What is the diameter of these hi-hats?

The Dream Bliss Hi-Hats in this specific model are 15 inches in diameter, which is slightly larger than the industry standard 14-inch size.

What material are Dream Bliss cymbals made from?

They are hand-crafted from recycled cymbals, utilizing high-quality B20 bronze to achieve a complex and vintage tonal character.

Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy metal music?

While they can be used in any genre, their thin, lightweight design is better suited for jazz, blues, and vintage rock rather than high-volume metal.

How would you describe the 'chick' sound of these cymbals?

The chick sound is described as solid and expressive, providing a clear and rhythmic pulse when the cymbals are closed using the foot pedal.

Are Dream Bliss cymbals hand-made?

Yes, each cymbal in the Bliss series is carefully hand-crafted, meaning every pair has its own unique visual and sonic nuances.

What kind of weight profile do these hi-hats have?

These hi-hats feature a thin and lightweight design, which makes them very responsive to light touch and easy to play.

Do these hi-hats sound bright or dark?

They lean towards a warm and dry sound profile, which is characteristic of vintage-style cymbals, rather than a modern bright sound.

How does the price of Dream Bliss compare to other hand-hammered cymbals?

Dream Cymbals are marketed as a unique and affordable addition to a drumkit, often priced more competitively than boutique Turkish or European brands.

What is the typical price for the 15" Bliss Hi-Hats?

The typical retail price for this pair is approximately £319, though this may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can these cymbals be used for recording?

Yes, their dry presence and lack of harsh overtones make them excellent for studio environments where controlled frequencies are preferred.

How do these compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White crash?

While both are hand-hammered, these are 15" hi-hats designed for rhythmic pairing, whereas the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White is a larger crash cymbal with different sustain characteristics.

What does 'recycled bronze' mean for the sound?

Using recycled bronze helps the Bliss series achieve a 'broken-in' or mature sound immediately, mimicking the characteristics of aged vintage cymbals.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Dream Bliss Series 15" Hi-Hat Cymbals

The Dream Bliss Series 15" Hi-Hat Cymbals are a pair of lightweight, hand-crafted cymbals known for their vintage-style sound and responsive feel. Constructed from recycled B20 bronze, these hi-hats offer a warm, dry presence and a distinctively solid 'chick' sound suitable for various acoustic drumming applications.

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Overview

The Dream Bliss Series 15" Hi-Hats are designed to replicate the feel and tonal characteristics of highly sought-after vintage cymbals. Unlike many modern mass-produced options, these cymbals are hand-hammered and hand-lathed. The 15" diameter provides a larger surface area and lower pitch compared to standard 14" models, contributing to a fuller, more atmospheric sound profile.

Dream Cymbals utilises a unique manufacturing philosophy involving the use of recycled cymbals. This process helps create a complex, mature sound that typically requires years of aging to achieve in new bronze instruments. The Bliss series is specifically targeted at drummers seeking an organic, expressive instrument that remains affordable.

Design and Construction

These hi-hats feature a thin, lightweight design that prioritises ease of playing and sensitivity. The construction process involves rigorous hand-crafting, resulting in a unique character for every pair. Because they are made from recycled bronze, the Bliss series carries a 'green' manufacturing pedigree while maintaining the professional standards of B20 alloys.

The lathing is traditional, covering the entire surface of the cymbal to encourage a washier, more complex overtone series. The thinness of the cymbals allows the metal to vibrate more freely, making them highly responsive to subtle stick work and foot splashes.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the 15" Bliss Hi-Hats is defined by a warm, dry presence and a solid, definitive 'chick' sound when closed with the foot. Their larger 15" size provides a deeper fundamental pitch than smaller hats, while the thin profile ensures they do not become overpowering.

Closed Sound: Short, articulate, and dark with a vintage-style dryness.
Open Sound: A broad, shimmering wash that blends well rather than cutting harshly through a mix.
Foot Chick: Substantial and 'woody', providing a strong rhythmic foundation for grooves.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional hi-hats, the Dream Bliss 15" stands out for its specific focus on vintage warmth. In contrast, the UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi-Hats offer a much brighter and more aggressive projection, while the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi-Hats provide a more contemporary, refined Italian bronze sound.

For drummers considering larger sizes, the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats provide a classic 1960s rock sound that is more focused and glassy than the dry, hand-hammered character of the Dream Bliss. Those seeking even more extreme dryness might look towards the Meinl Byzance range, though the Bliss series remains a more affordable entry point for hand-crafted B20 bronze.

Suitability

These hi-hats are ideally suited for drummers playing jazz, blues, folk, and indie rock where a 'retro groove' is desired. Their thin design makes them excellent for lower-volume settings or studio recordings where a drummer wants a complex sound without excessive high-frequency harshness.

They may not be the first choice for high-volume metal or hard rock players who require maximum projection and durability under heavy hitting, as the thin edges are designed for nuance and dynamic expression rather than sheer volume.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of these hi-hats?: The Dream Bliss Hi-Hats in this specific model are 15 inches in diameter, which is slightly larger than the industry standard 14-inch size.
What material are Dream Bliss cymbals made from?: They are hand-crafted from recycled cymbals, utilizing high-quality B20 bronze to achieve a complex and vintage tonal character.
Are these hi-hats suitable for heavy metal music?: While they can be used in any genre, their thin, lightweight design is better suited for jazz, blues, and vintage rock rather than high-volume metal.
How would you describe the 'chick' sound of these cymbals?: The chick sound is described as solid and expressive, providing a clear and rhythmic pulse when the cymbals are closed using the foot pedal.
Are Dream Bliss cymbals hand-made?: Yes, each cymbal in the Bliss series is carefully hand-crafted, meaning every pair has its own unique visual and sonic nuances.
What kind of weight profile do these hi-hats have?: These hi-hats feature a thin and lightweight design, which makes them very responsive to light touch and easy to play.
Do these hi-hats sound bright or dark?: They lean towards a warm and dry sound profile, which is characteristic of vintage-style cymbals, rather than a modern bright sound.
How does the price of Dream Bliss compare to other hand-hammered cymbals?: Dream Cymbals are marketed as a unique and affordable addition to a drumkit, often priced more competitively than boutique Turkish or European brands.
What is the typical price for the 15" Bliss Hi-Hats?: The typical retail price for this pair is approximately £319, though this may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can these cymbals be used for recording?: Yes, their dry presence and lack of harsh overtones make them excellent for studio environments where controlled frequencies are preferred.
How do these compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White crash?: While both are hand-hammered, these are 15" hi-hats designed for rhythmic pairing, whereas the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White is a larger crash cymbal with different sustain characteristics.
What does 'recycled bronze' mean for the sound?: Using recycled bronze helps the Bliss series achieve a 'broken-in' or mature sound immediately, mimicking the characteristics of aged vintage cymbals.