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PASIC 2004 | Hemiolas | That Old K Sound

That Old K Sound

by Michael Vosbein

Many people approached me at this year's PASIC with comparisons between the new Turkish made cymbals presently on the market and the old Ks, also hand-made in Turkey until the 1970s. Some say that the new cymbals being created there are the heir-apparent to the old sound. Others conclude that there's nothing quite like those great old cymbals. All of this has led me to weigh in with my own two cents worth.

My first thought is that most drummers today do not remember what those cymbals sounded like when they were new. Cymbals made thirty to fifty or more years ago simply do not sound the same today as they did when they were cast and hammered. The metal itself has undergone stress and fatigue. The playing surface has become smoother. Tarnish and sediment have settled into the tonal grooves. I'm not arguing that they don't sound great; just that they sound different now. More importantly, I think too much attention has been focused on the gear, and not enough on the artists. The sound Tony Williams got on those old recordings came primarily from Tony. The sound began in Tony's head, was filtered through his heart, and expressed by his hands. I believe that if I indeed owned his old K from the Nefertiti album with Miles, many drummers today would play it and say, "That sounds good, but I'm really searching for a sound like Tony got with Miles on Nefertiti". I'm reminded of the story of how Motown considered moving the actual Detroit studio to Los Angeles when they moved the company headquarters, but didn't consider moving the musicians.
I believe that finding the right cymbals can help each drummer find his or her own distinctive voice.
Remember though, that the magic comes from you.

-Michael Vosbein

check out Michael's website at vosbeindrums.com
http://www.bosphoruscymbals.com/