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Drum Cymbals

Along With the Snare and Bass Drum
Cymbals Round Out the
Heart of the Drum Set

Did you ever realize that along with the bass and snare drum cymbals are the most vital part of a drum kit. In fact in traditional Jazz the ride cymbal is the driving force. From basic drum beats to that extra edge or distinctive sound variation, there's always a creative way to musically enhance your kit with quality bronze.

It seems that each year the selection of cymbals from the major manufacturers expands. Many drummers probably feel "to many choices" overload. Where do I start? What are the price ranges? Which companies have a warranty? Which models sounds the best? Which models fit my drumming style?

Before you just give up and purchase an electronic set with 500 unbreakable cymbal sounds, focus on your ride cymbal and hi hat. When you get those right the rest is pretty simple. In addition to the snare and bass drum, cymbals form the foundational glue in most drum beats.

Consider anything beyond these two to be special effects cymbals, which is really what they are. Of course, a couple of really great crash cymbals for each side of your drum set is important, but they can wait. Below is a basic checklist.

Ride Cymbals

Which Ride cymbals sound would be the most versatile?
Does the "ping" or stick sound need to be very sharp?
Do I need a large piercing bell or a more subdued one?
What size do I prefer? (20 to 22 inch are the most popular)

Hi Hat

What Hi Hat cymbals would be the most versatile?
Does the closed "Chick" sound need loud or moderate?
How do they sound played very tight and partially open?
What size do I prefer? (13 to 15 inch are the most popular)

Crash, China, and Special Effects

What Crash cymbal would be the most versatile?
Will the China cymbal be used for crashing and riding?
What sound "color" is needed in special effects cymbals?
What sizes do I prefer?
Am I a hard hitter? (Cymbals will crack if abused)

Cymbal Buying Checklist

Maximum budget?
Pro or intermediate models?
Used on eBay, Craigs list, music stores, etc?
Listen to cymbal before buying?
Name Brands?
Overall pitch - high or low?
Overall sustain, dry or glassy sound, etc.
Volume Requirements?

Most drummers own Zildjian, Sabian, or Paiste because they make excellent cymbals and are the most well known name brands. They also have many top name pro endorsements along with huge advertising budgets. Companies like Bosphorus, Agean, Instanbul (Agop & Mehmet), Meinl, Wuhan and others also make excellent drum set cymbals. These less advertised brands are hard to find in stores. Try checking out the company websites. Some even include sound samples which gives a rough idea of the sound.

Always try to play the cymbal first if possible, as each one is usually one-of-a-kind. Rumor has it that Paiste models sound very similar from one to the next, important if buying after only hearing website sound clips. Also, If you buy online or eBay make sure there is a return policy. If not be sure it is a great deal so if you don't like the sound you can get most of your money back out of the cymbal. The professional high end models are always a better choice, because cheap metal does not sound too musical.

Remember that the Ride and Hi-Hat are the foundation. Crashes would be the next in line. After that it's "anything goes" according to your preferences, style, budget, etc. You can never have too many gigs, drums or cymbals!

The word Cymbal comes from the Greek word "Kumbalom" meaning "A Small Bowl".

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