Buying the WEIRDEST Cymbals

IG: / davidraouf
Support on Patreon: / rdavidr
Music used (background & playalongs)
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Gear Used:
Zildjian FW Raw Crash:
imp.i114863.net/x9ab01
Zildjian Gong Sheet:
imp.i114863.net/gbB4PA
Pair of Slate ML-1 (as overheads):
imp.i114863.net/vn663A
Austrian Audio CC8 (as rooms):
imp.i114863.net/yRvLOv
Earthworks DK7 Drum Mic Kit:
imp.i114863.net/mP25y
Lewitt DTP 640 REX Bass Drum Mic
imp.i114863.net/jW3Odn
Shure SM57 (snare bottom):
imp.i114863.net/DVeNMj
Austrian Audio Hi-X60 Headphones:
imp.i114863.net/kjvgKx
Vic Firth Freestyle 5b Drum Sticks:
imp.i114863.net/045EO
Vic Firth VKB5 Beater:
imp.i114863.net/5bL929
Roc n’ Soc Drum Throne:
imp.i114863.net/1AXxm
Tama Road Pro/ Iron Cobra Hardware:
imp.i114863.net/AoBA4K
The above links to products are affiliate links
These are some of the WEIRDEST cymbals I've ever seen... The further you go down the drum rabbit hole you end up finding stuff like this! The Zildjian Raw Crash and Gong Sheet are actually somewhat popular cymbals, but still fall under the weird category. After I got a Raw Crash I knew I needed more haha. It started with a 22" Flat Bosphorus cymbal blank. They actually saw my DIY Stack Clap video and said they could sell flat blanks (to make a more accurate version of the Stack Clap), but I decided to just get a big ole flat piece of bronze lol. I had bought a cymbal from someone on Reverb and they mentioned a blank they had and thought I would be interested in it, which I 100% was! That one has a bell but is still very trashy and "un-cymbaly."
I figured if any of the blanks sounded too weird, or were unfit for a drum set, I could cut them up and do something with them, or even get them turned into regular cymbals. Always open to any ideas to with them!
Buying the WEIRDEST Cymbals I Could Find

[@rdavidr]

Whats the weirdest cymbal you've ever played?

[@thatguy-bt2hq]

A stack of pot lids

[@mainbreakfast]

A cut down hi hat top as a crash

[@Rustyjamesman]

i found this one that looked like a cross at my local shop years ago and it sounded like a trash can lid

[@iDead01]

A Bottom and Top hi-hat as cymbals, and two cymbals as hi-hats, *all ZBT*

[@Vikbass]

I played without cymbal lol, to weird? 😂

[@qlyde]

this setup sounds great tbh. a solid reminder for everyone to get creative with their sound on records.

[@TurkeyShaman]

With a setup like this, nobody can copy your sound

[@marcuskendig8291]

Much yes!

[@Slave2theAntelope]

Get creative = somehow stumble onto 1000’s of dollars for new gear

[@Jellyfriedfatness]

All these funky tracks I wanna make lyrics to. Sick playing man

[@kylejones1257]

Do you know what music it is between 0:00 - 0:05

[@drjohnnyfever8989]

I can’t understand why the zildjian raw crashes are so expensive. It’s an unfinished blank with a logo stamped on it

[@johnnyhurley7161]

Cause it says zildjian on it.

[@davix8669]

Because there are people who don't spit to their faces 🤣

[@schaddalton]

Aside from the usual reasons, one more understandable reason might be that it does create something of a logistical headache for Zildjian to ship these around given each cymbal is a different size, shape and weight, so there may be some special circumstances around shipping that require the outrageous price in order to make them even remotely viable for the company.

[@kultluc]

Same here AND in this video I found these were the ones that sounded the worst

[@CyrilViXP]

Maybe because of uniqueness. Like every single turd is somehow unique

[@clayfoster8234]

If atmospheric jazz was my thing I’d buy these in a heartbeat

[@user-dw7eb3kz5h]

Blank ones would sound very very good in metal

[@flump0]

Man, those blanks sound so good. I really really love how the tone is slightly different on each hit. I will now be searching for these types of cymbals for my kit.

[@woll2633]

My thoughts exactly

[@somepurplerandom1519]

You'd have to smash them to hear them

[@CyrilViXP]

They do not sound good

[@flump0]

@@CyrilViXP Subjective!

[@CyrilViXP]

@@flump0 totally

[@jasonm3871]

I'm suspecting the Gong Sheet is the most likely to be useful in an everyday setting. They all sound pretty good ,but I think that's in part due to your fantastic mixing. Also, this reminds me that I need to bust out my Acrolite!

