply it to the majority of things you use in your daily life, including the computer components that you use to access this forum. Of course, we don't need to, but since the 80s not much has actually been made entirely in the US.

[Deathmetalconga]

DMC- Saluda may get their blanks from China but they are still a US based company. Saluda's best marketing has been through word of mouth- which is free. I doubt their employees have a 401k plan. I'd be surprised (but happy) if their laborers had benefits of any kind. A lot of labor jobs (mainly mom and pop shops) do not offer benefits in the US - and that makes up a huge portion of the work force. Adults without health insurance and retirement plans is a growing problem in the US.

Saluda isn't located in China. What they are is a home grown US company that we need to support. With success perhaps their company will gain the ability to produce completely 'in-house'. Does that mean you have to stop buying from the big three or anyone else for that matter? Of course not. I'd be amazed if there wasn't a single item in one of the big three's factories that was made in China, etc. It's kind of hard to escape in this day of age. I'm not condoning poor working conditions or dumping of hazardous material, but I don't think the low prices of Saluda cymbals are because they have enslaved their workers or defied local laws by illegally dumping hazardous waste. Maybe you know something I don't.

We could take this discussion and apply it to the majority of things you use in your daily life, including the computer components that you use to access this forum. Of course, we don't need to, but since the 80s not much has actually been made entirely in the US.

Maybe you didn't read my post right above yours, or maybe I wasn't clear enough in it. I'm sure there are plenty of domestic companies such as Saluda that make great stuff and sell it for less because they don't have huge marketing budgets. I agree that a lot (but not all) of the higher cost of the Big Three is due to marketing, fancy ads, fancy Web sites. etc. The Internet is making word-of-mouth more potent than ever. Just this discussion could tip people reading it to go for one brand or the other, or at least interest people in Saludas who had never before heard of the company.

www.terrasonus.com

[wy yung]

I'm not sure where the original ore is mined that is later used to make cymbals. But I'd bet it's a good guess that it is from a number of places and is bought and sold according to the world price at any given time of the year.

As an example of the cost difference that exists, here are two prices I recently paid for ride cymbals. Both cymbals are of equal quality and sound beautiful. There is a two inch difference in diameter.

Meinl Byzance 20" heavy ride. $280.00.
Zildjian high definition K custom 22" ride. $829.00.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Maybe you didn't read my post right above yours, or maybe I wasn't clear enough in it.

Ya, I read both of your posts. My response was mainly to the first post and the last sentence of your second post. I'm not debating that the high cost of the big three can be in part due to marketing and employee benefits. Branding has a lot to do with it I'm sure (charging more for a 'house-hold' name). However, it seemed you were implying low cost cymbals must be at that price point because of poor working conditions and detriment to the environment, and not something as simple as low overhead and the need to compete with the big dogs. That's just what I took from that. If that's not what you meant, that's cool. Keep in mind this thread was about Saludas, not Wuhans. I've never played a Wuhan, but from what others here have said there is a world of difference. ;)

[killer_deep]

Hi All,

I've got a bit of an update for you. I emailed Jamie regarding modifying my cymbal, and found out that Saluda only pays shipping for *some* returns in the United States, and never for customers outside of the US. For me to send the cymbal back for customizing, I would have to pay shipping both ways (which amounts to more than the cymbal itself cost). While I can understand the limitations of running a fairly large business, and the non-sustainability of have a business practise such as free return shipping for customization, I think this officially marks the end of any relationship I have with Saluda cymbals. I'm glad I tried them out, but I'm going to stick to the turkish stuff that I can audition online. The knowledge that the cymbal I'm buying will sound exactly like a sample, not just described in words, is worth the premium price.

I hope those of you buying Saludas in the near future have a better experience than I and enjoy your cymbals.

S

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

The knowledge that the cymbal I'm buying will sound exactly like a sample, not just described in words, is worth the premium price.

You have a good point, however since they are willing to customize their cymbals for each individual, it's kind of hard to have a standard sound file. They do have a limited amount of sound files on their site. When I get the rest of my Saludas soon I plan on submitting my own sound file. I think hearing something close would help interested buyers. If you really don't want that one you have, I'll pay for shipping it to me. :)

I'm sorry this didn't work out for ya. Regardless, there are plenty of awesome cymbals out there to choose from. I want to collect them all. Aha!

