On drums...

Went to my local stores Zildjian day by complete accident today(though they told me about it last time I went in). Granted its right across the street from Berklee but they had nothing but thin, trashy rides up for demo. Boxes of them. Maybe a few heavier cymbals but I mean a few. Most were the prototypes and if they are trying to put the little jazz cymbal makers out of business they wont. Imagine 10 kids playing jazz ride pattern on cymbals that have no stick definition and weak bells. It really made me sad. Maybe their testers at the factory are going deaf? Pretty poor showing.
Just for comparison I brought a few of the better ones over to the wall with the meinl and sabian offerings, no comparison, they were smoked in every conceivable way. Even the Paistes ate them up. The used Zildjians ate them alive.
Just ranting, wish they would get it together and put out some consistent product, instead of a winner for every 10 duds.

Hey Tim,

I have not personally tried any new Zildjians in a while, but the last time I did, it was a disappointing experience.

I use to play nothing but, and I would not trade the Zildjians I have for anything, but I don't see much (except for some Constantinoples) from them that interests me very much these days.

_________________
Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

I got exhausted looking for good ones thirty years ago.

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Gregory

I think to some degree it's all in what you're looking for. Paiste's thing was all about "consistency". Try one 20" 2002 ride and you've tried them all. But Zildjian was always more individual. After trying and owning lots of brands I usually still end up liking Zildjians best. I picked up a used Zildjian "Special Dry Ride" and a "Left Side" ride that I love. I also picked up a "Session" crash that is fantastic (I think that's the Steve Gadd line?). But they're all unique and you've got to play them, hear them, etc. I tend to like darker tones, even for playing louder music.

I own some modern Instanbul and Bosphorus cymbals too but for the most part they are just too dark and wobbly for most uses, even jazz for me. I've never really known Zildjian to make really thin rides? I wonder what models they were?

Anyway, the thing I find most interesting about cymbals over the years is how your ear gets "tuned" to your personal cymbals after awhile. I still play the ride, hi-hats and crash/ride that I bought in 1981 and I love their sound. But everything I hear now is in "reference" to those!

- D.

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Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?

Cool... from what I've heard about the Dirils they sound great. Would love to hear them in person. I was just over at Boston Drum but didn't see any there.

- D.

_________________
Cliff

River City Trio

What if we did all have the same opinions?