volume 3 - dream cymbals
TRANSCRIPT
Volume 3
An instrument with a fine new voice is
literally born of bronze, fire, hammer and
knife.
Launched in 2006, Dream Cymbals
is the partnership of passionate Canadian
instrument designers and generations of
Chinese gong smiths. This is the beginning
of a new era of top quality instruments at
prices any musician can afford.
Try one today and find out what your
Dreams sound like.
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countless precise blows. These will become
exceptional musical offerings.
The final stage is the lathing of the
metal surface. With every pass of the lathe
worker’s knife, the visual and aural identity
of each cymbal is revealed.
Why Dream?
Every Dream cymbal is hand-made and
hand-hammered, painstakingly created
from fire, base metal and human spirit to
create an individual masterpiece.
The hand-craftsmanship of our master
smiths is apparent in every Dream cymbal.
Each Dream cymbal or gong starts out as
copper, tin, and other elements to cast the
bronze disks.
When sufficiently aged, each disk is
repeatedly heated and forged by hammer
into the primal shape of a cymbal.
After careful tempering the instruments
are again aged until it is time to bring out
their voice.
Skillful hammering by a dedicated team
of smiths results in a raw, dark-coloured
cymbal that is battered and scarred from Casting the disks from molten bronze,
one at a time.
Stacks of bronze disks, maturing and waiting to be forged.
Dream cymbals, before and after lathing.
Roger Banks says:
“Undeniably unique, hand-crafted, with individuality and
character, that’s how I describe my Dreams. They record
beautifully, and I can spank them live, giving me all the
tones and character I could ever desire in a cymbal!”
• Surface: Micro-lathed by hand
• Bow: Low gentle bridge
• Bell: Small, articulate, clear
• Weight: Thin tapers at edge
• Hammering: Hand-hammered before and after lathing
• Stick: Woody round attack
• Wash: Lots of full spectrum wash, quick decay
Bliss series are new cymbals made in the ancient tradition. Every one is an
individual work of art, painstakingly hand-forged, and hand-hammered. They have a warmth
that seduces at low volume, and thunders with a froth of dark undertones at more extreme
volumes. These cymbals come alive, shimmering and wobbling as if the mere touch of
human hands excites the cymbal and it can’t wait to get it’s voice out there and sing.
They are exceptionally resilient and slightly soft on the stick. The undertones are warm,
rich, dark with an edge of dragon’s breath. Each one is a unique, complex voice that will
excite your imagination.
BSP08, BSP10, BSP12 Splashes, BCR14, BCR16, BCR17 Crashes These are extremely responsive cymbals. Whether struck with hands or driving stick, you get a little ocean raw trashiness in a burst of sound.
BCRRI18, BCRRI19, BCRRI20, BCRRI22 Crash-Rides These cymbals are so versatile. Quite thin, they produce explosive crashes that get out of the way with medium decay, a soft but clear stick sound, clear bell tone and that coveted edge wobble.
BPT20, BPT22 Paper Thin Super thin, wobbly swirls of colour, unique crashes and complex stick sounds make these one of a kind.
BRI20, BRI22, BGORI22 RidesThat old school sound in a dark, warm ride. Woody stick on top of a brooding wash, growling dynamic louds, and exquisite softs make these highly coveted and musical rides.
BHH12, BHH13, BHH14, BHH15 Hi HatsThese are the perfect vintage sound. The ease of playing is impressive; a solid chick, expressive cuts, and a warm dry presence in the stick make these a favourite. Retro groove.
BSBF24" Bliss Small Bell Flat Ride The low profile and small half-cup, combined with a slightly thicker cymbal, have created the ultimate Bliss ride. The articulation of a flat ride while remaining musical and vibrant. There is simply no other cymbal like it in the world (except our own Contact version).
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• Surface: Micro-lathed by hand
• Bow: Low gentle bridge
• Bell: Broad shoulder, smooth transition medium low height
• Weight: Thin tapers at edge
• Hammering: Hand-hammered before and after lathing
• Stick: Woody round attack
• Wash: Tons of wash, dragon’s breath, lots of wobble, quick decay
Vintage Bliss Our very first Bliss prototypes were a unique micro-lathed
hand-hammered cymbal with a signature soft edge, low profile bell and gradual taper.
Overnight these became collector’s items. So popular we released them as their own line:
Vintage Bliss.
Their unique shape and weight give them an even wilder froth of ocean in the sound,
while maintaining a rich, warm stick sound. Supremely responsive and full-bodied, they
also have a fairly fast decay. These make truly functional crash rides. The crashes are full
and punchy while maintaining a defined stick sound, supported by just the right amount
of wash.
