This thread isn't to start bashing each others preferences or anything but just curious to see each drummer's personal preference when it comes to cymbals and what they like the best and why?
Again...just for conversation piece.
Drummer Cymbal Talk
Drummer Cymbal Talk
"Everyone needs to believe in something. I believe I'll have another beer."
Hats - Zildjian 14" A-Customs
Bought them because I liked the sound. If I could go back, I would have spent less money and bought something that sounded a little less awesome. They're great, but they cost a TON.
Ride - Old ass 1970's Zildjian Scimitar
Inherited this from my uncle. Still sounds good, so I keep playing it
Crashes - 16" and 18" Z-Custom Rock Crashes
Bought them because they're like 1/4" thick and I figured I wouldn't break them. I used to break cymbals a lot, these are still intact.
Bought them because I liked the sound. If I could go back, I would have spent less money and bought something that sounded a little less awesome. They're great, but they cost a TON.
Ride - Old ass 1970's Zildjian Scimitar
Inherited this from my uncle. Still sounds good, so I keep playing it
Crashes - 16" and 18" Z-Custom Rock Crashes
Bought them because they're like 1/4" thick and I figured I wouldn't break them. I used to break cymbals a lot, these are still intact.
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RobTheDrummer
- Diamond Member
- Posts: 5227
- Joined: Tuesday Dec 10, 2002
- Location: Tiptonia, Pa
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KyleMayket
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 563
- Joined: Friday Feb 15, 2008
- Location: Johnstown,PA
I'm really digging my Sabian XS 20's. 14" Rock Hats are super loud and cutting, 20" Rock ride has a nice ping and a slow wash with a great bell, and 16" and 18" Rock crashes are musical yet in your face. Nice thick cymbals that should last for a long time, and I have an 18" Wuhan china (they're cheap and damn do they sound good) but I'm upgrading to the 24" Wuhan and getting the 18" Sabian XS 20 china, that should complete the kit.
If I ever see an amputee getting hanged... I'm just gonna start yelling out letters...
The only cymbals I'm particular about are the ride and hi hats, in that order. I tried every ride cymbal at Dale's before I picked a Sabian Paragon 22". It is very clean sounding. It cuts through withOUT the "ping" of the Zildjian Ping rides. I usually use a nylon tip, but it's richness increases with a wood tip.
The hi hats I got were mostly picked for the nice "chick" sound when used with the pedal. They are full and rich sounding. Zildjian A Custom Mastersound. I don't like the cutting, high pitched hi hats that I see a lot. They sound tinny to me, even if they do cut through.
I always figured that a crash (after you get the sense of pitch and sustain) can be used to fit what ever you're playing.
Crashes I trend to buy on a whim. They all have a general "pitch" no matter who the maker is. I usually run them high pitch to low pitch - left to right around the kit.
My crashes (sometimes I use all of them - sometimes only a couple) include:
Zildjians,
A Medium crash 18" - low pitch with long sustain.
A Custom crash 18" - slightly higher in pitch and less sustain of the fundamental pitch.
A Custom 16" - higher in pitch medium sustain
Sabian: AAXplosian 17" - sounds close to the 16" A custom
Splash Cymbals: All Zildjians:
Custom Dark Crash K series 14"- sound sustains longer than a traditional splash but less than a traditional crash
Custom Dark Splash K series 12"
A Splash 10"
China:
Sabian Paragon 19" - Extremely "trashy" sounding. Medium sustain, but I like it that way.
The hi hats I got were mostly picked for the nice "chick" sound when used with the pedal. They are full and rich sounding. Zildjian A Custom Mastersound. I don't like the cutting, high pitched hi hats that I see a lot. They sound tinny to me, even if they do cut through.
I always figured that a crash (after you get the sense of pitch and sustain) can be used to fit what ever you're playing.
Crashes I trend to buy on a whim. They all have a general "pitch" no matter who the maker is. I usually run them high pitch to low pitch - left to right around the kit.
My crashes (sometimes I use all of them - sometimes only a couple) include:
Zildjians,
A Medium crash 18" - low pitch with long sustain.
A Custom crash 18" - slightly higher in pitch and less sustain of the fundamental pitch.
A Custom 16" - higher in pitch medium sustain
Sabian: AAXplosian 17" - sounds close to the 16" A custom
Splash Cymbals: All Zildjians:
Custom Dark Crash K series 14"- sound sustains longer than a traditional splash but less than a traditional crash
Custom Dark Splash K series 12"
A Splash 10"
China:
Sabian Paragon 19" - Extremely "trashy" sounding. Medium sustain, but I like it that way.
