Product: Factory Metal Percussion Gothic Radius 20"
Price Paid: USD 80
Submitted
04/05/2008
at
08:47pm
by
Merlin Coryell
Type and Construcion
:
20" FMP Gothic Radius
Made of some sort of sheet metal, the Gothic Radius is just a big flat disk, nothing special. But simple as it is, it has some really good applications, as a light gong, or a quiet, but very glassy ride with the darkest overtones imaginable.
The metal can be bent by hand or hammered to create "zones". I havent played with this too much, but by warping it with a little bend while playing, you can create great effects without altering the original layout. If I get another one, I will certainly try adding different zones to it and see how it sounds.
Sound Quality
:
7
With a stick playing as a ride, it produces a very glassy (high and rich) attack and has very low, dark and controlled overtones.
When used with mallets it can be used as a gong or china style crash, for situations where the two would normally be too loud.
When crashed its somewhere between a china and a ride cymbal, but much quieter and with quicker decay.
Here is its one real drawback-volume. It sounds great, and if mics are in use, there should be no worries. But live, where no direct or decent overhead mics are available, it is often overpowered. It is great for recording though, especially for a jazz or blues ride, where the flatness cuts overtones and creates quick decay.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
I doubt there is any chance of cracking. As with all FMP products, the alloy will bend repeatedy without breaking. In this case, it is by design, so you can bend or unbend tonal zones on the radius.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
No worries, but no direct dealings on this. Was able to easily communicate about other issues with FMP via email.
Overall Rating
:
8
This is my only Radius, and serves as my left side ride. I also have celtic bells and cross crashers, and have reviews of them here too. FMP is simple and cheap effects options that give different sounds and looks to your kit. I always get comments from people and drummers at shows, and I love the extra sounds that none of the major cymbal companies have yet provided. I just wish they were thicker, as that might give them more volume.
