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Bury a cymbal?

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I have heard the old stories of drummers burying their cymbals in the back yard for a few months to improve the sound. Has anyone on this site every done it? I really want to do this, just to check it out. I have a new K ride that I want to toughen up. Is this crazy? My wife said I should talk to you guys first before I do something stupid.

Rogers early Fullerton Blue Strata 22,13,16 w/brass Dynasonic
My first kit, 1983 Ludwig Rocker? (it has the classic lugs and 4ply maple shell) 22,12,13,16 ..now in black oyster pearl. I still have it
Stop Sign USA Gretsch (80's), black nitron jasper shell 22,12,13,16
1995 Fibes Austin,Texas Badge (original owner) 22,10,12,16,18 in natural wood
USA 2007 Rosewood Gretsch 22,13,16 w/12inch 70's Rosewood Gretsch tom
Posted on 14 years ago
#1
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The theory behind burying a cymbal is to pre-age the cymbal and get a more, pardon the pun, earthy sound, which musically translates to more of a tah than a ping. Actually it has more to do with the chemicals and minerals in dirt and the way they react to the cymbal.

I've heard this discussed before, but nobody to my knowledge has tried it....

Its better to have people think you're an idiot, than to open your mouth and prove them wrong, unless you doubt yourself then speak away....
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 2628 Threads: 40
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[COLOR="DarkRed"]It won't hurt it...worse comes to worst you can always just clean it up with Groove Juice or such to get it back to original.

I have heard mixed results from this...it does create a sorta artificial patina, so it may calm the sound down an darken it a bit....

I have also heard of giving it a seawater bath...also peeing on it (sorry, but I have heard of this).

The burying it is probably the safer of those 3, I'd imagine....Cool Dude[/COLOR]

www.2ndending.com
Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 3972 Threads: 180
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If you actually do this, make sure you record the cymbal before you put it under so that you have something to compare the final product with. Personally, I would not expect much of a change after only a few months.

Posted on 14 years ago
#4
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I just don't get it... I've heard them all too..

If you want a mellower cymbal, why not just buy one. With all of the choices out there, why take a chance on how a cymbal MAY sound after dragging it thru the mud. Just find that one before you put your cash down....

I'm done now...

Soap Box

_________________________

MY Dirty Little Collection
Posted on 14 years ago
#5
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From latzanimal

I just don't get it... I've heard them all too..If you want a mellower cymbal, why not just buy one. With all of the choices out there, why take a chance on how a cymbal MAY sound after dragging it thru the mud. Just find that one before you put your cash down.... I'm done now...Soap Box

I did that, but, during the recording process the cymbal comes off a little too harsh for me. Live, it's perfect. I was wondering if burying a cymbal might fix this problem. It's not even a problem, I have other rides for recording. I was interested in this story, I think I'm going to try it. I just need to talk to the wife on where I'm going to bury the cymbal.

Rogers early Fullerton Blue Strata 22,13,16 w/brass Dynasonic
My first kit, 1983 Ludwig Rocker? (it has the classic lugs and 4ply maple shell) 22,12,13,16 ..now in black oyster pearl. I still have it
Stop Sign USA Gretsch (80's), black nitron jasper shell 22,12,13,16
1995 Fibes Austin,Texas Badge (original owner) 22,10,12,16,18 in natural wood
USA 2007 Rosewood Gretsch 22,13,16 w/12inch 70's Rosewood Gretsch tom
Posted on 14 years ago
#6
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Then finally just go and do as latzanimal recomended. Buy one that sounds the way you like it in the first place.

Posted on 14 years ago
#7
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From Drumaholic

Then do as latzanimal recomended. Go and buy one that sounds the way you like it in the first place.

Ok, maybe I'm not explaining myself...I did just that. I really like my K, but, under the microscope of recording, the cymbal is coming off a little harsh for my tastes. I have heard this "tale" and I was wondering if anyone has tried it.

Rogers early Fullerton Blue Strata 22,13,16 w/brass Dynasonic
My first kit, 1983 Ludwig Rocker? (it has the classic lugs and 4ply maple shell) 22,12,13,16 ..now in black oyster pearl. I still have it
Stop Sign USA Gretsch (80's), black nitron jasper shell 22,12,13,16
1995 Fibes Austin,Texas Badge (original owner) 22,10,12,16,18 in natural wood
USA 2007 Rosewood Gretsch 22,13,16 w/12inch 70's Rosewood Gretsch tom
Posted on 14 years ago
#8
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From Super B

Ok, maybe I'm not explaining myself...I did just that. I really like my K, but, under the microscope of recording, the cymbal is coming off a little harsh for my tastes. I have heard this "tale" and I was wondering if anyone has tried it.

I recommend a vintage cymbal then. Those tend to record better. Or one of the newer Dream Bliss. Those are noticably improved over the first generation ones.

The new K rides are about the last thing I would recommend. Right off the cymbal tree those sound harsh to my ear.

Posted on 14 years ago
#9
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From Drumaholic

I recommend a vintage cymbal then. Those tend to record better. Or one of the newer Dream Bliss. Those are noticably improved over the first generation ones.The new K rides are about the last thing I would recommend. Right off the cymbal tree those sound harsh to my ear.

Right on, I have a few vintage cymbals..I have a feeling I am not making myself clear. I like what I have, I was more curious on the bury the cymbal story and if anyone has tried it.

Rogers early Fullerton Blue Strata 22,13,16 w/brass Dynasonic
My first kit, 1983 Ludwig Rocker? (it has the classic lugs and 4ply maple shell) 22,12,13,16 ..now in black oyster pearl. I still have it
Stop Sign USA Gretsch (80's), black nitron jasper shell 22,12,13,16
1995 Fibes Austin,Texas Badge (original owner) 22,10,12,16,18 in natural wood
USA 2007 Rosewood Gretsch 22,13,16 w/12inch 70's Rosewood Gretsch tom
Posted on 14 years ago
#10
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