Alesis Surge Cymbals
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Source: www.sickdrummermagazine.com Translated by Dross:
The Rise of Electronic Drums: A Unique Perspective
As a drummer, I have always had a different approach to my craft. Unlike most drummers, I exclusively play electronic drums. It’s not that I have anything against acoustic drums; they undeniably have a certain visual appeal. However, factors such as cost, volume, and space constraints have led me to embrace electronic drums. I must admit, I am not a fan of the amplified or recorded sound of drums. I prefer the raw, unfiltered sound of acoustic drums and cymbals, especially from the drummer’s perspective. This has made me realize that we are currently witnessing a sociological and technological journey towards the ultimate electric/acoustic hybrid drum kit. This hybrid would combine the pure beauty and feel of an acoustic kit with the luxurious tonal quality provided by both hardware-based and soft-synth sound modules.
Introducing Alesis SURGE Cymbals: A Game-Changer
With this perspective in mind, I was thrilled when I discovered the Alesis SURGE cymbals. Alesis has always been known for producing high-quality products at affordable prices, and the introduction of a new line of electronic cymbals made of metal caught my attention. Alesis sent me their latest SURGE cymbals to test, and I put them through their paces. I used these cymbals on their DM5 pro kit, as well as on my extensive twenty-five piece kit during various SOTHIS rehearsals, all amplified through an 8500 watt PA system. The SURGE cymbals are made of brass with a vinyl coating on the bottom to dampen the sound. Unlike regular cymbals, they come with a plastic piece that needs to be placed on the cymbal stand to prevent the cymbal from spinning. This is crucial for maintaining the correct position of the rivet-mounted trigger, ensuring optimal performance. It’s important to note that the SURGE cymbals are available with and without choke capabilities, so buyers need to be aware of this when making a purchase decision.
Addressing Limitations and Suggestions for Improvement
While the Alesis SURGE cymbals are impressive, there are a couple of limitations that I believe should be addressed. Firstly, the line currently only offers a 12″ hi-hat, 13″ crash, and 16″ ride cymbal. Although I understand that expanding the line depends on sales and general interest, I would like to see additional cymbals such as a splash and china cymbal added to the range. Secondly, I feel that Alesis should consider offering the cymbals in more realistic sizes. Who plays a 16″ ride cymbal? It would be great to see a 20″ or 22″ ride cymbal option, with the crash cymbal downsized to 16″ and perhaps an 18″ china cymbal. My second concern relates to the hi-hat and ride cymbals.
These cymbals have triggers mounted just below the striking area, which can be problematic as the sticks often collide with the rivets on the top of the cymbal. However, after some experimentation, I discovered that by slightly rotating the cymbals to the right or left, I could play on the side of the rivets and adjust the sound module to increase sensitivity while avoiding false triggers.
