[dismacbedrummin]

Hey...I havent the slightest clue when it comes to cymbals. I got these really CRAPPY starter ones...and the need to be replaced...so im looking for some not too cheap..but not too expensive ones that have that punch....that great end or beginning to a rock fill!

-MAC

[phillywillis]

Well, I do not consider myself a cymbal expert but I have been around the block a few times with several different cymbals and I am frequently up at Guitar Center just listening to different cymbal sounds. Now, I am not a "brand" player meaning I don't just buy one brand of cymbals. I like what sounds best, not what brand is best. Anywho, currently I am playing with a Sabian AA 21" Dry Ride, Zildjian A Custom 18" Crash, Sabian HHX 16" Evolution crash (which is currently cracked), Sabian AAX 8" splash, and a Zildjian A Custom Mastersound 14" Hi-Hat. That is quite the mix I know, but I like the individual sounds. Let's start with the Sabian HHX line: This is part of Sabian's hand hammered line which tend to have a "darker" sound. This particular cymbal has an extremely fast decay because of its thinner design. I love the sound it gets, but it isn't for hard playing because you will crack it! I had mine for 6 years and it just finally gave out. That bad boy will run you $260 and is by all means a professional cymbal. Now, the Zildjian A Custom line tends to have a brighter and more explosive sound but they still tend to the darker side of things. They have a longer decay due to their thicker body and more conical shape. I love my Hi-Hats because the bottom one is hammered out to give it that fast "chick" sound. Now, my Hi-Hat is a pricey pair at $330.00 but the Crash was not too bad at only $195.00. Now the AA and AAX line from Sabian is similar to the Zildjian A and A Custom lines respectively but still with different tonal qualities. I will end this lengthy post with suggesting you look into first the Zildjian Z Custom line which is specifically designed for heavy metal/rock and then turn to the Sabian AAX and Zildjian A Custom line. Although, Paiste has some great stuff to. Just remember that the weight, design, and bronze all affect how the cymbal sounds. Maybe you could post a few and get suggestions from the others here! Oh, and I am thinking of a Sabian AAXplosion Crash to replace the HHX Evolution crash so I can play a little harder without too many worries.

	Paiste Cymbals Shop for Paiste Cymbals at Musician's Friend

	Sabian Cymbals Shop for Sabian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

	Zildjian Cymbals Shop for Zildjian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

[dismacbedrummin]

wow! that was extremely helpful! i have been on the sabian site testing the different cymbal sounds...and the AAX def caught my ears. im def sold on their crash....but the hihats are waaaay too expensive....are there any cheaper brand but good sounding hihats?

	Sabian Cymbals Shop for Sabian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

[phillywillis]

Well, like Church Drummer said, there are a ton of different brands out there and they all have their unique qualities. Do you have a drum shop nearby? My favorite is Guitar Center. Go to Guitars, Musical Instruments, and Musical Equipment from Guitar Center and just check out their Hi-Hat selection. It seemed like Sabian and Meinl had some decently priced hats. Another tip for you though is bronze type. There are two main types of bronzes used (there are exceptions to this though) which are B8 and B20 bronze. Now, typically you will see many cymbal makers using a B8 sheet bronze for their entry level cymbal lines (eg. ZBT, B8, etc...). However, Paiste actually uses B8 bronze in some of their upper line cymbals like their Signature series. B20 Cast bronze is usually what you see in a companies upper line models. B8 tends to have a higher pitch and brighter tonal quality where B20 is a more controlled sound. Anyway, good luck with it all!

	Meinl Percussion Shop for Meinl Percussion at Musician's Friend

	Paiste Cymbals Shop for Paiste Cymbals at Musician's Friend

	Sabian Cymbals Shop for Sabian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

[jhilldrums]

I'm a one brand guy personally because I have not found any mix that puts a smile on my face. I use Paiste, but a range of Paiste. 2002, Alpha sound edge hats, 2-802 crashes, 1 Dimensions crash, and a 502 ride. 2 Wuhan 1 China and a splash because they came with the kit (used).

Buy what sounds good to you. There is no "best" brand, only whats best for you.

	Paiste Cymbals Shop for Paiste Cymbals at Musician's Friend

	Wuhan Cymbals Shop for Wuhan Cymbals at Musician's Friend

[rushkid 2112]

hey dismace drummer i play with a zildjian a custom hi hat its a great hi hat and price wise im not sure how much money u have to spend on it but i think it might fit your category not too cheap but not too expensive heres a link too see a picture of it its exactly what i use its a zildjian a custom 14 inch mastersound hi hat http://www.americanmusical.com/Produ...arge/22657.jpg

	Zildjian Cymbals Shop for Zildjian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

[phillywillis]

Yeah, that is the same Hi-Hat I play and it ain't cheap; It will run you about $330.00

[CJDG]

This is my flavor Buy Wuhan WUMLX-SBOX S Series 4-Piece Cast Cymbal Pack at Musician's Friend

I have used Zildjian and Sabian over the years... but they don't compare to my Wuhan. At first I questioned if I would enjoy the sound of the Wuhan. Over time I adjusted my playing a bit on the cymbals and these things sing.

The crash gives such a nice PSHHHHHhhhhhhhh sound that has been perfect in lots of styles that I have recorded. Everyone seems to comment on the sound of the cymbals as well. I have had them since about 2000 or 2001 and they stare at me asking for more punishment. I used to have a sabian 13" thin crash and a 17" Zildjian crash (80s) year. I'd love another wuhan though.

Ahh the ride cymbal is pretty much like a crash ride... it compliments the crash very well when used in such a way... gives plenty of ping and spread in the overtones. The bell is wonderful when played with the sholder of the stick. I have nothing but good comments on the ride. My previous favorite was a 20" crash ride Zildjian from the 80s.

The hats.... sloshy when I need that, crisp when I need crisp, though not too tickity. They are a bit dark as well which I didn't think I'd enjoy. My previous favorite Hi-hat was a sabain sizzle hat.

The cymbal pack I bought came with a soft case and a 10" splash so shop around and you might find a good deal. I think at the time I picked up the cymbals for under $250.

They are hand hammered and if you don't know how to hit a cymbal properly I'd bet they would crack easier than the more popular name brands. There are good cymbals and bad in the Wuhan line... being hand hammered they all sound a bit different from each other so you have unique sounds from each one you get.

Give them a store try if you can... you might be pleased.

	Sabian Cymbals Shop for Sabian Cymbals at Musician's Friend

	Wuhan Cymbals Shop for Wuhan Cymbals at Musician's Friend

	Zildjian Cymbals Shop for Zildjian Cymbals at Musician's Friend