Sabian - Because Sound Matters

Selecting Your Cymbals

What style of music do you play? Do you know what cymbals and sounds you want? Some people have problems with the cymbals they choose. â??My cymbal sounded great in the store, but when I played it in my band it didn't sound the sameâ?? or â??I bought this cymbal only a couple of months ago and it's already brokenâ??. We occasionally hear these comments because players sometimes buy the wrong cymbals for their needs.

For example, a very thin cymbal sounds great when 'tested' (often tapped with a finger or 'played' lightly with a stick) in a store. That's because thinner cymbals respond easily. But if you're bashing out hard rock at the local club, that cymbal simply isn't strong enough to survive. So, our advice:

• Consider where and how you'll be playing the cymbal,
• Test it in the shop as you would if you were playing 'live' (go on, HIT it!) All that tapping with your finger, isn't really going to reveal what you really need to hear, and
• Try to create as 'normal' a situation as you can when you select a cymbal in a store. It's a totally different environment from where you would normally play.

Medium weight models are a good starting point. From there you can move up or down in weights until you find suitable sounds. The ride delivers your rhythm playing, so it should be heavier than the crashes, which should 'explode' with sound on contact.

Tips

• Set the cymbal on a stand and angle it as you would in your set-up. Then sit and play it as you normally would. This will reveal how it feels and how much sound you will hear from it in actual playing position.
• When 'testing' cymbals put yourself in the frame of mind as if you are playing with your band and 'play' the cymbal at a similar volume. Play it as light and as loud as you would and listen to where the sound 'kicks in' or 'kicks out'. Some cymbals perform best within certain volume ranges. It's good if you can test it with your other cymbals: bring those to the store.
• Have the salesperson or a friend play the cymbal while you walk around the store listening to it. Does it project? Is it musical enough? Is it too loud? Not loud enough?
• Use your own drumsticks.
• The opinions of others can be helpful in making the correct choice. The drum specialist at your music store can be a good source of information, so don't be shy, ask questions and get opinions.
• Be careful. The cymbal you like may not be the best one for your needs. Some simple rules: If you're a hard hitter or playing loud, choose bigger and heavier cymbals. They put out more volume and bigger sounds. Plus, heavier models are more durable and less likely to break.
• Smaller/thinner models are best for low-to mid-volume playing. Thinner crashes are not durable or loud enough to play as main crashes in high-volume situations. Heavier rides and hi-hats will give you more definite sticking, for cleaner, clearer and more penetrating strokes.
• Thinner cymbals are the ones that sound best when tapped by a finger... so play all the cymbals you're testing like you mean it to get the most accurate responses.