Are VINTAGE CYMBALS worth it?

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This video is about playing a some rad cymbals from modern day independent cymbal smiths as well as Sabian and Zildjian directly with vintage K Zildjians. If you're a cymbal nerd, you're in the right place.

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
2:04 - 22" Sabian Artisan vs 20" New Stamp w/7 Rivets
2:59 - 20" K Con Bounce Overhammered vs. 20" New Stamp
3:49 - 20" Funch Elvin Jones vs 20" 50's A
4:39 - 20" Old Stamp
4:58 - Outtro

Here is a gear list:

Cymbals in no particular order:
22" Sabian Artisan Light
20" 50's A Zildjian
20" Funch
20" K Con Bounce Overhammered
20" Old Stamp IIIc K Zildjian
20" New Stamp K Zildjian
20" New Stamp K Zildjian
14" Intermediate Stamp K Zildjian

Gretsch Drums:
18X14 (2018 Broadcaster)
12X8 (59 Roundbadge)
14X14 (59 Roundbadge)
14X5.5 (59 Roundbadge)

Recording Gear:
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
(2) AKG C1000s
BD - Audio Technica ATM250DE
SD - Audix D2 and SM57 Bottom

[markdickey]

I’m 2 minutes into this video and it’s the most refreshing thing I’ve seen on YouTube in years. You have such a good vibe man. Thanks for just being you. Great content

[veronicaroberts]

The great old K’s and old A’s have an underlying white noise hiss to them that is not in most of the new cymbals. It is usually a build that happens with that white noise underneath and great stick articulation on the top end, whether the cymbal sounds dark or bright. I have noticed it with both ends of the spectrum on the really great ones. As others have said there are lots that sound like trash can lids or are so wide open that they are uncontrollable. Great video, love the comparisons and the Funch cymbals seem to have that same white noise when they open up

[drumcoachnyc]

Man, those old K's sound way different then all the modern ones you have, but man, that Funch comes super close!!!!

[paintingholidayitaly]

Hey Tim have you ever checked out the 80's Meinl lines? Volcanic rock? Rock Velvet and the Dragon ranges? They hold up like the paiste rudes etc

[zadtrax]

Nice comparison. I think for my ear, I like the newer K the best. But they are all fairly similar enough that I think it probably just comes down to every individuals personal ears and taste in what they hear is what they’re gonna like. Thanks for the video.

[kristopherdetar]

Some of the best cymbals I own have no labels or identification on them.

[dustjacket]

They all sound great but that Bounce Overhammered is the truth.

[Cavie]

Some old K's are treasures. Some are trash can lids. My observation is that some drummers buy a stamp not a sound. Those oldies are notorious for being inconsistent and besides the occasional treasure that sounds like it was hammered by the gods I've heard some that I wouldn't pay a dollar for. I've also seen unscrupulous or uniformed sellers split up a pair of band or orchestral cymbals and try to sell them as "jazz rides". Let your ears tell you if the pie's worth the price.

[GlingglFreestyle]

Imagine my suprise having ordered a Funch Elvin Jones tribute 20" just two days ago. and watching this just now sounded superb (Although it is you playing it!)
Hope mine sounds as good as yours....
That Artisan sounded increds..

[garywillcox]

Wow, I really like Funch cymbal. I’ve never heard of them.

[dvvalant]

I got back into drumming after not owning a set for 35 years. Got Pearl Exports on the cheap with Sabian B8s. New heads helped the drums, and I recently upgraded to a set of old Avedis Zildjians. They sound good to me but to be honest, my old mismatched Zildjian bottom with Sabian upper hat sounded as good or better to me. It could be my hearing!😮

[demonicsweaters]

Personally I love vintage As. They are totally worth it since they're actually cheaper than new ones most of the time. The thin stamp era As are usually pretty inexpensive and abundant.

[matthewmore]

Im probably going to buy the agean treasure jazz cymbal set. I was told by agean and others that they resemble the old k zildjians best on today's market. Any thoughts much appreciated

[iRideuWatch]

Totally happy with 20" K Heavy and also my Istanbul Xist 21" brilliant. They were not that expensive. Don't overlook the Zildjian A Sweet rides. They are as good as anything.

[raymondkarlsson]

At this level, every cymbal is a treasure. Luxury however

[elithepitbulldog]

I’ve got a first run 30th anniversary Agop that is as good or better than the best old k I’ve ever heard. It’s not the stamp or even the brand. Sometimes a real gem shows up with all of the brands new and old. Speaking of old Ks, Rick Dior has some good ones

[jcdrums]

Back in the day, when old Ks were a lot cheaper, and the big cymbal companies weren't making anything that truly resembled the old cymbals (the hand-hammered early American K rides didn't really cut it), it was totally worth it. Now, not so much. Well, old Ks at least. Old As are still affordable.

[joshnelsonnj]

They all sound great and all have their own character. But I think that 50s A really has a great shimmer.

[davidedwards]

Great cymbals & video Tim!! May I ask what series of Aquarian drum heads are on the kit in the video and which heads are your favourites? Thanks for the great swing!!

[sparknado]

Wow! I didn't realize there so many like minded drum cymbal nerds out there. I've found my people