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VBCRRI17, VBCRRI18, VBCRRI19, VBCRRI20, VBCRRI22 Vintage Bliss Crash Rides These cymbals are exceptionally versatile. Quite thin, they produce explosive crashes that get out of the way with medium decay. A soft but clear stick sound for riding. They have found particular favour among jazz drummers for their mysterious and exotic undertones and among harder-hitting drummers for their explosive musicality.
Richard Irwin says: “Dream has created the perfect balance of classic sounds and modern
aggressive bite to satisfy any player in any style. I never leave home without at least three
22" Bliss crash/rides. They can do it all!”
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• Surface: Wide deep lathing by hand
• Bow: Medium taper
• Bell: Larger, articulate, clear
• Weight: Medium to medium thin, very fast but solid response
• Hammering: Deep hammered hot and cold
• Stick: Very crisp and fast
• Wash: Higher pitch, medium long decay
Contact series Our Contact series feature a shaped and slightly deeper
profile with a relatively larger bell. The stick feel is very lively, the pitch higher but still rich
and warm. These are medium to medium-thin cymbals that speak very easily. Faster and
louder, these plates also have depth and complexity in the undertones, in the undertones
and a shimmering quality that focuses higher pitches and faster feel. At home in studio or
live situations.
C-SP08, C-SP10, C-SP12, C-CR16, C-CR17 Splash and CrashThese are fast, fat-sounding splashes that make themselves heard and get your attention. Good bell definition. The crashes explode with bright light action supporting the rest of the band.
C-CRRI18, C-CRRI19, C-CRRI20, C-CRRI22 Crash RidesThese cymbals are powerful and bright but never thin sounding. They speak clearly with a full spectrum of overtones suitable for live work or recording and a full sustain and consistent decay of the entire overtone spectrum! You work less and sound bigger and richer.
C-RI18, C-RI20, C-RI22 Rides, C-RI20H and C-RI22H Heavy RidesHeavier and full bodied, these rides have lots of sound to give. A full harmonic spectrum keeps
them in tune with whatever key while providing the articulation needed to drive the band.
C-HH13, C-HH14, C-HH15, C-HH16 Hi Hats A tight bright hat with a clean chick and an easy cut. The stick sound is very present but never thin sounding. The slightly dark tone on the open sound supports the groove with a wide sonic presence.
C-SBF24 Contact Small Bell FlatThis cymbal has a smooth crystal sound with a gentle wash that stays out of the way of the sound of the stick. This cymbal has a half cup bell and thicker profile resulting in a higher pitched, brighter sound with a well balanced spectrum of overtones. Unleashed with accents, this 24 will roar when provoked and possess all the stick stroke seen in true flats while retaining unparalleled responsiveness.
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• Surface: Micro-lathed, bottom hat unlathed
• Bow: Medium taper, gradual bridge
• Bell: Broad, loud, unlathed
• Weight: Medium to heavy
• Hammering: Deep hammered hot and cold
• Stick: Very clear, cutting projection
• Wash: Extreme power, broad dynamic range, full bodied
Energy series The name says it all. These cymbals are explosive. Made with
the same care and craftsmanship as all our cymbals and gongs, the Energy series are
meant to be heard, even in the loudest situations. With a signature unfinished bell and
considerably heavier weight, these cymbals mean business. A perfect complement to the
Bliss and Contact series, the Energy series has all that and more. More volume, higher
pitch, longer decays, and still a truly hand-hammered masterpiece.
ECR16, ECR17, ECR18 Crashes, ESP08 and ESP10 SplashesA powerful fast attack and brilliant overall sound sitting on top of the spectrum; medium-long decay, balanced through all harmonics. Capable of extreme volume.
ECRRI20, ECRRI22 Crash RidesA versatile monster of a rock cymbal. The unlathed bells give them a raw, meaty look and concentrates the sound in the centre. Extremely long decays and builds but still capable of riding with a full romping gallop.
ERI20, ERI22 RidesExceptionally clear definition supported by immense power define these rides. The bells can cut through anything you throw at them. A slightly tighter envelope keep the rides focused on the groove and projection. Use with care.
EHH13, EHH14, EHH15, EHH16 Hi HatsThe Energy hats are the backbone of your sound. The completely unlathed bottom hat provides a rock solid foundation for your time. The response is immediate and huge but never fights your musicality. Now available in fast 13" and monster 15" sizes.
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Dark Matter series This collection is completely unique to Dream.
