Behind The Drums - The Story of MY Transition Ride

Buckle up kids, this is a LONG one. I apologize for the length but in all honesty the story of MY Transition ride just happens to be a very long story, LOL. That being said I hope you all enjoy learning about the prototyping process. There's also a fair bit of drumming throughout so sit back, whisk up a matcha, and ENJOY the newest episode of Behind The Drums - Mike J

[@pentzzsolt]

The story of the signatures on the bottom of your cymbal was really touching. I mean, what a great way to connect with people Mike, It feels like a very special bond.

[@evanpragliola4947]

The transition ride was the first cymbal I ever got. A gift from my dad. Til this day it’s the only ride I own and I LOVE playing it. Thanks for the inspiration mike

[@mikeslessons]

WOW! Now THAT'S a story. Please tell pops "Thank you" from me :)

[@danieljuday9419]

Incredible and Inspiring as always Mike! Loved hearing it "Transition" right in front us. Such a cool process to see. Thanks for always taking us behind the curtain and sharing such great stories. So glad to be back with The Fam, and looking forward to jumping back into the courses and new content this weekend and getting the rust off and enjoying a shed again! Again Mike thanks for the time, consistency, and care you put into all of this for us. 🙏

[@Hoprgras]

When it comes to online media, Mike is by far the most inspirational drummer.

[@mattlaceydrummer]

Your new filmographer guy is smashing it Mike. Why do I think that? The new style footage works so well that its doesn't jar with the viewer and works in the context you're using it while at the same time standing out. Oh great cymbal story too lol! Hoping to pick up a light foundry reserve ride at the drum show as, to your point, I want the hear the specifics of the cymbal rather than pick one up online.

[@fabiodias5527]

That ride is a thing of beauty, Mike! Loved the story. Creating your own custom cymbal is definitely a dream for all drummers.

[@mikeslessons]

Thank you so much for the kind words. MASSIVE credit to Meinl for stepping in and saying "If we don't make what you need, let's create it"

[@rosslmccallum]

Another beautiful looking and sounding video! Loved this story too!

[@danalnajes]

Hi Uncle Mike, Can you do a Behind the drums for the NE1 because I wanna know why you made the switch

[@lajollascott]

Such a great story...but I kinda wish you'd keep that cymbal at home from now and bring your second-favorite when you travel.

[@mikeslessons]

I feel ya, but it's just one of those things that brings me comfort when I'm in a foreign country, on an unfamiliar kit, teaching a crowd that speaks English as their second language. It's my public speaking secret weapon, lol 🍵🙏🍵

[@lajollascott]

@@mikeslessons It's like Don Henley shipping his mattress from hotel to hotel when he's on tour! :)

[@mikeslessons]

@@lajollascott Damn, that's NEXT LEVEL! Now I don't feel so weird, lol

[@subieguymark68]

Great story. I am planning on ordering your cymbals set up from Sweetwater soon.

[@j0394]

is that a Rolex Submariner? perhaps a show off the watch collection could be in store or a featurette on a rudiment special.

[@Kodos3000]

You are an inspiration. Every video makes want to play and get's me behind my kit with a positive attitude .

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man, you couldn't possibly offer me a better compliment. THANK YOU 🙏🍵🙏🍵

[@Slinky108]

Awesome meeting you in Memphis at your clinic several years back. Love the ride, already called MDS and they are in stock! I have this feeling one will end up at my house after I go see it in person! Hopefully another clinic and you will sign mine!

[@mikeslessons]

YOOOO!!! That's awesome. Please DM me a pic or a video when you get it. I'm fascinated by the visual variations from ride to ride!

[@drummermomcjs]

Great story about the proto-typing process and your Transition Ride. The story about the signatures is awesome Mike, what a wonderful idea to share the glory like that. I love your heart Mike, you are one of those who shine brightly as a beacon of inspiration and encouragement. Keep bringing your unique brand of Drumspiration to the drumming community!

