Choosing Cymbals

Brand-name cymbal packs are a good choice for the first-time buyer

Size and weight affect sound. For example, if you're a hard-hitting metal or hard rock player, don't use small, thin cymbals -- they will break easier and you'll never cut through your music.

Some of the lower-priced entry-level drum kits come with cymbals. You'll need to buy cymbals if your kit doesn't come with cymbals, or if you want to replace the existing cymbals in your kit.

Most cymbal manufacturers (like Sabian, Zildjian, Paiste and Headliner) produce several "series" of cymbals with different sound characteristics, quality and price. The tremendous variety of individual cymbals can be overwhelming whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro.

If you are just starting to get into drumming seriously, it makes sense to acquire your main cymbal collection as a set. That is why most cymbal manufacturers offer one or more cymbal sets packaged conveniently in boxes:
Standard Set -- includes the three main cymbals: a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash and a 20-inch ride. This set is ideal for players starting out who want to become familiar with basic cymbals and provides the best starting point for further expansion. It comes in all price ranges.
Starter Set -- a very basic two-cymbal pack. It includes a pair of 13-inch or 14-inch hi-hats, and a 16-inch crash or 18-inch crash/ride which allows both basic crash and ride playing. It comes in the lower price ranges.

Whether you go for the box set or for individual cymbals, there are no rules for choosing cymbals! It's all about sound preference and what type of music you're playing. Here's some cymbal basics you need to know:

The SIZE
The smaller the cymbal size, the smaller the sound and volume. Larger cymbals produce bigger sounds, greater volumes and longer sustain.

The WEIGHT
Thinner cymbals respond fastest. Heavier cymbals are louder, definite in their response and have longer sustain.

The PITCH
Pitch is the dominate sound of a cymbal. Lower pitches blend into the music. Higher pitches cut through the music. The heavier the cymbal of a certain size gets, the higher its pitch.

The METAL
Pure bronze is the best metal for cymbals.

B8 Bronze (92% copper, 8% tin):
Ideal for computer crafting, B8 bronze delivers tonally tight, bright sounds that cut through the music.
B20 Bronze (80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver):
This is the most durable and musical metal in cymbal making.

Zildjian has recently introduced the world’s first titanium coated cymbals. The titanium coating gives them a unique silver color and an even brighter, more powerful sound.

The FINISH
Most cymbals are available in a choice of finishes:

Natural:
In its natural state, bronze responds with added bit and presence.
Brilliant:
High-pressure polishing creates a glossy look and smoother response.

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