[@mikegarwood8680]

All of those blanks are in an annealed (soft) state, meaning they haven't been work hardened (hammered) and "shaped". That's why they crack so easily.

[@wooderk6202]

What he said^^^^

[@jawnotindrummer]

Always great videos from you. I had an 18" Zildjian Z Power Smash that was neither powerful or smasherful.

[@rdavidr]

😂 I used to have a big 22" Z Custom china with the same star hammering on it. That thing was insane! idk why I ever sold it...

[@clayfoster8234]

Upvoted for the lol.

[@Assimilator702]

@@rdavidr I still have my 20” Z Light Power Ride I bought brand new when I was a kid. $120 for a brand new cymbal in 1992. We’re lucky if we find a USED one for that price these days. That was my first ride cymbal not counting the A 18” Crash Ride and A 18” Medium Ride which I used as crashes. No one told me anything about cymbals. I had to figure it out on my own.

[@Supereid]

You do too good a job of putting the sound in a good context. Literally all these clips sound interesting and amazing. If I heard these cymbals in these recordings without know the butt of the joke I would be killing myself to find out what they were.

[@vplasmatm]

I can’t even lie this kit might be one of the best sounding drum kits I’ve ever heard

[@cellokid5104]

Nah

[@blurryvision942]

@@cellokid5104 thought-provoking response

[@annother3350]

agreed

[@casanovafrankenstein8538]

@@cellokid5104 he said one of the best, not the best

[@Lucky7d4]

I completely agree!! This dude’s snare sounds SO NICE

[@ultimateninjaboi]

This whole selection feels like it would fit in well in a sort of grungy sci-fi or cyberpunk settings soundtrack. Either in-universe, or backing tracks. Both would work.

[@SlyHikari03]

A square cymbal is probably the most cursed thing I’ve ever seen in my 3 years of drumming.

[@umpapaweiwei7352]

Seriously I saw that and was like wtffff

[@mattnieri1202]

David, those cymbals have really flat profiles so you have to tilt them significantly more than you're accustomed. That's why the first one has so many cracks.

[@KKIcons]

Are you serious? Wow, I thought it was just for ergonomics.

[@beetlejews]

Hey, your fills are amazing, your playing is incredible and your music selection to drum to is perfect. Keep doing what you’re doing, love the vids. Thank you

[@donhitt2691]

Man i love the sound of that 22" Bosphorus Flat Cymbal blank. wow

[@quicolic]

You know what would be cool, David? If you try to "finish" this Bosphorus flat raw ride by creating a bell, hammering, etc..

[@rdavidr]

That was a thought... I would def need the guidance of someone who knows that they're doing 😂

[@quicolic]

​@@rdavidr Being a long term subscriber of your channel I'm sure that you have the needed knowledge for this without a doubt!

[@CaptainZombeh]

@@rdavidr Lance Campeau?

[@brent3760]

@@rdavidr check out Tim from Reverie Drum Co !!! He could help you!!!!! Amazing talent and GREAT drums and cymbals that he makes!!! Out of North Carolina.

[@1sacharming]

I used to subscribe to this channel for the wacky drum and cymbal mods and tinkering, but in my 7-ish years of following your groove has gotten so damn good. It's like night and day from your earlier videos! Nice video as always but just wanted to put this out there :) Cheers from malta/sweden

[@wilberforce95]

not on the topic of cymbals, but that kick is mic'ed and mixed perfectly.

[@scoliosispoopy]

rdavidr: I played with the weirdest cybals! hihat: ouch

[@jacksonlink7689]

You are so great at playing to the music David, some of the best grooves and textures I’ve ever heard

[@gregwonhoff7161]

You have such a captivating way of presenting your topic. You are too much fun. Thank you for sharing.

[@michaelrobinson9929]

Your videos are always awesome. They make me want to pick up the sticks and play again. Thanks for your awesome content!!!

[@Fuzzbucket3358]

I love them all! Quiet cymbals is exactly what the world needs more of.

[@imperistar]

I really love the sound of your kit, especially the snare!

[@mdwiggins91]

Man. Beautiful sounds from all of these. Well done

[@badapuljanjalani4725]

I just found your channel, and had it on auto play while coding. Really like your videos, It's all on point and entertaining at the same time. Keep it up!

[@tbtdylarn8611]

I thought this was gonna be about cymbals from those obscure custom shops on reverb

[@rdavidr]

I might have to poke around and see what I can find!

[@Onyxaxe]

Um, that second track, with your snare tone and that cymbal were heavenly. This is def my fav vid by you. All of it is amazing, but yeah that second track with your selection is just *chefs kiss.

