How to Buy the Perfect Cymbal for Your Needs

Your Guide to buying the best Cymbal

Overview

Cymbals are an integral part of any drum set. They can add dimension and color to a drum beat, and help define a drummer's sound. Choosing the right cymbals can be a daunting task, as there is a wide variety of styles, sizes, and brands available. This buying guide will provide detailed information about what to look for when purchasing cymbals, as well as tips on how to get the most out of them. From beginner-level cymbals to professional-grade models, this guide will help you find the perfect fit for your individual needs.

Key features

  1. Type of Cymbal: Consider what type of cymbal is desired including ride, crash, hi-hat, etc.
  2. Size: Consider the size of the cymbal - i.e. 14" to 22".
  3. Brand: Consider the brand of the cymbal. Popular brands include Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, Paiste, and more.
  4. Material: Consider the material of the cymbal. Most cymbals are made of bronze, but some are made of brass, B20 alloy, and more.
  5. Finish: Consider the finish of the cymbal. This will affect the sound and appearance of the cymbal.
  6. Price: Consider the price of the cymbal. As with any purchase, higher quality cymbals can be more expensive than lower quality ones.

See the most popular Cymbal on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Cymbals are known for their durability and longevity, making them a great long-term investment for drummers.
  • Versatility - Cymbals provide a wide variety of sounds, allowing drummers to create a unique sound that is tailored to their own individual style.
  • Affordability - Cymbals come in a variety of prices, making them accessible to all budget levels.
  • Sound Quality - Cymbals produce a clear and bright sound that is crisp and powerful.
  • Tone Options - Cymbals come in a variety of tones, allowing drummers to experiment and find the exact sound they are looking for.

Cons

  • Cost: Cymbals can be expensive, depending on the type and quality.
  • Size: Different cymbals have different sizes and sounds, so finding the right size may require some research.
  • Durability: Cymbals are made of metal, so they can become damaged easily if not properly maintained.
  • Quality: Different cymbals have different sound qualities, so it's important to choose one with the sound you want.

Best alternatives

  1. Hi-Hat Cymbals - Hi-hat cymbals feature two connected cymbals that enable a wide range of tones to be created.
  2. Crash Cymbals - Crash cymbals are designed to add a bright and powerful sound when used for accents, such as in rock and jazz genres.
  3. Ride Cymbals - Ride cymbals are designed to provide an even, sustained sound for long periods of time. They are often used in jazz and other genres of music.
  4. Splash Cymbals - Splash cymbals are typically used to provide a bright and short sound. They are often used in rock and jazz genres.
  5. China Cymbals - China cymbals are designed to provide a loud and intense sound. They are often used in rock and metal genres.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Cymbal Stand - A stand designed for holding and positioning a cymbal in an upright position.
  • Cymbal Bag - A protective bag for storing and transporting a cymbal.
  • Cymbal Felts or Washers - Felt washers used to secure cymbal to stand and protect from wear.
  • Cymbal Cleaner - A cleaning product designed to remove corrosion and grime from a cymbal.
  • Cymbal Mutes - Foam mutes used to reduce the volume of a cymbal when playing.

Common questions

  1. What types of cymbals are available? Cymbals are available in a variety of types, including hi-hats, crashes, splashes, ride, sizzle, chinas, pang, and stack cymbals.
  2. What sizes and weights of cymbals are available? Cymbals range in sizes from 8” in diameter to 24” in diameter. Additionally, they are available in different weights, such as heavy, medium, light, and extra-light.
  3. How do I choose the right cymbal for my playing style? It is important to consider the types of music you are going to be playing when selecting a cymbal. Different types of music require different sounds and characteristics from cymbals. Additionally, the size and weight of the cymbal will affect the sound, as heavier cymbals will have a wider range of frequencies, while lighter cymbals will have a more focused sound.
  4. What materials are cymbals made of? Cymbals are typically made of bronze, but can also be made of brass, steel, or even copper.
  5. What is the best way to care for my cymbal? Cymbals should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Additionally, cymbals should be regularly wiped down with a soft cloth to remove any dust or dirt.

Trivia

Cymbal is a unique platform that is designed to help people find the perfect music for their project. While the majority of users are from the music industry, there is an increasing number of people that are using Cymbal to find music for their own personal projects like videos, podcasts, and more. One funny story about Cymbal that has become an internet legend involved a music supervisor from the UK. They were tasked with finding music for a major Hollywood film and were struggling to find something that worked. After a few days of searching the web, the supervisor went to Cymbal and within a few minutes found the perfect track. The story goes that the supervisor danced around the office when he found the track, much to the surprise of his co-workers. Source: https://www.cymbal.fm/blog/cymbal-music-supervisor-story/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.