Zildjian ZBT series worth it?

Joel · #31 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 12:53 PM

Regarding Zildjian ZBTs.

Lousy cymbals, they came with a used set I bought. I traded the whole package for one "real" Zildjian crash at the music store. Zildjian should never have produced cheap trashy cymbals - a discredit to it's name. I guess they're just trying to make a buck?

Recently a friend with a limited budget bought some inexpensive Meinl cymbals. For the price I was very impressed. Brilliant, rich sounding. I think the price is comparable to the ZBTs but the sound is much better.

Thanks, Joel

**Tainojim** · #32 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 01:04 PM

ZBT cymbals have short flat sounding response and work well for certain types of drumming applications. I wouldn't knock them, I've used them at times for jazz playing and really enjoyed them. I do agree however, that they are not for rock and other types of music.

When it comes to cymbals it's a matter of taste and music you play. Same as drums. Different strokes for different folks.

Infero Exicution · #33 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 01:22 PM

ZBT's are actually pretty good cymbals for starters.
my friend has a Tama kit with Zildjian ZBT's and 1 ZXT and I was surprised at the ZBT's
at how clean and cutting the sound was.
They are thick and sturdy.
I would say a pretty good buy for you.

**Tainojim** · #34 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zand

I've been to my nearest drum store and tried out some cymbals and I did like the sound of the ZBT series, but after readng the review on this website I'm not sure if they will last. I don't have a whole lot of money to be throwing around on products that wont last the distance.

The said review said something about Wuhan (I think) cymbals? Has anyone had any of these cymbals?

Mr. Zand remember that reviews are no different than opinions. Like noses, everybody has one. The cymbals also have allot to do with the type of music that you play. I wouldn't go out and get a gong just because Pink Floyd has one. Anyone can suggest what they like in drums and cymbals. But only you know what you like when you do some research and then go to a drum shop and tryout everything if necessary. Remember that these sales people want to sell and some of them are like car salesmen at the dealership. So if they want to sell, they have to let you tryout anything you want.

**Tainojim** · #35 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Infero Exicution

ZBT's are actually pretty good cymbals for starters.
my friend has a Tama kit with Zildjian ZBT's and 1 ZXT and I was surprised at the ZBT's
at how clean and cutting the sound was.
They are thick and sturdy.
I would say a pretty good buy for you.

IE, when it comes to all types of drums and cymbals, just because less pricey really doesn't mean that their for beginners. Even some drummers think that more is better. If drummers see Buddy Rich for example, playing a four piece kit, I don't think that if he had more drums would make him any better than he was. Even I and other drummers have played on these so called beginners kits and made them sound good. It's like a bad mechanic putting blame on his tools for his mistakes.

If you take a beginner and place him/her behind a high end kit, it still won't make him a pro drummer. Now if you place a great drummer behind a cheap kit. I'll bet you that pro will make that kit sound great.

twistedviewlabs · #36 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joel

Regarding Zildjian ZBTs.

Lousy cymbals, they came with a used set I bought. I traded the whole package for one "real" Zildjian crash at the music store. Zildjian should never have produced cheap trashy cymbals - a discredit to it's name. I guess they're just trying to make a buck?

Recently a friend with a limited budget bought some inexpensive Meinl cymbals. For the price I was very impressed. Brilliant, rich sounding. I think the price is comparable to the ZBTs but the sound is much better.

Thanks, Joel

i used to be all zildjian all the time. then i bought a setup of ZBT series cymbals. i literally destroyed both my ride and crash cymbals (i never knew it was possible to knock out pieces from a ride cymbal). this was back in 2004 tho. this time around i purchased a pair of 13" ZBT HiHats and 20" ride. they've actually been able to put up with me for just over a year now. only thing wrong with them is they need a good cleaning. as for my crashes, i went with a 16" Medium and 18" Thin Paiste PST5. they sound awesome. in fact, i'm not embarassed to play out with them. i would like to get matching hi-hat and ride cymbals one day
the Meinls you have...i tried those out. they sounded nice as well...just not my preference. i won't knock them tho.

Infero Exicution · #37 (**permalink**) 06-19-2009, 10:22 PM

My Hi-hats and my crash are 5 years old!

Not 1 severe piece of damage on it.
To top it all off, it still shines.

The worst part,
It came with the kit and sounds like garbage.
I just want to tighten it all the way and smash it into 2.

But, I'm getting Xs20's soon.

Joel · #38 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 11:28 AM

Sorry to trash ZBTs. To each his own. I owned a Paiste 16" crash years ago, Formula 402. Loved the sound. Made the mistake of letting another drummer at a show borrow it and he broke a huge chunk out of it.

Hey, do you know of any websites that have good deals on used cymbals? I've tried e-bay and never won a bid. Sometimes you can find a great deal at local music store.

Thanks, Joel

Infero Exicution · #39 (**permalink**) 06-22-2009, 12:18 PM

Joel,
Did you try Musicgoround.com?
I don't think you can get stuff off of the site, but they have
tons of stores across America.
Go to the website and look for a store near you.
They have a lot of used gear that you can see online.
Usually when I go there they polish up the stuff before I buy.
Check it out!