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Geared Up: The Agonist drummer Simon McKay on his 22 inch Paiste Reflector Bell Ride

The Agonist drummer Simon McKay has been busy in the studio working on a follow up album to Lullabies For The Dormant Mind and getting ready for some heavy touring. I recently met up with him in Oshawa, Ontario to ask him about his 22 inch Paiste Reflector Bell Ride. Read on to find out why this cymbal helps to define Simon’s sound and can be expected on the upcoming album.

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The Agonist drummer Simon McKay has been busy in the studio working on a follow up album to Lullabies For The Dormant Mind and getting ready for some heavy touring. I recently met up with him in Oshawa, Ontario to ask him about his 22 inch Paiste Reflector Bell Ride. Read on to find out why this cymbal helps to define Simon’s sound and can be expected on the upcoming album.

What one piece of equipment do you use to obtain your signature sound?
Simon: I would say it’s my ride cymbal. It’s a 22 inch Paiste Reflector Bell Ride.

What about it makes it so important to you?
Simon: It’s got a really distinct sound and it projects very well. So even if I’m watching YouTube videos online for instance with shitty sound quality, I can still hear it through the YouTube video that I’m playing. It’s weird because I don’t hear it that loud when I play up on stage, but when I hear the recording it’s extremely present.

What are the major pros and cons?
Simon: Ahh… there are no cons [laughs]. It’s all good.

[laughs] Got any major pros to tell me then?
Simon: Well if you’re getting into drummer speak, I would say it’s very bright, very clear and crisp and the body has enough definition that you can hear it when you play the body of the ride. You can hear fast intricate patterns. Normally you can play the bells so it will be loud and sent out, but you can also play on the body and it’s sharp enough.

Right on. How long have you used this piece of equipment and would you ever change it?
Simon: Actually I just bought it about half a year ago and I don’t think I will be changing it for a while; unless Paiste puts out something better which I don’t doubt they will do.

Any final thoughts or comments on the gear?
Simon: Fuckin’, it’s the best ride cymbal I have ever played in my life, it defines my sound and Paiste rules!

Check out the song: “Thank You, Pain”

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