Beware of imitations. Dark Matter is created from our proprietary process, where the cymbals
are fired repeatedly. The extreme stresses from this action create a cymbal that is changed
on a molecular level so dramatically that they take months of aging to mature and evolve.
They will continue to do so as they are broken in and played upon, becoming part of your
own unique voice.
DMERI20, DMERI22 Dark Matter Energy RidesBased on a lathed Energy cymbal that has been refired and specially treated. The Dark Matter Energy Ride series are a whole new sound and look in a cymbal. The bells feature the same coveted unlathed bells as the Energy series, which are loud and clear. Their unique burned finish make each one a visually stunning work of art. The sound is a powerful combination of dark sound and total clarity of definition.
DMFE20, DMFE22 Dark Matter Flat Earth RidesThese are a stunning combination of two signature Dream sounds. The small bell flat and the Dark Matter combine to create a sound that is salty, gritty and dry, yet without losing the life of a fine hand hammered ride. The bells are borrowed from our famous small bell flat and the bow is nearly flat. The Dark Matter refiring dries out the sound and adds a unique layer of complexity.
DMMRI20, DMMRI22 Dark Matter Moon RidesThe granddaddy of the Dark Matter series. Quite heavy and very dry and cutting. Not for the faint of heart.
DMECR16, DMECR18 Dark Matter Energy CrashesThe double fired maturing process has created two dirty sounding crashes. The have an explosive raw quality and a shorter decay than normal yet remain surprisingly responsive to a variety of playing techniques.
DMHH14 and DMHH15 Dark Matter Hi HatsThese hi hats can only be described as raw and very gritty sounding.When you need something with power, colour and tons of attitude, these are the top choice. A fast response and roaring open sound make them very versatile.
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• Surface: Blackened double fired, over hammered or unlathed
• Bow: Ranges from deep to nearly flat
• Bell: Small micro bell and large bells
• Weight: Medium to extremely heavy
• Hammering: Double hammering
• Stick: Very articulate and dry, with a bit of grit
• Wash: Shorter decays and gritty, dirty wash
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Ignition series We are committed to the idea that your first cymbals
should be great cymbals and, to us, that means cast cymbals for their superior tone and
performance.
Ignition Series cymbals are hand hammered from cast bronze discs, making for
professional quality cymbals at entry level prices. The 3-piece pack includes 14" Hi-Hats,
16" Crash, 20" Ride and a 20" bag to help protect these instruments for a lifetime of use.
The sound is a hybrid of the Bliss and Contact families.
Without a doubt the best way to turn first time drummers into lifetime drummers
is to make sure they have best, professional quality instruments at hand.
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IGNP3-14" Hi hats, 16" Thin Crash and 20” Crash Ride. 20” bag included.
IGNP3+-14" Hi hats, 18" Crash Ride and upgraded 22” Contact Crash Ride.
IGNP4-14" hats, 16" Thin Crash, 18" Medium Crash and 22" Contact Crash Ride. 20" bag included.
IGNCR18 Available as an add on Ignition Crash 18".
• Surface: Wide deep
lathing top and bottom, edge
is Bliss Style Lathing, allowing
for a more controlled cymbal.
• Bow: Medium taper• Weight: Medium thin
to thin crash, medium crash ride.
• Hammering: Hand hammered both hot and cold
• Stick: Crisp like the Contact series.• Wash: Well-balanced highs with a warm
glow, medium decay.
Jason Hartless says: “Since a young age I have been touring everywhere and I am proud to
say that Dream has been with me every mile. Every show, in every city,
my Dream Cymbals never let me down.”
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Pang Series Once in a while a new cymbal comes along that is a must-have,
and redefines a generation of drummers. The new Pang series from Dream may just be that
sound.
Neither a china, nor a ride nor a swish, it somehow combines elements of all of these
to create a whole new colour in cymbal sounds. The unique inverted bell, combined with
its radical shape, creates an extremely fast crash with a sound palette that is entirely new.
Loud, brash, but not strident.
The PANG 10 splash is unbelievably fast and punchy yet has a character all its own.
The PANG 16 crash is a huge sounding crash extremely fast and with an explosive
roaring wash that disappears leaving you breathless.
The PANG 18, PANG 20 and PANG 22 are larger than life providing an extreme range
of colour. Despite their awesome crash ability, this is more than a line of effects cymbals.
With three distinct playing surfaces and two mounting directions these are wonderfully
versatile. Add some sizzles for even broader effect. The Dream Pang series is a whole new
world of colour.