Alot of guys go with what "so and so" uses and buy cymbals that are currently in vogue, which is fine. I've done that myself over the years, but now I've got certain expectations and characteristics from cymbals that I am looking for. With that being said, I have been a Paiste guy for quite some time. For me, they give me what I want from a cymbal. I like bright, crisp, cutting crashes that are pretty loud to compliment the drums and the style of music I play. I currently play Paiste 2002 medium crashes, 18" and 20". I also like their signature line very much. I have power crashes in the signature line that I really like.
For ride cymbals, I like a nice dry stick definition with not too much wash, unless I want it, and a strong cutting bell sound. I like my ride to be high pitched and cutting. A Paiste signature dry heavy ride is just the ticket for me.
Hi-hats need to give me a strong "chick" sound with a nice crisp and powerful wash when played open. Paiste signature sound edge hats (with the rippled bottom) deliver time and time again, as well as 2002 hats.
From a historical perspective, players who have used Paiste 2002 crashes and hats include John Bonham from Zeppelin, Ian Paice from Deep Purple, Simon Kirke from Bad Company and Alex Van Halen...to name a few. I like the deep tradition that the 2002's have and feel comfortable using them. I think Paiste has a wonderful range of sounds and I think they sound great. Just my opinion.
For ride cymbals, I like a nice dry stick definition with not too much wash, unless I want it, and a strong cutting bell sound. I like my ride to be high pitched and cutting. A Paiste signature dry heavy ride is just the ticket for me.
Hi-hats need to give me a strong "chick" sound with a nice crisp and powerful wash when played open. Paiste signature sound edge hats (with the rippled bottom) deliver time and time again, as well as 2002 hats.
From a historical perspective, players who have used Paiste 2002 crashes and hats include John Bonham from Zeppelin, Ian Paice from Deep Purple, Simon Kirke from Bad Company and Alex Van Halen...to name a few. I like the deep tradition that the 2002's have and feel comfortable using them. I think Paiste has a wonderful range of sounds and I think they sound great. Just my opinion.
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ToonaRockGuy
- Diamond Member
- Posts: 3091
- Joined: Tuesday Dec 17, 2002
- Location: Altoona, behind a drumset.
I played Zildjians almost exclusively for 30 years before switching to Saluda. Like I said at the last drummer's get-together, Saluda must have done something right for me to switch, and boy, did they ever. I've also owned a few Sabians that I enjoyed, namely a 10" AA China Splash. Paiste, however, was never my voice, and I found their products way overpriced, in my opinion (Sorry, Clint).
My current setup, from left to right behind the kit:
14" Saluda Diamond Series Heavy Hi-Hats
16" Saluda Voodoo Brilliant Series Chinese
17" Saluda Mist-X Series Medium Crash
18" Saluda Diamond Series Medium Crash
18" Saluda Diamond Series Rock Crash
19" Saluda Mist-X Series Thin Dark Crash
20" Saluda Mist-X Series Brilliant Heavy Ride w/ low profile bell
17" Saluda Extreme Series Brilliant Chinese
Here's a top-down representation of the full kit:
My current setup, from left to right behind the kit:
14" Saluda Diamond Series Heavy Hi-Hats
16" Saluda Voodoo Brilliant Series Chinese
17" Saluda Mist-X Series Medium Crash
18" Saluda Diamond Series Medium Crash
18" Saluda Diamond Series Rock Crash
19" Saluda Mist-X Series Thin Dark Crash
20" Saluda Mist-X Series Brilliant Heavy Ride w/ low profile bell
17" Saluda Extreme Series Brilliant Chinese
Here's a top-down representation of the full kit:
Dood...
I too would never bash what anyone uses. Everyone has a sound that they like or search for. To each his own. As long as its what you like and fits your music GO FOR IT!!!
Touching on one item missed, A good hi hat set is as only as good as the stand you put it on. Meaning make sure your stand matches your cymbals up perfectly...some tend to wear and not let them match up evenly...This gives the best "chip-chip' sound.
I love heavy crashes with a thin bright accent so that's why I have 2 heavy 16" and a thin 17" in the middle. And my ride I like so heavy it barely rocks when played but has a deep bell to it. And that sound changes from wood to nylon tip sticks.
What I love about SALUDA is the personal attention you get. I use to buy of the rack and buying one at a time just never seem to get a matched set. Once I got my endorsement I spent several phone calls and emails describing what I play, sound I like, sound I want, and they built a matched set. I even described the ride I wanted and they custom made me one. I spoke with them a month ago talking about how I liked them. Any problems etc. Never got that from any other company. It's just good to talk to an individual personally instead of a "Dear Sir".
