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Thread: Cymbal Suggestions

  1. #1

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    Default Cymbal Suggestions

    So my A Custom 16" Crash has a crack. Still plays, but was thinking I would just replace it with the same.

    Now I'm thinking, keep the cracked 16 and baby it and get a different cymbal instead, stupid me!!!

    I mainly use an 18" A Custom Crash and my son's 16" A Medium crash (while he's not using it, it replaces the cracked 16), and then a few different weight Dream crashes. Hi-hats are either 14" Paiste 3000 (not very common) or Dream Bliss 14" Hats. For my d

    I play pop and rock, and I'm thinking maybe something with more power than even the 18" A Custom. I mostly only know Zildjian stuff, so....

    So have fun kids and make me some suggestions in reasonable price ranges.
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

  2. #2

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    Picked up some new Zildjian A's last year (the new thinner redesigned series). They're way different from the previous generation A's. Much thinner, still bright but a bit more mellow, not as gongy, with a softer feel. The Medium-Thins have a fuller sound than the Thins, which is to be expected. The Thin A's are pretty darn thin and sound like it. Since I got those I've tried some other cymbals and I keep going back to the Z A's. Absolutely love them. Fantastic all-around-use cymbals. If you're playing pop and rock (and country) they're perfect. If you haven't heard them, you need to try them out. I think you'll find them bright but not as bright and glassy as A Customs. Not harsh at all. Good dynamic range - you can get a variety sounds out of them.
    Gretsch Renown
    6,8,10,12,14,16,20,22
    Ludwig Supraphonic
    Zildjian
    15”, 16”, 18” K Dark Thin
    16”, 18” K Sweet
    16" A Custom EFX
    20" K Custom Dark Ride
    22” 60’s A Ride
    14" 50's Thin hats
    14” K Sweet hats

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    I've had A's my whole life (37 years of drumming), although I sold a few and gave the rest to my son. I'll have to give the new generation one's a listen if you think there's enough of a difference. My son's A is about 5 years old, so the older generation.

    I'm thinking NOT a 16, so not sure what to look at.

    Other brand ideas?
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    There is a big difference between the new A's and 5 year old A's. Don't discount a 16. My 16 medium thin is lower pitched than a 17 K dark thin I had. You'll be surprised. I know they're not sexy, but they're really good versatile cymbals.
    Gretsch Renown
    6,8,10,12,14,16,20,22
    Ludwig Supraphonic
    Zildjian
    15”, 16”, 18” K Dark Thin
    16”, 18” K Sweet
    16" A Custom EFX
    20" K Custom Dark Ride
    22” 60’s A Ride
    14" 50's Thin hats
    14” K Sweet hats

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    Quote Originally Posted by G-man View Post
    There is a big difference between the new A's and 5 year old A's. Don't discount a 16. My 16 medium thin is lower pitched than a 17 K dark thin I had. You'll be surprised. I know they're not sexy, but they're really good versatile cymbals.
    The thing is I already have 2 16's, the slightly cracked A Custom and the A Medium Thin.

    I was actually thinking of something bigger than 18.

    I'm not getting a lot of suggestions on this thread, which is typical for threads I start LOL, so I'll just have to hit some store and some cymbals
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    I can only really speak for what I have, which is three AAX Xplosion crashes. I have a 16, 17 and 18, and I used to have a 14. Obviously I am a huge fan of these crashes lol...they have a really nice shimmery glassy sound that cuts through really well. I think they'd be great for the kind of music you play. They sound very similar to the A Customs IMO.

    So yeah, highly recommended for sure!
    Matt

  7. #7

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    If I had to pick something besides A Customs, I'd check out either the Sabian AA or AAX (preferably AAX studio) crashes with brilliant finishes.

  8. #8

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    Thanks guys, I'll check out the Sabians. The closest GC to me and my local store don't have a lot of cymbals, so will have to travel a little to listen.
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    I tried many cymbals over the years and always came back to A customs. They have certainly improved over recent years, especially the projection crashes; if I was in your situation with the cracked 16" I would simply replace it with the same but that's me.. did you see the Inspiration pack from Zildjian yet? Not a fan of anything in packs as a rule but this is definately worth checking out
    Yamaha stage custom birch:

    22 kick, 12 rack, 16 floor

    Ludwig:

    Black Beauty 14x6.5 supra phonic

    Zildjian:

    14" A Custom mastersound Hi hats
    14" A Custom crash
    16" A Custom projection crash
    10" Avedis splash
    20" A. Custom projection ride

    miking:

    behringer Xenyx QXI1832uSB mixer
    Audix D6 kick
    shure SM57 snare
    shure PG56 rack
    shure PG52 floor
    shure PG81 (x2) hi hat/ride

    Tama speed cobra


  10. #10

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    Type in cymbal on craigslist.
    ZildjianLeague/LP/Aquarian/Mapex/Pearl
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    RIP- Frank, Wolvie, Les Paul
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  11. #11

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    Quote Originally Posted by Russ View Post
    Type in cymbal on craigslist.
    How is this helpful? I'm not looking for where to get used cymbals. I was looking for suggestions for models to look at.
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

  12. #12

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    Kaosotis. What sound are you after? I can give a whole range if I know what sound your after.
    "I don’t think a drummer should have to show off to get noticed. You’re like the conductor of a train. You keep the train on the tracks – let everybody else worry about everything else.” -Nathan Followill.

    Grear List
    Cymbals: Zildjian K
    15" Light Hi Hats
    14" Hi Hats
    18" Dark Thin Crash
    19" Dark Thin Crash
    22" Light Ride
    Drum Kit: Gretsch Catalina Maple
    12/14/20
    Snare: Ludwig
    Epic 14"x5.5 Soon to be upgraded.

    Keep the Peace!

  13. #13

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    Go listen to the Sabian HHX line. Either HHX Evolution (Weckl designed) or just the standard HHX line. I use HHX Xplosion crashes in 14", 16", 18" config. They're a little darker than the Zildjian A line but not as gongy. Unpolished bell with a brilliant finish:



    Edit:
    Sabian makes great video clips. I've attached the (5x) 18" Sabian crash cymbal clip. Use headphones.

    Last edited by late8; 08-12-2014 at 02:28 PM.

  14. #14

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    Ever given Paiste Signatures a go? Try the Full or Power Crashes if you're after some cymbals with a bit of weight behind them. Myself, one of my favourite crashes is my 14" Crystal Crash, a pretty thin cymbal with an unusually flat-topped bell. Not sure if Paiste still makes these or not though.
    "...it's the Paradigm Of The Cosmos!" Stewart Copeland on Youtube

    668: The Number Of The Guy Next Door To The Beast.

    "A random act of kindness; it keeps my heart in shape!" - Late8

  15. #15

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    Default Re: Cymbal Suggestions

    Why not try another 18" A Custom? If the current one you own is a medium try a medium thin (or vice versa) there should be a difference in tone between the two and should work together OK, may be a bit too samey though?.
    Personally I really like the Sabian AAX Explosion crashes - maybe try one of these if you are willing to go out of your Zildjian zone?

  16. #16

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    Food for thought! Thanks as always.

    I'll have to hit up Sam Ash and GC that are further away when time permits to take a listen. My local GC has a very limited inventory.
    Jesse

    1986 Tama Crestar - Lacquered Piano White
    2016 Roland TD-25K
    2015 Tama Starclassic B/B - Indigo Blue Sparkle

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