Cymbal Selection Guide: Building Your Sound

Cymbal selection guide helps drummers navigate the vast options available from major manufacturers. The cymbals chosen significantly affect overall drum sound and musical identity. Understanding cymbal types, characteristics, and how they serve different musical contexts enables building cymbal setups that support specific playing goals.

Understanding Cymbal Characteristics

Weight affects volume, sustain, and response. Heavier cymbals are louder with more sustain; lighter cymbals respond more easily and wash faster.

Size affects pitch and projection. Larger cymbals produce lower pitch with more volume; smaller cymbals produce higher pitch with focused sound.

Profile (how curved or flat the cymbal is) affects tone and response. Higher profiles produce more focused sound; flatter profiles create more wash.

Lathing (the grooves cut into cymbal surfaces) affects brightness and sustain. Heavily lathed cymbals are brighter; less lathing creates darker sounds.

Major Cymbal Manufacturers

Zildjian offers the broadest range across all price points. The A series provides bright, cutting sound; the K series offers darker, more complex character. Constantinople and Kerope lines serve jazz and specialty needs.

Sabian provides competitive options across similar ranges. The AA series parallels Zildjian A; the HH and HHX series offer darker sounds. Artisan and similar lines serve specialized applications.

Meinl has grown rapidly with innovative designs. The Byzance series spans bright to dark options; the Pure Alloy and HCS series serve different price points.

Paiste offers distinctive character with precise manufacturing. The 2002 series provides bright, powerful sound; the Masters and Signature series offer varied options.

Building a Basic Setup

A basic cymbal setup includes hi-hats, one or two crashes, and a ride. This configuration serves most musical situations.

Hi-hats provide rhythmic foundation. The choice between bright (Zildjian New Beats, Paiste 2002) and dark (Zildjian K, Sabian HHX) options affects overall kit character.

A primary crash for accents is essential. Medium-weight 16” or 18” crashes suit most applications. Additional crashes provide variety.

A ride cymbal handles constant playing. The choice between clearly defined bell-focused rides and washy, complex rides depends on musical style.

Expanding Your Setup

Additional crashes in different sizes and weights provide tonal variety. A lighter, faster crash complements a heavier, fuller crash.

Effects cymbals (chinas, splashes, stacks) add character for specific moments. These supplement rather than replace fundamental cymbals.

Secondary ride cymbals offer different sounds for different songs or sections. A bright ride and dark ride combination provides versatility.

Matching Cymbals to Music Style

Rock and pop typically use bright, cutting cymbals that project through amplified instruments. Zildjian A, Sabian AA, and Paiste 2002 suit these applications.

Jazz traditionally uses darker, more complex cymbals that respond to subtle playing. Zildjian K, Sabian HHX, and Meinl Byzance Traditional suit these applications.

Metal often requires heavy, powerful cymbals that maintain definition under aggressive playing. Zildjian A Custom, Sabian AAX, and Paiste Rude suit these applications.

Budget Considerations

Entry-level cymbals from all manufacturers provide usable sound for developing players. Zildjian I, Sabian SBr, Meinl HCS, and Paiste PST provide starting points.

Intermediate lines offer significant quality improvement. Zildjian S, Sabian XSR, and similar lines provide professional character at moderate pricing.

Professional lines command premium prices but provide superior tone and durability. The investment makes sense for serious players.

Buying Strategy

Start with essential hi-hats and a ride. These see constant use; quality in these positions matters most.

Add crashes as budget allows. Quality crashes make noticeable difference in overall kit sound.

Used professional cymbals often provide better value than new budget cymbals. The resale market offers quality at reduced prices.

Testing Cymbals

Cymbals should be heard before purchasing when possible. The same model can sound different between individual cymbals.

Test cymbals with sticks actually used for playing. Different sticks produce different sounds from the same cymbal.

Listen for characteristics that serve intended applications. Bright, cutting cymbals for rock; dark, complex cymbals for jazz.