I agree - the worst part is that it's not even a real AZCO®, it's a factory second... all it has is a "S" stamped on it, nothing else. I always figured the "S" stood for "second", but maybe it stands for something else? Hmmm...

I hear what you're saying. It's probably that no one has shown any proof for what comes off initially as an odd idea. So I'd say do it, document it well will pics and sound files and then post them. The amount of responses seems to indicate people are interested.

Burying it would have to do something because it would corrode the surface. The trouble I have is, that's the last thing I'd want! Typical cymbal aging doesn't seem to be that, it's more internal I'd think. And playing them for sure works out some awkward vibrations.

Like I said, no real drummer worth his salt would take a $400 cymbal that he worked hard to get the money to pay for and bury it in the back yard to "age" it. If he did, he's gonna be wearing one of those white jackets that ties in the back........:rolleyes:

I still need more information/testimonials to make a year commitment to burying a cymbal. I keep getting Ludwig-dude type posts. It doesn't help and it's a drag.

Well....why don't you just take the plunge and bury the cymbal for a year then. Tell us all how it works out for you. Better make a copy of the map to remember exactly where you buried it though......:D Oh, and make sure no one is watching you do it, that way it won't get stolen.....Laughing H

I have a small backyard, I will not need a map. I have the spot picked out. My neighbors are real cool and supportive of my music, I doubt they would steal my buried "treasure". It would be funny if my cymbal would to be stolen, then, put back because burying the cymbal ruins the sound.

I'm not so gung ho on this, I was looking for more hands on experience from the board to make a better decision. I thought the subject was interesting and I had a cymbal that would be a good test subject.

There's two testimonies to the positive from Jayes' buddy and himself.

The Sabian website quoted some diminished highs and lows and increased mids, with less roar.... however much or little that means to the individual ear of the listener(s).

Actually, this thread inspired me to go clean all my cymbals, I just like the way they sound better after a good cleaning, they are mine, and I'll do with them as I please.....:D

I have read these stories about burying cymbals. But there obviously hasn't been that much of an (pardon the pun) "Earth shattering" result. Otherwise, more people would be burying cymbals.

It's a novelty kind of thing. As an experiment, it might be fun.

In fact, I might try it, myself, some rainy day. But, the thing is....I usually only use/keep cymbals that sound good to begin with -up front.

Knowing me, I would probably take a cymbal that I am used to hearing and then bury it. After a year, I would forget what that cymbal sounded like. And then, when I dug it up, again, I wouldn't recognize the sound. And, I might like it better -maybe not because of the way that burying it has changed it, but, rather, because my hearing will have changed over the course of yet another year of playing the drums everyday. After a year in the grave, the cymbal might have some subtly different overtones. But, guaranteed, my hearing will have "attenuated" some of those overtones, as well!

See what I'm saying?

But, heck....YOU might become the new expert on this subject, yourself, man. We may seek YOU out after a few years and ask YOU these same questions!Storm Trooper

Again, Zildjian: "a cymbal mellows with time as tension from the metal is released. The more the cymbal is played the more tension is released."

The only way to "mellow" a cymbal is to play it. Even paiste recommends cleaning their cymbals regularly. "A dirty cymbal should be cleaned. The dirt collects in the tonal grooves and diminishes the sound. Cleaning them on a regular basis will RESTORE the performance of your cymbal."

A buried cymbal will just be one that has corroded and gotten dirty. It will not release tension from the metal. Again, I state if you don't like the sound of the cymbal for your application, its the wrong cymbal for that application. Buy one that works with that application.

The whole thing about "I don't clean my cymbals because they sound better" and "I know this guy who burried his cymbals to 'age' them" stuff are all myths. Cymbals need to be cleaned like any other instrument does. And burying them is just plain abuse. Not cleaning them is another form of abuse.

Don't abuse your cymbals....take care of them....clean them, treasure them, after all they are a rather pricey investment these days. And for god's sakes! DON"T BURY THEM!!

:eek:

If I do it, I want to be objective. Record/video/pictures of the cymbal before the "burial", dig it up in a year, record/video/pictures to see if there is a difference. If it's a big waste of time, I would report that..I'm not trying to prove it one way or another. The rub is taking a cymbal that I like out of commission for a year. When I originally started this thread, I thought I could get away with doing it for a month.

Ludwig Dude was rubbing me wrong on a couple of posts, but, he does bring up a good point..It's not a cheap cymbal and I could ruin it. Another thought, I'm comparing a newer cymbal (less than a year) to other cymbals that are between 15-30 years older. That brings me right back to this "myth" of burying a cymbal to "warm it up"/"age it". Uggg. That's why I'm here, trying to get more information and knowledge from people who love drums/cymbals. I'm cutting tracks again next week, if I can do without this cymbal for the rest of the sessions, I'm going to try it. Well, unless, more people post their experiences and it went terrible.

This is an interesting place to be. On the one hand, I know what kind of time would be involved to make an appreciable difference (years and years). On the other hand, I'm transfixed and geeking out at the thought of sidelining such a cool Science piece. Let me know what you decide. I can wait ten years or so for an answer. That would be so cool!!!