Previous metal cymbal users, why did you return to rubber?

[MWJT42]

I'm think I'm seeing a trend of metal cymbal users moving back to rubber...if I'm correct and this is happening, why are people making the move?

I have a full set of metal DIY cymbals, and I'm struggling to feel confident with them.

I can't seem to prevent them spinning, which ruins the location response and edge trigger, and I'm now wondering if investing in Roland / ATV / Lemon is 'better' - also, most eDRUMin developments seem to be around rubber not metal cymbal improvements - is this because the metal trigger response is harder to work with?

Stick volume is an obvious issue for some, not an issue for me, but I'm left wondering if rubber are more reliable.

[Mylo]

I switched from metal to rubber because you have to hit the edge hard to get the edge switch to trip. There were no dynamics around the edge. This is especially important when doing cymbal swells. On the metal cymbal a light hit on the edge triggers the bow until you finally start hitting it hard enough to trip the edge switch. Could the casual listener in the audience tell a difference between a light bow and edge articulation? Maybe not. But my OCD didn’t allow it.

[lalo]

I first tried a set of zildjian low volume converted by diamond drums, they worked ok and looked very well built, but the triggering of the edges was not as dynamic as I wished, the hotspot where the piezo was glued was pretty pronounced and the hihat controller was an unbranded goedrum controller which also lack dynamics...

I then tried the same set converted this time by the now extinct "Gear drum" guy from Italy, it was basically the same story as the diamonds, only the controller was a homemade version.

I then tried a cheap set converted by Drone Halo triggers, edges were completely hot, no matter how hard or soft always triggered 127, and they were frigging loud... definitely not good for an appartment. The ride's bell was completely unreliable too.

So that was my excursion with metal cymbals, good for 4/4 rock and ac/dc songs but for anything else don't bother...

[MWJT42]

Thanks both for your input.

Mine look great and feel 'right', but I'm also having triggering issues.

Looks like it's time to invest in some new rubber ones!

[MWJT42]

Thanks both for your input.

Mine look great and feel 'right', but I'm also having triggering issues.

Looks like it's time to invest in some new rubber ones!

[Mylo]

I failed to mention that I had both Jobeky and FIELD metal cymbals. And has mentioned earlier about hot spots the Jobeky cymbals were very hot over the piezo. The FIELD cymbals were well built but very heavy which was pretty rough on the hardware.

[dsteinschneider]

I'm using 3 PCY15's for ride and left and right crash. All are 3 zone assigned (edge, bow, bell) and choke correctly with the eDRUMin. Using a PCY13 for hi-hat also. I use edge and bow but never bell with that cymbal. Just mentioning they seem to work especially well with the E10

[thedrumdoctor]

I was going to do a DIY conversion, but this video gives you a clue as to why the rubber cymbals seem to be winning:

https://youtu.be/kpoanOlb3-w

[MWJT42]

Thanks for all the responses to this.

The DIY playing:fettling ratio has skewed again, so I ordered a full set of Lemon cymbals yesterday. ~£450 for 13 HH w/ controller, 1x 12 splash, 3x 15 triple (although I only need duals) and 1x 18 triple delivered - great value, just hoping they perform well. I'm worried I'll miss the feel of top+bottom hats, but probably over thinking it.

Does anyone know if the Lemons come with the rotation stops?