What is the primary function of the Dream Contact 20-inch cymbal?

It is a dual-purpose cymbal designed to function as both a crash and a ride. This allows drummers to use it for rhythmic stick work or for powerful accentuations.

What kind of sound profile does this cymbal have?

The cymbal produces dark, full-bodied, and prolonged tones. It is designed to offer a deep resonance that works well in a variety of musical settings.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for drummers of any ability level. Its versatility makes it a practical 'all-rounder' for those starting their collection.

What musical genres best suit the Contact Series 20-inch Crash/Ride?

While it fits a large range of genres, it is particularly useful for alternative music styles. Its dark textures are well-suited for expressive and non-traditional drumming.

How does the durability of this cymbal compare to others?

The cymbal features a hard-wearing playing surface. It is engineered to be high-quality and long-lasting even with regular use.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price range for the Dream Contact 20-inch Crash/Ride is approximately £259. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

How does the 20-inch size affect its sound?

The 20-inch diameter provides a balance between the quick response of a crash and the sustained resonance of a ride. It offers a larger surface area for varied sound textures.

Does this cymbal have a long sustain?

Yes, the manufacturer describes the tones as 'prolonged.' This means the sound lingers after the strike, providing a rich, full-bodied wash.

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

While the Byzance Extra Dry is known for short, dry decays, the Dream Contact offers a fuller, darker, and more prolonged sound. The Contact series is generally more versatile as a crash/ride hybrid.

Can this cymbal be used as a main ride?

Absolutely. Its design specifically includes the sound qualities and stick definition required for a ride cymbal, making it suitable for a primary role.

Is the visual appearance of the cymbal unique?

Yes, it is designed to look as great as it sounds, providing a 'great visual effect' on stage. The high-quality finish contributes to its professional aesthetic.

Why is it called a 'Contact' series cymbal?

The Contact series is a specific line by Dream Cymbals known for its high-quality playing surfaces and specific tonal characteristics. It represents a specific tier in their product catalogue.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Contact Series 20-inch Crash/Ride

The Dream Cymbals Contact Series 20-inch Crash/Ride is a versatile, professional-grade cymbal designed to function as both a primary ride and an expansive crash. It is characterised by its full-bodied, dark tones and a durable playing surface suitable for a wide variety of musical genres.

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Overview

The Dream Contact Series 20-inch Crash/Ride represents a multi-functional approach to percussion design, aiming to provide drummers with a single instrument capable of handling two distinct roles. As part of the Contact series, it is manufactured with a focus on high-quality materials and a hard-wearing surface that maintains visual appeal over time. The cymbal is positioned as an all-rounder, accessible to drummers of all ability levels, from beginners to professionals.

Design and Functionality

The primary design philosophy of this 20-inch model is versatility. By balancing the weight and taper of the cymbal, Dream has created a surface that allows for the stick definition required of a ride cymbal while retaining the explosive potential of a crash.

Key design elements include: * Multifunction capabilities: Engineered to transition seamlessly between riding and crashing. * Surface Durability: A hard-wearing finish designed to withstand heavy play while maintaining tonal integrity. * Size: The 20-inch diameter provides a large surface area for a wide range of sound textures.

Tonal Character

The Contact 20-inch Crash/Ride is noted for its dark and prolonged tones. It offers a full-bodied sound profile that is deeper than standard bright cymbals, providing a rich sustain. When used as a ride, it delivers a clear, focused pulse; when struck as a crash, it produces a lush, expansive wash that fills the frequency spectrum. This combination makes it particularly useful for expanding the sonic textures available to a drummer.

Musical Application

While suitable for a large range of musical genres, this cymbal is especially effective in alternative music styles where varied textures and expressive dynamics are required. Its ability to serve as a 'one-cymbal solution' for smaller kits or as a versatile secondary crash/ride in larger setups makes it a flexible tool for both studio recording and live performance.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market of high-end cymbals, the Contact 20-inch competes with models such as the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride. Unlike the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which focuses on a quick, trashy decay, the Dream Contact offers a more prolonged and full-bodied sustain. Compared to entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series, the Dream Contact provides a more complex tonal palette and superior durability.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Dream Contact 20-inch cymbal?: It is a dual-purpose cymbal designed to function as both a crash and a ride. This allows drummers to use it for rhythmic stick work or for powerful accentuations.
What kind of sound profile does this cymbal have?: The cymbal produces dark, full-bodied, and prolonged tones. It is designed to offer a deep resonance that works well in a variety of musical settings.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for drummers of any ability level. Its versatility makes it a practical 'all-rounder' for those starting their collection.
What musical genres best suit the Contact Series 20-inch Crash/Ride?: While it fits a large range of genres, it is particularly useful for alternative music styles. Its dark textures are well-suited for expressive and non-traditional drumming.
How does the durability of this cymbal compare to others?: The cymbal features a hard-wearing playing surface. It is engineered to be high-quality and long-lasting even with regular use.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for the Dream Contact 20-inch Crash/Ride is approximately £259. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
How does the 20-inch size affect its sound?: The 20-inch diameter provides a balance between the quick response of a crash and the sustained resonance of a ride. It offers a larger surface area for varied sound textures.
Does this cymbal have a long sustain?: Yes, the manufacturer describes the tones as 'prolonged.' This means the sound lingers after the strike, providing a rich, full-bodied wash.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While the Byzance Extra Dry is known for short, dry decays, the Dream Contact offers a fuller, darker, and more prolonged sound. The Contact series is generally more versatile as a crash/ride hybrid.
Can this cymbal be used as a main ride?: Absolutely. Its design specifically includes the sound qualities and stick definition required for a ride cymbal, making it suitable for a primary role.
Is the visual appearance of the cymbal unique?: Yes, it is designed to look as great as it sounds, providing a 'great visual effect' on stage. The high-quality finish contributes to its professional aesthetic.
Why is it called a 'Contact' series cymbal?: The Contact series is a specific line by Dream Cymbals known for its high-quality playing surfaces and specific tonal characteristics. It represents a specific tier in their product catalogue.