About Kontroversial Cymbals
If you’re looking for that ‘Old K’ sound, you won’t get closer than the Kontroversial series. These cymbals are meticulously created using special hammering, lathing and (optional) brush finishing (a unique two part brush finish technique creates a slightly harder surface) and the profile, taper and stick feel all ensure a playing experience that’s hard to find.
The Price is currently $750 AUD for a 22” ride. This is normally a special order item and because of the work involved and their popularity, I usually only make them upon request. They will however occasionally appear for sale on this site.
Here’s what Canadian drummer, Eric Brant had to say after receiving the above ride -
My long quest is finally over
Two words, mate:
bloody EXQUISITE !
... or maybe just one word:
BRILLIANT !
This is the best jazz cymbal I've ever had, and quite possibly the best I've ever encountered during the last 45 years, since I first started paying attention to cymbal sounds.
As I mentioned, I've checked out all the possible current sources who purport to make cymbals that have what the best of K.s of the 50's and 60's had. You are the only cymbalsmith who has been able to truly understand and replicate that sound and feel. This cymbal is indistinguishable from a really fine Turkish K. that would have come through the Gretsch factory in the 50's.
Until rather recently, when guys started putting good quality audio clips online of cymbals for sale, it wasn't possible to buy an original old K. at a distance with any certainty that you'd be getting a good one. And by the time it did become possible to do that, the prices had become insane. Where I live, you do not run into great old cymbals for sale (this ain't NYC or LA). That leaves the usual wannabe brand-name attempts that the music stores sell. I've acquired a few of those over the last few years, all nothing more than placebos... Well, my Bosphorus is better than all the others, but still wasn't what I've been after for so long. It's somewhat stiffer and more "contained" or limited than your cymbal. And the bell is inadequate.
So finding you was a fabulous stroke of luck for me.
I put your cymbal up on my practice kit at home last night, and I played and could not stop playing. This K. is a total joy and inspiration.
It's perfect for anything from a piano trio to hard bop. The range of tonality and dynamics leaves nothing to be desired. Good thing I got some wood tip sticks again recently, because it sounds so gorgeous with those. Very consistent response all over, no weird spots, and spectacular wobble... which creates that lovely shimmering wash. Stick sound and wash perfectly balanced, in my opinion. And it feels buttery soft & delightful to play. Excuse me if I sound a bit giddy, but this is really one hell of a fine musical instrument.
Getting a jazz ride that I'm really satisfied with has been my final obsession; I'm pretty happy with the rest of my cymbal setup. But as I mentioned, if you could make me a true paper-thin 8" splash to replace my dying 60's A....
Really can't thank you enough for making my dream come true.
-- Eric
P.S. Like the signature of the various Turks who made the great K.s during the 50's and 60's, your signature beneath the bell will be carefully preserved in perpetuity }:-)
Here’s a 24”, 2856g that I recently finished and posted the process of on cymbalholics. You can view the thread here - http://www.cymbalholic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37410&referrerid=2029
22” Kontroversial Ride, 2250 grams -
This particular specimen has been SOLD but it should wet your appetite and give you an idea of what to expect if you special order one for yourself.