Sabian Signature Richie Garcia 14" El Rayo

Group: Other
Type: El Rayo
Size: 14 Inch
Series: Signature
Weight: ?g
Years of production: 1999¹ - ?
Sound file: unknown
Sabian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The El Rayo (The Lightning) is a paper-thin 14" cymbal with three finger cymbals attached by rivets. (If you imagine the cymbal like a clock face, the finger cymbals are attached at 4, 6, and 8" o'clock.) It's thinned in the center for greater response, and there is a small amount of bowing in its shape to allow a tiny bit of air space underneath the middle.

The purpose of the El Rayo is to lay on top of a snare drum head and add a "white noise" effect to the drum's sound. This, in turn, amplifies and intensifies whatever patterns you lay down. I placed it on my snare and it basically took over the sound of the drum. There was a slight change when I turned off the snares, but the bulk of the sound emanated from the cymbal.

Although the El Rayo isn't designed to be used by itself on a cymbal stand, I couldn't resist the temptation to try it anyway. (There was a hole in its center, after all.) Being careful to play it gently, I found that it produced a gated splash or "trash"effect. Because the cymbal is so thin, it might best be played with the fingers, or very gently with mallets. One serious whack with a drum-stick might prove fatal, so high-volume live projection is out of the question. But close-miked in the studio, the El Rayo could provide some interesting accents."

Review written by Chap Ostrander ("Sabian V-FX And Richie "Gajate" Garcia Specialty Cymbals", Modern Drummer, December 1999, pp. 48-49)

Artist/song where it can be heard:

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Source:
¹ Sabian Catalog 1999