My Cymbal Craftsman 20" Classic Medium Ride

[John DeChristopher]

Hi folks,

I wanted to share with you, my incredibly awesome sister in-law surprised me for my birthday with one of Paul Francis' beautiful cymbal creations. My wife and I spent Thanksgiving with her mother and sister and when her sister asked how PASIC was, I told her about Paul's cymbals (she knows Paul from working in the biz at her dad's company) so she reached out to Paul and he kindly made me a 20" Classic Medium Ride modeled after the classic A Zildjian Medium Ride that I pestered him about for years! lol When I unwrapped her gift and saw the box I jokingly said, "Oh you got me a 22" cymbal" having no idea she actually got me a 20" cymbal!

It weighs in (because I knew you'd ask) at a shimmery 2,247 grams. If that seems heavy, it's not. It plays and feels like a true medium ride. Great stick, nice wash underneath and a beautiful warm (not bright/harsh) tone. It was literally two days old when Tracy picked it up from Paul, so the metal was still relaxing. I played it all last week at home, and used it on my gig Saturday night and it sounds beautiful. As Paul said, it will continue to sound better as it loosens up. The crash quality was noticeably clearer and cleaner a week after having it. If I can manage a decent video that does the sound justice, I'll post it. Otherwise you'll have to take my word for it! lol

 

[michaeldangelo]

Happy birthday John!

I recently bought one of Paul's cymbals and it's amazing. I'm happy he's making instruments under his own name now.

 

[DrumPhil]

What an awesome gift! You are blessed with good family and friends.

 

[lossforgain]

Congratulations! I love Paul’s work.

 

[TMDRUMS]

Very nice! Zildjian has to miss that guy's talent! From all the videos I've seen, his cymbals sound wonderful! Enjoy your new ride and Happy Birthday!

 

[dtk]

Another Paul fan here. I think Z might have done him a favor...he's only encombed by his customers (I have him free reign on a dog of a 22 Soultone...)...and he's just such a nice guy too.

 

[Redbeard77]

That sounds like a great cymbal and of course a great gift! Hopefully you can get a decent video of it.

 

[nm999]

I'm Jealous!

 

[Fat Drummer]

That is awesome John, I missed this thread when you posted a few weeks ago so first, Happy Birthday! And what a wonderful gift all around. So thoughtful on your SIL's part and just uber cool on Paul's side. Again, happy birthday and hope you enjoy that ride for many, many years to come!

 

[type85]

Big JD, bust out a youtube video so we can all hear how good it sounds!
Also, it's so perty... don't get it dirty!!

 

[dhmtbr]

Congratulations on having the best sister in law ever ! I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Francis at this years PASIC show on Saturday. What a very down to earth and personable dude. I ended up with a set of 15" hats he had at the show, which absolutely floored me when I played them, and I have since taken possession of a 22" Ride he crafted for me after several discussions. Next up is to have him craft me an 18" and 20" Crash/Ride to round out the set. If you get the chance to play and/or purchase one of his creations...I humbly suggest you do so. Thank you Paul !

 

[What It Is]

MDS had a 26" crash/ride of Paul's that I just couldn't do, but wow did it sound wonderful. He's also got some flat rides I've got my eyes on. Great to have Paul's work available to us.

 

[dhmtbr]

Congratulations on having the best sister in law ever ! I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Francis at this years PASIC show on Saturday. What a very down to earth and personable dude. I ended up with a set of 15" hats he had at the show, which absolutely floored me when I played them, and I have since taken possession of a 22" Ride he crafted for me after several discussions. Next up is to have him craft me an 18" and 20" Crash/Ride to round out the set. If you get the chance to play and/or purchase one of his creations...I humbly suggest you do so. Thank you Paul ! View attachment 600735 View attachment 600736

Maybe you can get Mr. Francis on your Podcast...?!!

 

[RIDDIM]

Congratulations!

I have immense respect for Paul on many levels. He left deep footprints with his former employer.

 

[dingaling]

I just got a cymbal back that Paul mod’ed. A 60’s Zildjian A. It had some weird overtones and he was able to remove them (mild hammering) and reshape it a bit. Now it sounds exactly how I want it to sound. Totally recommend.

 

[foxy_shazamtastic]

Heard a 26 from Memphis drum shop. Jaw dropping!

 

[dingaling]

Here’s the mod’ed cymbal with iPhone so not best quality. 24” A with factory rivets. Tad under 2800g.