Thinking of changing cymbals!

[Freethinker]

Right now I use AA metal X's , but my band mates complain that they are too loud even at shows and unmiced they really cut through EVERYTHING,lol, since this is what I wanted then I don't see a problem but at our last show the sound guy even complained that my cymbals are so loud that they walk on my snare and toms....so I'm thinking of some quieter warmer cymbals.

I was thinking of either XS20's or maybe some Alpha's , both of those have warmer less bright tones

Are the standard AA's or AAX's warmer? I upgraded from b8 pro's to my Metal x's, but now maybe I should go back? The b8 pro's are still bright but not as much but they do not have the warmth I like, and they don't respond as well
as my metal x's do.

Any thoughts?

[Yareek]

Tonality of cymbals can make a pretty big difference...try some "warmer" cymbals like Zildjian A's or Zildjian K's. They will be maybe a hair quieter but won't have that piercing high end and ring like Z-style metal cymbals will have.

One of my favorite cymbals was a 19" Zildjian A Medium crash. Gorgeous, full sound, not too dark or bright. Another was a 20" Zildjian K Medium ride...lots of wash and a jazzy "tang" sound to it, although not a great bell.

I personally like to use a set of slightly bright hihats, a big heavy ride with a big bell, a gong-sounding large china, and two crashes. My crashes are an 18" medium crash which is a little bright, and a 19" medium crash with is a little dark. Lots of trial and error, probably 30 cymbals to get to that setup, but the 18" crash is a little quicker and brighter for more of an accent, whereas the 19" has a little more sustain and is a bit darker, so I can crash ride on it (think any metalcore song in the chorus) and it doesn't get too annoying or loud. More like a wash buildup that sounds like a wave.

Anyways, check out the warmer and darker cymbals by Zildjian and Sabian. I use Saluda which sounds kind of darker at lower levels and gets brighter as you hit harder, which is fun.

Oh, also make sure you hit your toms and snare according to the music. Lots of people hate drummers that smack cymbals but tap on drums. I lay into my drums pretty well and get plenty of compliments on my playing and sound.

[Freethinker]

I hit my drums hard for sure I'm 6'2" 210 pounds of heavy drumming mother fucker, I actually don't hit my cymbals that hard, just the Metal x's are fucking loud but that is what I wanted initially.

But thanks for the input, what about those Wuhan S series? I would love to play a set but would hate to buy some and be stuck with crap, but they get good reviews,decisions decisions

[Yareek]

Check out www.saludacymbals.com if you don't have a ton of cash to spare for cymbals. I use them and love them, usually run about $100 for a crash/china and $125 for hihats or a ride. I think I paid roughly $550 for all my cymbals and I prefer them to Zildjians and Sabians.

Wuhan S series I've heard good and bad. I would stay away from them. From what I understand, they use the same cymbal blanks from China as Saluda does, but they aren't lathed/hammered/finished very well. So they are probably VERY hit or miss. The Saludas are hand hammered and hand finished and they will pick out cymbals based on your descriptions.

I recommend e-mailing Jamie over there and describing what you want, maybe a couple cymbals that you like, and try out a crash. My favorite is the Mist Brilliant. For a warmer sound, try out the Mist Hybrid. Also, he can pick out cymbals that blend well together, as well as dark or bright cymbals of the same weight. If you don't like it, let him know and he'll exchange it for you. And it's about half the price of Zildjians or Sabians.

But not to come off like a Saluda add, any of the big companies will make a good cymbal. I have never liked any of the cheap cymbals as they sound really stale and/or harsh and tend to break too quickly. Just comes down to playing as many as you can and buy what you like.

[Freethinker]

Yes I heard a sulada splash with a band we played with last month and it rocked, i think that I may first try increasing the angle of my cymbals so that i'm not directing as much direct force on them, I still use two b8 pro's in my set up a 16 and 18 crash i will leave them as is since they have the volume and sound I like for certain parts of our music.

I hear ya on the wuhans although I use their china's exclusivly.

[random.hero]

nothin says warm like the sabian hand hammered series...

[Gamelan]

AA metal X are loud cymbals, but it shouldn't be that much of a problem. Lots of players use them successfully, but I suppose it depends on the acoustics of the venue and such. Maybe your drums aren't projecting like they should and that makes it seem more out of balance? Just a thought, not having heard your kit. What drums are you using?

[Freethinker]

I play on a set of tama's from the early 80's. they are sweet. Though i did increase the cymbal angles and that seems to have worked, but the feel is weird.....

[Nick The Man]

get some paiste cymbals.. I bought some and never been unsatisfied

[Freethinker]

yeah I was thining of some Alpha's or 802's they are way dark and I do love the sound they give.