What is the primary purpose of the Dream Bliss 22" Ride?

It is designed as a heavier version of the Bliss Crash/Ride, specifically intended to provide better stick articulation while maintaining the series' dark, warm vintage sound.

How does the weight of this ride compare to other Bliss models?

The 22" Ride is heavier than the standard Bliss Crash/Ride models. This extra weight helps prevent the stick sound from being lost in the cymbal's wash during continuous play.

Is the Dream Bliss 22" Ride suitable for crashing?

Yes, despite its heavier weight for a ride, the manufacturer describes it as being explosively crash-able. It is designed to be a highly musical and versatile instrument.

What kind of stick sound does this cymbal produce?

The cymbal is known for providing a 'woody' sticking sound. This means the contact of the stick on the bronze is clear and organic, sitting on top of a dark wash.

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

The typical price for the Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Ride is approximately £399. Prices may vary slightly based on specific retailers and availability.

What musical genres suit the Bliss 22" Ride best?

Due to its dark, warm, and old-school sound, it is ideal for jazz, blues, soul, and indie rock. However, its dynamic range allows it to be used in any musical setting requiring a complex tonal palette.

How does it differ from the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

The Masterwork Iris 21 is a similar boutique-style ride, but the Dream Bliss 22" offers a larger surface area and the specific 'brooding wash' associated with the Bliss series' hand-hammering process.

Can this cymbal be used for quiet performances?

Yes, the manufacturer highlights the cymbal's 'exquisite softs'. It is designed to be sensitive enough for low-volume playing while remaining articulate.

What does 'micro-lathed' mean in the context of this cymbal?

Micro-lathing refers to the fine grooves cut into the cymbal's surface. In the Bliss series, this helps produce the dark, warm tones and the specific texture of the wash.

How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?

While both offer vintage-inspired dark tones, the Bliss 22" is a dedicated ride with more surface area and weight for stick definition, whereas the 19" Istanbul is primarily a crash.

Is this cymbal hand-hammered?

Yes, Dream Cymbals Bliss series are traditionally hand-hammered. This process gives each cymbal a unique character and the complex, dark overtones the series is famous for.

Does the 22" size affect the pitch of the wash?

The 22" diameter generally results in a lower, deeper pitch for the wash compared to smaller rides. This contributes to the 'brooding' character described by the manufacturer.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Ride

The Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Ride is a professional-grade percussion instrument designed to emulate the character of vintage, hand-hammered cymbals. It functions as a heavier version of the Bliss Crash/Ride model, prioritising stick articulation while maintaining the series' signature explosive crash capabilities.

Dream Cymbals Dream Cymbal Bliss Series 22 Ride

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Overview

The Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Ride is a specialist cymbal designed for drummers seeking an 'old school' aesthetic and tonal response. As part of the Bliss line, these instruments are manufactured using traditional techniques, resulting in a dark and warm tonal profile. While the series is widely known for its thin, paper-like crash/ride cymbals, the 22" Ride is specifically engineered as a heavier variant to ensure the stick tip sound remains audible over the cymbal's natural resonance.

Construction and Key Features

The Bliss Series 22" Ride is defined by its hand-hammered construction and micro-lathed surface. Key features include:

Weight Profile: A heavier build compared to Bliss crash/ride models, providing enhanced stability under the stick.
Surface Treatment: Micro-lathing that contributes to the dark, brooding wash associated with the series.
Articulate Bell: A clear, integrated bell sound that complements the woody stick response of the bow.
Dynamic Range: Designed to perform consistently at both exquisite soft volumes and dynamic louds, making it a highly musical choice for diverse settings.

Tonal Character

The sound of the Bliss 22" Ride is characterised by its warmth and darkness. It delivers a 'woody' sticking sound on top of a complex, brooding wash. Unlike modern, high-definition rides that can sound clinical, the Bliss 22" leans into a vintage character with plenty of overtones. Despite its increased weight for articulation, it remains 'explosively crash-able', allowing the drummer to transition from steady patterns to full-bodied accents seamlessly.

Market Positioning and Alternatives

Positioned at a typical price point of £399, the Bliss 22" Ride competes with other artisan-style cymbals. Drummers considering this model often look at the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride for a similar boutique feel, or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash for vintage-inspired textures. For those seeking brighter or more modern alternatives, the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic series offer a different frequency response, whereas the Bliss series remains focused on the dark, complex harmonics favoured in jazz, blues, and indie rock.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Dream Bliss 22" Ride?: It is designed as a heavier version of the Bliss Crash/Ride, specifically intended to provide better stick articulation while maintaining the series' dark, warm vintage sound.
How does the weight of this ride compare to other Bliss models?: The 22" Ride is heavier than the standard Bliss Crash/Ride models. This extra weight helps prevent the stick sound from being lost in the cymbal's wash during continuous play.
Is the Dream Bliss 22" Ride suitable for crashing?: Yes, despite its heavier weight for a ride, the manufacturer describes it as being explosively crash-able. It is designed to be a highly musical and versatile instrument.
What kind of stick sound does this cymbal produce?: The cymbal is known for providing a 'woody' sticking sound. This means the contact of the stick on the bronze is clear and organic, sitting on top of a dark wash.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price for the Dream Cymbals Bliss Series 22" Ride is approximately £399. Prices may vary slightly based on specific retailers and availability.
What musical genres suit the Bliss 22" Ride best?: Due to its dark, warm, and old-school sound, it is ideal for jazz, blues, soul, and indie rock. However, its dynamic range allows it to be used in any musical setting requiring a complex tonal palette.
How does it differ from the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: The Masterwork Iris 21 is a similar boutique-style ride, but the Dream Bliss 22" offers a larger surface area and the specific 'brooding wash' associated with the Bliss series' hand-hammering process.
Can this cymbal be used for quiet performances?: Yes, the manufacturer highlights the cymbal's 'exquisite softs'. It is designed to be sensitive enough for low-volume playing while remaining articulate.
What does 'micro-lathed' mean in the context of this cymbal?: Micro-lathing refers to the fine grooves cut into the cymbal's surface. In the Bliss series, this helps produce the dark, warm tones and the specific texture of the wash.
How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash?: While both offer vintage-inspired dark tones, the Bliss 22" is a dedicated ride with more surface area and weight for stick definition, whereas the 19" Istanbul is primarily a crash.
Is this cymbal hand-hammered?: Yes, Dream Cymbals Bliss series are traditionally hand-hammered. This process gives each cymbal a unique character and the complex, dark overtones the series is famous for.
Does the 22" size affect the pitch of the wash?: The 22" diameter generally results in a lower, deeper pitch for the wash compared to smaller rides. This contributes to the 'brooding' character described by the manufacturer.