What is the primary characteristic of the Dream Contact 10" Splash bell?

The bell on the Contact Series splash is slightly larger than those found on other Dream series. This increased size contributes to a more powerful projection and a distinct tonal profile compared to smaller-belled splashes.

What kind of lathing is used on this cymbal?

The cymbal features standard lathing across its surface. This traditional technique is employed to produce a wide array of complex tones and ensure the cymbal is versatile enough for various musical genres.

How does the taper of the cymbal affect its performance?

The cymbal has a medium taper, which provides a balanced medium stick response. This design choice ensures that the cymbal feels comfortable under the stick while maintaining a controlled medium decay.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud musical environments?

Yes, despite its small size, the Contact 10" Splash is designed to deliver an immense amount of power. Its larger bell and lathing allow it to cut through a mix more effectively than many standard splashes.

What is the typical price for the Dream Contact 10" Splash in the UK?

The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £94. This positions it as a mid-to-high-tier effects cymbal within the Dream Cymbals catalogue.

How would you describe the decay of this splash cymbal?

The decay is rated as medium. This means the sound does not disappear instantly like a 'paper-thin' splash, but it also doesn't ring out as long as a crash cymbal, making it ideal for punctuated accents.

What kind of sound textures does this cymbal produce?

It delivers a variety of sound textures ranging from warm and deep to sharp and powerful. The standard lathing and B20 bronze construction allow for complex overtones that add an 'edge' to a drummer's playing.

Which drummers should consider the Dream Contact 10" Splash?

It is suitable for all types of drummers, from beginners to professionals. Its versatile sound profile makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their setup with a reliable effects cymbal.

How does the Contact Series differ from other Dream cymbals?

The Contact Series generally offers a more immediate, energetic feel with higher projection than some of Dream's dryer or darker series. The larger bell is a specific design trait of the Contact splash models.

Can this cymbal be used for subtle jazz accents?

Yes, while it is powerful, the warmth and complex tones provided by the B20 bronze and standard lathing allow it to perform well at lower volumes and in nuanced musical settings.

What is the physical size of this cymbal?

The cymbal has a diameter of 10 inches. This is a standard size for a splash cymbal, offering a balance between the quickness of an 8-inch splash and the fuller body of a 12-inch splash.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

Unlike the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry which focuses on short, trashy, and dark tones, the Dream Contact 10" Splash is designed for more warmth and versatility with a standard lathed finish that provides a brighter, more 'classic' splash sound.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Contact Series 10" Splash

The Dream Cymbals Contact Series 10" Splash is a versatile, high-output effects cymbal designed to provide complex tones and significant power despite its small diameter. Featuring a larger bell than other Dream series and standard lathing, it is engineered to deliver a balance of warmth and projection for diverse drumming styles.

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Overview and Design

The Dream Contact Series 10" Splash is defined by its hybrid design characteristics, most notably a bell that is slightly larger than those found on other Dream cymbal lines. This design choice contributes to the cymbal's ability to generate more volume and power than standard small-diameter splashes. The surface features standard lathing, which is a traditional manufacturing process that helps open up the cymbal's tonal range, allowing for a mix of complex overtones and clear fundamental notes.

Mechanical Properties

This cymbal is designed with a medium taper, a structural feature that directly influences its tactile response and sustain. The medium taper ensures that the 'stick response'—the feeling of the drumstick rebounding off the metal—remains consistent and controlled. Furthermore, it results in a medium decay, meaning the sound lingers long enough to be heard clearly in a mix without washing over other elements of the drum kit. The combination of these traits makes it a highly predictable and reliable tool for rhythmic accents.

Sound Character

Despite its compact 10-inch size, the Contact Splash is noted for its ability to deliver an immense amount of power and warmth. The sound is textured and complex rather than one-dimensional, providing a 'shimmer' that cuts through loud musical environments while retaining the organic warmth typical of high-quality bronze. It is capable of producing various sound textures depending on the velocity and location of the strike, from sharp, biting accents to softer, atmospheric swells.

Context and Comparison

In the wider market of percussion, the Dream Contact Splash occupies a space between traditional thin, quick-decaying splashes and heavier effects cymbals. While products like the Paiste Giant Beat or the Meinl Byzance series offer different tonal aesthetics—such as the dry nature of the Byzance Extra Dry or the vintage shimmer of the Giant Beat—the Dream Contact 10" stands out for its versatility and increased bell size. It is positioned as a professional-grade alternative to budget sets, such as the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or entry-level brass series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary characteristic of the Dream Contact 10" Splash bell?: The bell on the Contact Series splash is slightly larger than those found on other Dream series. This increased size contributes to a more powerful projection and a distinct tonal profile compared to smaller-belled splashes.
What kind of lathing is used on this cymbal?: The cymbal features standard lathing across its surface. This traditional technique is employed to produce a wide array of complex tones and ensure the cymbal is versatile enough for various musical genres.
How does the taper of the cymbal affect its performance?: The cymbal has a medium taper, which provides a balanced medium stick response. This design choice ensures that the cymbal feels comfortable under the stick while maintaining a controlled medium decay.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud musical environments?: Yes, despite its small size, the Contact 10" Splash is designed to deliver an immense amount of power. Its larger bell and lathing allow it to cut through a mix more effectively than many standard splashes.
What is the typical price for the Dream Contact 10" Splash in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific model is approximately £94. This positions it as a mid-to-high-tier effects cymbal within the Dream Cymbals catalogue.
How would you describe the decay of this splash cymbal?: The decay is rated as medium. This means the sound does not disappear instantly like a 'paper-thin' splash, but it also doesn't ring out as long as a crash cymbal, making it ideal for punctuated accents.
What kind of sound textures does this cymbal produce?: It delivers a variety of sound textures ranging from warm and deep to sharp and powerful. The standard lathing and B20 bronze construction allow for complex overtones that add an 'edge' to a drummer's playing.
Which drummers should consider the Dream Contact 10" Splash?: It is suitable for all types of drummers, from beginners to professionals. Its versatile sound profile makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their setup with a reliable effects cymbal.
How does the Contact Series differ from other Dream cymbals?: The Contact Series generally offers a more immediate, energetic feel with higher projection than some of Dream's dryer or darker series. The larger bell is a specific design trait of the Contact splash models.
Can this cymbal be used for subtle jazz accents?: Yes, while it is powerful, the warmth and complex tones provided by the B20 bronze and standard lathing allow it to perform well at lower volumes and in nuanced musical settings.
What is the physical size of this cymbal?: The cymbal has a diameter of 10 inches. This is a standard size for a splash cymbal, offering a balance between the quickness of an 8-inch splash and the fuller body of a 12-inch splash.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: Unlike the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry which focuses on short, trashy, and dark tones, the Dream Contact 10" Splash is designed for more warmth and versatility with a standard lathed finish that provides a brighter, more 'classic' splash sound.