Raw vs. Polished Cymbals: What’s the Difference?

As essential components of the drum kit, cymbals come in a variety of finishes, each affecting the sound in its own unique way. Cymbal finishes are one of the key aspects that determine not how they look but also how they influence musical expression. In this article, we will explore what the raw and polished cymbals are, their differences, and how each type can fit your needs.

What Are Raw Cymbals?

Raw cymbals are cymbals that undergo minimal processing after manufacturing, resulting in a natural and unpolished finish that features metal’s unrefined surface. Unlike cymbals with a high shine, these cymbals maintain a rough look and feel, preserving their natural character.

Characteristics of Raw Cymbals

Appearance: Raw cymbals stand out due to their darker, matte, and uneven surfaces. Drummers may also come across visible hammering marks and oxidation, which contributes to their unique appearance.
Sound Quality: They tend to produce complex warm and dark tones with rich overtones. The raw finish results in reducing the high frequencies, leading to subdued sound. They also have less sustain and projection and are characterized by a quick decay.
Feel & Playability: Raw cymbals help drummers have more control during performing complex passages. Compared to polished cymbals, these feel softer under the stick.
Durability: The lack of polishing retains the original thickness of raw cymbals, which allows them to last longer.

What Are Polished Cymbals?

Polished cymbals, also known as brilliant cymbals, undergo a series of grinding and polishing processes. Lathing helps them maintain their polished, shiny, and smooth surface, achieving a reflective finish. Polished cymbals are easily recognized by their mirror-like surface that affects the appearance and shapes their sound.

Characteristics of Polished Cymbals

Appearance: These cymbals visually stand out due to their reflective surface, which helps them look more refined and cleaner than raw cymbals.
Sound Quality: Since polishing enhances the highs, these cymbals produce brighter tones with a shimmering effect, a longer sustain, and increased projection, making them ideal for genres that require clarity and volume. Polished cymbals are considered the best choice for rock and pop music. They are especially preferred by drummers who are seeking ways to make their drum patterns more complex.
Feel & Playability: A smooth, mirror-like surface results in faster stick response.
Durability: When polished cymbals undergo the process of lathing and finishing, they lose some material, which makes them more exposed to cracking, especially if you play aggressively.

Sound Differences: Raw vs. Polished

The key difference between raw and polished cymbals is their sound characteristics.

Polished cymbals offer bright, cutting sound, featuring more pronounced high frequencies, while raw cymbals have a darker, more complex tone.
Polished cymbals sound the best in loud genres where they need to cut through a dense mix, such as pop, rock, and metal, while raw cymbals suit better for jazz, blues, and experimental music.
Due to their smooth surface, polished cymbals offer a longer sustain, ringing out longer after the drummer strikes them. Smooth surface also allows for even vibration. Raw cymbals, on the other hand, have a shorter decay, which makes them sound more dry and provide better control. Raw cymbals are preferred in settings where cymbals should not interfere with the overall mix.
Polished cymbals also offer high projection, which means they can cut through a loud band. They also work well in live settings due to their bright sound. On the other hand, raw cymbals have a softer attack and blend naturally into the music.

Choosing the Right Cymbals for Your Style

So what should you choose: polished or raw cymbals? It depends on your personal musical goals. If you’re playing loud genres or seek cutting power, then polished cymbals may fit best. If you seek subdued and organic sound, then try raw finish cymbals. It wouldn't be right to say brilliant cymbals are better than natural or vice versa. Both types of finishes have their own aesthetic appeal and offer unique sonic qualities working well in different musical styles and settings.

Who Should Use Raw Cymbals

Drummers playing jazz, fusion, and blues.
Those who prefer warm and complex tones.
Musicians interested in organic sound.
Players who seek cymbals with a quick decay and minimal overtones.
Studio musicians who are interested in cymbals that won’t overpower recordings.

Who Should Use Polished Cymbals

Drummers playing in rock and metal bands, where cymbals need to cut through heavy instruments.
Players who seek a bright sound with a shimmering effect and long sustain.
Live performers who want their cymbals to sound clearly.
Musicians who play high-energy music and seek cymbals, delivering a strong attack.

By understanding these key differences, you will select cymbals that perfectly complement your unique style and sound.

Maintenance and Care

As they differ in manufacturing processing, raw and polished cymbals require different approaches to caring for their finishes.

Raw Cymbal Maintenance

The unpolished finish of raw cymbals can develop patina and oxidation. This is a natural process that you may notice over years. With raw cymbals you should maintain minimal cleaning just like wiping with a dry cloth after each playing session. Never use harsh chemical cleaners, as they can affect both the surface and sound.

Polished Cymbal Maintenance

The key feature of these cymbals is their shiny surface, which requires more frequent cleaning, as it is more vulnerable to fingerprints. To maintain their glossy appearance, use a mild cymbal cleaner or polish. Try not to over-polish cymbals, as excessive cleaning can damage protective coatings and affect their sound.

Final Word

Both raw and polished cymbals offer unique sonic characteristics that can reveal their potential in specific settings and genres. Raw, natural finish results in a dark, complex, and controlled sound, while polished mirror-like cymbals offer bright, cutting tones with longer sustain. To find your best option, you should try both and see how they respond to your playing style.

Explore our collection of cymbals in our category of Drum Sets. On our website, you can also find useful drumsticks accessories, such as pouches, bags, and key holders.

Written by Oleksandra R