What is the Meinl Cymbal Bacon?

It is a portable cymbal accessory consisting of a metal bead chain. It sits on top of a cymbal to create a sizzling sound effect without needing to drill holes.

How do you install the Meinl Cymbal Bacon?

Installation requires no tools or hardware. You simply remove the cymbal felt and wingnut, place the Cymbal Bacon's washer over the stand tilter, and replace the felt and wingnut.

Does this accessory work on hi-hats?

Yes, it is highly effective on hi-hats. It adds a textured sizzle to the top cymbal, which is especially noticeable when the hats are played slightly open.

Will the Cymbal Bacon damage my cymbals?

No, it is designed to rest gently on the surface of the metal. The lightweight beads vibrate against the bronze without causing structural damage or deep scratches.

How does the Cymbal Bacon change the sound of a ride cymbal?

It adds a continuous sizzling noise that blends with the cymbal's natural sustain. This creates a fuller, more complex wash that lasts until the cymbal stops vibrating.

Is the effect permanent?

No, the effect is entirely temporary. You can add or remove the accessory in seconds, making it more versatile than traditional drilled-in rivets.

Can I use it on a crash cymbal?

Yes, you can use it on any cymbal, including crashes like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry. However, it is most commonly used on rides and hi-hats where sustained texture is desired.

Does the Cymbal Bacon affect the volume of the cymbal?

It does not significantly change the raw volume, but it does alter the perceived dynamics. The added sizzle can make the cymbal sound busier and more sustained.

How much does a Meinl Cymbal Bacon typically cost?

It is positioned as an affordable accessory. The typical price range is approximately GBP 10.

Can I use multiple Cymbal Bacons on one cymbal?

While one is usually sufficient, you could technically stack them if the stand tilter has enough space. This would result in an even more intense rattling effect.

Is this accessory suitable for low-volume cymbals?

Yes, it can be used with low-volume packs, such as those from Gear4Music. It helps add back some of the metallic character that is often reduced in muted cymbal designs.

How long does the sizzle effect last?

The sizzle lasts as long as the cymbal is vibrating. Because the beads are light, they continue to react to even the smallest vibrations until the cymbal falls completely silent.

Gear article

Meinl Cymbal Bacon

The Meinl Cymbal Bacon is a removable sizzler accessory designed to provide a continuous sustain effect for drum set cymbals. It functions as a non-permanent alternative to traditional rivets, sitting directly on the cymbal stand's tilter to add a metallic wash to the instrument's natural decay.

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Overview

The Meinl Cymbal Bacon is a high-quality cymbal effect designed for drummers seeking to modify their sound without performing permanent modifications to their gear. It consists of a thin metal bead chain attached to a circular washer. The device is placed over the cymbal post, allowing the beads to rest naturally against the top surface of the cymbal.

By interacting with the vibrations of the bronze, the accessory introduces a consistent rattling or 'sizzling' sound. It is designed to be a budget-friendly solution for sonic experimentation, typically retailing at a competitive price point of approximately £10.

Functionality and Key Features

The primary design goal of the Cymbal Bacon is ease of use and portability. Unlike traditional 'sizzler' cymbals that require holes to be drilled for the installation of metal rivets, the Cymbal Bacon requires no installation tools or hardware changes.

Key features include: * Universal Fit: The central washer is sized to fit standard cymbal stand tilters. * Continuous Effect: The beads vibrate in sympathy with the cymbal's sustain, maintaining the effect until the cymbal falls completely silent. * Non-Invasive: Because it rests on top, it does not damage the cymbal's surface or structural integrity.

Sound Character and Application

When a cymbal is struck, the Cymbal Bacon adds a layer of white noise and metallic texture to the frequency response. This effect is most pronounced on larger cymbals with longer decay cycles.

While compatible with any cymbal, it is traditionally most effective when paired with: * Ride Cymbals: Enhances the 'wash' underneath stick definition, useful for jazz or atmospheric styles. * Hi-Hats: Adds a distinct 'chick' sound and extra texture when played partially open.

The accessory changes the dynamics of the instrument, effectively softening the initial attack and prolonging the perceived presence of the note through its rattling chain.

Compatibility and Alternatives

The Meinl Cymbal Bacon is compatible with a wide range of professional and entry-level cymbals, including the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats, and boutique options like the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride or Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. It is also a useful tool for quiet practice setups, such as the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack, where it can add character to muted alloys.

Compared to permanent rivets found on some high-end Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Bionic series models, the Cymbal Bacon offers the advantage of being removable mid-performance, allowing a drummer to return to a 'clean' cymbal sound instantly between songs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Meinl Cymbal Bacon?: It is a portable cymbal accessory consisting of a metal bead chain. It sits on top of a cymbal to create a sizzling sound effect without needing to drill holes.
How do you install the Meinl Cymbal Bacon?: Installation requires no tools or hardware. You simply remove the cymbal felt and wingnut, place the Cymbal Bacon's washer over the stand tilter, and replace the felt and wingnut.
Does this accessory work on hi-hats?: Yes, it is highly effective on hi-hats. It adds a textured sizzle to the top cymbal, which is especially noticeable when the hats are played slightly open.
Will the Cymbal Bacon damage my cymbals?: No, it is designed to rest gently on the surface of the metal. The lightweight beads vibrate against the bronze without causing structural damage or deep scratches.
How does the Cymbal Bacon change the sound of a ride cymbal?: It adds a continuous sizzling noise that blends with the cymbal's natural sustain. This creates a fuller, more complex wash that lasts until the cymbal stops vibrating.
Is the effect permanent?: No, the effect is entirely temporary. You can add or remove the accessory in seconds, making it more versatile than traditional drilled-in rivets.
Can I use it on a crash cymbal?: Yes, you can use it on any cymbal, including crashes like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry. However, it is most commonly used on rides and hi-hats where sustained texture is desired.
Does the Cymbal Bacon affect the volume of the cymbal?: It does not significantly change the raw volume, but it does alter the perceived dynamics. The added sizzle can make the cymbal sound busier and more sustained.
How much does a Meinl Cymbal Bacon typically cost?: It is positioned as an affordable accessory. The typical price range is approximately GBP 10.
Can I use multiple Cymbal Bacons on one cymbal?: While one is usually sufficient, you could technically stack them if the stand tilter has enough space. This would result in an even more intense rattling effect.
Is this accessory suitable for low-volume cymbals?: Yes, it can be used with low-volume packs, such as those from Gear4Music. It helps add back some of the metallic character that is often reduced in muted cymbal designs.
How long does the sizzle effect last?: The sizzle lasts as long as the cymbal is vibrating. Because the beads are light, they continue to react to even the smallest vibrations until the cymbal falls completely silent.