Mixing Brands

AvengedDrummer · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2006, 09:35 PM

I've heard many people for and against mixing cymbal brands. Some people say that different brands dont blend well. Personally, I say go for it. I have a Mostly Zildjian K set-up now, but I have been Interested in the sabian hand hammered and Paiste dark energy lines for awhile now. Im currently looking for a Sabian Jo Jo Mayer fierce ride for a left side ride. So, does anybody on here mix up their cymbals?

DrummerMom · #2 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 06:28 AM

I had a full set of Sabian XS20's:

10" splash, 14" hats, 16" and 18" thin crashes,18" chinese, 20"medium ride.

I currently have:

Sabian XS20 14" Hats, 20" Medium Ride
Sabian Hand Hammered 14" Crash
Saluda SSX Power 8"splash w/Rivets)

To get:

Possibly a 12" Wuhan China
upgrade the XS20 hats and ride to either AA,HH or HHX (Not sure yet)

malletjazz · #3 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 09:39 AM

My cymbals are mostly Paiste, but I do occasionally switch out for something non-Paiste.

Ride: 20" Paiste Prototype, or 22" Paiste 2002 Power Ride

Hi-Hats: 13" Paiste Sig. Dark Crisp (non-Paiste sub: 1970s 14" A Zildjian New Beats)

Crashes: 16" Paiste Traditional, 17" Paiste Dark Energy (non-Paiste sub: 16" A Zildjian medium-thin crash)

Effects cymbals: 18" Paiste Dimensions thin china; 8" K Zildjian splash

I don't have any specific loyalty to the Paiste name - I just like the sound of their cymbals. Let's put it this way: when I go cymbal shopping, my search usually begins and ends at the Paiste display, but I do check out other brands of cymbals as well.

I actually mix brands in other aspects of my equipment as well. Forget about hardware - that's a mix all over the place, as I pick up a stand here and there. I've got Ludwig drums, but my 10" tom is a Pearl Export.

And snare drums...that's a whole other matter, with brands all over the map.

full metal · #4 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 09:45 AM

I see no reason why you shouldnt mix them. If you are looking for a specfic sound and you are getting it out of 3 diffrent cymbal brands then there is no reason not to mix them.
every thing on my kit is zildjian exept a really old pair of secondery hi hats that I use but not all of my cymable are from the same line and I get a good mix all around and is that any diffrent from mixing other brands.
so I dont see what the harm in mixing them would be.

mind_drummer · #5 (**permalink**) 08-14-2006, 03:01 PM

I have 5 different cymbal brand (Istanbul - Meinl - Sabian - Wuhan - Zildjian) in my setup and wouldn't mind having more. We, as percussionist should look first in the sound instead of the brand.

BERZERKER · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2006, 02:41 PM

I personally love Sabian. They have alot to offer. The Hand Hammered and AAX are probebly my favs right now.

Ian123 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 02:04 PM

im really picky when it comes to cymbals. i currently have all zildjians, but i really like the sound of the sabian B8 pro hi-hats, despite the fact that there supposed to be one of the 'cheap' sabians. anyways what im trying to say is, i wont buy them just because theyre not zildjian. really dumb, but other than OCD, there shouldnt be a reason to not mix cymbals.

Harry · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2008, 04:18 PM

Hi All,

I really DIG the Paiste's, I think they are great!
I recently ordered an Alpha series 20" flat ride, a beautifulllllll

cymbal! I can't wait picking it up!

Having said that, I also have a Meinl ride sizzle, and an unknown but beautiful little china/splash.

For me it is nice to have a "mainline" of cymbals with some pleasant

"extras"

I bought that little china/splash for a special song (for me), "everytime you go away you take a piece of me with you" - by Jean Paul Young- and I have used that little honey ever since for something a bit special.

Cheers and Happy Drumming,

Harry

TerenceM · #9 (**permalink**) 10-22-2008, 07:16 AM

I am in the midst of changing my cymbal set-up. All the Zildjians I have are ZBT and will be upgraded to A or K's in the very near future. I also have two very cheap stagg splashes that I like the sound of but may change to Zildjian.
And a Zildjian ZXT Titanium splash, a K dark splash which I will keep.

here is my current cymbal arrangement;

13" Wuhan S Bright HH
16" Wuhan S thin crash
16" Zildjian medium crash, 20" ride,14" thin crash,20" china,6" K dark splash,6" zxt Titanium splash.
2x 6" Stagg splash

I understand why some drummers prefer same brand cymbals but personally I have no qualms about mixing them up a bit according to what sound they produce.
I have considered many other brands: Meinl,Sabian,Paiste,Bosphorous,Saluda- all these are possibilities, I will get what sounds good to me and which is most affordable.

Thumpthdrum · #10 (**permalink**) 10-23-2008, 09:34 PM

I play Zildjian As and Ks. If you have the convenience of a drum shop close enough take what you play and try their cymbals till you find the one/ones that suit your existing cymbals best. I did this recently and had my heart set on a Constantinople....sounded great by its self but did not blend well with what I have. I ended up buying a K Custom ride and a 17" K hybrid crash. Play what sounds great to you and best fits your style. If that includes mixing brands so be it, after all those listening will never know....just that they sound great.

Mixing Brands

Mixing Brands

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Re: Mixing Brands