I guess every drummer has been through this 'phase' of what ride cymbal to get. In my personal experience, when you are ready to purchase a brand spanking new ride, it's when you are certain what sound you want. Im looking at tha bands that your interested in, and i can see some of my own favourites haha, however it's easy to see that there are clashes of flavours!
All the cymbals you have put forward are all somewhat bronze alloys, however some have a greater percentages in each, this is important in the sound you want. The size of the cymbal, the manufacturing process and the coat of chemicals and the music you play will all effect the sound you want.
The chris adler mb20 has the greatest amount of bronze, it has an enormous presence to it if anyone has heard it before, they will know. Things to note about this cymbal:
- Chris adler barely touches any other part of this cymbal, he hammers the bell for everything.
- The cymbal itself has a high resonance, it is a massive cymbal, it will ring out for years at end. It somewhat is a cymbal/gong haha.
- The cutting of sixteenth's on this cymbal can be heard, however due to high resonance, it's slightly muffled. (Note that the sticks you use will also effect the sound of this cymbal) (nylon or wood tip)
- If you want that same bell sound that adler plays, it would be wise to check out some bells. Their cheaper and sound great.
The stewart Copeland ride, is a dry raw ride, however it is slightly modified.
- Modification of this cymbal is the blue chemical present on the bottom and top.
- If you want a really dark raw sound which isn’t very polished, then this cymbal is for you.
- Copeland uses everything on this cymbal, the sixteenths on the ride itself cut however are raw, or I like to call it “stale”, not as stale as the ride cymbal weckl uses in his video.
- It has a slight polish to it however from the blue chemical, im not sure how they do it.
- Bell sounds great, real dark, moderate piercing.
- Smaller ride gives you more but, less resonance bit ride has similar cut more resonance.
The Portnoy is a favourite for most drummers, it’s a safe cymbal.
To conclude this essay…. It’s important that you don’t just go out and spend your money on a brand new cymbal. Understand the sound you want, it takes years even decades! We all get use to the sound of a ride, I’ve been bashing my
meinl for a decade and it’s great! (im just use to that sound when im practicing, when it’s live I use my
zildjian!) if you are really picky and in a position where you have the money and the music to purchase new cymbals, do it!
On an end note, with all the musicians I’ve played with, not one has pointed out the ride cymbal I use. I don’t think they care, or they even know “oh mate just gimme a bit more of that zang bing bing bong on the ride. If it cuts and has a decent bell, it’s the one to be used!
Goodluck in finding that ride, hope that helps!
Remember, YOU are your own worst critic!!
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P.S it’s a whole different story with crash cymbals!
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