If you are new to the drums or are looking for a new cymbal set, there are some things to consider. For one, cymbals can be quite loud. The loudness depends on their size, which can make them difficult to hear in crowded rooms. Another factor is the type of cymbal you are buying. There are many different types of cymbals available on the market, so choosing the right one can be tricky.
Ride cymbals
Many people wonder how ride cymbals can be so loud. Thankfully, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the amount of noise they produce. First, try playing on the edge, bell, or bow of the ride cymbal. These three parts of the cymbal will all produce different responses. For instance, sticking on the edge will create a heavy accented rock sound, while playing across the bow will create a washy sound. Lastly, playing the bow with the tip of your stick can produce a sharp articulate cymbal ping.
When playing in a group, it is important to make sure you know the specific sound you’re looking for. While crash cymbals are often used for heavy, loud music, ride cymbals are often used in jazz and rock music because they have a lighter, washier sound.
Mehmet cymbals
Mehmet cymbals have a very distinctive sound. They have a crisp, cutting character and are great for rock and heavy metal bands. Their size, shape, and polish makes them a perfect choice for players of all styles. If you have a soft sound to your drums, a Mehmet will work for that as well.
Cymbals can be very loud, but not all are. You can also choose to play a lighter cymbal if you prefer a quiet sound. It’s possible to find cymbals with a weight of under 100 grams. They’re perfect for drummers who play in small venues.
Sabian FRX line of cymbals
The Sabian FRX line of cylons is a great choice for drummers, because the cymbals are so loud without sacrificing volume. The FRX line comes in six different sizes, including 14” hi-hats, 16” crashes, and a 20” ride. They have a dark and rich tone that can fit in with any genre of music.
The FRX line is perfect for drummers who play weddings, corporate gigs, small venues, and cruise ships. The sound quality of the FRX line is good for cymbals used by drummers who play in a studio or in a smaller venue, but the volume might be too loud for drummers who are also singing.
Sabian SoundOff series
If you’re looking for a cymbal that delivers a consistent loud sound, the Sabian SoundOff series has several options for you. The first of these is the Quiet Tone series, which features nickel-plated stainless steel to deliver controlled notes under the stick. The first set in this series is 13”, but you can also choose a 16”, 18”, or 20” pack.
The Sabian FRX series represents the second phase of Sabian’s two-pronged approach to cymbal sound management. The FRX series features a combination of heavy-duty B20 bronze construction and light-application of tone-sculpting holes to manage the sound. These cymbals are not intended for low-volume play and were designed with performance settings and practice in mind.
Adding a mic to cymbals
Adding a mic to cymbals can make them sound much louder. The best position is to place the mic on the outside edge of the upper cymbal. This minimizes spill and harshness. If the cymbal is too loud, you can move the mic slightly up or down.
Mic-ing your cymbals is an excellent way to add definition to them and improve the overall sonic quality of your sound. There are many ways to mic a cymbal, and the sound you get will depend on where you place the mic. Adding a microphone will add punch and definition, while reducing boxy coloration and muddying.
Adding an elastic band to a cymbal
Adding an elastic band to your cymbal makes it much louder and more durable. It should be a few inches smaller than the circumference of the cymbal. Make sure the elastic fits snugly but not too tight. Next, place a small piece of cloth between the cymbal and the hi-hat. You can also wad up a piece of cloth and place it between the two. Try several positions to find the right placement.
If you don’t want to put in the time to make a muffler, you can buy a finger muffler or use duct tape to bind it to the cymbal. This will prevent the cymbal from ringing when struck.
