Drums
& Equipment - Cymbals - Ride Cymbals
A ride cymbal is a type of cymbal that is a standard
part of most drum kits. Its function is to maintain a rhythm, rather
than to provide accents. A right-handed drummer will normally have the
main ride cymbal handy to the right hand.
Terminology
According to most drummers, the term ride means to ride with the music
as it sustains after it is struck. However, it can apply to either the
function of the cymbal in the kit or to the characteristics of the
cymbal itself. Most cymbal makers designate some of their cymbals as
ride cymbals indicating they are designed primarily for this purpose.
Some drummers use a china cymbal, a sizzle cymbal or a specialised tone
such as a swish or pang cymbal as a ride cymbal. When playing extremely
softly, when using brushes, and when recording, even a paperthin crash
may serve well as a ride cymbal.
On the other extreme, when playing extremely loudly a cymbal designed as
a ride may serve well as a very loud, long crash. Some of Keith Moon's
kits had only ride cymbals, with all but the largest of these serving as
crashes.
The Crash/Ride Cymbal
Some cymbals are designated crash/ride or more rarely ride/crash to
indicate that they are designed to serve either function, and perhaps
which function is more likely. Such a cymbal will typically serve as
both a large slow crash and a secondary ride, or it may be reserved for
one purpose or the other in a particular playing situation.
Designation of cymbals
The designation of cymbals in this way is a relatively recent
development. Older and modern retro style cymbals may just be labelled
with their size and weight, (for example 18" medium, flat top ride) or
not at all. The ultimate decision as to the suitability of a particular
cymbal for a particular purpose is up to the drummer.
Sound of ride cymbals
When struck, a ride cymbal makes a sustained, shimmering sound rather
than the shorter, decaying sound of a crash cymbal. The most common
diameter for a ride cymbal is about 20", but anything from 18" to 22" is
standard. Larger and thinner cymbals tend towards a drier, shorter
sound, while larger and thicker cymbals tend to respond better in louder
volume situations, and conversely. Rides of up to 26" and down to 16"
are readily available, and down to 8" are currently manufactured. The
very thickest and loudest tend to be about 22", with larger rides
restricted to medium and medium thin thicknesses.
In rock or jazz, the ride cymbal is most often struck regularly in a
rhythmic pattern as part of the accompaniment to the song. Often the
drummer will vary between the same pattern either on the hi-hat cymbal
or the ride cymbal, playing for example the hi-hat in the verses and the
ride in the instrumentals and/or choruses.
The sound of a ride cymbal also varies pending on what kind of mallet is
used to hit it with. In rock and metal, wood and nylon-tipped drum
sticks are common; wood creates a smoother, quieter sound, whereas nylon
tips create more of a "ping," and a sharper bell tone. Brushes, used
commonly in variations of jazz, make the ride cymbal more felt than
heard, as it creates a low vibration to keep a steady beat, but a low
sound volume.
The main or only ride cymbal is normally the largest cymbal in a drum
kit. Exceptions are when a sizzle or china type is used as a secondary
ride, when it will often be a size larger but thinner than the main ride
in order to give a similar volume and sensitivity, and in big band
situations where the main crash was traditionally slightly larger than
the main ride.
From:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ride_cymbals
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