[killer_deep]

Thats interesting... there are a lot of devoted Saluda lovers out there. Does anyone want to buy my 16" Mist-X crash in brilliant finish?

S

[fourstringdrums]

You have a good point, however since they are willing to customize their cymbals for each individual, it's kind of hard to have a standard sound file. They do have a limited amount of sound files on their site. When I get the rest of my Saludas soon I plan on submitting my own sound file. I think hearing something close would help interested buyers. If you really don't want that one you have, I'll pay for shipping it to me. :)

I'm sorry this didn't work out for ya. Regardless, there are plenty of awesome cymbals out there to choose from. I want to collect them all. Aha!

I plan on doing some audio/video myself. My crash should be here Thursday or so, and I'll get something then. It won't be a studio recording, but fairly good for reference.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

I plan on doing some audio/video myself. My crash should be here Thursday or so, and I'll get something then. It won't be a studio recording, but fairly good for reference.

I think there is a decent amount of diversity of Saluda cymbals between us here at DW. If we all could record an audio clip, their site might have a pretty good representation of their lines and what is possible. I'll probably make my recordings once I get my new kit, which should be around the same time as my new cymbals within the next month or so. As soon as I get my tax return. Muahahah!

killer, I am newly devoted fan of Saluda. I still love my Zildjians though. I've been trading in my Sabians towards the Saludas, but in fairness my Sabians weren't top of the line. I really love the two crashes I have and can't wait to get my next batch. Next year I plan on making another upgrade. One of my band mates who is also a drummer has fallen in love with my new crashes as well. heheh I really wish I had the money to buy cymbals from a few different companies. I'm the type who loves to have more cymbals than drums.

[somedrummer]

Well, I have just another thing that I suppose belongs in this thread.

The other night on a pep band gig I was playing and suddenly noticed that a large crack had developed in my Diamond Trash Crash. The next day, a large piece of the cymbal broke off. I have never broken a cymbal before, and I'm quite sure it was not clamped down too tight, nor was I using a different technique to hit it. I did specifically askfor a very trashy cymbal, which does require a certain amount of "thin-ness" to it, but I'm wondering whether it was my fault or if it was just too thin in that one spot.

I've just finished emailing Jamie, so I'll wait and see what he has to say...

[fourstringdrums]

Well, I have just another thing that I suppose belongs in this thread.

The other night on a pep band gig I was playing and suddenly noticed that a large crack had developed in my Diamond Trash Crash. The next day, a large piece of the cymbal broke off. I have never broken a cymbal before, and I'm quite sure it was not clamped down too tight, nor was I using a different technique to hit it. I did specifically askfor a very trashy cymbal, which does require a certain amount of "thin-ness" to it, but I'm wondering whether it was my fault or if it was just too thin in that one spot.

I've just finished emailing Jamie, so I'll wait and see what he has to say...

Wow. I've never heard of a cymbal cracking and then breaking off in 24 hours. Is it still under warranty? I suppose even if not, Jamie will make good on it. A crack is maybe one thing, but a piece breaking off that soon is another.

[somedrummer]

Wow. I've never heard of a cymbal cracking and then breaking off in 24 hours. Is it still under warranty? I suppose even if not, Jamie will make good on it. A crack is maybe one thing, but a piece breaking off that soon is another.

It should still be under warranty as I only got it less than 2 months ago. I just hope that I'm able to get a new one, because I really love the sound of that cymbal. The strange part is, even now that it's broken, it still sounds about the same as it did before, and it got compliments from my drum teacher as well...

[drozzy]

Good point re Meinl v. Zildjian pricing.

An interesting point is that the meinl Byzance is also shipped between Turkey and Germany for hamering and finishing in different stages. It brings more light the the single point of paying for the brand name. I love my byzance 18", and havent played a zildjian cymbal that has had a sound so complex or full bodied.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

It should still be under warranty as I only got it less than 2 months ago. I just hope that I'm able to get a new one, because I really love the sound of that cymbal. The strange part is, even now that it's broken, it still sounds about the same as it did before, and it got compliments from my drum teacher as well...

