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Cymbals Reviews

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# of Cymbals brands found in our review database: 20


AdamsArbiterCamberCB
GibraltarMeinlMidasPacific
PaistePearlPulseSabain
SabianSaludaSolar by SabianSound Percussion
StaggTamaWuhanZildjian

5 Most Recent Cymbals Reviews:

Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Crash 17' - AlexV 2010-03-11 - Bottom Line? If you are a serious drummer and want to invest money in some mac-daddy cymbals - these...

Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Crash 19' - AlexV 2010-03-11 - Bottom Line? If you are a serious drummer and want to invest money in some mac-daddy cymbals - thes...

Sound Percussion SP880BS2 Boom Cymbal Stand - AlexV 2010-03-11 - Bottom Line? Unless you have 4 drum techs and a cartage company loading in and out for you every ni...

Zildjian ZBT 3 Starter Set - NikkiStix 2009-11-03 - In summary, I'm very pleased with my purchase. They dressed up my old set nicely and look and sound ...

Sabian Vault Cymbal Pack - Whitey 2008-10-01 - I would definetely buy them if your thinking about it. But if your cracking cymbals every month, may...

Cymbal Buying Guide

Cymbal Buying Guide

Selecting a good new or replacement cymbal has a lot to do with the type of music you play and the environment that you play in. Almost always you will get the cymbal delivered or take it home and hear something at least a little different than you expected, or heard in the store, so it’s important to do as much real world scenario testing as you can in the store. Buying cymbals online is a great idea, because you can save a ton of money, but just be sure to know what you’re looking for. Obviously you can’t try them out online, but you definitely can try a friends, or try them in a local store before you go shopping online for the best prices.

About Cymbals

Cymbals are one of the oldest musical instruments known to man. Some reports and archeological proofs show that cymbals have been with us since pre-historic times. There are a few different varieties that you need to be aware of when shopping.

Crash Cymbals

Crash Cymbals produce a loud, but short, “crash” type of sound and are normally used to accent particular passages in music or song. Typically crash cymbals are not used as part of a normal cadence or beat, but can be used to build effect. Crash cymbals come in thin and heavy varieties, are always tapered at the edge, and can most commonly be seen in sizes ranging from 14 inches to 18 inches in diameter.

Hi-Hat Cymbals

Hi-Hats are normally configured as two cymbals opposing each other on a steel rod with a foot pedal and spring configuration to activate them. Many drummers will use the drumstick, the foot pedal to clash them together, or even a brush to play them. Standard hi-hats are 14 inches each, and normally a heavier grade cymbal, but many drummers experiment with different sizes and even different grades on the top and bottom. Hi-hats are typically used much more in cadence and patterns than regular crash cymbals.

Ride Cymbals

Another common cymbal is the ride cymbal. The ride is used a lot more to keep the rhythm so it’s one of the most important (and common) cymbals in any drummers kit. Standard ride cymbals are 20 inches, but can range anywhere from 18 to 24 inches normally. The sound from a ride cymbal is a longer sustained shimmering tone.

Some Cymbal Buying Tips From MGR Readers

I’ve bought cymbals in the store because I thought they sounded good, and then got home and hit them the way I normally do and ended up having problems with breakage. Give that crash a solid smack when you’re in the store and maybe buy one weight heavier than you were thinking, you can’t go wrong. – Dave M., Nashville, TN

I always let someone else in the store play the cymbal I’m thinking about purchasing. Gives me an idea of how it sounds from different angles. Call me crazy, but it helps. – Tony, NY, NY

Talk to other people and get their help. Your first instinct might be to go with a thinner cymbal when what you should really be looking for is a heavier model. You need to consider your normal playing venue and tips like that are usually received by the guy at the local drum shop. Use him. – Rich Brenan, LAX

Don’t be afraid to really wail on those sample cymbals in the store, it’s your hard earned money, you really need to give them a workout. Take your own stix too! – Damien C., Natchez, MI

If you can, set up the test cymbal the same way it would be configured in your kit. Hit it just as hard as you normally would lots of times and just listen. You’ll know if it’s the right hunk of metal when you hear it. – Shane Working in Asia

If you have any tips to help our readers make a better decision when shopping for cymbals, please contact us and we'll post your thoughts here!



Cymbals Editor: Could B. You

Could B. YouThis category editor position is now open at MusicGearReview.com. If you have a couple hours a week to spare, have lots of experience with gear in this category, and would like to make some cash for your gear habit, check out the Writers, Moderators, and Category Editors Needed post in the Announcements & Suggestions Forum on the MGR discussion boards.

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Latest Cymbals News

Zildjian rolls out 13 new cymbals for 2010
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