[@davidhorne1982]

Very cool! I like the lighting effect when filming each ride (Saw it on your instagram)

[@rickmetal80]

Teaching without even wanting, with those new camera angles and slow motions, i can see some hand movements i didn't really understand while you're riding that ride in older videos xD and it makes me understand that, many YT technique video teach it straight, but don't really show the adaptations, modifications, etc. drummers make after passing that learning stage, to a technique that makes them feel light, relaxed, fluid. Also Talking about things that make crash more washier, showing the lathing feels like i'm learning to apreciate little details pro drummers do. Thanks from Venezuela!!! Master.

[@nadavgolan8043]

DUDE, your watch is sickkkk! what is it??

[@mikeslessons]

Well thank you very much. It’s a Sub No Date. 1 version older than the current Submariner :)

[@howardk4016]

Great story Mike. Really enjoy this Behind the Drum series!

[@onejuly18th]

Definitely getting my own Transition Ride! 😁 Thanks Mike, you are the best! Much love to you, mi amigo!

[@mikeslessons]

That’s AWESOME! Please DM me a picture once you get it. I love seeing how different they all look.

[@stickboyjp]

Mike, you are such a good store teller. Also the audio playing and cinematography is amazing!

[@trueservant11]

It’s time for the Simon says reunion

[@jonathanbormann5077]

It's awesome that you have other people sign you ride so they can experience the same feeling. Speaks volumes about you as a person.

[@mcubananthony088]

Zach is doing a great job! Keep up the great work, both of you!

[@mikeslessons]

I will definitely pass your words on to him. I couldn't be more proud of him and we are having a BLAST working together. Thanks for noticing, it will mean a lot to him!

[@CraigShawCraigShaw]

I see a Transition ride in my future

[@MattiaDrums]

Awesome! I always wondered about the story behind your cymbal, now I know 😁

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Ooooh, a gear spotlight complete with demos and crispy visuals-- NOW you're talking. I love the look of Byzance extra dry's too 😍 As for this one, I really like the first proto, and the bluish dragon tail version you stole 😂 Rustic and artistic. "The washiest extra _dry???"_ 🤯🤯🤯😂😵‍💫 And c'mon, brother, you should have stood your ground and called it just "the potty ride" 🤣

[@yosh1067]

After a ton of listening research, I swore I loved Sabian so much...but after listening to the MJ Byzance pack demos I pulled the trigger and nervously got pack at Sweetwater. The sounds I got from my set, wow. That Transition ride is freakin amazing and so damn musical. I ended up using the bottom xtra dry hat as my top hat and the stick definition is crazy(got the idea from Nathan Sletner). The 18in xtra dry thin crash is soo nasty and last but not least...the 20in BUUASHHHHH. I cant hit that crash without thinking BUUASHHHH anymore....makes me happy every time. Thanks Mike, please create MOAR!!!

[@AN-te4ij]

Thanks Mike. Great story and as always you are an inspiration to drummers everywhere.

[@jeffjohnson2578]

Incredibly versatile ride cymbal! What are the other cymbals and hats that you’re using?

[@damedashn2139]

I believe he’s rocking 15” foundry reserve hi hats, a 22” foundry reserve ride (could be a 20”) and a 20” extra thin hammered crash, a personal favorite of mine btw

[@Nichodemus_funkenstine]

Love this video.. :D I got my transition ride from Memphis Drum Shop.. It was there for the audition of my band (pre-covid), and our first record.. .and it will be on our next record.. What a great cymbal! Thanks for everything Mike!

[@dalekay9ine]

Stumbled upon this and so n glad I did. What a class act move having others sign your ride. Beautiful!

[@marionabil7560]

Hi Mike.... you should provide Arabic language in your videos Thank you ....

[@HardcourJustin]

Hell yeah dude next pay check I’m going to Bentleys drum shop and I’m buying a transition ride!!!!

[@mikeslessons]

Send me a DM when you're ready. It's only a 3.5 hour drive for me. I'll make the trip to help you pick it out if I'm free.

