Old versus new cymbals

[lhebs0]

Hello all. Having been a drummer for quite some time now, it is my personal opinon that old and dirty cymbals sound better than new ones. When i've played on cymbals that are old and like turning green and stuff, i always feel like the sound is more shimmering and clear. Am I crazy!? Or is there any truth to that?

[Northern Redneck]

The patina and dirt will be the exact opposit of bright and shimmering

[pastor_bob]

Hey lhebs0! Good to see you again!

The fact is that if the sound of an older, "dirtier" cymbal sounds better to your ear, then go with it. I prefer the sound of a clean cymbal, but it is simply a personal preference. That's the beauty of playing the drums; the drummer gets the opportunity to define their own sound.

[atomcorr2]

well my hi hats ,and 2 crash cymbals ,i got in 1972 ,and have played them ever since, they are all ziljdian from before there were any acustoms or any of those. the hats are new beats ,and the crashs are med. BUT!!!!!! i keep them clean ,always have .always will.

[Exotic Matter]

I would tend to agree with you because I like dry sounding cymbals and a lot of times that means that they are old and dirty. I have found some new ones that fit the bill though, mostly Bosphorus and Istanbul stuff. I would never clean any of them though. I love the dirt, it becomes part of the cymbal.

[concrete Building]

I honestly don't see the difference. A cymbal is a cymbal. It goes "Crash" and the bell goes "Ping". Do I seem crazy here?

[PHROGGE]

Ive got so many choices,
If i wanna different sound...
I change da cymbal...

[Atomic]

I like the way ride cymbals sound when they are old and dirty but crashes seem to lose a lot of the initial explosion when they get dirty.

[gonefishin]

I think this is one of the many personal preference issues that come with playing drums.

All my cymbals are hi-end cymbals. Some of my A Customs are shiny and the vintage Zildjians are not shiny and I think they all sound good.