I had a 16 inch camber crash that I think was nickel silver back in the 80's. I always thought it was a pretty good sounding little cymbal. And I just recently sold a 20 inch camber II ride which I believe was nickel silver. Again, pretty darn good sounding cymbal, not in the same league as a pro grade Zildjian or Sabian, but I'd say easily the equal if not superior to the Sabian B8 and Zildjian ZBT lines.

In the entire 50+ years of my life, I never once used a nickel-silver cymbal. UNTIL two weeks ago. I was out of town and got a surprise gig with a piano trio (jazz), and needed to rent cymbals at the last minute. I ended up at a used musical instrument store, and one of the ones I grabbed was a very old 20" Paiste standard. It wasn't great, but I could have done a lot worse for that application.

If you are interested in NS12, you should check out the Sabian Signature Glennie's Garbage. This is a modern NS12 cymbal (in various sizes over the years) made for a world class percussionist Evelyn Glennie.

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI4cNQCZhP0"]Sabian 12" Vault Glennie's Garbage Cymbal (EG1259-1032812E) - YouTube[/ame]

I just bought a Paiste 20" Dixie ride/crash & a 16" medium/thin crash along with a 60's pair of A. Zil hats + 60's A. 18" crash : 5 cymbal set - for $ 200 and they should be here tomorrow . First experience with nickel/silver . Wouldn't have bought them if they were not inc. with the Zils but curious as to what they sound like .

Nickle Silvers are always hit and miss, and it depends on what sound you're looking for, and the music you're playing.. Some early Ludwig/Paiste Nickle Silver cymbals and hi hats actually sound really great.. I believe Boston Drum Center has a video demo on Youtube of a set of nickle silver ludwig standard 15" hi hats by Paiste and they sounded quite nice.. Here's the link to check it out..

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvrEYmJv4Dc"]Vintage Ludwig Standard 15" Hi Hats by Paiste - YouTube[/ame]

ive got some Ludwig paiste 3 star cymbals that I think are late 50's. I also think these are ns12. ive got a super thin 22, 15" hats and also a 11" splash. these are very thin and have a nice glassy sound. I love them.

when I use these, I play a 24 german made roxy on the rh side. I would imagine its also a ns12. paper thin and sounds incredible.

mike

An underrated alloy.

I have 10 and 18 Sabian Glennie Garbage cymbals and they are great.Both have a different sound so I use them when I want to change the sound in an unusual way. The 10 is like a heavy splash or a very light bell.

If I remember correctly Sabian also made Carmine Appice's signature chinas out of NS alloy.

John you have some real nice cymbals!! Great collection. The original white label Giant Beat.....wow....so nice!! Very cool video and you have a great sense of humor too!! Fun stuff.

The only NS I have is a pair of late 50's Ludwig Paiste 3 star 15" hi hats. I really like these hats. Were these thought of as entry level cymbals back then?

Can't take the credit for those YT vids - that would be Bonzoleum (I think he uses that handle both here and at DFO) and his name is Terry Keating - perhaps the most knowledgeable Paiste guy around, as I have learn most my Paiste stuff from him. He lives in the Chicago area. I especially enjoy his passion for all things drums and cymbals!

FFR428 - you have those in a video? Perhaps we have already viewed them?