DIY Cymbals & a lot of questions

[privatex]

Honestly this is a first time that I heard for this wiring, it may be interesting. Put link to that topic if theres some more detailed discusion.

[airflamesred]

Honestly this is a first time that I heard for this wiring, it may be interesting. Put link to that topic if theres some more detailed discusion.

It was a while ago and I can't find the thread but you can use your imagination. I'll have a closer look tomorrow ( I have them disabled at the moment for testing ) and give you my story.

Speaking of my story
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1955

[privatex]

That drum set is massive, reminds me to Terry Bozzio's kit. Very clear and unique design. I like pads groupings too, it looks great. Your story is familiar to me because I'm returnee too. I was without instrument couple of years but I never stopped to throb, even just on floor and thigh.
All in all awesome kit and great story. Your kids are truly blessed to have such a father and drum teacher at home :)
Cheers

[airflamesred]

That drum set is massive, reminds me to Terry Bozzio's kit.

Thank you. Only 48 piezos! Physically it's not that big, in fact it looks like a toy when I'm sat at it.

Anyway back to topic.
This is an example of switching via velocity, one of many ways to do it. I just filter the velocities at 1 and 2 out in Kontakt. Or maybe use it for program change.

[stefan1982]

2 zone: Can be 2 piezos or piezo/switch.

a) 2 piezos: one in the bell area and another close to the edge, for bell and bow/edge sounds (2 zones - normally rides). The main difficulty with this method is getting the module to know which area is struck, though it can be done easily enough by tweaking the module's parameters. The good thing about this is that it's easy to make (just stick 2 piezos under the cymbal), but you don't have the choke function. Another option is to isolate the bell piezo with one of the methods Privatex mentioned.

How should someone wire these 2 piezo's, once they are put under the bell and at the edge of the cymbal? I do not need any more than 2 zones (bow/bell) and, a choke isn't needed either..
This seems doable.. Looking forward trying things a bit. Does is use 1 input, or 2 inputs on the MD?

[ignotus]

It just uses 1 stereo input.

Edge piezo: ceramic -> tip / brass -> sleeve

Bell piezo: ceramic -> ring / brass -> sleeve

[stefan1982]

And using this way, there is no need to physically separate the bell from the bow, for zone separation, right?
I can split the zones using the MidPoint-thing, in MDM which would work?

[ignotus]

Yeah, it'll take some tweaking but it is possible.

[stefan1982]

Cool! Thank you very much for the answers...

I'll try to come up with some pictures once things are done.

[privatex]

Right now I'm in process of making heavy duty two zone ride cymbal with piezo/piezo system. I have problems with previous designs because they all fall apart in some moment so I decided to make it right this time. I had to make good zone isolation. Every switch based cymbal that I have made was brittle and broke after month/two...
Don try to make piezo/piezo system on one cymbal without zone isolation. It will work for light strokes but it will never cover whole velocity interval which is essential for ride cymbal. It's almost impossible to make it right on one surface with two piezos.
Just my 2c from previous experience.
Update: All you need for success in piezo/piezo design is bell isolation and easiest way to do this is to find another bell (from some old cymbal or those promo cymbals that came with cheap drum sets made out of tin). Put some foam tape between new bell and base cymbal and that's it. It will work like a charm.