[@HardcourJustin]

Dude that would be awesome… I got my sharpie ready

[@TsnBanks]

when i sold all my drums the hardest thing I had to do was watch my meinl byzance 20" brilliant medium ride leave my house. I tried many many many different rides before settling on it (including that ride but not the specific one i got but at least ones from that line as they all sound different obviously) . and it was my drum guy at the time that called me out of the blue telling me he thinks he found it and when i got to the shop, man... my drum guy nailed it. after playing multiples of that same ride at different shops, my guy came through. It was easily my favourite part of my kit. wish i never sold it all or at least kept the ride. but sometimes in life you have to make sacrifices and it along with my kit was the most logical.

[@Drummerman02]

Transitions to the transition

[@mikeslessons]

lol, well played sir!

[@hylandmarkle4050]

Badass. I've been thinking about this ride and your cymbal pack from Meinl for about 4 months. I ultimately got talked into buying the Benny Greb Sand Series Cymbal Pack about a month ago (against my gut feeling that I really was looking for your set) aaaaand . . . I just sent it back last week after playing it for 29 days . . . your cymbal pack is now on order and will be here in a few weeks now, and I can't wait!! I have a really really good feeling that I'm going to love it (although, I have to say, I loooooved the high hats from the Benny Greb Sand Series . . . they were incredibly wonderful). I'm in the midst of recording my first album and, particularly after hearing this story, will be proud to have your signature series transition ride on every song!

[@binaryenvoy3090]

Love your love for drums :)

[@rewelldrums]

This ride is the Perfect ride for a pocket drummer like me. It sits perfectly in the mix of music, you can hear every hit you make on it and the bell is perfect not too bright but not too dark.

[@haidenmast4615]

Really an amazing story, I can't wait to here more like this.

[@toddcooper5781]

Love that cymbal Mike you hit out of park. Always wondered where Transition come from.?.

[@dilankarun9172]

I wouldn't buy this cymbal just because its endorsed by Mike. I'm also not brand loyal, Love Zildjian/Paiste/Meinl even got some Wuhan Chinas lol. However I would buy this Cymbal. even though I already have a great sounding Zildjian Organic ride. This Transition cymbal sounds Awesome. Or maybe its just the way Mike plays ? Either way got to get me one. Thanks Mike. 😀

[@Juniscrazy]

What are the other cymbals you are using? You may have mentioned it on a different video but was just curious. I tried the transition at Guitar center one time. As soon as played it I understood why it was special. I’m in love with my 22” heavy ride Sabian legacy but to have something versatile like the Transition ride is a must. Might have to get that ride.

[@blueburnsred]

Sup Mike, come to Dallas! Would love to have you sign my Transition!

[@ricardomendez681]

It's incredible how many intangible aspects link you to those cymbals. They all sound great, and I dug even the prototypes. A lesson in "cymbal appreciation".

[@joshuamartin4317]

this is great!... now lets hear more about that kit...?!?! American vintage heads?

[@buckjohnson2836]

Mike what are the other cymbals you use. They are so buttery! I've searched several of your videos but can't seem to find that info. Btwy, you were really the first youtube drummer I found a few years back. Many of your lessons have literally made huge differences in my playing and abilities. THANK YOU!!

[@hescottbeats1]

great story! i’ve been checking out your videos for the past couple years not really paying attention to your name. i went out yesterday to get my first new ride in YEARS.wanting something dark, dry, warm, and washy. went through all the rides and kept going back to the transition. flipped it over to see a signature on the bottom wondering whose it was. open youtube today and see this video GTFOH! i love this cymbal so much, it literally begs me to play it. it’s so expressive that i’ve removed 3 crashes from my setup. don’t need em. i’ve found my “forever ride”. also, first non-sabian cymbal i’ve bought in over 20 years

[@gordgibson6654]

Hey Mike a great story. Yes as drummers we all have that sound we're looking for in our head and ya we can all get/have a cymbal company just bang out several prototypes for us easy peasy... A number of years ago I was playing a two niter in Cambridge Ontario went into the club on the second nite and all my cymbals were gone/stolen. That was traumatizing, most of those cymbals had a back story and were special to me! Anyways take care

[@daviddobbins8948]

That was a great story, I love that sort of background info. I have still never seen one in a shop in the uk, I’m told they sell out as soon as they are in. Hopefully get chance to try one at the uk drum show.

