Review: Masterworks 22" ride and 13" hats
Robert Schuh
touch upon these cymbals from a few perspectives, Look, sound and feel.
When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are
no gaudy logos painted across the cymbals. Upon first inspection, I can
also say that they look more like real Istanbul Ks than ANY new cymbal I
have played or seen. This includes, Spizz, Bosphorus, Grand Master and
Istanbul. It is hard to put my finger on it, but these just had more of
the real K vibe of any of the cymbal mentioned above. The only markings
on the cymbals are the artisan's signature under the bell, a small
denotation as to what the size and type of cymbal they are, i.e.: 22" 55
mm, Crash/Ride and a small elegant stencil that says, Jazz Master. The
22 was marked as 2650 grams under the bell and the 13 hats were listed
at 790 top, 870 bottom. The 22, for my taste, is on the heavy side. I
would say it is similar in weight to a 22 Med. Zildjian K Con. Compared
to that, it is much more controlled than a 22 Med. K Con. The bell on
this cymbal is superior and cuts incredibly well. I have owned a # os
Spizz 22s of this same weight and I found this to be much easier to
control and far more consistently made all around. The stick attack was
nice and woody with a controlled, but dark under wash. Seeing that the
K Cons list for $650.00 and that Spizz 22s are now selling for $500.00,
this 22 listing out at $540.00 is going to be a bargain. These are THE
real thing. I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about these
because of Ronn's seemingly over the top admiration for these cymbals. I
am DYING to get a lighter model for my personal use. This cymbal would
be a perfect ride for anyone looking to get that original K sound who is
not used to played very thin cymbals and their extreme temperament. I
will post photos of these at RMMP.net tomorrow. Wait until you see these
things. The 13s are incredible all around. They are slightly more light
than the Bos Ferit Turk 13s that I have. These are like the Bos Masters
in sound, but I think they are a bit more open as the Bos Masters still
have some unlathed spots. They had a very pronounced chick and have a
nice dark sound when kicked open to get the washy sound. I am not sure
what is going to happen with Ronn's distribution network, but if anyone
is looking for a KILLER Jazz cymbal, these are looking to be a top
contender. I think that when I find a thin specimen, it will probably be
a better overall performer than the Bosphorus Masters Series because
these have a full sized and functional bell. I have been looking for a
KILLER K for a decade now after my once in a lifetime Istanbul K was
stolen. I have owned 3 22 Bos Masters and 8 22 Spizzes and even this
heavier, for my taste, 22, is the closest so far. Needless to say, I am
not going to run out and sell the 2 20 Bos Masters that I really like
nor am I going to dump the paper thin 20 Spizz that I own, but this is
the most excited I have been about new cymbals ever. Anyone looking for
a Jazz type cymbal, you have to check them out. I have not seen nor
heard their other lines, but I am sure that they are made with the same
quality as these 2 specimens. Once again, check RMMP.net for photos.
--
Robert Schuh
"Everything that elevates an individual above the herd and
intimidates the neighbour is henceforth called evil; and
the fair, modest, submissive and conforming mentality,
the mediocrity of desires attains moral designations and honors"
- Nietzsche
"The meek shall inherit nothing" - Zappa
scottp118
trashy as some other brands'. Is this true? From what you heard, are they
more akin to Jeff Hamilton's Hammer series, or to something like Bos's
Master's series? And I do not mean that the lack of trashiness would be a
bad thing - I LOVE my Bos Masters, but my next ride will be thin and a
little prettier, like the Hammer series, to cover that kind of sound. Just
wondering where these fall in that spectrum.
"Robert Schuh" <rsc...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3E61A462...@yahoo.com...
> I was lucky enough to receive these from Ronn Dunnett this Wed. I will
> touch upon these cymbals from a few perspectives, Look, sound and feel.
> <snip review>
_Bill Ray_
You big fuckin' KOOK you.
--
Best Regards,
13612
Bill Ray
www.billraydrums.com
"Robert Schuh" <rsc...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3E61A462...@yahoo.com...
Robert Schuh
> I have heard some people mention that the Masterworks cymbals are not as
> trashy as some other brands'. Is this true? From what you heard, are they
> more akin to Jeff Hamilton's Hammer series, or to something like Bos's
> Master's series? And I do not mean that the lack of trashiness would be a
> bad thing - I LOVE my Bos Masters, but my next ride will be thin and a
> little prettier, like the Hammer series, to cover that kind of sound. Just
> wondering where these fall in that spectrum.
>
I would have to hear a thinner model to make that comparison. I have found the
Hammer line of Bos to be very high pitched and not K like at all. I would
definitely check one of these out first. I am really looking forward to
hearing a thin ride as this heavy one sounded better than any heavier ride of
any other company that I have heard.