[@AnodyneHipsterInfluencer]

Imo these were some of the best drum sounds I've heard you get. First off the kit sounded fantastic. Secondly, I thought that Bosphorus blank was great! Personally, I found it _incredibly_ musical. I can understand it might not work in alot of live situations but for studio work I thought it sounded fantastic. Second behind that was the first FX crash you played, the one you cut down. Killer sounds.

[@Felenari]

Good watch. You always keep it fresh. I dig it.

[@OpinionatedJackAss]

love your vids! everyone of those cymbals sound gorgeous! I love the modified hi hat.

[@senorx238]

I love your vids man! Always interesting 👍🏻🤘🏼

[@noahsample525]

I love that blank cymbal it just sounds perfect for that dry lowfy sound.

[@mat4410]

Say Dave, I found your channel terribly entertaining with the stuff you come up with. Drumeo and such has good material, but yours is just so much crazy fun. Keep up the good work. I’m also glad your have your shop set up so I don’t have to follow the same strain of madness! “ Madness? You call the madness? THIS IS rDavidr.”

[@heartoverodds]

Great playing!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@TheLarkResending]

This guy plays with such musicality and creativity honestly anything he hits sounds good 😂

[@InFamousProductions]

I'm loving that random ride thing at the 4 min mark. that thing sounds super cool. they all do, but it really has a vibe. like there is a tiny bit of variation in each hit. super . and your beats are nice bro. I'm curious about the mics and mixing end. it's almost like there is some ducking or side chain of the featured cymbal. the engineer is fucking tops. great production bro. love it.

[@jeremybiggs8413]

Your kick and snare sounds are incredible!

[@richardaaron4454]

Very interesting, I’m psycho when it comes to collecting instruments including drums and cymbals. First video I’ve seen if yours but it got me to subscribe. Well done.

[@zvko3368]

love those sounds man

[@mathias841]

Honestly I love the flat bosphorus as it is, sweet crash and awesome stick définition. And if it is low volume, awesome for acoustic set

[@DanielM111]

I love the sound of the gong sheet!

[@RyleeStrange]

Dude. the mix on your drums sound incredible in this video.

[@BALTRofficial]

0:08 That kit sounds amazing! I love that snare :)

[@mdwiggins91]

wow wow wow love the dead sounds for the jazzier music. these are what I’ve been looking for! lol. man. cool to hear you in this style/sorts of compositions too-feels like new territory for you, musically

[@nathanielwilder3634]

yes! i was so bored and then i got this youtube notification! thank you and god bless

[@nhs_drummer8378]

when I first discovered the Zildjian fx raw crash I thought it would sound dry and short but after hearing it with music it sounds great and I see myself buying one in the near future!

[@RyanPassek]

Wow that Bosphorus was crazy! Plus the song you decided to do with it was awesome.

[@spicydaddy2526]

yes and especially oh my god to the square (diamond) shaped one, but what stands out to me is how the regular ol' round hats sound so good

[@nivvo9250]

thats kick sound dude, awesome😍

[@nathanielwilder3634]

my favorite is the one without a name, it sounds so cool, i love it so much

[@techhy_]

dude you HAVE to sample this kit! its so raw and crisp, i frickin love it

[@QTEEP]

Honestly really like a lot of these. Super unique sounds and the idea of a china mixed with a crash sound wise is something I would rail on.

[@christopherwebb3517]

Not really cymbals, but several years ago (back in the 90s I think), I saw a drum corps whose pit section had circular saw blades mounted on cymbal stands. They made really cool ping sounds.

[@Desecrator6]

That gong sheet sounds amazing... never had seen one let alone hear one... great playing as always

[@shimmipenguin1764]

Holy fuck your playing really shows the potential in all of these, great video!

[@gp569]

Literally looks like my setup LOL. I have a mismatched set of 16” cymbals for hats, 24” unlathed constantople, a 22” apollo for a crash, and an 20” homeade trash stack. Sounds great and you can tell i LOVE big cymbals 😅

[@idiotburns]

YEAH, this is why I love this channel, I have seen many bands with this kinda crazy cymbal setup, I live in goddamn seattle

[@AlchemicalAudio]

That first cymbal blank sounds awesome!!!

[@cjlarson4553]

Flat Bos, and the 16” hats for me! Nice grooves man!

[@theploymaker]

Was hyped waiting for you to play the Cheez-It

[@n-dog9325]

You sir have the best play-along music. 😁

[@CHUGnationPS3]

Love the sound of all of these!…… except the gong crash

[@FuzzImp]

Turning these into more fun usable cymbals (the blanks specifically) would be sick!

