How to Choose the right Cymbals for your drum kit

1. Have an idea of what Cymbals you want prior to purchasing and how to choose the right Cymbals for your drum kit

It’s good to have an idea of what Cymbals you’d like to purchase and most importantly how to choose the right cymbals. A great way of doing this is to watch videos via YouTube check out other drummer’s cymbal setups and focus on the sound that captivates your ears and make a note of your choices.

Are you looking for a bright or dry trashy sound? With this guide, we’ll help you make the right decision.

2.What brand of Cymbals should I buy for my drum kit?

Remember you get what you pay for so it’s good to invest in a brand that will provide you with good quality Cymbals. There are many brands to choose from. As a result here’s a list of the most popular brands

Below are a list of various cymbals brands to choose from

Zildjian

Bosphorus

Sabian

Meinl

From my experience as a professional drummer, Meinl and Bosphorus have a cool, dry, trashy range of Cymbals. They’re becoming a big choice of purchase. We Recently had Grace Jones’s drummer buy a Bosphorus 18” Traditional series FX Cymbal. He used it as his main Crash cymbal. So you can be creative with your Cymbal setups.

Zildjian and Sabian have a distinctively bright, sharp range of Cymbals that cut through they also have a much darker range. I’d say have a listen to all the brands mentioned above and trust your ears. You’ll find how to choose the right cymbals brand and sound most suited to you.

3.How to choose the right Cymbals for a particular genre of music

The Amazing thing is there isn’t one set rule, for example, you’re a rock drummer, and you’ve come across a cymbal that really captivates your ears there’s nothing wrong with experimenting and trying new setups. Wouldn’t you rather have your own distinct sound that makes you stand out? If you’re a rock drummer looking for a big sound, Cymbal sizes ranging from 14’’  18’’ a thick diameter Cymbal would be a great choice to get that big prominent crash accent across.

You could also opt for a crash ride that gives big explosive bursts of sound. The great thing with that is you won’t have to work as hard to get a big sound!! The thicker the cymbal, the bigger the sound, so that’s ideal for the rock/pop genre of music you’re playing. The same applies for Hi Hat’s, I remember doing a big arena show when I was much younger using 8’’ Hi Hats I had to work 3xs as hard to get them to cut across and Resonate!! One word comes to mind (Exhausted) I wish I knew at the time how to choose the right cymbals

That was the wrong choice the right cymbal choice is definitely important so through an experience you live, and you learn!! Put me in the same position now I’d go for a minimum of 14’’ inch Hi-Hats. The same applies to drum sticks that I’ll touch on in my next blog. Play with ease Sound Big!! Bigger thicker cymbals result in a bigger sound, for genres of music such as Jazz you want to go for a ride diameter of 20” to 22” and darker tone drummers like Peter Erskine have mastered this setup choice.

4.How to Choose the right Jazz ride Cymbal

You want a ride with a sweet long sustain with a thin diameter to give the perfect shimmer which then allows the articulation in your playing to cut through without having to play too hard, This allows excellent control in your playing ideal for the genre of jazz drumming. A thin wider ride cymbal will give you a darker tone and a longer sustain.

So to conclude the thicker & bigger the cymbal, the louder it will be and the less playing force you’ll have to put in. The thinner the Cymbal, the darker the sound but, the harder you’ll have to play to get a big sound. Most suited in soft to touch articulate styles such as jazz.So it’s important to know how to choose the right cymbals

5.How to choose Cymbal durability and strength

Thinner Cymbals can crack under heavy playing force. Depending on the genre and your playing style it will determine your choice of cymbals for that particular style. If you’re a heavy hitter, then go for a thicker cymbal, in styles such as jazz that require a softer touch and more articulation go for a medium thin cymbal choice, so you don’t end up cracking you’re your way through your cymbals.