STACK10 and STACK14. Created by the masterful Libor Hadrava, the STACKs are a
combination of Pang cymbals on top of Contact crashes. With an infinite variety of combina-
tions these adjustable stocks and extremely versatile. From loose and sloppy rattlers to tight
almost electronic sounding crush sounds these are a serious addition to any drummers line up.
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• Surface: Lathed, standard knife
• Bow: Double flange
• Bell: Shallow, inverted and slightly flattened
• Weight: Medium
• Hammering: Deep hammered hot and cold
• Stick: Very clear, cutting projection
• Wash: Explosive, fast, loud, raw
Re-FX series At Dream we believe we can make cymbals and contribute to
protecting our environment at the same time. Bring any broken B20 or B8 style cymbal
into your nearest Dream Cymbals dealer and receive $1 per diameter inch in a rebate
towards a new Dream cymbal purchased at that store. Dealers pass on the rebate to the
customer and call us to collect the broken cymbals. Broken cymbals are re-manufactured
into new sounds, castings and effects such as the cool Re-FX series. Products include:
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Scott Pellegrom says: “Dream Cymbals are full of expression.They ignite with a touch and sing with a crash. I can’t imagine playing any other cymbals.”
REFX-CC14 Scott Pellegrom Crop Circle Use it on a snare, tom, ride or anywhere to create new effects timbres.
REFX-CC10 10” version of the crop circle, this can adapt to smaller snares or over your hi hats. let your imagination guide you.
REFX-Bell Bells only for a clear effective bell effect.
Custom castings. From time to time limited edition custom castings are created from the recycled cymbals.
Dream Cymbals Recycling Program
Hand cymbals
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Gordon Stout says:“Dream’s new line of
orchestral cymbals are versatile, colorful, capable of producing a variety of attacks and decays, and a joy to play.
There is a unique sound created for every musical
situation. You must try them.”
A2E Full-bodied warm sound. Well balanced harmonics.
Easy to execute extremely soft passages. Capable of full
Fortissimo, exceptional blend.
Available in: 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22".
Straps included.A2CBrighter timbre and higher pitch centre. Cuts over top of orchestra sound. Glassy softs and shattering fortes.
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Feng Gong
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Chau Gong
The Chau gong or Tam-tam,
represents the most commonly
known “gong.” It is found in
symphony orchestras and rock
bands the world over.
It is not specifically pitched,
containing a broad and
complex combination of
frequencies coupled with
tremendous dynamic range
and sustain. Available from
6" to 60"+ and each comes
with a mallet.
Stand sold separately.
Sometimes referred to as a
“wind gong,” the Feng has a constantly
evolving tone, from a gentle murmur
to thunderous explosions. Faster
attack, explosive full-frequency
sound, and a shorter duration
differentiate the Feng gong from
the Chau gong. The gong is flat,
has no lip and is fully lathed on
both sides, contributing to its
distinctive look. Available from
6" to 60"+ and each comes with a
mallet. Stand sold separately.
Finger cymbals
Cast in the mountains of India, these
custom finger cymbals come in 4 sizes. In
the West they have earned a home in all
sorts of music from symphony orchestras,
to movie scores to percussion and drum set
ups. Pros never leave home without at least
one pair.
Unlike other commercially available finger
cymbals, these have the mass, clarity and
sustain to actually be heard. Carefully
tuned so that each note is slightly out of
tune with one another, the resulting cluster
creates a magical shimmer that soars over
top of whatever chord they are played
against.
Tuned bell plates Dream is proud to offer their tuned bell
plates in a 4 octave range from an
astounding C1– C5. Years of research and
development have gone into creating
wonderfully expressive bell sounds from flat
plates. Carefully tuned, they are exception-
ally durable and can be played with a range
of beaters from soft to extremely hard.
The largest are close to 2'x3' and the
smallest less than 6"x9". They come with a
simple but ingenious cord mount that keeps
the cord off the face of the instrument while
allowing maximum mounting and transport
flexibility. Used by major symphony orchestras
across Canada, they are now available world
wide. Custom gong stands are also available
for mounting in virtually any configuration.
Made in Canada.
Material: Aluminum Plate alloy
Range: C1– C5 or 4 complete octaves.
Tuning: A=440. Others available on request.
Mounting: Cord mounted from 2 points.
TFC-XL Timsha Finger Cymbal extra large, approx. 3" diameter come as a pair with a small bag.
TFC-L Timsha Finger Cymbal large, approx. 2.75" diameter come as a pair with a small bag.
TFC-M Timsha Finger Cymbal medium, approx. 2.5" diameter come in a pair with a small bag.
