VIDEO
HIGHLIGHT
Log InSign up
Cymbal Alloys 101 - Sound Pure Gear Tip
SummaryTranscriptChat

Cymbal Alloys 101 - Sound Pure Gear Tip

Introduction to Symbols and Alloys

In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of symbols and discusses the different alloys used in symbol making.

Types of Alloys Used in Symbol Making

  • Bronze is the most popular alloy used in symbol making, predominantly made of copper mixed with a small amount of tin. The ratio of copper to tin affects the sound of the symbol.
  • B20 bronze is a popular copper alloy that contains 80% copper and 20% tin. Symbols made from B20 bronze have a wide frequency range and can be adjusted to sound bright or dark based on treatment.
  • B8 bronze is another commonly used alloy, consisting of 8% tin and 92% copper. Symbols made from B8 bronze are focused, bright sounding, and easier to work with compared to B20 symbols.
  • Manufacturers have also experimented with alloys between B8 and B20, such as B10, B12, and B15, which reflect different ratios of tin to copper.

Sound Comparison: V8 vs. B20 Symbols

The speaker demonstrates the sound difference between V8 (B8) symbols and B20 symbols.

  • A Meinl MC16 medium crash (V8 symbol) has a brighter sound compared to a Sabian AAA explosion crash (B20 symbol). Both symbols have similar lathing patterns and machine hammering techniques.

Conclusion

The speaker concludes by mentioning that manufacturers like Zildjian and Meinl are experimenting with other bronze mixtures between B8 and B20. Listeners are encouraged to explore different cymbals to find their preferred sound.

The transcript does not provide any information after the conclusion, so there is no need for further sections or bullet points.

Video description

This video is part-two of our educational series on cymbals (check out the the previous one, Cast vs Sheet Cymbals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o37Mfbt0iVo). This time, our drums specialist Paul Spencer is talking about the actual metals that go into making your cymbals, and how different metals and mixtures of metals—alloys— affect your sound. Cymbals are composed of some sort of copper alloy, the most popular and most sonorous of these alloys being bronze. Bronze alloy is composed of copper and tin, and different copper-to-tin ratios have a major impact on the tone a cymbal has. The most popular ratio that cymbal makers use is 80% bronze, and 20% tin; this is where the designation “B20” bronze comes from. The other commonly used bronze alloy is 92% copper and 8% tin, and is called B8 bronze. B8 bronze is typically used in beginner and intermediate-level cymbals, but this isn’t always the case. Check out the video to learn more! Timecode Links: B8 Example: 3:41 B20 Example: 3:54 Gear used: https://www.soundpure.com/p/sabian-aax-16-x-plosion-crash-cymbal/3767 https://www.soundpure.com/p/meinl-pure-alloy-16-medium-crash/18411 Check out the other parts of our cymbal series: Part 1: Cast vs Sheet Cymbals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o37Mfbt0iVo&t Part 2: Cymbal Alloys 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaAfJCBE7NY&t Part 3: Cymbal Anatomy 101: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6t0TN9aw9pw&t Part 4: Effects of Hammering and Lathing Cymbals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDXwlrQoJR8&t Is there a topic that you would like to learn more about? Give us a call at (919) 682-5552, email us at drums(at)soundpure.com, or simply let us know in the comments! Sound Pure is an instrument and pro audio shop specializing in high-end and boutique gear. Check out our gear demos, how to videos, and gear comparisons, and then reach out to our experts to help you make an informed purchase. We're here to help you find the perfect gear for your needs.