Drum tuning bible

Perfect Cymbal SetupProf.Sound's Drum Tuning Bible v3Buying CymbalsHomePocket DTBWoodsConstructionTuning & SeatingKickSnare DrumSnare TuningSnare UnitBuzzingConceptsEquipmentBuying DrumsBuying CymbalsBIOAcousticsContactThe Perfect Cymbals SetupI am going to offer some advice on how I think one should go about picking out a cymbal. This methodwas taught to me personally by Jazz great Louis Bellson and I don’t think the method has changed in thelast 35+ years since he gave me the following advice. However, it has become more difficult becausestores carry fewer products and then there’s that internet thing.The reason mail-order is bad has nothing to do with price. Rather, it’s the whole concept of achieving aquality sound that’s at issue. If you do go out and do this enough, you will realize that very few of thebetter cymbals ever sound the same.Because your friend or hero uses a MegaBronze 20" dry Heavy, it doesn't mean your going to get thesame sound with the exact same cymbal. This is true even if you order the exact same cymbal, from thesame place, etc.Keep in mind the mic, room, placement, how hard one hits, stick tip shape, size, etc. all influence sound.So chances are even if you buy the same thing, or for that matter, play the same setup as someone else,it has a very high probability of sounding different. On cymbals, this is important because where onestrikes the cymbal greatly influences the sound.All that said here are ideas on how to go about the process:General Guidelines: Some general rules are to pick fast or dry cymbals for music that has manyinstrumental parts, intricate patterns and fast changes. This leaves space in the mix to appreciate what themusic is doing. Pick long or full cymbals for music with few parts, instruments and changes to help fill thespace.Step 1 - Take Your Cymbals (if you have any): Take your current ride and/or hat's if you have them toyour local drum retailer. Most have large displays with many makes and models to choose from. If yoursdoesn't, take a road trip, it’s worth it! (Note, if you don't have a current ride, just keep reading.) These areimportant cymbals, they are the foundation of your kit, so they need be the basis from which you augmentyour current set.Step 2 – The Right Time: I suggest you ask the retailer for times when the shop is usually dead of trafficand try to get there at those times.Step 3 – Serve Notice: Once you arrive, tell them (nicely) you will be there awhile and may try everythingthey have and will ask advice as you get closer to deciding upon what you want.Step 4 - Take “Your” Sticks: Sticks dramatically affect sound of both drums and cymbals. The weight,material, tip design, angle and force of the hit, all contribute. Use your sticks!Step 5 – Forget Budget: Forget about budget, this is very important, more on this later.Step 6 – Picking Order: You should pick cymbals in this order. Hi-Hat, Ride, Primary crash, SecondaryCrash, special effects (china, splash, etc.) This too is important. If you intend to ultimately replace all yourcymbals, first pick a new set of hats because you need to blend from there. Otherwise, move through theabove list in the order given. If you blend from a current setup, then you'll never achieve your long-termgoals.Step 7 – Compare: Play your ride cymbal (or the Rides in the shop if you do not have any) and newdesired hats in the room and listen to all other cymbals. Be careful you do not pick cymbals from differenthttp://home.earthlink.net/~prof.sound/id11.html (1 of 2)1/22/2005 4:13:11 PM