Cymbals

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tworth

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Can anyone recommend a good sounding set of cymbals (high hats, crash and a ride) for under 200 for the set?
 
No.

Sabian B8's and Zildjian ZBT's are ok, but not really what I would call "good" sounding. Maybe "good for the price." I started with ZBT's, and they actually were durable and not horrible for recording. If $200 is all you can afford, pick one of those two packs and start saving up to replace them.
 
Sabian B8 Pro,....maybe???????? Maybe a little more. Theyre really not that bad sounding for a "lower" line cymbal. They are a little brighter.
But for under $200 you cant expect a whole lot. A decent set of hi hats are at least that much.
 
I like the B8's - especially once they get a little old. I have an 18" medium-crash B8 and an 18" Zildjian ZBT medium-crash. The B8 records better and sounds much better live.
 
If cash is tight try and get some decent 2nd hand cymbals. A decent set of hats and a nice crash would be enough to keep you going for a while. I've never been a fan of the boxed sets
 
Cheap Cymbals

I would recommend finding good used cymbals at a drumshop, pawn shop, or ebay (this might be hard these days). Look for older (i.e., not vintage) Zildijian A's or Sabian AAs as a starting point. You might find other types that are better than theis if you get lucky.

I recommend a HiHat combo with medium top/heavy bottom "a.k.a., New Beat or regular hat" type HiHats. My recomendation would be a 20" medium ride and 16" or 18" thin crash.

IMHO that would be a better option for recording cymbals then buying B8s or ZBTs or whatever the new stamped out cheap cymbals are these days.

Earl
 
Forget about ZBTs and B8s...
Get the Dream Bliss cymbals...
Run to your store and try them... they´re making noise all over the globe.
 
scrubs said:


LMAO 1st thing I thought as well

although I did manage to score a 10" A custom splash, an 8" sabian brilliant splash & a set of hihats for £25 :D
 
Jesus, I paid near that for each cymbal.....

I doubt you'll find anything that's anywhere near "good" for under 200 bucks. You might get away with "meh", but don't expect any earth-shattering quality or sound out of cheaper cymbals. They'll also break like nothing (6 mo - 1yr lifespan with a heavy hitter TOPS)

Save up, and either get Zildjian K/A customs (which I have), get Sabians, or get a little saucy and get some Istanbul Agops or Bosphorus cymbals...all of which sound PHENOMINAL!!!

It's really all about taste. Find cymbals that sound good to YOU. make sure they're cast cymbals and not sheet....sheet cymbals are trash and keyhole like a mutha trucka...also try to get hand-hammered cymbals. They have a more diverse, irregular feel that makes them sound less "robotic" (pattern-stamped cymbals) *just my preference*

P.S. used cymbals actually sound BETTER than new ones... They develop a lot of tone/beauty when played and aged for decades... As long as they're in good shape (no keyholes, cracks, warps, etc.), they're a safe bet (Zildjian, Sabian, etc.). I wouldn't trust any no-name brands in a 2nd hand shop, but definately jump on any of the higher lines from the brands I mentioned above. Good luck and keep us posted ;-)

-Joel
 
tworth said:
Can anyone recommend a good sounding set of cymbals (high hats, crash and a ride) for under 200 for the set?

nope. a decent ride cymbal will run you at least $200 itself. as will a decent set of hats.

Scimitars, ZBTs, B8s can be found for under $200. they're usable (in that you can hit em and they'll make a clanging noise), but they won't sound "good".

the best advice i can give you is to save your money and buy good cymbals. good cymbals aren't cheap and great cymbals are even more expensive.


cheers,
wade
 
I'm no drummer, but I've found that I really like the sound of Paiste cymbals. Especially for recording apps.

I've got two drumsets sets in my "studio" right now with Sabian B8's and B8pros on them and they're OK. They sound really "thick" if you know what I mean, not very transparent swwwiiiish, but more abrasive. Damn, it's hard to explain cymbal sounds. Definitely keep B8's dirty. The one drumset with the really clean one's - I can hardly stand how brittle they sound, but the other set with the worn in b8's, they sound pretty good!
 
yeah again, no.

my hats alone were $200 and they were used too..

but if i had to buy cheap cymbals *shudder* i would get either B8's or meniel makes some decent cheap crap.
 
i just bought the ZBT 4-pro pack last week. i am outa town and wont be back in a week so they arent set-up yet...you guys are making me feel like i made a mistake. but oh well i'll get back to you guys on how they are.
 
scorpio01169 said:
i just bought the ZBT 4-pro pack last week. i am outa town and wont be back in a week so they arent set-up yet...you guys are making me feel like i made a mistake. but oh well i'll get back to you guys on how they are.

You only made a mistake if you could afford something better and didn't buy them.

I have zbt's. I'll be upgrading when the cash is readily available.

You do what you have to do.
 
scorpio01169 said:
you guys are making me feel like i made a mistake.
what willis said. my first set of cymbals were Zildjian Scimitar Bronze, which the ZBT line later replaced (improved upon? made worse? i dunno). they are wholly OK. like i said, they're good at *being* cymbals, but they won't ever impress anyone with how they sound. but they crash and chick and ride just fine.

but sonically, the difference between my Scimitar ride and my K Custom Dark is staggering. One sounds like a trashcan lid, the other has a smooth wash and well-defined stick sound. let's not even discuss which one records better. :D


cheers,
wade
 
^ I almost got a dark ride, but ended up getting a 20" K Custom Session ride (LSR) and a 22" A Custom Ping ride (RSR)....they're both amazing... How does it sound?
 
the K Custom Dark sounds great. well-defined stick response and an excellent wash. very mellow sounding cymbal. it's the sound i was looking for. the only other ride i'd want is one of those Sabian Paragons--they sound like the old Zildjian A's used to.


cheers,
wade
 
I picked up a worn Sabian AA 16" medium crash on Ebay for $41
A like new Paiste Innovations 20" ride for $102
I did end up spending more on hats, but bargains are to be had if you are vigilant
 
Sabian B8s all the way, they are great. I like them a lot more than the B8 Pros, too.
 
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