Do new cymbals always sound bad?

ryder904 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 11:09 PM

Hi, I just bought my new Zildjian A Cymbal pack, with a 14' New beat hi-hats (sound great sometimes) 16' Thin Crash, 20' Medium Ride, and a 14' Fast Crash

but what I'm asking is I just bought these and they sound kinda bad, the ride sounds really dumb, and the thin Crash sounds like my B8 crash, is there such thing and working in cymbals?

**Der Trommler** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 09:10 AM

That happens for sure. You hit the displays at the store and buy a sealed box set, get em back to the set and sure as hell they sound different or bad. Identical cymbals from the same manufacturer can sound completely different from each other because the manufacturing process is not an exact science, from the alloy to the lathe one little difference changes the sound.

Did you buy them at a local store or off of the internet?

If you got them from a local store take them back and swap them. Listen to each individual cymbal and select the one in each size that sounds the best to you. That is the only way to insure you get exactly what you want.

ryder904 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 09:36 AM

Thanks Der, but I bought it online so I don't think I can swap it... but would they sound like this forever or will they start sounding better? because this kinda thing happened when I bought my projection crash, it sounded terrible, but now it's amazing - I just wanted to know if this things common

Damo · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

but what I'm asking is I just bought these and they sound kinda bad, the ride sounds really dumb, and the thin Crash sounds like my B8 crash, is there such thing and working in cymbals?

To an extent, yes, but it isnt nearly as dramatic as people make out, and it does take quite a while for it to happen.

Chances are, youve simply picked the wrong cymbals.

**Der Trommler** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 10:25 AM

I agree with Damo, the metal will loosen up over time and can make the cymbal sound better over time, but this will not be an immediate thing and will take many strikes to achieve. Even after all of that I don't think the change will be a dramatic one.

ryder904 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 01:43 PM

Thanks guys, I've also red some reviews on these cymbals, and they said they sound great after they've been broken in which takes a couple of playing

but again thanks Damo, and Der

**Tainojim** · #7 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 02:18 PM

These guys are right. Cymbals are a huge investment. You really have to get them at a drum shop to try them before hand. I myself am pleased with my new beat hi hats. That's the only thing I see good in that package. Separately they cost about $350. I always avoid buying cymbal packs. I don't think there is such a thing as breaking in cymbals. They are not like cars. If you bought them online from a reputable store, you can swap them as long as you haven't blemished them.

**skinslapper** · #8 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 06:30 PM

Always try before you buy.

Harry · #9 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 07:11 PM

Hi all,

some very good comments from my forum colleagues here!
Yes, swapping them would be a good idea, if that is not possible I would try to sell them individually.
Because you bought them as a set they will be friendly priced.
Because you do not like them does not mean that somebody else will like not like them, cymbals being so personal.

Good luck and Happy Drumming,

Harry

ryder904 · #10 (**permalink**) 05-17-2009, 08:25 PM

Actually, after playing like 6hours straight, my cymbals sound really great! the new beat hi hats are crisp and amazing, the ride is strong, and the thin crash is pretty explosive, thanks everyone for all the information - I will defiantly try my next cymbals at the store instead of online now but I think I will stick with these for a while