What is the primary material and construction method for the Dream 20" Lion?

The cymbal is produced using traditional manufacturing methods to ensure an authentic sound. While the specific alloy is not detailed in the manufacturer's description, it follows the construction patterns of heritage Chinese cymbals.

Can I mount this cymbal on a standard drum kit stand?

Yes, the Dream China/Lion 20" features a cylindrical bell that is drilled in the centre. This enables it to be mounted onto any standard cymbal stand, unlike traditional hand-held versions of this design.

What kind of sound should I expect from the 20" model?

It is described as a cymbal packed with 'fire power' that delivers fiery, explosive sounds. The decay is shimmering and complex, rather than short or choked.

Is the bell on the Dream Lion functional for playing?

Yes, the cylindrical bell produces bright, crisp tones. It can be played as a separate zone to cut through the mix with a distinct metallic clarity.

What genres of music best suit this cymbal?

The manufacturer states it fits into a wide variety of music styles. Its explosive nature suits heavy rock and metal, while its shimmering decay is useful in jazz, fusion, and orchestral applications.

How does the 20" size affect the sound compared to smaller China cymbals?

The 20-inch diameter provides greater volume, 'fire power,' and a longer shimmering decay. It offers a larger surface area for a broader, more thunderous sound compared to smaller effects cymbals.

Is this cymbal better for crashes or riding?

While primarily used as an effects crash for explosive accents, its large size and distinct bell allow for varied textures. However, its 'trashy' character is its defining feature.

How does the price of the Dream Lion 20" compare to other professional cymbals?

It typically retails for around £209. This places it in a competitive mid-to-high price bracket compared to boutique alternatives like the Masterwork Iris or Istanbul Agop series.

Does this cymbal have a traditional Chinese appearance?

Yes, it utilizes a traditional design with a square-ish cylindrical bell. This aesthetic reflects the heritage-focused manufacturing process used by Dream Cymbals.

Is this a low-volume cymbal?

No, this is a full-volume effect cymbal designed for projection. For low-volume needs, one would look at products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack.

How does the decay of this cymbal behave?

The decay is described as 'shimmering.' This suggests that the sound lingers with a complex, vibrating quality rather than disappearing immediately after the strike.

What makes the Dream Lion series unique?

The combination of authentic, traditional Chinese cymbal shapes with the modern convenience of a pre-drilled centre hole for stand mounting makes them unique in the market.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals China/Lion 20"

The Dream Cymbals China/Lion 20" is an authentic, traditionally manufactured effect cymbal known for its explosive sound and shimmering decay. It features a unique cylindrical bell that is pre-drilled for mounting on standard cymbal stands, distinguishing it from traditional hand-held Chinese cymbals.

Dream Cymbals Dream Cymbal China/Lion 20

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Overview and Construction

The Dream Cymbals China/Lion 20" is a large-format effects cymbal that utilises traditional manufacturing methods to achieve an authentic, heritage-inspired sound. Unlike many modern interpretations of the China cymbal, the Lion series is rooted in classical Chinese design, featuring a distinctively shaped body and a cylindrical bell.

A significant design feature of this 20-inch model is the inclusion of a pre-drilled centre hole. While this style of cymbal was historically intended to be hand-held for orchestral or ceremonial use, Dream Cymbals has adapted the design for the modern drum kit. This allows drummers to mount the cymbal on any standard 8mm or 6mm cymbal stand without the need for specialised adapters.

Sonic Characteristics

The 20" China/Lion is characterised by its high level of 'fire power.' It produces an explosive attack that is immediately followed by a shimmering decay, providing a broad frequency response that can cut through dense musical arrangements.

Key sonic elements include: * Explosive Attack: The large diameter ensures a high volume ceiling for heavy accents. * Shimmering Decay: The sustain is complex and vibrant rather than short and dry. * Bell Tones: The cylindrical bell is not merely for mounting; it produces bright, crisp tones that remain distinct when struck directly.

Versatility and Use

Due to its combination of traditional manufacture and modern mounting convenience, the 20" Lion cymbal is suitable for a wide variety of musical styles. Its volume and projection make it ideal for rock and metal settings where a 'trashy' accent is required, while its shimmer and complex overtones allow it to function well in fusion or experimental jazz contexts.

Market Comparison

Within the current market, the Dream China/Lion 20" occupies a niche between high-end boutique offerings and entry-level effects. For example, while the *Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash* offers a shorter, dryer trashiness, the Dream Lion provides a more traditional, fiery sustain. Compared to entry-level brass options like the *Meinl HCS* series, the Dream Lion offers a more authentic tonal profile due to its traditional manufacturing processes. It sits alongside other professional-grade cymbals such as the *Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash* or the *Masterwork Iris 21 Ride* in terms of its unique, hand-crafted character.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material and construction method for the Dream 20" Lion?: The cymbal is produced using traditional manufacturing methods to ensure an authentic sound. While the specific alloy is not detailed in the manufacturer's description, it follows the construction patterns of heritage Chinese cymbals.
Can I mount this cymbal on a standard drum kit stand?: Yes, the Dream China/Lion 20" features a cylindrical bell that is drilled in the centre. This enables it to be mounted onto any standard cymbal stand, unlike traditional hand-held versions of this design.
What kind of sound should I expect from the 20" model?: It is described as a cymbal packed with 'fire power' that delivers fiery, explosive sounds. The decay is shimmering and complex, rather than short or choked.
Is the bell on the Dream Lion functional for playing?: Yes, the cylindrical bell produces bright, crisp tones. It can be played as a separate zone to cut through the mix with a distinct metallic clarity.
What genres of music best suit this cymbal?: The manufacturer states it fits into a wide variety of music styles. Its explosive nature suits heavy rock and metal, while its shimmering decay is useful in jazz, fusion, and orchestral applications.
How does the 20" size affect the sound compared to smaller China cymbals?: The 20-inch diameter provides greater volume, 'fire power,' and a longer shimmering decay. It offers a larger surface area for a broader, more thunderous sound compared to smaller effects cymbals.
Is this cymbal better for crashes or riding?: While primarily used as an effects crash for explosive accents, its large size and distinct bell allow for varied textures. However, its 'trashy' character is its defining feature.
How does the price of the Dream Lion 20" compare to other professional cymbals?: It typically retails for around £209. This places it in a competitive mid-to-high price bracket compared to boutique alternatives like the Masterwork Iris or Istanbul Agop series.
Does this cymbal have a traditional Chinese appearance?: Yes, it utilizes a traditional design with a square-ish cylindrical bell. This aesthetic reflects the heritage-focused manufacturing process used by Dream Cymbals.
Is this a low-volume cymbal?: No, this is a full-volume effect cymbal designed for projection. For low-volume needs, one would look at products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack.
How does the decay of this cymbal behave?: The decay is described as 'shimmering.' This suggests that the sound lingers with a complex, vibrating quality rather than disappearing immediately after the strike.
What makes the Dream Lion series unique?: The combination of authentic, traditional Chinese cymbal shapes with the modern convenience of a pre-drilled centre hole for stand mounting makes them unique in the market.