Sounds the same? Wow! That is so crazy. I've cracked one cymbal in all the years I've been playing, and the sound certainly changed from a nice crash to a trash can lid. hahah!

The Diamonds are pretty thin. I've been taking extra care when I hit mine. I suppose if people can break really thick machine pressed Zildjians, it should also be possible to break a really thin hand-hammered. I think you should get a replacement as well, considering it is still pretty new.

[somedrummer]

Sounds the same? Wow! That is so crazy. I've cracked one cymbal in all the years I've been playing, and the sound certainly changed from a nice crash to a trash can lid. hahah!

The Diamonds are pretty thin. I've been taking extra care when I hit mine. I suppose if people can break really thick machine pressed Zildjians, it should also be possible to break a really thin hand-hammered. I think you should get a replacement as well, considering it is still pretty new.

Well, I got a very detailed email from Jamie stating that they have done a lot of tests on their cymbals, and essentially he told me I was using bad technique, which I expect I may have been doing, being caught up in the heat of the moment. So, it will not be covered under warranty, but I still am planning on getting another, as well as a 12" Mist Brilliant Splash. Just waiting for a quote on that.

[fourstringdrums]

Well, I got a very detailed email from Jamie stating that they have done a lot of tests on their cymbals, and essentially he told me I was using bad technique, which I expect I may have been doing, being caught up in the heat of the moment. So, it will not be covered under warranty, but I still am planning on getting another, as well as a 12" Mist Brilliant Splash. Just waiting for a quote on that.

Well that's dissappointing. So much for the 1 year warranty. He's not the first cymbal manufacturer to tell someone that it's their fault and they're not covered, but still I don't think it's up to them to say. I still don't see what kind of technique you could be using that would cause it to crack and break apart that quickly.

[mofle]

Well that's dissappointing. So much for the 1 year warranty. He's not the first cymbal manufacturer to tell someone that it's their fault and they're not covered, but still I don't think it's up to them to say. I still don't see what kind of technique you could be using that would cause it to crack and break apart that quickly.

Zildjian did the same to me. I broke my K splash after 10 months, and they did not belive that I had hit it properly. I didn't even use it that much! I think the store I bought it from wasn't much help, they said they would fix it (as in get a new one), but they didn't do anything at all. I haven't even gotten it back yet, and I gave it to them two months ago! This makes me mad. I don't have money for a new splash! Cymbal manufacturers should be more clear on what ''counts'' for a new cymbal.

[fourstringdrums]

Zildjian did the same to me. I broke my K splash after 10 months, and they did not belive that I had hit it properly. I didn't even use it that much! I think the store I bought it from wasn't much help, they said they would fix it (as in get a new one), but they didn't do anything at all. I haven't even gotten it back yet, and I gave it to them two months ago! This makes me mad. I don't have money for a new splash! Cymbal manufacturers should be more clear on what ''counts'' for a new cymbal.

I just really think that Jamie should be alittle more fair with this cymbal. It's only 2 months old after all, and because it cracked, then a piece broke off, makes me think there was a defect. This doesn't impact what I think of them so far, as all the manufacturers have their flaws from time to time, but it's just too bad that he can't do more about it. Even if he said "Sorry about that. I suspect you were probably using bad technique, so I can't give you a full refund or new cymbal, but I'll gladly go halves"

[wy yung]

Is it possible for you to post a pic of the cymbal? If not, which direction did the crack follow?

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

Well, I got a very detailed email from Jamie stating that they have done a lot of tests on their cymbals, and essentially he told me I was using bad technique, which I expect I may have been doing, being caught up in the heat of the moment. So, it will not be covered under warranty, but I still am planning on getting another, as well as a 12" Mist Brilliant Splash. Just waiting for a quote on that.

Ah, I didn't rag on your technique because I took from your other post you were using good technique. How are you hitting your cymbals? Do you have them kind of flat, and then strike the edges with the shoulder of the stick? That would probably be the easiest way to crack a cymbal. I keep my crashes tilted toward me enough so that I can hit the bow of the cymbal, and not the edge. I've never had to get a replacement cymbal from any company so I guess I can't really compare Saluda's response. Did he say what is covered in their warranty, more specifically?

