Choosing Cymbals

Choosing cymbals can be tricky if you are just learning how to play the drums. But, learning a few basics will make choosing much easier.

Cymbals can be divided into a few main categories. There are hi-hats, rides, crashes, and accents. Within these main categories of cymbals, differences in cymbals size and manufacturing process can all have an effect on the sound and tone of the cymbals. If you are just starting to play the drums, I suggest choosing a pair of hi-hats (14 inch), a crash (16 inch) and a ride (20 inch), choosing the rest will follow.

Need Help Choosing?

Zildjian has a really cool tool on their website that makes choosing easy. It lets you set-up an entire drum set with cymbals. You can arrange an entire kit using Zildjian’s full line of products. They even have preview sound clips of each instrument so you can hear how each one sounds. When you are done choosing your cymbals set up, you can save it, print it, and then buy. Check it out on Zildjian’s Homepage.

Hi-Hats

Zildjian ZHT Mastersound Hi Hat Cymbals

Hi-hats are a pair of cymbals with a top and bottom. When played open with the foot, they will produce a tight, short sound. When closed, the sticks will create a crisp sound that maintains a steady beat. Played halfway open creates a sustained sound. They are available in various sizes, but most often in 13 or 14 inch. Here are a few places that may help you in choosing.

Rides

Zildjian ZBT Ride Cymbal

Rides are usually used in quieter portions of songs or choruses of rock/pop songs. They produce a sustained sound or “shimmer” as it is sometimes called. Available anywhere from eighteen to twenty-two inch (or higher custom sizes). Twenty is most common.

Links to check out before choosing:

Zildjian K Series

Crash

Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal

Crash cymbals are used to create loud, accented points in music. In mainstream styles like pop/punk and metal, the crash is a vital part of beats, often played in straight eight notes. This is probably the most varied of all categories and thus the hardest when choosing cymbals.

A wide range of sizes and different hammering and molding processes can vary the pitch and tone. Need help choosing cymbals? Check these crashes out.

Accents

After choosing cymbals for your main set up, you may consider some accents. These include your splashes, bells, chinas, and effects cymbals. You can check out different effects and accent cymbals at the links below.

Sabian B8 Accents
Zildjian Expansion Packs

Zildjian K Custom Dark Splash Cymbal

Splashes are small, generally six to eight inches and used to create higher pitch tones with short sustains.

Sabian Alu Bell Effect Cymbal

Bells are used to create a high pitch tone that cuts through the mix. In metal, it is often heard right before a breakdown or tempo change.

Zildjian ZBT China Cymbal

Chinas are used to create a crisp, trashy sound. They are often used over breakdowns or tight, syncopated parts of heavier music.

Tips For Choosing

When choosing which cymbals to add to your drums, your playing style and needs should direct you. A jazz drummer’s setup will different than a metal drummer’s. While both will need key components like hi-hat, crash and ride cymbals, each will want different tones and sizes that are complimentary to their styles.

Larger cymbals have a deeper pitch
Thinner cymbals have a faster attack and quicker decay
Thicker ones have more overtones and sustain
Bright, high pitched styles project and cut better
If you’re just starting and need help choosing, you should check out some of the pre-packs available to you.



Done choosing cymbals? Return to Cymbal homepage.

New! Comments

Leave your comments below.