What is the diameter of the Gorilla Ride?

The Dream Cymbals Bliss Gorilla Ride has a diameter of 22 inches, making it the largest cymbal available in the Bliss series.

How is the Gorilla Ride manufactured?

Each Gorilla Ride is uniquely hand-hammered. This traditional process creates distinct indentations on the cymbal surface and influences its complex harmonic character.

What kind of sound does the Bliss Gorilla Ride produce?

It produces a warm, low-volume tone. The sound is described as responsive, allowing for a wide range of dynamics from very quiet to very loud.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

In the United Kingdom, the typical price range for the 22-inch Gorilla Ride is approximately GBP 419.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can reach high volumes, its 'low-volume' warmth and responsive nature mean it is better suited for genres requiring dynamic control, such as jazz or acoustic styles.

How does the hand-hammering affect the look of the cymbal?

The hand-hammering leaves visible indentations across the cymbal. These marks provide a high-quality, artisanal aesthetic that looks professional in any playing environment.

Can the Gorilla Ride be used as a crash?

Due to its thin, hand-hammered Bliss series construction and 22-inch size, it is highly responsive and can function as a large, dark wash crash in addition to its ride duties.

What makes the Bliss series different from other Dream Cymbals?

The Bliss series is known for its vintage-style warmth and thinness. The Gorilla Ride specifically scales this character up to a 22-inch format for maximum wash and low-end presence.

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

The Gorilla Ride is one inch larger and focuses on a 'hand-hammered' aesthetic and warm response, whereas the Iris 21" may offer different tonal characteristics based on its specific lathing and weight.

Is the Gorilla Ride considered a heavy or light cymbal?

Based on its description as a warm and low-volume cymbal with high responsiveness, it is generally considered a lighter, thinner ride for its size.

Does the Gorilla Ride come with a warranty?

Warranty terms typically depend on the retailer, but as a professional-grade Dream Cymbals product, it is built to high manufacturing standards.

How does the surface aesthetic impact the sound?

The hammer indentations mentioned by the manufacturer contribute to the 'general aesthetic' and also help break up sound waves, contributing to the cymbal's warm and complex tonal profile.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Gorilla Ride

The Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Gorilla Ride is a large-format, hand-hammered ride cymbal known for its warm, low-volume character and responsive dynamic range. As the largest entry in the Bliss series, it is designed to provide high-quality aesthetics and a versatile sound suitable for various playing environments.

Dream Cymbals Dream Cymbal Bliss Series 22 Gorilla Ride

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Overview and Design

The Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Gorilla Ride serves as the flagship large-format ride within the Bliss product line. The 'Gorilla' designation refers to its significant 22-inch diameter, making it the largest cymbal in the series. It is constructed using traditional manufacturing techniques, specifically hand hammering, which results in unique indentations across the surface. These indentations are not only functional but also contribute to the cymbal's premium aesthetic, allowing it to fit into professional stage and studio environments.

Tonal Characteristics

The Gorilla Ride is defined by its warm, low-volume profile. Unlike thicker, heavier rides that can be piercing, this cymbal exudes a lower fundamental tone. A primary feature is its extreme responsiveness; the hand-hammered construction allows the drummer to move from very quiet, delicate strokes to full-volume crescendos seamlessly. This dynamic versatility ensures that the cymbal 'speaks' clearly regardless of how hard or soft it is played.

Target Audience

This cymbal is primarily suited for drummers who require a balance of warmth and sensitivity. Because it excels at low volumes but can scale to high intensity, it is well-suited for jazz, blues, and acoustic settings, as well as studio recording where a washier, more complex sound is desired over a metallic ping. It is ideal for players who prefer the 'wobble' and organic feel of a thin, large-diameter ride.

Market Comparisons

When compared to other professional offerings such as the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride or the Paiste Giant Beat series, the Gorilla Ride leans further into the 'trashy' and warm spectrum typical of hand-hammered B20 bronze. While alternatives like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash or UFIP Bionic series might offer more focused or aggressive projection, the Bliss series remains focused on a vintage-style, broad frequency response.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of the Gorilla Ride?: The Dream Cymbals Bliss Gorilla Ride has a diameter of 22 inches, making it the largest cymbal available in the Bliss series.
How is the Gorilla Ride manufactured?: Each Gorilla Ride is uniquely hand-hammered. This traditional process creates distinct indentations on the cymbal surface and influences its complex harmonic character.
What kind of sound does the Bliss Gorilla Ride produce?: It produces a warm, low-volume tone. The sound is described as responsive, allowing for a wide range of dynamics from very quiet to very loud.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: In the United Kingdom, the typical price range for the 22-inch Gorilla Ride is approximately GBP 419.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can reach high volumes, its 'low-volume' warmth and responsive nature mean it is better suited for genres requiring dynamic control, such as jazz or acoustic styles.
How does the hand-hammering affect the look of the cymbal?: The hand-hammering leaves visible indentations across the cymbal. These marks provide a high-quality, artisanal aesthetic that looks professional in any playing environment.
Can the Gorilla Ride be used as a crash?: Due to its thin, hand-hammered Bliss series construction and 22-inch size, it is highly responsive and can function as a large, dark wash crash in addition to its ride duties.
What makes the Bliss series different from other Dream Cymbals?: The Bliss series is known for its vintage-style warmth and thinness. The Gorilla Ride specifically scales this character up to a 22-inch format for maximum wash and low-end presence.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride?: The Gorilla Ride is one inch larger and focuses on a 'hand-hammered' aesthetic and warm response, whereas the Iris 21" may offer different tonal characteristics based on its specific lathing and weight.
Is the Gorilla Ride considered a heavy or light cymbal?: Based on its description as a warm and low-volume cymbal with high responsiveness, it is generally considered a lighter, thinner ride for its size.
Does the Gorilla Ride come with a warranty?: Warranty terms typically depend on the retailer, but as a professional-grade Dream Cymbals product, it is built to high manufacturing standards.
How does the surface aesthetic impact the sound?: The hammer indentations mentioned by the manufacturer contribute to the 'general aesthetic' and also help break up sound waves, contributing to the cymbal's warm and complex tonal profile.