Zildjian L80 Cymbals

102
| FEBRUARY 2016 WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM
GEAR REVIEW
U
ntil recently the concept of
cymbals made specifi cally for
drastically reduced volume
properties would have seemed
as likely as a chocolate teapot. However,
this is no drummer’s joke, but a serious
development. Zildjian says its new ‘L’ models
would be ideal for any low noise-level
drumming application such as practice,
tuition or even a quiet gig.
Build
Here we have the LV468 boxed set for review
(one of the three sets available), comprising
18" crash-ride, 16" crash and a pair of 14"
hi-hats. Each cymbal here is specifi cally
designed to provide the experience of playing
a real cymbal without the associated noise
levels. In fact, they are said to be around 80
percent quieter than your average cymbal.
During scientifi c tests using consistent strikes,
a conventional cymbal peaked at around
123dB whereas the new model only reached
83dB – a dramatic reduction.
Those with a keen eye will notice the
new Ls look remarkably similar to Zildjian’s
Acoustic Electric Gen16s. This is primarily
due to the “state-of-the-art” sound-reducing
technology of the perforations spanning the
entire cymbal surface. This essentially
reduces the mass, resulting in vastly reduced
sound output. The new models are not
electronic but purely acoustic, and instead of
B8 bronze (as in the Buffed Bronze Gen16s),
Zildjian experimented with several other
alloys to fi nd one which would meet the
required low volume levels, but would still
feel like you were playing “a real Zildjian”.
Stamped into the top of each cymbal are
fi ne ‘lathe’ lines for aesthetics (rather than
tone grooves), while the underside remains
completely fl at. Also stamped in at the edge
is another reminder that the new cymbals
£ 2 4 5 Designed specifi cally for your ears, your pocket and your closest
neighbours, we check out the cymbal giant’s new low volume metals
ZILDJIAN
L80 CYMBALS
WORDS: DAVE HOLMES
were developed off the back of the Gen16s,
with a serial prefi xed by the letters ‘AE’.
The texture of the bronze hue fi nish is
reminiscent of powder coating, giving the
matte surface a slightly raised sandpaper
coarseness. This surface also helps to
further reduce and dampen any of the
higher cymbal frequencies produced.
Hands On
As the four cymbals are pulled from their
individual plastic wallets, I fi nd that it’s
instinctive to check each one out for weight
– making comparisons against my usual
wares. As expected (from the mass of
perforations), these are lighter but,
surprisingly, not all that signifi cantly. There
is no designation imprinted on of any of the
models – here we have screened in black ink,
simply ‘L’, ‘80’ ‘LOW VOLUME’ and, of course,
the familiar Zildjian logo. The hi-hat cymbals
are exactly the same weight as each other
– so, I’m assuming that either can/may be
used for the top or bottom – and onto the
stand they go.
For practice I would normally use some
rubber dampening pads on my conventional
cymbals and use them in conjunction with
similar pads on my gig kit or with a small
practice kit fi tted with mesh heads. As I
begin to ‘introduce’ each of the new cymbals
to my mesh set-up, there’s little adaptation
to my playing style necessary, no
compromising with lighter sticks either –
I am using exactly the same models as
when I go out gigging.
My initial thoughts are that the sound from
the wooden stick tips striking the surface
appears louder than the resulting ring of
the cymbal. And it’s a little odd becoming
accustomed to hitting a cymbal (hard!),
without causing those around you to run for
cover or, at least blink – in this respect playing
THE SOUND FROM THE WOODEN STICK
TIPS HITTING THE SURFACE APPEARS
LOUDER THAN THE RESULTING RING
OF THE CYMBAL… IT’S A LITTLE ODD
‘REAL ZILDJIAN’
Zildjian experimented with
several alloys to fi nd one
which would still feel like you
were playing a ‘real Zildjian’
with these is a totally new experience!
The partnership of mesh heads and these
cymbals proves to be a winning combination
and you soon forget that you are playing at
such a low volume level. After hitting around
for a few minutes it suddenly dawns on me
that I am now having the same playing
experience but without the associated noise
– a revelation perhaps?
Striking at the bell of the 18" doesn’t quite
have the dramatic effect that you would
expect or usually achieve. However, it does
sound similar but, of course, at a much lower
begin to ‘introduce’ each of the new cymbals
with these is a totally new experience!
cymbals proves to be a winning combination
and you soon forget that you are playing at
Also try…
1
CYMBOMUTE
CYMBAL
DAMPENERS
We say: “ The feel is spot
on, as you keep the
usual response of your
cymbals despite the
reduced decibel levels. ”
2
CYMSKIN
CYMBAL COVERS
We say: “ No sticky
fi ngers, no
metal-to-metal contact
and the surprising
bonus of noise
reduction are all
benefi ts. ”
RHY251.gear_Zildjian.indd 102 12/14/15 12:44 PM