Drums in The Dark Third

[hyperborean]

I'm looking to upgrade my drums, rather my cymbals specifically. Ever since I first heard the opening cymbal click track in Voices In Winter, I wanted that hi-hat sound... but I'm almost sure that it's an electronic cymbal (hi-hat) track on the record for that opening part. So I'm looking for something close. It's so bright, almost unnaturally bright. Any suggestions? Does anybody know if it was an electronic track or were they real cymbals? Anything comparable?

Details on the rest of my kit:

It's a Ludwig Accent Led Zep kit with a giant 26" kick drum. It's f'ing huge sounding, wonderful really, but I had to put some Fiberskyn 3 heads on the toms to mellow out the sound a bit. I want to find something similar for the kick.

I have an Sabian AAX Stage ride, which I like, but I'm thinking of upgrading. And my crashes are barely worth mentioning because I've broken all the good ones I have. Now, I play with A LOT more control than I used to, so I won't be breaking any more anytime soon. I recently stumbled upon the new Sabian APX Solid Crashes - I played the demo on the website and the 20" sounds phenomenal (the rest of the APX series sound like an absolute waste of time though...). The warm wash of the demo sounds exactly like the opening cymbal part for "Porcelina" by the Pumpkins.

Looking at drum stuff at night is not a good idea. I'm finding I'm getting more excited by the minute, and there's no way I'm going to be able to fall asleep at a reasonable hour... (it's already 3am).

...thanks in advance.

[Nikos]

it's hard to say without asking Jon himself. I'm not sure Anders would know what has been used electronically, as they track the drums and then use triggers and stuff. I do know that Anders used K custom hats, and cymbals in his time with the band.

[hyperborean]

sweet, good to know

[the dark fourth]

The bit at the beginning of voices in winter must be electronic cos when they play it live they use a backing track (or at least the drummer isn't playing).

[Nikos]

not exactly true.

the reason it's 'on track' when playing it live, is because to go from one song to the other, there isn't exactly a subtle way to begin the rim-shot intro to 'voices...' other than to fade it in a la backing track.

triggers are definitely used on aeropause though.

[Paul]

Voices In Winter starts with the programmed (electronic beat), with me (or Anders in his day) coming in on the acoustic drums later on because this is what happens on the record. Its all about the contrast between between 'progammed' and humanised acoustic drums.

Hyperborean –

The hi hats at the beginning of this track are electronic. But you can buy hi hats which would kinda get close to this. Just go to your local drum stores and try some stuff out. Maybe try out some small hi hats. 10” or 12”. Trust your own ears and tastes. This is the only way to find to the sounds you are looking for.

Quick tip – If you want to replace your crashes then ‘Stagg cymbals’ are unusually good quality for the price. They are budget cymbals, but they sound amazing. However if you have money to burn then check out some Paiste, they'll go with your Ludwig just nicely.

Hope that helps.

Paul.

[hyperborean]

Awesome! I will head over to my local drum shop today! Thanks, Paul!

...btw, I have looked into Bosphorus cymbals online recently, I hope to try some of them out in store. Just checked out Stagg, found this odd one - sounds like an electronic effect, a strange spacy sound: www.youtube.com/watch?v=5C66hoEsKiY