What cymbals are included in the Ignition Series 3 Piece Pack?

The pack includes a 14" hi-hat pair, a 16" crash cymbal, and a 20" ride cymbal.

What material is used to make these cymbals?

They are manufactured from cast bronze discs, rather than cheaper sheet metal.

How are these cymbals manufactured?

Each cymbal in the Ignition Series is individually hand-hammered to ensure a unique, professional tone.

What other Dream Cymbals series influenced the Ignition design?

The Ignition Series is a hybrid design incorporating elements from both the Bliss and Contact Series.

Does the pack come with a carrying case?

Yes, it includes a 22" cymbal bag designed for travel and storage protection.

Is this set suitable for professional recording?

Yes, due to their cast bronze construction and hand-hammered finish, they offer professional-quality sound suitable for studio work.

How does the price compare to other professional cymbals?

The Ignition Series is marketed as providing professional quality at entry-level prices, typically retailing around GBP 549.

What is the tonal character of these cymbals?

They offer a superior, hybrid tone that balances the warmth of the Bliss series with the projection of the Contact series.

Who is the primary target audience for this pack?

They are designed as the perfect starter cymbals for drummers who want high-quality instruments from the outset.

Can the 20" ride in this set be used as a crash?

While designed primarily as a ride, the hand-hammered cast bronze construction allows it to be crashed effectively.

How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?

Unlike the HCS series which is often made of brass or B8 bronze, the Ignition series uses cast bronze for a more complex and professional sound.

Are these cymbals machine-made?

No, they are individually hand-hammered, which distinguishes them from many other cymbals in their price bracket.

Gear article

Dream Cymbals Ignition Series 3 Piece Cymbal Pack

The Dream Cymbals Ignition Series 3 Piece Cymbal Pack is a professional-grade cymbal set designed for drummers seeking cast bronze quality at an accessible price point. The set comprises a 14" hi-hat, 16" crash, and 20" ride, each individually hand-hammered to provide superior tonal characteristics compared to standard entry-level offerings.

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Background and Design

The Ignition Series was developed by Dream Cymbals to bridge the gap between beginner sheet-bronze cymbals and professional professional-grade cast instruments. While many starter sets utilise B8 or brass alloys, the Ignition Series is constructed from B20 cast bronze discs.

Design-wise, these cymbals are a hybrid of two of Dream's most popular lines: the Bliss and Contact series. This synthesis aims to capture the dark, vintage warmth of the Bliss line while maintaining the projection and brighter stick definition associated with the Contact series. Each cymbal undergoes individual hand-hammering, a process typically reserved for high-end boutique percussion.

Key Components

The 3 Piece Pack consists of three essential sizes for a standard drum kit configuration:

14" Hi-hats: Balanced for a crisp 'chick' sound and a responsive feel.
16" Crash: Designed to open up quickly with a fast decay, suitable for various musical accents.
20" Ride: Offers a clear bell tone and a distinct ping, while maintaining enough wash to be crashed if required.

Additionally, the set is bundled with a 22" cymbal bag to facilitate safe transport and storage, protecting the bronze from environmental factors and physical damage.

Sound Character

The sound of the Ignition Series is defined by its hand-hammered construction. Unlike machine-stamped cymbals, these provide a more complex harmonic profile and a superior dynamic range. Because they draw from the Bliss and Contact series, they exhibit a versatile tone that is neither overly bright nor excessively dark. This balance makes them effective across a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues to rock and pop.

Target User

Dream Cymbals specifically positions the Ignition Series as the 'perfect starter cymbals' for drummers who want to invest in a long-term setup from the beginning. While priced competitively, the quality level is high enough for professional use in recording studios or live performances. They are particularly suited for students who have outgrown their initial brass sets and require an instrument that responds to nuanced playing techniques.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other entry-level or mid-range cymbals, the Ignition Series stands out due to its material. While the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats or Gear4Music Low Volume packs are designed for specific budgetary or volume constraints, they do not offer the same cast bronze resonance.

In terms of professional alternatives, the Ignition Series provides a similar hand-hammered aesthetic to boutique brands like Istanbul Agop or Masterwork, but at a more accessible price point. While specialized cymbals like the Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic Series offer specific tonal signatures for niche genres, the Ignition Pack acts as a versatile all-rounder for the developing drummer.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Ignition Series 3 Piece Pack?: The pack includes a 14" hi-hat pair, a 16" crash cymbal, and a 20" ride cymbal.
What material is used to make these cymbals?: They are manufactured from cast bronze discs, rather than cheaper sheet metal.
How are these cymbals manufactured?: Each cymbal in the Ignition Series is individually hand-hammered to ensure a unique, professional tone.
What other Dream Cymbals series influenced the Ignition design?: The Ignition Series is a hybrid design incorporating elements from both the Bliss and Contact Series.
Does the pack come with a carrying case?: Yes, it includes a 22" cymbal bag designed for travel and storage protection.
Is this set suitable for professional recording?: Yes, due to their cast bronze construction and hand-hammered finish, they offer professional-quality sound suitable for studio work.
How does the price compare to other professional cymbals?: The Ignition Series is marketed as providing professional quality at entry-level prices, typically retailing around GBP 549.
What is the tonal character of these cymbals?: They offer a superior, hybrid tone that balances the warmth of the Bliss series with the projection of the Contact series.
Who is the primary target audience for this pack?: They are designed as the perfect starter cymbals for drummers who want high-quality instruments from the outset.
Can the 20" ride in this set be used as a crash?: While designed primarily as a ride, the hand-hammered cast bronze construction allows it to be crashed effectively.
How do these compare to the Meinl HCS series?: Unlike the HCS series which is often made of brass or B8 bronze, the Ignition series uses cast bronze for a more complex and professional sound.
Are these cymbals machine-made?: No, they are individually hand-hammered, which distinguishes them from many other cymbals in their price bracket.