Cymbal upgrade

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32-20-Blues

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Hey, I have a Pearl Target kit, I think it's called something different in the U.S, but it's their starter model. I want to replace the cymbals that came with it, thinking of spending 250 dollars, and I need a hi-hat and a crash. Any thoughts?

Thanks.

Incidentally, I'm a guitarist mainly, so I can't really afford a load of cash.
 
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I would say that if you're going to upgrade from your stock cymbals, you only do it once. That is, save up and buy one good cymbal at a time until you eventually replace your whole set. Starting with the cymbal(s) you use most (hats for most) and/or the one(s) that sound worst of your current set.

Zildjian and Sabian have sound samples on their websites of the various models, which will give you some idea what you are looking for. A lot will depend on the style that you mostly play. I do a lot of acoustic stuff, so I'm drawn to the mellow-jazzy sound of some of the Zildjian K Customs.

Once you have some idea what you're looking for, go out and test some out (preferably with the same sticks you play at home). Check used places, too, as long as they're in good condition.

If you decide to ignore what I say ( :D ), then go with one of the basic sheet cymbal packs (Sabian B8, Zildjian ZBT, etc.), which may sound slightly better than what you're using now. However, plan on upgrading again, because you'll soon tire of how harsh they are.
 
Look man for about that price you can get a complete set of Sabian b8 pro's, good sound for the price and really just a good sound all together. I upgraded to AAmetalX's two years ago and I still use a B8 pro 16 and 18 inch medium crash in my kit, the 16 really cuts well, has a quick and bright sound, but is nice because if you strike it easy the crash is really subdued but still cuts through well, and the 18 cuts well but has a slower response, and is not as bright, but it also make a decent ride also.

I use both of these cymbals recording and for live sound, in conjunction with my AA metalX's.
 
I totally agree with Scrubs. Don't buy junk. Buy the cymbal that you want the most first and then save up for the next one.

I also love the Ks...but use regular New Beats for my hats.

Peace out etc.,

JD
 
Thanks for the help, yeah, it makes sense now to do things right the first time. One further, really basic, question - sheet cymblas are generally less expensive than cast, right?
 
Listen to these guys. If you are serious about drums than get decent cymbals. Keep what you have and upgrade you hats first and then get a decent 16" crash then maybe a ride cymbal. After that you have the basics and from there you just get what ever feel you are missing.
Bottom line, if you buy cheap cymbals you will not like them and they won't inspire you to play. They also sound like crap recorded. ;)
 
32-20-Blues said:
Thanks for the help, yeah, it makes sense now to do things right the first time. One further, really basic, question - sheet cymblas are generally less expensive than cast, right?
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Yes, except for Paiste, but let's not get into that whole debate again :eek: . Just get the ones that sound good to you.
 
IMO, the cymbals are more important than the drums (except for maybe the snare).

with a budget of $250, you need to be looking at used cymbals. i would advise looking at a Zildjian A Ride and a pair of NewBeats.

do NOT skimp on the cymbals.....cheap cymbals will ruin a recording FAR faster than cheap drums.


cheers,
wade
 
Yeah, what they said. Cheap drums can sound good with the right tuning. Cheap cymbals... will sound cheap. I'm absolutely in love with my Zildjians: K-series dark crash, turkish ride and thin crash, A-custom splash, and avedis crash. I'd definitely save up for each cymbal in turn, get them when you have the spare cash.
 
glad to see i'm not alone. i play a K Custom Dark ride and an assortment of A, A Custom, K and K Custom hats, crashes and splashes. the only "outlier" is a wuhan china.


cheers,
wade
 
Yeah, the only strange thing in my cymbals is a trashed-up Paiste crash, it's been cracked and chipped and destoryed so much it sounds good.
 
Yeah, the only strange thing in my cymbals is a trashed-up Paiste crash, it's been cracked and chipped and destoryed so much it sounds good.
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haha funny that, I hated my Paiste 16" crash so much I bashed it with a hammer till it inverted and went all wonky. Sounds lush now! :D
 
theTentacled1 said:
haha funny that, I hated my Paiste 16" crash so much I bashed it with a hammer till it inverted and went all wonky. Sounds lush now! :D
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Haha yeah, at one point I think someone stepped on mine, and it inverted and i used it as a kind of china-like whatsit, until it flipped back. It's my fiancee's favorite cymbal, because it sounds so much like a trash-can lid.
 
Cool, I'll bear all this in mind. My plan now is to save around 300 for hats, first of all, then build it up slow.

Thanks to everyone who helped me on this, I appreciate it so much. If any of you need help with anything to do with guitars, let me know.

Thanks again.
 
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