What is the primary function of the Dream Contact 19" Crash/Ride?

It is a multifunctional cymbal designed to act as both a ride cymbal for rhythmic stick definition and a crash cymbal for powerful accents. Its 19-inch size allows it to transition smoothly between these two roles.

What kind of tone can I expect from this cymbal?

The cymbal produces dark and prolonged tones. It is described as full-bodied, offering a rich sound that is deeper and more complex than standard bright crashes.

Which musical genres best suit the Contact 19" Crash/Ride?

While ideal for a large range of genres, it is particularly useful for alternative music styles. Its dark character and texture-rich sustain help it stand out in creative or non-traditional arrangements.

Is this cymbal durable enough for heavy playing?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having a hard-wearing playing surface. It is designed to be high-quality and robust, making it suitable for regular use by drummers of any ability.

How does the size of this cymbal affect its sound?

At 19 inches, it provides more volume and a deeper pitch than smaller crashes. This diameter is a popular choice for crash/rides because it offers enough surface area for ride patterns while remaining responsive enough to crash.

What is the typical price for the Dream Contact 19" Crash/Ride?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 249. This positions it as a mid-to-high-tier professional cymbal.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The Dream Contact is more full-bodied with prolonged tones, whereas the Meinl Extra Dry is designed for a shorter, trashier, and much drier decay. The Dream model offers more sustain for ride applications.

Can a beginner use this cymbal?

Yes, the manufacturer states it is ideal for any ability drummer. Its versatility as an 'all-rounder' makes it a good investment for those building their first professional-quality kit.

Does the cymbal have a specific visual aesthetic?

Yes, it is designed to look as great as it sounds, offering a unique visual effect on stage. The Contact series typically features a traditional lathed finish that looks professional under stage lights.

How does the sustain of this model compare to other crashes?

The Contact 19" is noted for showcasing prolonged tones. This means the sound lingers longer than a fast-decaying thin crash, providing a 'wash' that is useful for filling space in a mix.

Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?

Unlike dedicated low-volume packs, such as the Gear4Music Silver series, the Dream Contact is a full-volume professional cymbal. It is intended for standard performance and recording rather than silent practice.

What are the benefits of the Contact series over the Dream Bliss series?

While both are high quality, the Contact series is generally designed to be slightly more robust and 'contact' oriented, providing a specific feel and dark tone that differs from the breathy, vintage character of the Bliss series.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Contact Series 19" Crash/Ride

The Dream Cymbals Contact Series 19" Crash/Ride is a professional-grade multi-functional cymbal designed to provide both defined ride patterns and full-bodied crash responses. Produced by Dream Cymbals, it is noted for its dark, prolonged tones and hard-wearing construction, catering particularly to alternative music styles and drummers seeking versatile sound textures.

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Overview and Design

The Dream Contact Series 19" Crash/Ride is a hybrid cymbal engineered to perform two distinct roles within a drum kit setup. It features a high-quality playing surface designed for durability while maintaining a professional aesthetic. The design prioritises multifunctionality, allowing drummers to switch between rhythmic articulation and explosive accents without changing instruments.

The cymbal is characterised by its full-bodied tone and 'Contact' series profile, which typically involves specific hammering and lathing techniques to produce a lively yet controlled response. The 19-inch diameter provides a middle-ground weight that facilitates both the stick definition required for a ride and the wash necessary for a crash.

Sonic Characteristics

Sonically, the Contact 19" Crash/Ride is defined by dark, prolonged tones. Unlike thinner cymbals that decay rapidly, this model offers a sustained resonance that contributes to a rich sonic texture. When played as a ride, it provides a clear, distinct ping with a complex underlying wash. When struck as a crash, it delivers a deep, full-bodied impact that fills the frequency spectrum.

This blend of qualities makes it an effective 'all-rounder'. The dark tonality ensures it does not become overly harsh in loud environments, while the prolonged sustain allows it to bridge the gap between different musical passages seamlessly.

Applications and Suitability

While the Contact Series 19" is suitable for a wide range of genres, it is particularly favoured in alternative music styles where unique sound textures and atmospheric layers are required. Its ability to serve as a primary ride in small setups or a secondary crash/ride in larger kits makes it highly versatile.

The cymbal is marketed as suitable for drummers of all ability levels, from beginners looking for their first high-quality investment to professional players requiring a reliable multi-purpose tool. Its unique visual effect and hard-wearing nature make it a practical choice for touring and studio work alike.

Comparative Analysis

In the context of the wider cymbal market, the Dream Contact 19" competes with other large-format crashes and hybrid cymbals. Compared to specialized dry models like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Dream Contact offers a more prolonged and full-bodied sustain. It occupies a different sonic space than traditional jazz-oriented cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, focusing more on versatility and volume.

For players considering smaller effects, it provides significantly more body than standard 13" or 14" hi-hats, such as the UFIP Bionic or Class series. It is often paired with high-quality hats like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" to create a balanced, professional setup.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Dream Contact 19" Crash/Ride?: It is a multifunctional cymbal designed to act as both a ride cymbal for rhythmic stick definition and a crash cymbal for powerful accents. Its 19-inch size allows it to transition smoothly between these two roles.
What kind of tone can I expect from this cymbal?: The cymbal produces dark and prolonged tones. It is described as full-bodied, offering a rich sound that is deeper and more complex than standard bright crashes.
Which musical genres best suit the Contact 19" Crash/Ride?: While ideal for a large range of genres, it is particularly useful for alternative music styles. Its dark character and texture-rich sustain help it stand out in creative or non-traditional arrangements.
Is this cymbal durable enough for heavy playing?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having a hard-wearing playing surface. It is designed to be high-quality and robust, making it suitable for regular use by drummers of any ability.
How does the size of this cymbal affect its sound?: At 19 inches, it provides more volume and a deeper pitch than smaller crashes. This diameter is a popular choice for crash/rides because it offers enough surface area for ride patterns while remaining responsive enough to crash.
What is the typical price for the Dream Contact 19" Crash/Ride?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 249. This positions it as a mid-to-high-tier professional cymbal.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Dream Contact is more full-bodied with prolonged tones, whereas the Meinl Extra Dry is designed for a shorter, trashier, and much drier decay. The Dream model offers more sustain for ride applications.
Can a beginner use this cymbal?: Yes, the manufacturer states it is ideal for any ability drummer. Its versatility as an 'all-rounder' makes it a good investment for those building their first professional-quality kit.
Does the cymbal have a specific visual aesthetic?: Yes, it is designed to look as great as it sounds, offering a unique visual effect on stage. The Contact series typically features a traditional lathed finish that looks professional under stage lights.
How does the sustain of this model compare to other crashes?: The Contact 19" is noted for showcasing prolonged tones. This means the sound lingers longer than a fast-decaying thin crash, providing a 'wash' that is useful for filling space in a mix.
Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?: Unlike dedicated low-volume packs, such as the Gear4Music Silver series, the Dream Contact is a full-volume professional cymbal. It is intended for standard performance and recording rather than silent practice.
What are the benefits of the Contact series over the Dream Bliss series?: While both are high quality, the Contact series is generally designed to be slightly more robust and 'contact' oriented, providing a specific feel and dark tone that differs from the breathy, vintage character of the Bliss series.