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Teach me about Rides!

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This is really a general cymbal question, not particularly vintage as the cymbal I am asking about couldn't be considered vintage.

In any event it is a an "A" 22" ride. Has slight keyholing which is starting to aggravate me to the point of replacing it, but that isn't the issue.

The real "issue" for me is that now that I have been playing the entire kit and am starting to use the ride for some beats, it seems to overpower the rest of the kit, as in volume.. too loud compared to snare and bass. At least from my perspective on the throne.

The question is, is this just the nature of the beast? is it the cymbal and should I look for another type/model? Do I just hit it too damn hard or in the wrong place?

To put it in perspective I have never really been a drummer, I've been able to play a few basic beats since HS, but never really "played". I assembled the kit I am using almost more as a decoration for my sons room. But it is so beautiful and sounds SOOOOO good, especially when I am downstairs and hear someone playing it upstairs for some odd reason it has inspired me to get serious about playing. I've already picked a few more beats, and more complex ones at that.

Coincident with that I am starting to care more about the individual sounds of the individual components. Really this one cymbal is the only part that isn't "meshing" I guess.

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
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One of my ride cymbals is a 21" A series Rock Ride. I sorta know what you mean about a cymbal being louder than the rest. The only time I use this cymbal is on rock/country gigs. It is a very loud cymbal that cuts through the mix. For blues gigs I have a couple of other rides that I use that blend better with the music.

I dont know what other kind of cymbals you have, but it may be more cost effective to get a ride that sounds better to your ears than go and replace a few crash cymbals. Check out the "for sale" section on here. Cymbals usually come up for sale frequently. Also, check ebay for used and/or vintage ride cymbals.

-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
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Use a smaller cymbal, a thinner cymbal, smaller sticks, a hand hammered cymbal, or a more wobbly cymbal (less tension hammered into it during production).

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 11 years ago
#3
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From caddywumpus

Use a smaller cymbal, a thinner cymbal, smaller sticks, a hand hammered cymbal, or a more wobbly cymbal (less tension hammered into it during production).

That's what I thought was probably the case. I picked these up, along with the crash and hats from ebay so obviously didn't get to listen to them first. Fortunately I am more than happy with the other cymbals and how they work with the kit. I always seem to get pretty lucky with instrument purchases on ebay despite the fact that most people seem to think it's a crap shoot.

The ride was actually my cheapest purchase due to the keyholing issue so fortunately I am not too upset about having to replace it. I can take my time and wait for the right deal and then just sell this one. I just needed to know what i should even be looking for so thank you!

Now I just found a great deal on a 16" med crash on CL that happens to be right around the corner. Ugh, might be adding yet another piece to my ever expanding kit!

Posted on 11 years ago
#4
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From Brewkowski

One of my ride cymbals is a 21" A series Rock Ride. I sorta know what you mean about a cymbal being louder than the rest. The only time I use this cymbal is on rock/country gigs. It is a very loud cymbal that cuts through the mix. For blues gigs I have a couple of other rides that I use that blend better with the music. I dont know what other kind of cymbals you have, but it may be more cost effective to get a ride that sounds better to your ears than go and replace a few crash cymbals. Check out the "for sale" section on here. Cymbals usually come up for sale frequently. Also, check ebay for used and/or vintage ride cymbals.

Yeah I wouldn't replace the other cymbals... I love those. The crash as another "A" that looks fairly new and sounds exactly like I expect it to. I am just not skilled enough to notice or care too much about subtle differences. The hi-hats are filthy K's that look vintage although I doubt they are. They all blend together nicely to my ear, and when I play that is the ENTIRE audience.

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
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From gmaki

The ride was actually my cheapest purchase due to the keyholing issue so fortunately I am not too upset about having to replace it. I can take my time and wait for the right deal and then just sell this one.

Put an ad on craigslist saying you want to trade your 22" for a 20". I'm sure the local craigslist vultures will respond to you in droves...

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
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Yes by all means either drop down to a 20" or go thinner, but whatever you choose don't get another A custom in a 20" you'll dislike that one even more as they typically have even more uncontrollable wash. A Paiste 2002 or a 1960s thin 20" 602 ride would go well with your crash cymbals and wouldn't overpower everything else. Go to a pro drum shop and try out a few or get sound files.

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
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Another tip, don't be afraid to experiment with B 8 and B 20 bronze and different cymbal makes. My setup took 20 years to evolve and is a mix of Zildjian Trans Stamp remote Hi hats which are bright on top with dark undertones. 1960s Paiste 602 main hi hats. 20" and 24" Paiste 2002 over and under main rides. 16 & 18" A custom crash, Paiste 18, 19, & 20" Thin 2002 crash, and a left side Bosphorus Hammer Series 20" Jazz Ride, which is paper thin @ 1512g. They are all on the bright, shimmery side with long sustain and blend great together.

Posted on 11 years ago
#8
Posts: 3467 Threads: 116
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Well it may be that you are just playing it too hard...

Independence includes "backing off" on certain items of the kit.. maybe a little more bounce and less hit on that cymbal? .. If you are just playing for fun at home at present.. just try to find a spot that produces a little less volume on the Cymbal... they each have one..

You can always experiment with some dampening as well if you think you may have an abnormally loud cymbal for your style of playing...

Cheers

'77 Slingerland 51N,Super Rock 24,18,14,13.. COW 8,10 Concert toms
'69 Slingerland Hollywood Ace
'75 Rogers Dynasonic 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'77-78 Slingerland 6.5 x 14, 10 lug COB
'78-79 Slingerland 5 1/4 x14 8 lug COB
'79 Biman 5 1/4, Acrolite
'82 Slingerland 5 1/4 x 14. Festival COS
'84 Tama MasterCraft Superstar 6.5 x 14, 10 lug Rosewood
'98 Slingerland (Music YO) 6" 10 Lug Maple.. NOS
Zildjian, Sabian , UFIP & Paiste mix.
Posted on 11 years ago
#9
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Stick selections can have a massive effect on a ride cymbal. A tip that's too big can overpower your stroke even if you're not trying to play hard. Try the Vic Firth Peter Erskine Ride Stick with the real small tips. I have a 22" Dream Energy Ride that sounds superb with them but a bit uncontrollable with the 5Bs I like to use normally.

Posted on 11 years ago
#10
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