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Need help dating my New Beats

Posts: 79 Threads: 10

Hi guys,

I've done a fair amount of searching, and it seems that there's a lot of conflicting (or at least overwhelming) info about how to date these cymbals. Basically, I got them at a garage sale about 12 years ago, and they certainly seemed old then, but the seller knew nothing about them. I've used (and loved) them ever since, but lately curiousity's gotten the better of me. It says "NEW BEAT HI-HAT" on the inside of the bottom cymbal, and I've never found a even a trace of any other ink on either cymbal since I've had them. (Of course, it's always possible there was more that had already worn off by the time I got them). There's no serial #s by the stamps, which I heard they didn't start doing until way late in the game, but are there other clues I may be missing? Here's some pics. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks!

Here's a couple of pics of the Top cymbal:

[IMG]http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l554/Delorso/IMG_5028.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l554/Delorso/IMG_5030.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l554/Delorso/IMG_5012.jpg[/IMG]

And of the Bottom:

[IMG]http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l554/Delorso/IMG_5021.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l554/Delorso/IMG_5016.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l554/Delorso/IMG_5000.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 2444 Threads: 288

1960's from the looks of the stamp...

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 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 79 Threads: 10

Yeah, that seems to be what most people think. A guy on another forum I posted this on guessed late 70s, but didn't really say why.

I measured the stamp, and it's 1.5" high (from the "made in usa"). I also weighed them, and the top is 793.7 grams, while the bottom is over 1000 grams (the scale I have doesn't go higher than that...)

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 113 Threads: 6

I would say 60s as well.

Scott

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 417 Threads: 22

Yes, 1960s, i.e. from the first run of New Beats. I have a pair like yours, app. weights 800 gr/1200 gr.

A couple of years ago, I e-mailed Zildjian, asking them about the history of the New Beats. This was their reply:

The "New Beat" concept actually started with the suggestion from the great drumming artist and Zildjian endorser, Louie Bellson in 1965. He recommended the use of a heavier bottom cymbal than what was commonly used up to that point in time. It was actually the bottom cymbal that was referred to as a "New Beat" (Mr. Bellson actually coined the term) that could be applied to any weight top cymbal (medium to thin weights). This went on for a couple of years until a dedicated New Beat Hihat pairing was established in 1967-68 using a medium weighted top cymbal to go against the "New Beat" bottom. It was then that the classic New Beat Hihats were born. Since then, they have remained our most popular hihat creations.

Here is a picture of the top one:

[img]http://web.comhem.se/inventions/downloads/NB_overview.jpg[/img]

/Magnus

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
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