the natural sound of a cymbal

A good man knows his own limitations, but IS NOT stupid enough to assume everyone else has the same. The very first recording mentioned(Sheffield Drum Record); includes in it's liner notes the differences one can hear ON THE RECORD(or CD), between the cymbals Ron Tutt is using, from those of Jim Keltner's. If YOU can't hear the differences, whether it be a result of an unresolving system, a poorly recorded set, or your own lack of aural accuity/training: Sorry about your luck, but that does not apply to everyone! The sounds and effects of various cymbals(brands and series) are NOT subtle in the least, and are easily discernable, on a decent recording(given a resolving playback system). My guess would be that most of you nay-sayers can't tell the difference between the sounds of a Crash, Crash-Ride, China, Hi-Hat, Splash or Bell cymbal LIVE, let alone on a recording.

Mr T: Another excellent recording(re: cymbals), is the original Columbia(CS8192) 'Time out'. I've still got a pressing from 1971, that captures Joe Morello's(may he rest in peace) silky Zildjian cymbals beautifully(especially on 'Take Five').

I agree with Rodman999 assuming one has a great system and ears and even cares. Humidity does in fact change sound as an FYI.

I couldn't bear reading all of the responses but if what I suggest has been said then just double it. Use your normal recordings and listen if you must for cymbal decal etc. Those sounds BTW are generally easy to pickout. If they sound natural to you, then you have a good set up, it's that simple.

A point to be aware of about the Sheffield Drum Record, especially by those who may consider purchasing it after reading some of the posts above.

From the liner notes of the Track & Drum Record CD:

The analogue disc was played back with a Technics SP 15 turntable and a Shure V15 Type V assembly attached to a SME 3012R arm. The pre-amp consisted of a pair of refurbished Marantz Audio Consolettes set to the RIAA Curve. The analogue signal was converted to a 96kHz 24 bit PCM signal using a Lucid A/D converter ....

I have the original direct-to-disk Track Record LP (but not the Drum Record), as well as the CD (which combines both Records). IMO the Track Record LP is a treasure, certainly in terms of sonics. IMO the CD does not come remotely close to being in the same league.

I say that as someone who is not anti-digital in the least, and also as someone who owned a pair of Marantz 1 Consolettes about 20 years ago, which were also a treasure.

Regards,
-- Al