noobish question about chinas

Sean Francis · #11 (**permalink**) 02-19-2008, 03:54 AM

Chinas are really interesting cymbals. I have a Zildjian 16" Oriental China Trash that I love! It's super punchy, but it has some other cool attributes though too.

This past summer, I picked up a 22" Swish Knocker fro Zildjian too. I saw Peter Erskine playing on one and I was pretty much sold when I saw it in Jimmy Chamberlin's kit. Originally, I intended it to replace my 16" china, with a bigger and dirtier sound due to the rivets. However, I now find myself using them both in my set up. The Swish Knocker didn't quite have the sound I expected it to have, but I still love it! The sounds are very different between Swish's and Chinas. They're both very useful sounds to have in your arsenal though!

I would say, based on this experience, that it's a good idea to go to some drum shops and shop around for a china cymbal. Don't put too much weight into those online samples that you can get on the sabian or zildjian websites; no two cymbals are the same, so this isn't really a reliable way to choose your cymbals. There are all sorts of qualities to consider when you purchase a China: do you want long sounds or short sounds? Bright or dark? Dry? Wet? Your ears are going to be the best judge.

philadrumphonic · #12 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 05:22 AM

I used to think I needed a china, in my old band, but I haven't had any of those "You know what would sound great right here? A China!" moments yet in my new one. As soon as I hit that point though, I'll be getting one. They're more versitile than some people think. Hell, even Carter Beauford from DMB likes to slap his China Boys around every once in a while. That really sounds more wrong than it actually is.

Squildjian · #13 (**permalink**) 07-18-2009, 10:11 PM

I've got only one china - a PST 5 18 inch. I use it all the time, as it has a sound that floats under the music calmly, but still makes its point. Recently I've been using it on the 4 of a second measure, where some people would do a "4-1" from a higher crash to a lower crash, and often other times I'll use it in place of a crash, where I need something a lot more powerful than a splash without the familiarity of a crash, or alternating on the ride during standard choruses.

Infero Exicution · #14 (**permalink**) 07-19-2009, 08:50 PM

I have 1 china also.
14'' Wuhan china.

Yes they do use them in songs like
"You've got something to die for"
This thread is 4 years old.

I'm pretty sure the question doesn't apply anymore.

Squildjian · #15 (**permalink**) 07-19-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infero Exicution

I'm pretty sure the question doesn't apply anymore.

We can still answer for others who look for the question.

Infero Exicution · #16 (**permalink**) 07-20-2009, 05:37 PM

True,
But I was refering to how it applys to the thread starter, Lukeworm.
Witch, it really doen't anymore. Right?

It probably does apply to other Guests in the forum that have the same question though.

Gus · #17 (**permalink**) 07-20-2009, 06:00 PM

I have 3:
12" Wuhan
18" AAX
22" China trash (which is being borrowed...)

I was able to add speed on my double bass by hitting my 18 and 22" at the same time, Like I think that Skins lapper did in a video... Now I can do it automatic usually using a crash or two.

Note: Ride bigger ones, accent smaller ones, they last longer!

Thrust-2-4 · #18 (**permalink**) 04-13-2010, 01:39 PM

depending on the type of music your playing will give ya an idea of how your going to use the chinas. I myself use smaller ones for quick accents in fills or ride on for quick tempo parts, where as the bigger ones i use for slow tempo break downs or riding in heavy chord sections of songs. Theres nothing like the bite of a good china. A suggestion for an amazing accent cymbal, Meinl Generation-X filter china. Ive got the 14" and its deisel dude. The only draw back is that they7 are relatively thin so being a hard hitter i got through them pretty quickly but they arent that expensive. As for a bigger china i have a Meinl MB10 19" and its pretty beast as well very full and washy with good sustain.

guy with a hat · #19 (**permalink**) 04-13-2010, 05:41 PM

If you're into metal they could be used for a narley breakdown part in the song.
I have 1 of them. I dont use it that often but it's good to add it every now and then...

JerseyDrumguy76 · #20 (**permalink**) 04-17-2010, 12:07 AM

For me, it's a great accent cymbal. It's trashy sound & quick decay make it an awesome way to accent a snare hit or something like that, where a regular crash cymbal might be too much & a splash not enough.

If you would like some examples, Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater uses his chinas very tastefully & has some great examples of the sonic possibilities of a china.