[firedrummer36]

As a beginner on a budget looking for a new cymbal set - does anyone have the PST 3 or 5 that can comment on them. Are they worth the cash and how do they sound.

[Paisano1978]

I'm not familiar with the cymbals you are speaking of, however I would recomend the Zildjian pack (AA or AAX) or the Sabian B8 pack. Both sets are priced resonably and sound good. It just depends on the sound you want. Zildjians cymbals are usually brighter sounding than Sabian. Sabian has a warmer/darker sound. I've played Sabian B8 Pro for over 10 years.

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[CJDG]

There are allso the Wuhan S series... Stick with the packs and you can get a good deal.

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[guss]

I recommend XS20s (sabian), I know someone just 7 years younger then my dads age who uses them (not calling you that old). I use AAX (sabian), A custom (Zildjians) and even some Wuhan (Cant say the kind).

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[Harry]

Hi firedrummer 36,

I am not going to beat about the bush, Paiste make by far, by far, better beginner/midrange cymbals than a n y other brand!!!!
I am not alone with this opinion, very reputable drummers/forums will back this up!
I used to play Zildjans and Sabians, there is absolutely no comparison whatsoever!

The good news: I really dig the Alpha's but yesterday I had a bit of a hit on the PST 5 range positioned right next to the Alpha's and I tell you, you can't go wrong.

It is so close to the Alpha's that I thought "maybe I go PST 5's"
The slight difference was that I found the Alpha's decay/note slightly more musical.

So I talked to some really S#@T Hot Professional drummers and they totally agreed with me.
For the money, no better cymbal line around!
A midrange/pro quality Cymbal line on a beginners budget.

Cheers and happy drumming

Harry

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[firedrummer36]

Thanks for the input, much appreciated!

[jhilldrums]

Paiste PST3 and PST5 are great entry level cymbals. Do you need to go new? You could probably slowly upgrade even further with used ones in the Alpha, Dimensions and even 2002 range. When I bought my kit (barely used), the first thing I did was ebay all the Zildjian zbts. Theres nothing wrong with Zildjians, I just have a history of breaking them easier than 2002's, hence my personal selection.

It took a couple of months months but one by one I now have 14" Alpha sound Edge hats, 17" 2002, 20" 502, 16" Dimensions, 16 " 802 and 18" 802. All for under $700 used. Deals are out there and you won't be looking to upgrade AGAIN. Your preference though. Going this way also makes it more affordable.

Don't let anyone tell you "this is the best, or that's the best". Pick what holds up to, sounds good and compliments your playing. It's the age old war of Ford vs. Chevy etc.

Good Luck, let us know what you pick and how you like 'em!

-JH

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[Quest4Sanity]

I used to be a Zildjian man myself. Don't get me wrong, Zildjian makes great cymbals, but I have had a problem with cracking them pretty easily. I bought the A Custom Cymbal pack and within 6 months cracked both the 18" Crash and 16" Fast Crash. I moved on to Paiste's and bought an 18" Twenty Series crash which I ended up also cracking after about a year of use. I also picked up a 22" 502 Paiste Ride which I absolutely love.

I ended up borrowing a fellow drummers 18" PST 5 and it held its ground for the type of metal music I play. These cymbals are thin crashes so they have a quick sound, but not a whole lot of sustain. If you are looking for something with the sustain you should probably go with a medium crash of some kind. They are a little tougher to get the sound out of then the thin crash, but will ring out beautifully for a good amount of time. I was alos told the PST 3's are actually pieces or crap to be honest. They are for beginners who have never played a cymbal in their llife and the sound reflects that statement.

The Alpha Series of the Paiste line I have heard great things about also.

Like jhilldrums said though, piecing them together is the way to do it and get great deals. I got my Paiste 22" 502 Ride cymbal for $98 from ebay man. That is unheard of on any brand of 22" cymbal. Check the deals and be patient. Don't just run out and buy the first thing that sounds good. Go to your local music store and play the cymbals on the kits. That is what they are there for. Find the sound you like and go from there. Good luck and happy drumming.

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