Saluda 16" Hard Rock Crash / 18" Power Crash Cymbals Reviews 
3 / 5 based on 1 reviewsI purchased these cymbals direct from DrumGearOnline.com. Saluda is a brand new company and so far they have very few authorized dealers. Their primary dealer is DrumGearOnline.com who sells mostly via Ebay, but can be contacted from their website as well. These cymbals are priced around $45-$65 each. I bought them because I cracked both my crashes(A Zildjians)in the same week and I was completely broke. I read Saluda's website, www.saludacymbals.com, after seeing the cymbals on ebay, and they brag about how loud and bright their cymbals are, which is just what I wanted. I gig often and since I didn't have much money, I needed something cheap, and I needed it fast.
These are good, musical cymbals that would be fine for low volume settings. You can't beat the price.
When I originally ordered these cymbals I was told that the Hard Rock and Power crashes were the heaviest and loudest cymbals Saluda makes. It turns out that they still are thinner, and quiter than the medium Zildjians. Neither of these crashes have outstanding volume. They have fast decay, with little sustain(not enough for me). They seem to have a darker, warmer, sloshy sound, kind of like trying to crash a ride cymbal. They are also a softer alloy than I have ever seen. Even the average hit will put a good size dent. I had to re-shape the 18" with a hammer to keep it from becoming a taco. ***I think I should mention that I use Easton Ahead aluminum sticks.***
Thin, soft, alloy. The flyer that came with the cymbal says that they are designed to "bend but not break". They definitely bend. Just add ground beef, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, and sour cream to my 18" and you could sell it at Taco Bell with nachos and a medium soft drink.
If you are a soft-hitter, you might find these to be quite musical. I am a heavy metal drummer, and that is not the best situation for these cymbals. I'd bet that a pro jazz drummer will appreciate their sound. Also, the price can't be beat for a beginner cymbal. As far as beginner cymbals go, you probably could get more volume or strength with a Zildjian ZBT or Sabian B8, but you'll pay more. If you are a beginner, a soft-hitting pro, or short on cash, then Saluda is a good choice. If you are playing rock, alternative, or metal, I don't think these will have the volume or strength you are looking for.
Ian Pravata rated this unit
on
2002-04-10.
