Like you just said:We're talking character difference from old Zildjians to new Zildjians. So the type of metal used is not even an issue here. Just leave Pasite out of this for the time being. We're not even talking about them.
Sorry didn't mean to offend....just never been a die hard Paiste guy I guess.
Having recently purchased a 60s 19" sizzle (how's that for on topic?) I'd vote for vintage for value.
The Armands are relatively new and still appeal to the "I only buy new shiny things" market, letting Zildjian set the prices high. It's not about worth or character though- I've bought K Instanbuls for $500, but new cymbals costing near that can't compare.
Let's compare value in 20 years- a 60 year old vintage A versus a 20 y.o. Armand? I'm going to have to go with vintage A.
But for playing and sound, use your ears!
I use to use vintage A's exclusively....but never found a ride that I really liked. I switched to the 2002 Paiste rides. Really like them. BUT they don't make a sizzle ride and I hate to have different makes of cymbals in my one setup....so
I went to the drums shop and tried out the vintage A 19" sizzle and the 20" ride that they had. Unlike my old vintage ride, is was flatter and had a nice wash (not belled at the bottom with too much wash). I really liked them. Love the sizzle!!!
However, after popping in a Hi-Risers cd and hearing that armand beautiful baby again, I went home and purchased the newer armand. regardless of future worth, etc..as I think that cymbals that you play shouldn't be judged on that...I think I made a good choice.
HOWEVER...if anyone lives in the Philly area, I know where there are two GREAT vintage A's in a music store for sale that would make someone very happy!!!! Reasonably priced too!!
Thanks for all the great opinions!!
-Chris
I tried an Armand and didn't like it. I thought it was way too heavy and, unlike you, I found the "bow" to be quite pronounced. But, hey, to each his own!
The best sizzle cymbals I have ever heard are thin with a minimal bow. I think some vintage A's are the best candidates for sizzlers....but not all are.
huh, well too late now. I never actually played an Armand sizzle ride. I heard one played and liked it and thats what I was going off of. Thats why I figured that I would ask. I'm also coming from a heavy 20" Paiste 2002 Ride. I loved the sound of that ride, but I thought that it was too heavy and couldn't get it to respond the way that I wanted it to for the music that I am playing.
I'll update when I get it and actually try it.
Thanks!!
[COLOR="DarkRed"]...you bought it and you don't have it ????[/COLOR]
Yeah, I have been looking for a nice soft sizzler for awhile, now. I am very particular about sizzle cymbals, so maybe I'm being too critical of the Armand. The one I played was "stiff". One of the first things I noticed was the bow and the weight. But, keep in mind, this is relative to the cymbals of today -which are much heavier in general.
Every really nice sizzler i have ever heard is someone else's "baby" and they would never sell. I have an old orchestral A that is a candidate for a sizzler, but it already sounds good as a crash ride for me and I use it that way all the time. So, to make that go away and take the chance that it would sizzle properly is too much of a gamble for me.
There really is nothing better than a good sounding sizzle cymbal -one that is "soft" in both attack and has a nice even decay. One tat isn't too "clangy" and brassy sounding. It should sound like a wave of rain hitting your window!Mister T
