Every drummer knows the classic crash and ride combo is a time-tested duo that features a great blend of attack and sustain. Well, maybe not a great blend — more like just a blend. Standard crashes and rides work well for checking off the basics, but the truth is that there are countless cymbal sounds out there waiting to be discovered — you just need to know where to look! From characterful, ancient engineering to obscure designs straight out of the Twilight Zone, there are styles to tickle the fancy of even the pickiest percussionist. And that’s even before venturing into the intricacies of metal composition, finish, and size! We’re diving into some of these unique instruments to get a closer look at what makes each one sound so special. Check it out!
Splashes and Splash Stacks
One of the more well-known effects cymbals on the market is the splash cymbal, which is also one of the more versatile picks depending on how you use it. True to its name, multiple splash cymbals in varying sizes create a mesmerizing waterfall effect that will accent the top end of any mix with a burst of brightness. Characterized by their small size and extremely short sustain, splashes are ideal for those moments when you want a clear, definitive attack with a release that essentially chokes itself. Because of this, you’ll find splash cymbals popping up in rock and metal mixes quite frequently, providing that extra edge needed for defining percussive moments in heavier and harder-hitting songs. Think about Neil Peart’s role in “The Spirit of Radio” or a lot of Primus’s repertoire — these areas are where splashes are most prominent. But that’s not to say a splash can’t be used for more subtle instances — in fact, they can be quite expressive when you want them to be! As mentioned earlier, we often see splash cymbals appearing in stack formation, allowing drummers free reign to customize a configuration that shapes as much or as little effect as needed.
Chinas and Trashes
You may have heard the terms “trash cymbal,” “China cymbal,” and “China trash cymbal” and wondered what on Earth is the difference? Well, to be frank, there really isn’t one. The name “China” channels its descendance from traditional Chinese gongs. But China cymbals are often referred to as trash cymbals by western musicians because they tend to produce a thinner, crisper, and overall “trashier” resonance than other effects crash cymbals. This can be attributed to their lightweight construction, varying bell design, reversed rims, and different mounting preferences. Often, you’ll find drummers mounting these cymbals upside down to chase a better attack.
So, when would you use one? Like splashes, these cymbals have worked their way into the kits of rock, metal, and thrash drummers as their bright resonance fits the aggressive playing style typical of drummers in these genres. However, China cymbals are just as useful of an effect for jazz drummers, as well, with their unique sustain providing an atmosphere that’s perfect for topping off dancing, complex rhythms. Thrash drummers like Vinnie Paul of Pantera have forged their heavy sound around China cymbals, while jazz legends like Mel Lewis reaped their benefits in an entirely different way. Like a lot of effects cymbals, the sounds are in there — it all depends on how you get them out.
Perforated Cymbals
Perforated cymbals are truly fascinating — not only because of their unique cutout designs but because of their intriguing resulting tones, as well. These cymbals feature much of the reduced sustain we’ve covered already but with a darker, more present attack and a generally quieter sound overall. In a way, this gives perforated cymbals the stature and vividity of a standard crash’s attack with the release of a lighter effects cymbal. Think of it as the best of both worlds! Different manufacturers will outfit these cymbals with different designs in order to suit not only separate sounds but individual playing styles, as well. From five-holers to designs that cover nearly the entire surface of the cymbal, there are models to bring out just about any effect you can think of.
Jazz players have utilized perforated cymbals for decades, but the design didn’t see a tremendous spike in popularity until recent years. Initially, the cutout surfaces were a useful means for hooking chains through the cymbal to achieve a “sizzle” effect, but nowadays it’s become equally if not more common to see these effects cymbals used chain-free and genre-wide. So, regardless of your playing style, if you’re looking to accentuate your chops and really add some flare to your kit, then check out our awesome selection of perforated cymbals and find out which one best delivers the effect you’re going for!
Spirals and Stackers
Looking to expand your effects on a smaller budget? Maybe you’re looking for a quality entry into the world of effects cymbals? Whatever your need, the Zildjian Spiral Stacker is the solution! This modern-marvel cymbal template features a paper-thin design that makes it lightweight and easily stackable for accompanying virtually any crash of your choosing with bright and breathy attitude. Add some depth to your Chinas and splashes or throw it on top of a broken cymbal for some low-cost character restoration. The Zildjian Spiral Stacker’s personalized trashy response is a great place to begin for drummers wanting to test the waters of cymbal sound shaping. Just aim closer to the bell for a darker jangle and then move to the edges to really hear the full rattle of its cast-bronze composition. And, like all good trashy effects, the Zildjian Spiral Stacker features a quick decay so that you’ll receive the effect you want but only for as long as you need it — that means no funny lingering resonance to cloud up your mix! Use it for bridging the gap between two splash or trash cymbals in the studio or take it to center stage to spice up your performances with some truly unique flare.
Gongs
As exotic as they may seem, gongs can really serve many different functions in the arsenal of a drummer with numerous ways to accent them in a handful of musical genres. Famous for their incredibly large sound, these giants roll like a tidal wave into an explosion of sound that’s immediately identifiable and pretty much always welcomed. Coming in many sizes, gongs really have as much personality as you want to give them! Smaller gongs are naturally going to have a splash with a lot more treble, while larger gongs — some reaching up to 40 inches across — bellow with a thundering darkness that will instantly take command of any atmosphere.
As true scene setters, gongs have especially been prevalent in large ensemble and orchestral performances, but they’ve made their way into other genres of music with great praise. From establishing an epic entrance for mesmerizing instrumentals to John Bonham’s haunting, heavy hits during live performances of “Dazed and Confused,” you’ll find that gongs really leave their mark in grand fashion wherever they go. And Sweetwater has an incredible range of gongs in a variety of sizes and finishes to meet all your percussive needs!
Electronic Pads
Okay, okay . . . so, it’s not a forged-alloy cymbal — but hear us out! Electronic pads are fantastically useful pieces of gear that every drummer will get a kick out of as the possibilities for tonal inclusion are quite literally endless! With the aid of an electronic drum module, this effects cymbal option is perfect for programming any sound of your choosing — whether from an existing module source or a personal thumb drive — into the mix of the rest of your kit. Built to emulate the responsive feel of a metal cymbal, electronic pads play with as much ease as an acoustic kit and provide ultra-valuable access to just about any sound you’re willing to program!
Electronic pads prove just as valuable for capturing effects with rhythmic precision when recording in the studio as they do for enhancing your live performances. Track down a digital effect and easily toss it into any song regardless of where you’re drumming — from EDM to special effects and beyond! Tons of pros take this path, too, and for good reason! From Rob Bourdon of Linkin Park to Phil Collins himself, drummers of every caliber find this option both useful and efficient. And the best part is that electronic pads are genre fluid, giving drummers from all corners of the trade a chance to take advantage of new and useful sounds.
What’s Your Style?
Though we’ve reached the end, your journey into the wonderful world of effects cymbals has only just begun! Whether you’re looking for the brightness of a splash, the thin sustain of a China, the thundering stature of a gong, or something in between, Sweetwater has the best selection of effects cymbals to help you track down your perfect sound. And, as always, if you’d like some extra guidance in choosing the effect that’s best suited for your drumming style, then be sure to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700, and our gear experts will help you find the perfect fit worry-free. Happy drumming!