TFC-S Timsha Finger Cymbal small, approx. 2.25" diameter come as a pair with a small bag.
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Dan Savell of L.A. Percussion Rentals says: “We have used Dream Cymbals’ tuned gongs for countless touring orchestras, percussionists, and music festivals for several years now. They’re just what we need to service our most discriminating clients and their demanding repertoire.”
Tuned MBao Gongs are an exclusive Dream design, made to meet the
call for tuned nipple-gongs around the world.
Available from C2 to C6, a four octave range, they are carefully tuned and selected for
balance, sustain and blend.
A focused pitch and energetic volumes are their hallmark. Currently in use from New
York to Los Angeles, Amsterdam to Toronto. Your search for reliable tuned gongs ends here.
Lifetime tuning warranty included.
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Jing Cymbals
Small, medium and large they vary from
about 4" to 8" in diameter. Traditionally
used as hand cymbals or opera cymbals, in
the west they have found a home offering
exotic sounds from murmuring chatter to
boisterous cacophony.
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Tiger Bend Down Gongs
Signature sound of China, the bender as it
is commonly called ranges from about 10
to 14 inches and has a distinctive down-
ward bend to the note when struck sharply
in the center.
Lion Cymbals
Also commonly called Chinese cymbals,
they have a distinctive sharp bell and
turned up edges. Available from 12 – 28
inches, they can explode with fiery bursts of
energy or contribute simmering roars of fire.
They have found a home in the west from
the concert hall to the rock stage.
Jin Ban Bend Up Gongs
The smaller brother to the Tiger, is tradition-
al in China and is often used in opera and
street music. From 7 to 9 inches, they have
a short bursting bending up sound when
struck in the center. A truly unique sound
in the world.
Chinese instruments
a ball tip, and made from maple, this is a
great item to use and keep and extra pair
around.
Dream T shirts
Wear your Dreams! Made from top grade
cotton and manufactured in the USA or
Canada, they come in mens and ladies in
a variety of colours.30 31
Bagstick 2
A simple economical stick bag, perfect for
holding just about anything you will need.
Nylon construction and durable zippers.
Straps
Available in regular and deluxe, the Dream
cymbal straps are made from top grade
leather. Slightly longer tails and neoprene
padding inside the deluxe strap allow for a
more ergonomic grip and extreme comfort
when worn in a marching situation.
G Stand
The Dream Gong Stand is simple, but it
works and will last a lifetime. Made from
coated steel tubing, at 1.5" diameter it also
accepts all standard round rack fittings.
Designed to hold a gong up to 36", custom
sizes are available. Rattle free, light, dura-
ble and easy to transport.
Sticks 5A
Dream has a great drumstick. Featuring
Dream Accessories
Bag 22D Deluxe Cymbal bag
The deluxe Dream cymbal bag is for serious
players. Featuring a rubber bottom, multiple
dividers and an outboard hi hat small
cymbal pocket. Sturdy handles and back
pack straps mean this can meet your most
rugged needs.
Bag 20S, 22S and 24S
Simple straightforward cymbal bags with
a shoulder strap or extendable handles.
These are designed for 4-6 cymbals and
quick, efficient use.
Bag HW
Originally designed to carry the Dream Gong
stand it still does that really well. However
this 52"x6"x6" durable padded bag does
so much more. Throw in 4 or 5 pieces of
hardware for smaller gigs, or any long thin
things you need to carry.
At Dream we strive to make the best cymbals in the world.
We don’t believe in making stamped-out low-budget cymbals just
to meet a price point. All our products are carefully hand-crafted to
sound and behave like a high quality musical instrument. We believe
everyone deserves to play the best cymbals available, so we price
them fairly. The time-honoured tradition of gong and cymbal making
in China goes back centuries; some suggest they taught the Turkish
makers.
We don’t believe in telling musicians how, or what, they should
play. How you play them is up to you. You’ll find Bliss cymbals in
metal and Jazz bands, Contact in hip-hop and orchestras, Energy players in rock and Country
& Western. If you can imagine it, a Dream can do it.
We do believe every drummer has an individual voice, so get down to your favourite music
store and give us a listen. Whether it’s Bliss, Contact, Energy, Dark Matter, Pang or any of the
new and expanding line up, they’re all great cymbals. One of them will have your sound.
Come find your Dreams.
Head Office: 616R St. Clarens Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6H 3W9
Sales Tel: 416.588.5532 Fax: 416.900.0376 Toll free: 1 877.933.7629
[email protected] | dreamcymbals.com