The Dream ‘Contact 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 sound very close to the vintage hand hammered Avedis Zildjian cymbals from the 1940’s and 1950’s.
In contrast to the Bliss Series Contact cymbals have a more abrupt bridge, a higher bell, and are made from b23 rather then b20 bronze. These cymbals are also hand shaped and hand hammered and come in thin and medium weights. Contact cymbals also have an extra, deeper, and wider pass of final lathing - much like intermediate stamp K Istanbuls from the 1950’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. Contact cymbals come in traditional ride sizes (labeled as crash/rides) including 22”, 20”, and 18” versions. Smaller sizes are truly paper-thin and are labeled 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 A’s but at a fraction of the price. If can’t afford or find a vintage cymbal, are nervous about taking one on a gig, or traveling with your treasured bronze stash, pick up a Contact 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.
