Do new cymbals always sound bad?

Infero Exicution · #11 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 08:47 PM

When I got my new sabian Ride a few weeks back,
I played it for a little and it didn't sound to good.
But now it sings!

don11817 · #12 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 11:41 PM

I think there is a combination of things at work here:

First, I do believe that the cymbals will eventually, over a long period of time, develop more character as the metal gets "worked in" from playing. The alloy will tend to get "softer" because the cymbal deflects (bends) every time it is struck and this reduces the tensile strength of it, which would affect the sound it makes in response (imagine bending a thin sheet of metal back and forth over and over, eventually you could break it off).

Second, metal as it ages (particularly bronze alloys) oxidizes from contact with the air and develops a patina, which will dampen some of the sound making a cymbal sound dryer and darker. Some companies speed the process by metal-etching with acid to get a patina finish while the cymbal is still young.

Third, I think our ears actually aren't used to the sound, and we don;t like it as much at first, but we develop a taste for the sound. The more you play a cymbal (without playing others that may sound different) the more you will grow to like it. There must be some psychology behind this, but I think drums and cymbals kind of "grow" on you as you play them.

Add this all up, and you have a sound that develops over time, that grows on you-

-Jim might say moss grows on you too if you sit still long enough.. lol...

**Der Trommler** · #13 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 11:54 PM

Only on the north side of you.....

**Tainojim** · #14 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 08:19 AM

A ROLLING STONE, GATHERS NO MOSS.

And we all know what rolls downhill.

Loose lips sink ships.

From your lips to Gods ears.

Now stop picking on me or I'm telling Mom. Niagh-Niagh

zildjian man · #15 (**permalink**) 02-05-2011, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryder904

Thanks Der, but I bought it online so I don't think I can swap it... but would they sound like this forever or will they start sounding better? because this kinda thing happened when I bought my projection crash, it sounded terrible, but now it's amazing - I just wanted to know if this things common

ryder904....I have the same problem; just purchased 4 brand new Zildjian A series Cymbals from Amazon. 19" & 18" Med. thin crash/16" fast crash & 12" splash. Not any of the four actually crash....they sound like your hitting a garbage can lid, they raddle. Also purchased 14" Armand Hi-Hats....very dry, hardly any "chick" sound. I hope they get better like yours did...they can't get any worse$

drumtech · #16 (**permalink**) 02-06-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zildjian man

ryder904....I have the same problem; just purchased 4 brand new Zildjian A series Cymbals from Amazon. 19" & 18" Med. thin crash/16" fast crash & 12" splash. Not any of the four actually crash....they sound like your hitting a garbage can lid, they raddle. Also purchased 14" Armand Hi-Hats....very dry, hardly any "chick" sound. I hope they get better like yours did...they can't get any worse$

Take them back to the store and let them hear them, then exchange them for cymbals that you have tried. Stores are always going to put the best sounding of a brand or series on display.

Andy B · #17 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ryder904

Hi, I just bought my new Zildjian A Cymbal pack, with a 14' New beat hi-hats (sound great sometimes) 16' Thin Crash, 20' Medium Ride, and a 14' Fast Crash

but what I'm asking is I just bought these and they sound kinda bad, the ride sounds really dumb, and the thin Crash sounds like my B8 crash, is there such thing and working in cymbals?

Your ears sometimes get used to frequency and depending on your mood if a cymbal is played harshly you brain remembers that tone and therefore it recognoise that sound by cognetive development and by reward....all cymbals from new are the same they are in tune...it depends how you treat your cymbals and how you care for them that retains that sound...never practice with cymbals you use live have a copy cat set for practice or cheap cymbals therefore when you hear the good cymbals live.... it gives you confidence because of the improvement and feel of your cymbals and the sound....it could also mean you have beaten the crap out of them and that,s why they sound crap!

Buddy · #18 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011, 11:30 AM

woa hey guyz I think this onz been taken care of. It was posted in 2009. If it hasn't then maybe it shouldn't

**Tainojim** · #19 (**permalink**) 03-02-2011, 11:35 AM

DIDO Buddy. Nothing like rekindling some old threads anyway. I'm not going to mention my engineering background. OOps! I did it.

Don't make me have ta cause then I'm gonna.

justinw · #20 (**permalink**) 09-22-2011, 11:56 AM

I have always noticed this myself. Having played drums for 25 years, cymbals sounds change dramatically after you play them. But it takes years! After about 1 year you'll notice a small change, after 3 years, it'll be a decent change, and after 5 it seems to take on a totally unique character that stays through the life of the cymbal. At 10 years the character stays the same, but is more pronounced. Cymbal sound changes also depends on your playing style. They almost develop the "soul" of your playing. If you can keep a cymbal for more than 5 years, it'll end up being your favorite one.