[mofle]

Ah, I didn't rag on your technique because I took from your other post you were using good technique. How are you hitting your cymbals? Do you have them kind of flat, and then strike the edges with the shoulder of the stick? That would probably be the easiest way to crack a cymbal. I keep my crashes tilted toward me enough so that I can hit the bow of the cymbal, and not the edge. I've never had to get a replacement cymbal from any company so I guess I can't really compare Saluda's response. Did he say what is covered in their warranty, more specifically?

A professional cymbal should last more than two months, if it is played close to proper ( meaning not beatnig it up with a hammer). I have to agree with you that Jamie should make a deal such as giving you a splash, or give you a decent discount on your next(?) cymbal purchase. Good luck, hope you get lucky on that!

[somedrummer]

Is it possible for you to post a pic of the cymbal? If not, which direction did the crack follow?

It went up from the edge for about an inch, and then went along the lathing lines, then back down toward the edge, which is where it broke off. I'm not sure in what order that happened, but that's what it looks like. Although it could be possible that it started along a lathing line and then just the pressure that was put on that broke it over to the edge.

I understand where Jamie's coming from, and I'm more than willing to pay for a new one. I just know now that I need to be a bit more careful with it.

The weird part is, I had it set up the same way as I always have my cymbals (as can be seen in any pic of my set, where they're angled toward me, and I've never broken one before. So I'm assuming that the only thing that changed was the amount of pressure I was putting on it or the technique I was using. I guess in reality I may very well be in the wrong on this one, but it is still disappointing.

[SLEEPY BRiGHT EYEZ]

A professional cymbal should last more than two months, if it is played close to proper

I would imagine. If it's any consolation I've had my Diamond crash for almost two months and no cracks.

[fourstringdrums]

It went up from the edge for about an inch, and then went along the lathing lines, then back down toward the edge, which is where it broke off. I'm not sure in what order that happened, but that's what it looks like. Although it could be possible that it started along a lathing line and then just the pressure that was put on that broke it over to the edge.

I understand where Jamie's coming from, and I'm more than willing to pay for a new one. I just know now that I need to be a bit more careful with it.

The weird part is, I had it set up the same way as I always have my cymbals (as can be seen in any pic of my set, where they're angled toward me, and I've never broken one before. So I'm assuming that the only thing that changed was the amount of pressure I was putting on it or the technique I was using. I guess in reality I may very well be in the wrong on this one, but it is still disappointing.

It still seems like a possible manufacturing flaw to me. It almost makes me nervous about if I break one, and I haven't broken a cymbal since I was 15. I play with correct technique and I hit rather lightly. Unfortunately there is no way to tell why it broke.

[wy yung]

If the cymbal cracked along a lathing line or from the edge, chances are it was struck improperly. In my experience a manufacturing defect cracks against the grain; e.g. in a curve not following the lines or across them. The breakage you experienced after having cracked the cymbal is natural and I would not fault the cymbal. The cymbal should have been repaired using a cut that gently curves in and around the original crack before it was ever struck again. Metal, although soft in cymbals due to the alloys used, is brittle. I am not surprised the metal would have curved in enough under stress and then broken away.

I suggest Jamie is right on this decision.

[somedrummer]

If the cymbal cracked along a lathing line or from the edge, chances are it was struck improperly. In my experience a manufacturing defect cracks against the grain; e.g. in a curve not following the lines or across them. The breakage you experienced after having cracked the cymbal is natural and I would not fault the cymbal. The cymbal should have been repaired using a cut that gently curves in and around the original crack before it was ever struck again. Metal, although soft in cymbals due to the alloys used, is brittle. I am not surprised the metal would have curved in enough under stress and then broken away.

I suggest Jamie is right on this decision.

Yep, I agree. Still waiting on a quote for everything, but looking forward to getting it and getting back to playing that sweeet cymbal.

[dom]

Yep, I agree. Still waiting on a quote for everything, but looking forward to getting it and getting back to playing that sweeet cymbal.

glad you liked it and want another. it always sucks when you crack a cymbal. I have only cracked one and and it was the brass crash i got with my first set 3 or 4 years ago. it was funney even tho i hated the crash you cant describe the low you get when you notice that one of your cymbals it cracked or broken