Solving The Mystery of Cymbal Selection

Solving The Mystery of Cymbal Selection by Ken Crisp

Cymbal selection is a very personal process for the set drummer. The set drummer will often play test many different cymbals to select the exact sound and response they want. They may change drum kits many times, but use the same set of cymbals for years and only add cymbals for special effects. when it comes to selecting cymbals for the school band or jazz band program sometimes we need to be a little less discriminating.

In the school band program we typically see the school purchasing a drum set that will be used for many years by several different percussionists. With this in mind we tend to pick cymbals for that drum kit that fit the needs of the band in a more general way.

Here are a few helpful characteristics of cymbals:

1. The fundamental characteristic if a cymbals sound and performance use is size and weight. Terms like ride, crash, splash, and hi hat were not used until the 1940's and 1950's.

2. The bell of the cymbal is important in determining how long the cymbal sustains. Generally crash cymbals have a smaller bell than ride cymbals.

3. The curvature, or profile of the cymbal helps determine the overall pitch of the cymbal. The higher the profile, the higher the pitch of the cymbal.

4. The weight of the cymbal helps define the articulation of the cymbal. Thicker cymbals have clearer articulation than thinner cymbals, although thinner cymbals seem to respond quicker.

When purchasing cymbals for a drum kit, sometimes it is better to think in terms of a set of cymbals instead of thinking of purchasing individual cymbals.

A basic cymbal set might include:

1-18" to 20" Medium weight ride cymbal
1-16" crash cymbal
1 - set medium 14' hi hat cymbals ( top cymbal lighter than the bottom)

To this basic cymbal set you might add some of the following if needed.

1 or 2 larger crash cymbals, such as a 17" and an 18". 1- splash cymbal, 6" or 8" 1-Medium China cymbal. China cymbals are inverted and are used for special effects. They will produce a more "trashy" sound and can be used as either a crash or a special effect ride cymbal.

In any case, when purchasing cymbals, you get what you pay for. It doesn't pay to buy anything but the highest quality. Most percussionists would agree that the most popular brands of cymbals are Zildjian and Sabian. Either of these brands are acceptable for school band and jazz band programs. Cymbals are also available from these brands in box sets. Some suggested box sets might include:

Zildjian:
A Custom 4 Pack
A Zildjian 4 Pack
ZBT 4 Pack

Sabian:
Sabian AAX Stage Set
Sabian XS20 Box Set
Sabian B8 Performance Set

Ken Crisp
Palen Music Center