What is the primary material used for the Bliss 22" Crash/Ride?

This cymbal is uniquely crafted from recycled cymbals. This process involves melting down existing bronze to create a new, high-quality instrument with a rich, complex tonal character.

How is the Bliss 22" Crash/Ride manufactured?

The cymbal is developed by hand, featuring a specific process where hand hammering is applied both before and after the lathing stage. This traditional method contributes to its deep and dark sound.

Can this cymbal be used as both a crash and a ride?

Yes, the Bliss Series 22" is specifically designed as a Crash/Ride. It offers the stick definition required for riding and the explosive response needed for crashing, providing a versatile performance.

What kind of tones does the Bliss Series 22" produce?

It focuses on creating dark and deep tones that are described as incredibly rich. It is known for having a significant amount of character and a strong sonic presence.

What is the sustain like on this model?

The Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride is noted for having a long sustain. This allows the complex harmonics of the hand-hammered bronze to ring out over a greater duration.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price for the Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride is approximately £329. This positions it as a professional-grade investment for drummers.

How does the size affect its sound compared to a 19" crash?

At 22 inches, this cymbal has a lower fundamental pitch and more volume potential than a 19" model like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry. It provides a much broader and more immersive wash.

Is the Bliss Series 22" suitable for low-volume practice?

No, this is a full-bodied, professional cymbal with significant presence. For low-volume needs, products like the Gear4music Silver 5pc Low Volume pack would be more appropriate.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride?

While both are professional-grade, the Bliss 22" offers an extra inch of diameter and a focus on recycled bronze. The Bliss is specifically engineered for a 'dark and deep' profile compared to the Iris.

What is the benefit of hammering after lathing?

Hammering after lathing helps to further shape the tension and harmonic profile of the cymbal. This specific step in the Bliss manufacturing process enhances its unique, rich tonal qualities.

Who is the ideal player for the Bliss 22" Crash/Ride?

It suits players who value versatility and complex, dark sounds. It is ideal for those who want a single cymbal that can handle both heavy crashing and nuanced riding.

How does it differ from a Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hat?

These are entirely different categories of cymbals; the Bliss 22" is a large-format Crash/Ride for wash and accents, whereas the Paiste 14" is a pair of hi-hats used for primary time-keeping and rhythmic 'chick' sounds.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride

The Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride is a handcrafted percussion instrument known for its dark, deep tones and rich harmonic profile. Constructed from recycled bronze, it is designed for versatility, functioning effectively as both a primary ride and a large-format crash.

Dream Cymbals Dream Cymbal Bliss Series 22 Crash/Ride

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Overview and Manufacturing

The Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride is a hand-hammered cymbal developed with traditional artisan techniques. A distinguishing factor of its production is the sequence of labour; the cymbal undergoes hand hammering both before and after the lathing process. This intensive manufacturing approach ensures a unique character for each individual instrument.

Sustainability is a core component of the Bliss series' identity. The 22" Crash/Ride is crafted from recycled cymbals, repurposing high-quality bronze to create a professional-grade instrument with a focus on environmental consciousness without compromising sonic integrity.

Sound Profile and Character

The Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride is defined by its dark and deep tonal palette. It produces an incredibly rich sound that is often described as bursting with character and presence. Due to its size and thin-to-medium profile, it offers a long sustain that evolves over time.

As a ride, it provides a complex wash underneath the stick definition. When struck as a crash, it delivers a massive, immersive explosion of sound that sits lower in the frequency spectrum than smaller or thicker cymbals.

Versatility and Performance

The dual-purpose design of the Bliss 22" allows it to bridge the gap between traditional categories. For players who prefer a minimalist setup, this cymbal can serve as the sole large surface on a kit, handling time-keeping duties with a warm stick click and providing powerful accents when crashed. Its wide dynamic range allows it to respond sensitively to varying stick weights and velocities.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market for boutique-style cymbals, the Bliss 22" competes with several notable models:

Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash: While the Agop offers a signature dry complexity, the Bliss 22" provides a larger surface area and deeper, more resonant sustain.
Masterwork Iris 21" Ride: The Iris offers a distinct aesthetic and tonal focus, whereas the Bliss emphasizes a darker, more traditional 'old-world' sound through its recycled bronze construction.
Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash: The Meinl is significantly more focused and shorter in sustain, contrasting with the long, rich decay of the 22" Bliss.
Standard Series: Compared to budget-friendly options like the Meinl HCS or Gear4music Low Volume packs, the Bliss is a professional-grade instrument intended for full-volume performance and recording where tonal nuance is paramount.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the Bliss 22" Crash/Ride?: This cymbal is uniquely crafted from recycled cymbals. This process involves melting down existing bronze to create a new, high-quality instrument with a rich, complex tonal character.
How is the Bliss 22" Crash/Ride manufactured?: The cymbal is developed by hand, featuring a specific process where hand hammering is applied both before and after the lathing stage. This traditional method contributes to its deep and dark sound.
Can this cymbal be used as both a crash and a ride?: Yes, the Bliss Series 22" is specifically designed as a Crash/Ride. It offers the stick definition required for riding and the explosive response needed for crashing, providing a versatile performance.
What kind of tones does the Bliss Series 22" produce?: It focuses on creating dark and deep tones that are described as incredibly rich. It is known for having a significant amount of character and a strong sonic presence.
What is the sustain like on this model?: The Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride is noted for having a long sustain. This allows the complex harmonics of the hand-hammered bronze to ring out over a greater duration.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Crash/Ride is approximately £329. This positions it as a professional-grade investment for drummers.
How does the size affect its sound compared to a 19" crash?: At 22 inches, this cymbal has a lower fundamental pitch and more volume potential than a 19" model like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry. It provides a much broader and more immersive wash.
Is the Bliss Series 22" suitable for low-volume practice?: No, this is a full-bodied, professional cymbal with significant presence. For low-volume needs, products like the Gear4music Silver 5pc Low Volume pack would be more appropriate.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride?: While both are professional-grade, the Bliss 22" offers an extra inch of diameter and a focus on recycled bronze. The Bliss is specifically engineered for a 'dark and deep' profile compared to the Iris.
What is the benefit of hammering after lathing?: Hammering after lathing helps to further shape the tension and harmonic profile of the cymbal. This specific step in the Bliss manufacturing process enhances its unique, rich tonal qualities.
Who is the ideal player for the Bliss 22" Crash/Ride?: It suits players who value versatility and complex, dark sounds. It is ideal for those who want a single cymbal that can handle both heavy crashing and nuanced riding.
How does it differ from a Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hat?: These are entirely different categories of cymbals; the Bliss 22" is a large-format Crash/Ride for wash and accents, whereas the Paiste 14" is a pair of hi-hats used for primary time-keeping and rhythmic 'chick' sounds.