[@johnrommelaspiras3853]

i really want to have your transition ride mike..but still because of budget problems of our daily needs,still i couldn't afford one here in the RP🇵🇭😞

[@martijnvanbeek4387]

I really like your transition ride cymbal Mike. How do I get it? Too bad I would have to convert it into an electronic ride... Without joking, I love some of the Meinl cymbals very much. Lots of character indeed and the partly finished look also attracts me a lot visually.

[@mozziefriends866]

Just bought mine! Can't wait to start playing it. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@DRUMAWAYEMAN]

Love this series man!

[@l337drums9]

Man I love a ride like this where you can hear the woody tone of the stick along with the cymbal, awesome!

[@waffel7161]

I feel like some "transistion hats" would be a heck of a good idea. With the same lathing process on the bottom but still extra dry cymbal and the gloss on the top. Chefs kiss

[@seanappel2895]

Sweet ride! I love the sig on the underside of mine. I giggle every time I see it.

[@joshkirkwoodrealty3643]

If you would like that 20” extra dry ride to find a new home, I volunteer as tribute!

[@MonzonMedia]

The name Transition ride is perfect MJ! I couldn't help LOL at the response from the sales reps on the 2451 😂 So glad to have witness this all unfold at the time!

[@juliechan8626]

✔️🖤 another one of your legendary stories 📀📀📀

[@RumpukouluBasari]

Thank you for the story Mike! I had to pause and take a closer look at your hat. Vuori means mountain in Finnish. 😊

[@mikeslessons]

You are more than welcome, and MASSIVE thanks for the translation! That's awesome. Much better than hearing "Vuori means Lack of feel" in Finnish, LOL

[@RumpukouluBasari]

@@mikeslessons 😅 for sure...

[@mordzielikplim1328]

Is it my ear or Mike engaged the mute on the snare when he switched to the Transition Ride?

[@TopDownDrumming]

What a great video. I always wondered about the signatures, finding out what they are was worth the wait!

[@sirhc210]

shit this kit sounds great, and awesome drumming dude

[@nilshenrikfause9346]

The transitoion ride is the best!

[@mikeslessons]

So glad you like it Nils!!! 🍵🙏🍵

[@shimoshi2378]

我在用ytb自带的翻译功能听完了这个故事 或许我也该拥有一张 为了这个故事

[@davidcurtis4478]

Sounds great Mike! 👍👍

[@bernovanderwal]

Great story thank for sharing!

[@seppukuhappymeal6360]

I love this transition Ride

[@insanedrummer89]

cool story Mike.

[@goldmuffingaming957]

If you don’t mind me asking what type of cymbals are your left and right crash? I’m curious because I really like your left crash/ride sounds with the sizzle, and I love how bright and dry your 20” crash on your right is.

[@damedashn2139]

A bit late but the cymbal on his far right is a 20” Byzance Extra Thin Hammered crash, which is my personal favorite crash of all time, and on his left is a foundry reserve, not sure the size or if it’s a ride or crash

[@citydrums7525]

Sounds and looks amazing...

[@omly85]

Love the sounds!

[@Hoprgras]

I had my Sand Ride for 6 yrs, and thought I'd never get rid of it. But it never felt good crashing it. It felt like hitting a Man Pot Hole Cover! And when I traded in my Sand for the Transition, I was so scared I'd miss the Sand. 2yrs later, "I Don't!" I utterly love the Transition. Most of all, I love the looks!

[@stevelewis2080]

This and a pair of 15" extra dry medium thin hats = perfection. The perfect combo for any genre outside of hard rock/metal. Buttery, articulate, blends beautifully within the mix, unique and complex, and allows a range of different crash choices from dryness to brightness and in-between. They have more life and voice than the sand series, but aren't as "by-the-book" as the dark, jazz and traditional lines. Ive partnered these with some dual crashes and jazz thins and my goodness...

