Yamaha PCY135 & 155 sensitivity

[stefan1982]

I am tired of getting my DIY cymbals to work properly, so I'm planning on buying true eCymbals.

Could someone please tell me, or advise me on the 3-zone Yamaha PCY-135 and PCY-155 cymbals, speaking of sensitivity?
How sensitive are these cymbals when we use them with the MD? And is the bell-fix still relevant/needed for a good accurate triggering of the bell-zone?

I would like to use the Yamaha PCY-135 as a hihat cymbals (together with a DIY hall sensor controller), and 3-4 PCY 155 as crashes/rides.

Are there any modifications needed to let them work with the MD settings?

Are there better (read as more sensitive) cymbals available, which I should look at? I'm looking for cymbals with a broad dynamic range and preferably 3-zones. Price doesn't matter, as I plan on buying them just once. So I would like to buy the best cymbals out there, not the most bang for the bucks and make a consensus on performance.

Hope someone could enlighten me a bit.

[dmitri]

From my point of view, Yamaha PCY 3 zone cymbals are among the best and they work perfectly with MegaDrum. They are cheaper then Roland 3way cymbals but from my experience just as good if not better.They also have a built-in pot to adjust piezo output level.
The bell zone issue may be there or not or may develop later. I have PCY135 and it doesn't seem to have the bell issue but it is not used heavily so it might be my luck.
But even with a good bell you still have to hit it with some force otherwise the bell switch won't make and it will produce bow sound instead.

[halifax30]

Dmitri, what is the 'bell issue' exactly that you are talking about? I'm curious because I also have PCY135 and PCY155 cymbals.

[dmitri]

The 'bell issue' on some PCY135/PCY155 cymbals is when the bell zone requires quite a hard hit for the bell switch to 'make'.

[stefan1982]

Is that fixable?

[dmitri]

I don't know. Mine doesn't have this problem or at least I think so. A "hard hit" is a relative term. With mine I get bell hits with quite light hits but still when triggering the bell I have to hit it stronger then for light hits on the bow.

[ignotus]

Maybe something similar to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBNh_sqJyCU, though it might void your warranty.

[airflamesred]

Someone please give me an example of another company, anywhere in the world, in any area of buisiness, that releases a product, that works badly and then has the audacity to release a video on how to improve said problem with a screwdriver.

Extraordinary.

[ignotus]

Nah, those "vdrums tips" guys aren't part of Roland, they just release videos with useful tips - they also have videos explaining how to make DIY mesh pads, anti-vibration risers, etc.

It is true though that you'd think a simple fix like that shouldn't be needed for a piece of gear that costs an arm and a leg. Ridiculous.

[airflamesred]

Fair enough, I thought that was a repost.

Someone please give me an example of another company, anywhere in the world, in any area of buisiness, that doesn't take down videos such as that!