Cymbals buying guide

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Contents

1 The Basics
2 Getting Started
3 Major Manufacturers

Cymbals Buying Guide

Your cymbals are an essential component of your drum kit, and are often the most personal aspect as well. Cymbals are made from bronze, a combination of copper and tin, mixed in a cast, then hammered out, either by hand or by machine, into the specified form. After the bell is added (the nub on the top), it is spun on a lathe until it is round. There are many points in the process at which variations can be made, which is why no two cymbals sound alike. It is also why they are so expensive.

Getting the right set of cymbals is as important as picking your drums. Buying cymbals from the same manufacturer does not mean your overall sound will be more coherent than if you get three different types. Because of the way cymbals are made, there will be a spectrum of differences between even two of the same type of cymbal. It is important therefore to find the cymbals that sound best in the context of your other cymbals, your drums, and most of all, your playing style.

The Basics

Hi Hat Cymbals are the time-keepers of the band. They come in two sizes, 13 inch and 14 inch, with the pitch varying importantly between the two.

Crash Cymbals are used in orchestral groups as well as a typical band. They are used at various times to accent the music. They come in a variety of thicknesses, sizes, and groove patterns, so do your research!

Ride Cymbals are also used for time-keeping, especially the bell (the elevated knob in the centre).

Splash cymbals are similar to crash cymbals, as they are used to accent the music. However, they are smaller than the crash, and thus produce a "brighter" sound.

China cymbals make dark, "trashy" sounds, and is most closely associated with the gong. They usually have a cylindrical shape--noticeably different from the typical Turkish style cymbal.

Sheet Bronze Cymbals are cymbals that are usually smooth, made out of a sheet of bronze cast rather than from a mould itself. They tend to sound less rich, and "tinnier", though some professionals prefer their versatility.

Getting Started

If you are just starting out, you can purchase a fairly affordable drum kit that includes the cymbals from any drum dealer (they range from a couple hundred pounds to over £1000). However, if you are a seasoned drummer, you will be more inclined to mix and match the manufacturer and the cymbal line.

Go to your local cymbal store and spend some time testing out the the various cymbals, listening closely to their pitch, its over and undertones. But make sure you keep your other cymbals, your drums and your playing space in mind, as the cymbal might sound differently when accompanied by your kit. Different musical styles tend to fare better with different combinations of cymbals. Jazz drummers might use a heavy ride and a thin crash, while a rock drummer might use a medium ride with a medium crash.

Zildjian and Sabian's websites both offer interactive help in deciding the right cymbal. You can adjust several variables to get the most specific sound you desire. Try playing around on these websites if you don't have a good cymbal retailer nearby.


Hi Hat Cymbals are the time-keepers of the band. They come in two sizes, 13 inch and 14 inch, with the pitch varying importantly between the two.	Crash Cymbals are used in orchestral groups as well as a typical band. They are used at various times to accent the music. They come in a variety of thicknesses, sizes, and groove patterns, so do your research!	Ride Cymbals are also used for time-keeping, especially the bell (the elevated knob in the centre).


Splash cymbals are similar to crash cymbals, as they are used to accent the music. However, they are smaller than the crash, and thus produce a "brighter" sound.	China cymbals make dark, "trashy" sounds, and is most closely associated with the gong. They usually have a cylindrical shape--noticeably different from the typical Turkish style cymbal.	Sheet Bronze Cymbals are cymbals that are usually smooth, made out of a sheet of bronze cast rather than from a mould itself. They tend to sound less rich, and "tinnier", though some professionals prefer their versatility.