Road Bull
Silver Member
So before we get into the known axioms about technique and whatnot, let me tell you I have often advised the same. I always try to use glancing blows when hitting my cymbals. I like to think of myself as a conscientious hard hitter. However, I have had a run of bad luck with cracking cymbals lately. Over the past several months I have lost (2) 2002 SE top hats, (one replaced under warranty, one purchased used ), a 2002 22" crash (bought used ), and lastly a Reverend Al's Big Ride (bought new, but out of warranty window by 5 months)...
So now I am a little apprehensive about breaking more cymbals and I am questioning my cymbal choices.
I have opened up the clutch on the hats. They were not super tight, but I am letting them slosh more. I have switched from Vic Firth Metal (N) to Vader 2B. I think this is better on my wrists AND gear. Plus they are much easier to finesse.
I have swapped out my 2002 15" SE hats for 15" Alpha Rock Hi-Hats, my 22"crash was replaced by a 22" 2002 Wild Ride (sounds great as a crash), my RABR with a 2002 22" Ride and lastly, my 2002 24" Ride with a 24" Alpha Rock Ride.
Overall, I am happy enough with my cymbals. 3 out of 4 are discontinued within their lines.
So, going forward, I might just use the cheaper Alpha line. They still offer up to 20" crashes.
My other option that I am leaning towards is just going back to Zildjians. I have a set on my home kit that includes a 24" A Medium Ride, 21" A Sweet Ride, and the classic 14" New Beats. This is another solid line up, and seems to be cheaper overall thanot 2002s. But more importantly I am really coming around to that Medium Ride. I think that generally speaking Paiste ride bells sound better to me, but... the Zildjian is no slouch.
I am just pondering my next direction. I have had good luck with my Paiste line up for several years before they all decided to leave together.
I look like I play hard, but I am not hitting nearly as hard as it seems that I am.
Has anything like this made you think about changing you cymbal set up?
So now I am a little apprehensive about breaking more cymbals and I am questioning my cymbal choices.
I have opened up the clutch on the hats. They were not super tight, but I am letting them slosh more. I have switched from Vic Firth Metal (N) to Vader 2B. I think this is better on my wrists AND gear. Plus they are much easier to finesse.
I have swapped out my 2002 15" SE hats for 15" Alpha Rock Hi-Hats, my 22"crash was replaced by a 22" 2002 Wild Ride (sounds great as a crash), my RABR with a 2002 22" Ride and lastly, my 2002 24" Ride with a 24" Alpha Rock Ride.
Overall, I am happy enough with my cymbals. 3 out of 4 are discontinued within their lines.
So, going forward, I might just use the cheaper Alpha line. They still offer up to 20" crashes.
My other option that I am leaning towards is just going back to Zildjians. I have a set on my home kit that includes a 24" A Medium Ride, 21" A Sweet Ride, and the classic 14" New Beats. This is another solid line up, and seems to be cheaper overall thanot 2002s. But more importantly I am really coming around to that Medium Ride. I think that generally speaking Paiste ride bells sound better to me, but... the Zildjian is no slouch.
I am just pondering my next direction. I have had good luck with my Paiste line up for several years before they all decided to leave together.
I look like I play hard, but I am not hitting nearly as hard as it seems that I am.
Has anything like this made you think about changing you cymbal set up?