Not So Modern Drummer

Not So Modern Reviews

Art On Stage: Matt Nolan
Cymbals Under Review
by Matt Middleton

many hi-hats in this weight range, these cymbals had excellent sensitivity and tone at low volume.

In the shadows of Stonehenge, nestled among the rolling hills of Southwestern England, lies the city of Bath. The historic home of ancient civilizations and the strange and wonderful monuments they left behind eons ago is slowly becoming known for an ancient art of another kind: cymbal making. Drummer/percussionist, and former microchip designer, Matt Nolan has been catching the eyes and ears of performers everywhere with a remarkable assortment of hand made artisanal cymbals, sounds, and gongs that are as beautiful to see as they are to hear. First up…

22” Medium Dark Bronze Ride

The low profile, micro hand hammering, and partially lathed surface of this cymbal help to create a near perfect combination of defined mid range ping, woody stick tone with good sustain and a wash that is dark and complex, but never overwhelms the attack or fundamental pitch. This cymbal is a perfect combination of everything I love about old washy Turkish made cymbals and brighter, more modern models I grew up hearing and playing. The bells of all Nolan cymbals are entirely formed by hand, never pressed, and bell of this ride was incredibly bright, clear, and focused, but without the harshness sometimes found in the bells of modern production cymbals. The “lightening bolt” pattern worked into the top and bottom of the cymbal is visually stunning and leaves no doubt about the creator. A sweet sounding ride that is a joy to see, hear, and play.

18” Medium Bronze Crash

Like the hi-hats, this crash has a more mainstream look and sound to it. This crash comes partially lathed, with hammer marks of different diameters, and a low profile similar to the 22” ride. Unlike the ride and hats, this crash took a little extra force to get it to open up, but once it did the fullness and power of this crash were remarkable, and without the “clangy” attack usually found in heavier crashes.

Wait… Stainless?!?

The last of the cymbals we received for review was a 17” thin stainless steel crash. Stainless steel is nothing new to the world of percussion, but putting it through the time consuming processes traditionally reserved for cast bronze yields a very uncommon instrument indeed. The rapid sustain and slightly trashy sound would probably prevent this cymbal from becoming part of many drummers’ everyday setup, but the unique sound of this instrument would be right at home in a modern orchestral or percussion ensemble setting. Fans of Drum n’ Bass music ala Nerve, VFX, etc. would likely find this crash a welcome addition to their arsenal.

The Numbers

22” Medium Dark Bronze Ride: MSRP $500.00

14” Medium Heavy Bronze Hi-Hats: MSRP $455.00

18” Medium Bronze Crash: MSRP $340.00

17” Thin Stainless Steel Crash: MSRP $280.00

14” Medium/Heavy Bronze Hi-Hats

The name says it all on this set of hats. Dry, and very powerful with a fundamental pitch on the low side and a sound that is right at home in a modern rock or pop setting. These cymbals had outstanding projection and clarity that cut through any mix easily whether I played them closed, half open, or wide open. Unlike

Conclusion

There can be no doubt that Matt Nolan’s creations advance the art and craft of cymbal making. The combination of modern thinking and traditional tools and techniques makes these instruments worthy of serious consideration.