The Dream ‘Bliss Series’ are a line of hand shaped and hammered cymbals from a new manufacturer in Wuhan, China, that come remarkably close to THAT sound. Sonically, these plates come very close to old classic K Istanbuls made in Turkey.
I believe that the primary reason for this is the shape of the bridge (the section of the cymbal between the bow and the bell). Most modern cymbals are rolled and then hydraulically pressed into shape prior to hammering. In contrast Bliss cymbals are completely hand hammered, including the initial shaping of the plate and most importantly the bell. This creates a bridge that is less abrupt then many modern hand hammered cymbals. The result is that some of the bell-sound is integrated into the wash for a dark and trashy sound. Bliss plates have that Old K, crowd like noise, undertone missing from so many modern cymbals
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Left: Rounded bridge on a 22" 1950's K Istanbul cymbal made in Turkey. Right: Similar style bridge on a 22" Dream Bliss cymbal.
Left: Underside of the bell showing the rounded bridge on the same 22" 1950's K Istanbul cymbal as above.
Right: Underside of the 22" Dream Bliss cymbal shown above
Bliss Series cymbals are extensively hand hammered in a style that is very similar to classic, vintage K’s and A’s. The random nature of the hammering results in many ‘sweet spots’ meaning that it is possible to pull different sounds from distinct zones of the cymbal. The hand lathing on Bliss cymbals is very fine, often called pin lathing, and very similar to older Avedis Zildjian cymbals made in the USA during the 1940’s and 1950’s.
Bliss cymbals are very thin, whispery, and responsive meaning that they work well as low-volume rides and crashes, or for orchestral work. Though they are thin the nature of the hand hammering on these cymbals makes them stiffer then you might expect resulting in great stick response that is again reminiscent of vintage K Istanbul’s.
The small bell, flat profile, fine lathing, and graduated bridge make Bliss cymbals an amazing amalgam of THAT traditional ‘Turkish-sound’ with a nice mix of funky, gong-like, Chinese undertones. Bliss cymbals come in traditional ride sizes including 22”, 20”, and 18” versions. Smaller sizes are truly paper-thin and sold as ‘splashes’ including 16”, 14”, and 12” versions. 14” splashes can be paired to make a set of ‘paper-thin’ hats. Additionally 14” hats are available in med to thin weights.
These look, feel, sound, and play like the best vintage Old K’s but at a fraction of the price. If you can’t afford a $1000.00 or more vintage cymbal, are nervous about taking one on a gig, or traveling with your treasured bronze stash, pick up a Bliss cymbal and rest a little easier.
If you don’t see what you are looking for in terms of size, pitch, weight, or other characteristics please let me know.
