Buying Guide for the Best Budget Cymbals
Choosing the right cymbals for your drum set can significantly impact your overall sound and playing experience. Cymbals come in various types, sizes, and materials, each contributing to different sound characteristics. Understanding the key specifications and how they align with your playing style and musical needs will help you make an informed decision. Here are the key specs to consider when selecting cymbals.Type of CymbalCymbals come in different types, including hi-hats, crash, ride, splash, and china cymbals. Each type serves a unique purpose in a drum set. Hi-hats are essential for keeping time, crash cymbals are used for accents, ride cymbals provide a steady rhythm, splash cymbals add quick, bright accents, and china cymbals offer a distinctive, trashy sound. Consider what type of music you play and what sounds you need to complement your style. For example, rock drummers might prioritize crash and ride cymbals, while jazz drummers might focus on hi-hats and ride cymbals.
SizeThe size of a cymbal affects its volume, sustain, and pitch. Larger cymbals (18 inches and above) tend to produce louder, lower-pitched sounds with longer sustain, making them suitable for genres like rock and metal. Smaller cymbals (under 18 inches) produce higher-pitched sounds with shorter sustain, which can be ideal for jazz, pop, or quieter settings. Choose a size that matches the volume and tonal quality you need for your music.
MaterialCymbals are typically made from different bronze alloys, with B20 (80% copper, 20% tin) and B8 (92% copper, 8% tin) being the most common. B20 cymbals are known for their rich, complex tones and are often preferred by professional drummers. B8 cymbals have a brighter, more cutting sound and are usually more affordable. Consider the sound characteristics you prefer and your playing level when choosing the material.
WeightThe weight of a cymbal influences its sound and response. Heavier cymbals produce louder, more sustained sounds and are less responsive to light playing, making them suitable for louder music genres like rock and metal. Lighter cymbals have a quicker response and produce softer, more delicate sounds, which are ideal for jazz and acoustic settings. Think about the dynamics of your playing style and the genre of music you play when selecting the weight of your cymbals.
FinishCymbals can have different finishes, such as brilliant or traditional. A brilliant finish is polished to a shiny surface, which can produce a brighter, more cutting sound. A traditional finish is less polished, offering a warmer, more complex tone. The finish can also affect the cymbal's appearance, so consider both the sound and the look you prefer when choosing a finish.