[@blacklabelbeerfan]

Hi Mike! Just want to thank you for all the good content. I've been watching your videos for years now and I find a lot of maturity in your setup/playing. Cheers mate

[@damedashn2139]

Spent the last few months looking for the perfect ride cymbal for my playing style. I kept going back to this one and just got it today, and it’s the most unique sounding cymbal I’ve ever heard. The one I got is practically solid grey and it’s absolutely beautiful aesthetically and sonically. Super happy this ride exists and this was really interesting to hear how it came to be

[@mkoehler222]

I bought mine soon after it came out and have been playing it on a rock gig. I think I heard you say once you probably don't want to use this on a rock gig? But I do. I love crashing on it. Thanks Mark.

[@Lauen]

is that the old peppermint groove at 10:30? oh man it's been so many years. very fun

[@mikeslessons]

It's not but it definitely has some minty sauce to it. Maybe it's time for Pepamint 2.0

[@jacobfriedman4135]

That extra dry washier cymbal sounds amazing I want one! 😂

[@maximomartinez6843]

wooow so cool

[@stevendunton5520]

What a GREAT story! Mike, you are obviously a great story teller on the kit, but your story telling abilities off the kit are 2nd to none bro. Love that you hippie😂

[@scottseeley9098]

That's some good drum-mojo right there! I've had my Transition Ride for 6 years now, and I think it's about to get a ton of play time today!

[@jared1zn]

Awesome video Mike keep them coming

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks a ton my friend, but even you have to admit this one was a tad long, LOL

[@jared1zn]

The length that it takes to deliver the information no matter how long it is is the right length 😉😉

[@ShaneMcCosky45]

Mike, it’d be awesome if you could do a FULL walkthrough and tour of ALL the drum kits and snare drums that you have at your studio!

[@MrPeter924]

Awesome great music song. Rock. 👍👍 drummer. So sound

[@richeichelberg2179]

That's a great story of your journey as a drummer. It also speaks volumes of the level of your character. You have an awesome connection with your fans. This world could use more people like you Mike!

[@Allthewrongkeys821]

I first heard of the transition ride from guitarist and producer Misha Mansoor in one of his videos here on YT and then I researched it and found this channel. Thanks for the ride.

[@jaumepp1975]

Truly an amazing ride, also an amazing drummer.

[@mikeevangelista1177]

Wow that’s such a great story to think you found the one after creating the one ha haaaaa!!!!! I came across a dry transition ride that’s what it was called or transition ride dry I can’t remember exactly at my local music store but it wasn’t your signature ride it didn’t have your name on it is this something they made after your signature ride or have you heard of this cymbal?? It looked very similar to your ride. Love this video look so much forward to the next one 🥁🔥

[@mikeslessons]

My name is on the bottom, underneath the bell. I didn't want drummers to have to be staring at my name all day so I asked if the engraving of my name could be on the bottom of the cymbal.

[@mikeevangelista1177]

@@mikeslessons I’ve seen and played on the transition ride and saw underneath but this ride was a dry transition ride and it didn’t have your signature underneath I was curious about it wondered if they just made a dry version of your ride or is this a mystery cymbal???? Lol 🥁🔥 I knew I should have taken a pic

[@jonnymahoney8556]

Is that Eddy Throwers name right up in the bell? 😂

[@mikeslessons]

It is indeed. And I wrote it myself because he said he felt left out, lol.

[@jonnymahoney8556]

@@mikeslessons I mean… he used to rep Meinl way back yonder! Get’em Eddy!

[@addisoncarpenter5675]

Loving the sound of the new Kit!

[@iainnevins6229]

Cool story Mike. I'm the father of Dylan who you very graciously gifted a crowd signed transition ride to at this year's UK Drum Show in Liverpool. It's full of signatures and is a real treasure. True lifelong memory created that weekend for me and my boy so I'll be grateful to you for that forever. Great guy. Keep doing what you're doing man. It's appreciated.

[@iainnevins6229]

I'll have to up my watch game for next year's show too 😂

[@janenkov]

Does Eddy Thrower have one too? 😂

[@mikeslessons]

He could, Pat P. ripped this thing off with Z a few months after we released it 😂😂😂

[@butterflylady8875]

Absolutely love the sound, thank you so much for your explanation as a blind person it was very easy to understand the description… I think I need a new symbol, I bought your signature bell and absolutely love it!🤍🤍🦋🦋🦋