6. How to choose the right Cymbal cases

Hard Cases

I use the hard case when traveling abroad when my cymbals have to go through security and finally left in the planes under storage. The hard case is made from a rigid hard plastic that can take a hard bashing without your cymbals being damaged. Some hard cases also have wheels which enhances the portability similar to a travel suitcase with an adjustable handle. Most of the hard cases come with a lined padded foam inside to give a cushioning type effect. Some of the most popular hard case brands are

1.Hardcase

The Hardcase is designed to accommodate up to six cymbals up to 20- inches in diameter. Model number HN6CYM20. Very robust and It’s fitted with a protective plastic sleeve and 5 foam dividers. It also weighs 3.86 Kg. The package dimensions are as follows 65.8 x 63 x 15.5 cm.

Updated version

Variation two is the 22″ cymbal case model number HN9CYM22 housing up to 9 cymbals. Due to the curvature design this guarantees a secure standing position despite the opening on the base which is very convenient. It’s also built from a waterproof Material, so no need to worry when carrying this case in the rain. This one comes with wheels and a very secure handle. Finally the package dimensions are as follows 65 x 63 x 15 cm. weighing  5 Kg.

2.Zildjian

Zildjian 24″ Rolling Cymbal Vault Case. What a fantastic looking case travel with style. Holds up to 10 cymbals with the maximum diameter of 24” inches. Your cymbals will be protected with foam padding and also a shielded centre pole. This also comes with wheels and a foldable pull out handle. Therefore this is definitely a great all-rounder Cymbal case. Finally the package dimensions are as follows 69.8 x 80 x 21.6 cm. weighing 5.9 Kg.

3.Gator

Gator Drum Set Case (GP-PE302). This case holds Cymbals up to 22″ Diameter. Has a very comfortable handle the case itself is quite a light case weighing 4.08 Kg. and can hold up to 9 cymbals. This case doesn’t come with soft pads or dividers. The package dimensions are as follows 68.6 x 61 x 15.2 cm.

4.skb

Another great brand SKB Holds up to eight 22″ diameter cymbals it also has Four padded dividers for reliable protection.it has wheels and a  robust pull out handle. Has a sturdy high-tension slide release buckle therefore keeping the case securely shut. The downside to this case is that china cymbals and flat ride cymbals will not fit. The package dimensions are as follows 63.5 x 72.4 x 21.6 cm. weighing 6.76 Kg.

how to choose the right Soft Cases for your Cymbals

Soft cases are great as they offer various compartments to house your drum sticks note pads metronomes etc. They come with a removable pouch that goes in between each cymbal. Very durable and soft to protect your cymbals from scratching each other and causing damage. Some cymbal cases offer a rucksack option which is fantastic for stabilisation and equal weight distribution on your back while carrying them. I’ve also compiled a list of good quality long lasting soft cases that I’ve used over the years to help narrow down your choices and make choosing the right one a little easier.

1.Protection racket

Protection Racket 6020-00 22-Inch Deluxe Cymbal BagWhat a case. It does what it says and has super soft padding inside.

I use this case daily and has never let me down. It fits up to a 22″ ride in the main compartment and 15″ hi-hats in the outer compartment. This has a shoulder strap, and the base of the bag has a poly-prob runner in it to stop the cymbals from cutting through the bottom of the bag. The package dimensions are as follows 63.5 x 63.5 x 7.6 cm. weighing 2 Kg.

2.Ahead

Ahead Armor AR6023RS Deluxe Cymbal Bag with Strap. In contrast a definite Protection racket competitor. I use this case also between cymbal sets. It houses up to 24-inch cymbals. The brand makes very robust soft cases and has really taken the time out to make quality drum and cymbal cases as a result these will withstand the test of time!! This case also has the super rucksack feature!! Hence it being a true game changer!!! In my opinion worth every penny. The package dimensions are as follows 69.8 x 64.1 x 8.9 cm weighing 3.63 Kg.

3.Zildjian

The Zildjian 22″ Premium Cymbal Bag, Well padded dividers it comes with 5 in total Very durable. Consequently this case Can carry a total of 7 cymbals. Also the strap is ok not as padded as the others listed above but still durable. The front compartment can hold up to a 16″ in diameter cymbal and Includes a hi-hat Clutch holder. The bottom of the bag also includes a rubber protector. Finally the package dimensions are as follows 5.9 x 55.9 x 10.2 cm. Weighing 2.13 Kg.

Yours truly Drewdrums