Cymbal Selection

We know from first hand experience that choosing cymbals can be a complex and time consuming business. It is possible to write pages on the subject, drawing distinctions between different manufacturers, their various models and characteristics. You would probably end-up very confused! The guidance offered here starts from first principles and has been kept simple quite deliberately. More information on the range and characteristics of individual models can be found on the cymbals section, or on the manufacturers own sites (see Links).

What is a standard cymbal set-up?

A standard set-up comprises a ride cymbal (typically 20inch), a crash cymbal (typically 16inch) and hi-hat cymbals (typically 14inch) - a pair of cymbals horizontally mounted which can be crashed together with a hi-hat pedal, or played closed with a stick. Many players choose to augment their set-up with additional crashes (14inch-20inch), splash cymbals (6inch-12inch) or china cymbals (10inch-20inch).

How do I select cymbals?

The tonal quality of cymbals is the result of an interplay between the materials used and methods of production, size, weight and finish.

Materials used

The cheapest brass cymbals start at under £50 per set. They typically comprise of 16inch or 18inch crash-ride cymbal (a single cymbal serving both crash and ride functions), and a pair of hi-hats. Such cymbals are often included as part of the package with kits in the under £300-£500 range. Better quality brass sets e.g. Sabian Solar, mirror the standard set-up - 20inch ride, 16inch crash, 14inch hi-hats. Machine hammering and lacquered finishes improve their tonal quality and appearance. Nevertheless, any brass cymbal is best thought of as an interim measure. Whereas decent drum-heads can greatly improve the sound of an inexpensive kit, there is no short cut with cymbals: by and large, you get what you pay for.

The next level of cymbals are made of B8 bronze (92% copper, 8% tin) e.g. Sabian B8s, Zildjian ZBT and ZXT. Boxed sets of these cymbals - 20inch ride, 16inch crash, 14inch hats - tend to sell for between £160 and £220.

Finally, top model cymbals are made from B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin) mixed with traces of precious metals to formulae guarded by manufacturers over the centuries. Models such as Zildjian Avedis, A Custom, K, K Custom, Z Custom, Sabian AA, AAX, HH, HHX and Paiste 2002 and Signatures fall into this category.

Methods of production

Basic and intermediate cymbals tend to be pressed from sheets of metal or metal alloys. Top model cymbals are cast from molten alloy. The different sounds created for each range are the result of the particular lathing, hammering and finishing processes. Some top cymbals are hand hammered by skilled craftsmen who have learned a craft passed down over the centuries. To quote respected writer on drums, Geoff Nichols:

"Top quality cymbals are highly tempered instruments. The need to be played correctly and handled with care".

Even a top quality cymbal can crack or split if it is misused eg through overtightening, playing without the aid of plastic inserts on your stands, or being struck with a head-on blow, rather than a glancing one.

Size

Reference has been made already to the typical size of crash, ride, hi-hat, splash and china cymbals. To state what may be obvious, smaller cymbals produce smaller sounds and lower volumes; larger cymbals produce bigger sounds and greater volumes. For example, some heavy rock players have moved to nineteen or twenty inch crash cymbals!

Weight

Thinner cymbals respond faster; heavy models tend to be louder with longer sustain (duration). Thin and medium thin crash cymbals are the preferred choice of many players selecting cymbals 14inch-16inch; medium thin and medium for cymbals 16inch-18inch, with metal and rock players often favouring the heavy weights.

Finish

Some players prefer cymbals in their natural state. Such cymbals are sometimes described as having bite. Others prefer their cymbals to have a polished, glossy look, which tends to give a smoother response.

Pitch

Much will depend on the type of music you play. Lower pitch cymbals are perhaps more subtle, blending easily with the music and giving a big full sound. Higher pitch cymbals will tend to cut through the music.

Ultimately, obey one simple rule: choose with your ears, not your eyes. Forget designer labels. There is no one definitive manufacturer or range. Mix and match as you wish. But when choosing cymbals, take your existing ones with you and select others that will blend in tonally.

Value for money

Boxed sets save you money! Even when highly discounted, individual cymbals are not cheap. Buying boxed sets can save you 25%-30% on the price of buying the same cymbals individually.

Caring for cymbals

When cleaning cymbals (and many people dont!), use only a polish recommended by the manufacturer, otherwise you may remove the protective lacquer and damage both appearance and tone. A good carry-case (preferably one with dividers) will protect your instruments for the future. Properly played and properly cared for, your cymbals could last for life!