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.