Why “Fine-Tuning” A Cymbal Is Essential - Timothy Roberts
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 сер 2023
- This is a video I originally shared on Dave Collingwood's Patreon where I discuss subtle adjustments and the final "tuning" process on this cymbal commission. Let me know what you think in the comments below!
reveriedrums.com
Bruh thats the most gorgeous cymbal ive ever seen wth
Thanks man!
This is such great insight Tim. I have generally considered an overly prominent hum/drone/gongy sound to be the main enemy of a nice sounding ride. Yet, I've noticed cymbals that feel easier to play and mix better with the rest of the kit/band/music tend to actually NOT have all of the lower, more fundamental frequencies tuned out. While more balance between highs & lows can sound like too much "hum" when the cymbal is played on it's own, it is also more likely to fill in tonal "gaps". I think this makes for a cymbal that sounds more "full", and is what creates the impression of a cymbal that feels easier to play in-context.
100%. Recording anything alters out all of the yuck and that comes down to microphones and all the other possible things that capture and alter sound. Drums are quite fickle in Terms of that. When you plug you ears, a crappy sounding drum set will sound amazing instantly. Same goes for the different being behind the kit, and being 15 feet in front of the same kit,much different sounds
I don't think "zones" in a cymbal are bad at all. They can make a cymbal truly inspiring. I'm always looking to balance zones and different tones/hums somewhat so they aren't overly-abrasive or annoying. There's definitely a line where funky tones become way too much and make for a cymbal that's not all that functional.
Drumming for 24 years ... first time hearing about any of this stuff. Thank you!
You bet! Thanks for watching!
Tim you are such a craftsman/artisan! I love the passion you possess!
Thanks Brent!
Amazing!! It is incredible how much knowledge you have and how subtle the changes are, you are making art even without anyone having played the cymbal, thanks for sharing.
Thank you! Cheers!
I've found I really like the sound of a cymbal with a strong hook at the edge and a dip in the bow. It really lets you draw all sorts of sounds out of it at different dynamics by changing where you play, I've also found that smaller nylon tip sticks often make these cymbals more functional by balancing out the hums. Cymbals without some weirdness always make me a little bored over time. I like having to get to know a cymbal and its quirks and learn how to play it how it wants to be played. I almost find enjoyment in using cymbals that people on first hit would not be able to get it to sound good hahaha
I find those types of cymbals very interesting as well!
great video, great info! thanks for this👌
Now that is one exceptionally nice sounding cymbal!! Amazing work and also astonishing knowledge and attention to details. Amazing what you have conquered in that field in less than 50 years of experience! wow
Thanks a lot!
beautiful work!
another banger video! was just making a ride with this issue, thank you!
The cymbal sounds great nice job.
Wow the stick sound is amazing very nice sounding cymbal🥁🔥
Thanks!
Great job. Love it.
Could you do a video on cymbal balance in terms of rolling to the same position on the stand, and considerations for rivet placement and cymbal lifespan (key-holing)? Cymbals with a heavier side seem to have a deeper stick articulation and fuller overall response when played on the heavy side (which seems like a fortunate cosmic coincidence). I also feel like some of the best overall sounding cymbals I've played were distinctly UNbalanced (which is distinctly annoying if it's something you're trying to avoid lol).
Yeah that would be a cool topic! Most handmade cymbals (and many factory made ones) will lean to one side. It would make sense that you get a more solid stick sound from that side since it has a touch more weight on it.
I personally dig the places in my 22 K dark that do this. So many ways to be orchestral with ways to mask the attack.
For sure! I don't think "zones" in a cymbal are bad at all. They can make a cymbal truly inspiring. I always look to balance those zones somewhat so the tones aren't overly-abrasive or annoying.
Another great video, Timothy. Your knowledge is amazing, and I find it a fascinating topic, as someone who just hits cymbals, to hear about the technical side of these instruments from a cymbal -smith is almost mesmerising. The ride sounds great, by the way. PS: I play 14" hi-hats, but I'm considering trying 16", have you any thoughts on this, pros/cons, etc?
Thank you! As for the hats, 16"s are usually a bit sluggish and mushy sounding unless you find a special pair. I'd keep that in mind!
Sounds similar to my Bosphorous Antique ride. 😎
Are the cymbal blanks expensive to get ?
It depends on where you go. They aren't terribly expensive, but the time and skill involved is what makes cymbals the price they are.
Wouldn’t the avg per inch be around 120 grams? 22 x 200 is 4400, 22 x 120 is 2640. Don’t want to be nitpicking but 200 seemed like a lot to me.
At 22” and above, 200g is actually on the low side. I’ve cut down many cymbals from 24” to 22”, 23”-22”, 20”-19”, etc, and the range is typically 180-215g per inch. It gets to around 220-235g when you’re taking an inch from a 24” cymbal. This is all super approximate, though, and relates to the kind of cymbals I make (which are usually thinner in nature).
@@ReverieDrumCo thanks for the info, learning a lot from you!
ANY Cymbal will sound:
Brighter
louder
Clearer
more Pingier simply by using sticks with a Nylon/plastic tip. NOT a bare wood-tip stick. It floors me that anyone would want to do that. For what possible reason? Wooden tips sound awful. Too soft. Not clear or Pingy. Too dull.
It's all in the ear of the drummer. I definitely prefer wood, but nylons have a great use in many applications.