Cymbals

Cymbals should be chosen cautiously, ´cause in comparison to a drum cymbals are tuned from the very start. The special sound of each cymbal is created when picking the raw material for its production. In order to offer a great variety, the manufacturers have a huge number of different cymbals in their product range. For beginners a cymbal-set with a ride, crash and hi-hat are important in order to play the first grooves and fill-ins. The rhythm is normally played on the hi-hat or on the ride whilst the crash sets the course for the fill-ins. This basic-set can be extended bit by bit by further cymbals or effect cymbals like the fine splash, the exotic China cymbal or further hi-hats.

General Tips:

Its the alloy that defines the sound of a cymbal. B20-bronze (20% tin, 80% copper) creates a warm, complex and sensitive sound, B8-bronze sounds nothing worse, instead with only 8% tin it sounds a lot brighter, more powerful and lustrous. Cheap beginner-sets are often made of brass or nickel and are pressed into form. Professional cymbals are usually cast seperately by hand and hammered into the right shape. That´s why they´ll never sound the same.

Computer based machines which are used for budget series make the production cheaper and faster: The cymbal is clamped and rotated whilst a sharp tool cuts rills into the surface. In comparison, non-rotated cymbals with their rough look and deep rills create a wider sound spectrum with higher notes. Thick and heavy cymbals sound louder and brighter, but also need more strike force. Thinner cymbals response quicker and bigger cymbals are generally louder than smaller ones. Cymbals with flat curves react faster and deeper than stronger curved cymbals with a higher tone and longer sustain.

Many manufacturers give their cymbals names like "Rock Crash", "Power Ride" or "Medium Hi-Hat". These names determine the music direction, but at the end of the day it´s the ear that decides on sound! To test the right cymbal you must bring a lot of time with you and your own sticks, as type and form of every stick also define the cymbals sound. If you want to extend your cymbal set, then you should take all your cymbals with you, too, in order to find the right sound that fits.