[@dilankarun9172]

Wow, beautiful Cymbals. Much better looking than the Zildjian Custom A's. For my next wedding gig, these Cymbals & the Kent Drums. Love this channel 😀

[@bobisadrummer]

Honestly, they all sound great in the context you played them in.

[@MrMetalclay]

I really like the gong sheet because it's big and loud. In my collection I have a cymbal that sounds like a really trashy china , it's really light and when you hit it you can actually see it warping around to make it sound. It's pretty cool for $10.

[@MaydupNem]

Where'd you get it?

[@MrMetalclay]

@@MaydupNem A guy on kijiji that hoards drum stuff. He mentioned something about it being an unbranded from someone in Canada. It's been 10 years so that's all I can recall

[@leadpipejustice9253]

Everything sounds mint, great recordings

[@danjtomlinson]

Great Feel Buddy💙💙

[@fulci6734]

I love the Zildjian gong sheet the best ! 🥁🥁🥁

[@marcooshendlesun4211]

Dude that first blank sounds amazing. I gotta get one

[@chaddio72]

They all sounded really great! That gong sheet was a little crazy (camera audio lol) but the bell sounded really good

[@127Austin]

Your bass drum technique is very good!

[@andrewjohnson388]

Just found your channel ...man of talents on drums, and the deep repair ...wonderful ...as a drummer , done stuff ..but I listen to you ,,,only ....great ..

[@taylorbrown7791]

dude its life youve made the perfect lofi kit

[@jamiefiszzon9604]

3rd track is amazing, the horns mixed with the drum fills and cymbal

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

They're all cool! I'd love to hear some mallet rolls to hear them really open.

[@sqwunko]

I really love the sound of that raw crash

[@brendanerazo]

YES this setup sounds really cool for hip-hop, DNB, Jungle, etc.

[@kitsapdrummer]

My favorite was the bosphorous or however you spell it. Loved the decay and the ping!

[@bassclef1686]

That gong sheet is the “deafen the bassist/guitarist” cymbal. I don’t think I’d want to stand next to that even with earplugs, no matter how awesome it sounds!

[@mikesixx7655]

What!?!

[@estebanguerrero682]

I didn't know this cathegory of cymbals, I loved every single one of it the sound were really interesting and refreshing, even those look amazing is like a jack of all trades for me!!!

[@SurefireNebula]

I'm in love with the way that kick sounds 😍

[@jhawley031]

Man i really like that flat one. It sounds so crisp to me but also has the unstable feeling you can hear the trash sorta creeping though. And i just like how it sounds when you bash on it

[@lightaces]

If I were to hire you for a gig, I would be delighted to see you show up with those cymbals - they sounded amazing!!!!

[@pdxfunk]

That random blank in the middle with the hip hop beat sounds fucking awesome!

[@davidsix8907]

That Zildjian Raw crash sounds so so good.

[@chrisggoodwin777]

The only "weird" cymbal I have is a 22" Crash of Doom. Not technically weird, I know, but it's the only cymbal I own that's not a standard crash, ride, or hi hat pair lol. I also won a contest with Zildjian a few years ago and had them make a 22" A Custom crash with a K light bell. Outside of those two, my cymbals are pretty straightforward

[@tobiaswinter1358]

Cool video! The Bosphorus was my favorite.

[@amrfleder]

that bosphorous flat blank sounds so awesome

[@futurecorpse9922]

This is amazing. I did a similar thing about 3 years ago with some fucked up cymbals from the legendary Rupps drums here in Denver. I lucked out and scored a 16" Sabian crash with a small crack. I fixed it, added some patina and made it into an ozone crash. It's literally the best sounding crash I have ever had.

[@calebatwood7659]

The nightmare blunt rotation of cymbals. I love it.

[@Rudimenthands]

You got some really nice grooves bro

[@BastetMusic]

I'm really loving the sound of that Raw Crash tbh

[@shorthopedc]

The random blank was the worst, but that tasty little fill at 3:43 was the best.

[@Scraws]

That Bosphorus sounds amazing. Might need to have the gain turned up on the mic, but I loved the sound.

[@pheddupp]

All of them sounded cool. This is the first I've ever heard of or seen of cymbals/blanks like these.

[@lodougherty]

rdavidr have you ever considered doing a video with room mic tone matching to help drummers tune drums? Yours sound so good all the time, would be cool to try to tone/pitch match batter/reso heads off one shots if you could ever provide them!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

oh geez, I would not want to accidently get poked by any of those corners of that Zildjian square gong blank. Sounds pretty cool though.

[@singthelongswansong]

These are all dank sounds that light up my speakers