Here's my list:
(some sizes won't be listed on their page because they are custom made)
10" Mist X Splash
(2) 16" Mist Brilliant Crashes
17" Mist X Brilliant Crash
13" Mist X Hi Hats
20" Mist X Custom Raw Bell Ride
16" Voodoo Pure Chinese China
Last month I spoke with them about wanting a LOUD brighter China and they called me back and said they could custom build me a 22' Mist X China... Last night the DHL guy left this on my porch!!!
Touching on one item missed, A good hi hat set is as only as good as the stand you put it on. Meaning make sure your stand matches your cymbals up perfectly...some tend to wear and not let them match up evenly...This gives the best "chip-chip' sound.
I love heavy crashes with a thin bright accent so that's why I have 2 heavy 16" and a thin 17" in the middle. And my ride I like so heavy it barely rocks when played but has a deep bell to it. And that sound changes from wood to nylon tip sticks.
What I love about SALUDA is the personal attention you get. I use to buy of the rack and buying one at a time just never seem to get a matched set. Once I got my endorsement I spent several phone calls and emails describing what I play, sound I like, sound I want, and they built a matched set. I even described the ride I wanted and they custom made me one. I spoke with them a month ago talking about how I liked them. Any problems etc. Never got that from any other company. It's just good to talk to an individual personally instead of a "Dear Sir".
Here's my list:
(some sizes won't be listed on their page because they are custom made)
10" Mist X Splash
(2) 16" Mist Brilliant Crashes
17" Mist X Brilliant Crash
13" Mist X Hi Hats
20" Mist X Custom Raw Bell Ride
16" Voodoo Pure Chinese China
Last month I spoke with them about wanting a LOUD brighter China and they called me back and said they could custom build me a 22' Mist X China... Last night the DHL guy left this on my porch!!!
"Proud endorser of Saluda cymbals"
http://www.saludacymbals.com/c/bfogelsonger.php
"Growing old is mandatory,, Growing up is optional!"
http://www.saludacymbals.com/c/bfogelsonger.php
"Growing old is mandatory,, Growing up is optional!"
When I was more of a metal and alternative rock drummer, I played Zildjian cymbals exclusively. The only other cymbal I had on my kit was a Wuhan Lion China, which is an awesome cymbal too. I have owned and played several different series of Zildjian cymbals, from the cheaper bronze series to medium price range stuff. I haven't ever owned any of the more high end series.
Then, in combination with talking gear with Clint Carothers and changes in my musical tastes and style of playing, I discovered Paiste Signature series cymbals and now my entire setup is comprised of those. I currently play;
14" Paiste SS Hats
18" Paiste SS Dry Crisp Ride
16" Paiste SS Fast Crash
18" Paiste SS Fast Crash
6" Paiste SS Splash
10" Paiste SS Splash
Then, in combination with talking gear with Clint Carothers and changes in my musical tastes and style of playing, I discovered Paiste Signature series cymbals and now my entire setup is comprised of those. I currently play;
14" Paiste SS Hats
18" Paiste SS Dry Crisp Ride
16" Paiste SS Fast Crash
18" Paiste SS Fast Crash
6" Paiste SS Splash
10" Paiste SS Splash
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DrumAndDestroy
- Diamond Member
- Posts: 2373
- Joined: Monday Feb 05, 2007
- Location: Altoona
- Contact:
I have fallen in love with the Sabian APX line. The cymbals contain a lot of hi end cut but still retain mass amounts of body and projection. For me, it's the best of both worlds. I am drawn to higher pitches and lighter tones but have always found projection and body to be an issue with that. The APX line addresses my need quite well.
I am almost exclusively Sabian with the exception of my Wuhan china. The Wuhans offer such quick attack and such short, nasty decay that I love. I am not a big fan or washy and drawn out chinas such as some of the Zildjians I have heard.
My cymbal setup:
10" Sabian AA Splash
10" Sabian B8 Pro Splash
14" Sabian APX Hihats
17" Sabian AA Xplosion Crash
19" Sabian AA Metal-X Crash
20" Wuhan China
21" Sabian AA Dry Bell Ride
I am almost exclusively Sabian with the exception of my Wuhan china. The Wuhans offer such quick attack and such short, nasty decay that I love. I am not a big fan or washy and drawn out chinas such as some of the Zildjians I have heard.
My cymbal setup:
10" Sabian AA Splash
10" Sabian B8 Pro Splash
14" Sabian APX Hihats
17" Sabian AA Xplosion Crash
19" Sabian AA Metal-X Crash
20" Wuhan China
21" Sabian AA Dry Bell Ride