It can be overwhelming when you're looking at all the cymbal types offered today. Few people can afford to buy one of every model just to try them out in different set-ups.
So what do you do? Get educated on what is available, how they function, and what would be most fitting for your circumstance. That's what the following article aims to guide you in. So let's get started!...
Hi HatThe hi hat is a core element in the drum set because it is used as the primary time keeper. It is actually a pair of cymbals mounted on a specialized stand.
Here's how is basically works: The bottom cymbal rests on the stand while the top is fastened to a spring-loaded rod that moves up and down by a foot pedal. The cymbals can then be closed together or opened in a variety of ways to change the sound when hit.
Typical cymbals used for the hi hat are 13"-14". There are slightly larger and smaller sizes available but they aren't commonly used. You can buy the top or bottom separate, but it is best to buy them as a pair to ensure sonic matching.
When selecting a hi hat, be sure that the bottom cymbal is thicker than the top. This will give a crip sound and encourages a nice "chick" sound when closed.
A couple of other innovations on the bottom cymbal include a "wavy" bottom which increases the volume of hat when closed. You can find this feature on Zildjian's "mastersound" models, Sabian's AAxelerator and Pro, Paiste and Meinl soundcater hats. Another unique approach involves small holes in the bottom cymbal to prvent "air lock"(e.g. AAX fusion hats). The result is a much faster and tighter hi hat cymbal pair.
Regarding quality, you should consider spending extra money for your hi hat cymbals. WHY? Because the hi hat is heard more than any other cymbal, and it gets the greatest workout in the group- so you want a set that will hold up over time.
Ride CymbalNext to the hi hat, the ride cymbal is the second most important time keeper of the cymbal types. It is typically the largest cymbal in your setup and has a nice open sound. Ride cymbals range from 18"-24", with 20" or 22" being the most popular sizes.
The bell (or domed center) is usually quite big which allows for prounced accents within a rhythm or dedicated patterns on or off the beat, or what ever interesting pattern you can dream up.
Ride cymbals vary in thickness, which has an influence on attack, volume, and tone of the sound. Where you're playing and what genre of music you play will dictate the type of ride you should look at. For instance, a thicker ride produces a louder and sharper sound, so it would be better suited for rock or metal.
Cost is not as important for ride cymbals since the feel and sound should guide your choice. For example- a sheet bronze "student" cymbal may work great for you situation due to its attack and sustain. A cast bronze may simply be too shimmery.
Crash CymbalWhile the hi hat and ride have stayed close to their roots, the crash cymbal family has grown so large that it will best to be presented in categories. Starting with...
Traditional
The standard crash cymbal can be deemed "traditional" since this was the original cymbal. Crashes are designed to accent a rhythm. If you pay close attention to most songs, you'll notice that that bass drum is often struck at the same time as the crash to provide more body to the sound.
They range in size from 14" - 19" and vary in thickness from minty thin to chunky fat (sounds tasty eh?!)
The heavier and larger diameter crashes are actually more like hybirds between rides and crash cymbals. They have larger bells and a vary in attack and sustain depending on the type of metal, thickness, and finish.
Large crash cymbals work well to either expand your current range or limit the number of cymbals needed since they serve well as a light ride.
As a general rule, keep the pitch range spread out so that your "voices" are effective when speaking throughout a song. One great thing about having a range of crashes is that you can interchange them according to where you'll be playing and the musical genre you're grooving to. So go ahead and stockpile these babies!
Splash CymbalSplash cymbals are mixed with traditional crashes to give more color and variation. They range from 6" - 12" and have a high pitch / low volume / short sustain.
Splash cymbal sound great when hit in unison with a snare drum or tom. You can also use them as primary crashes if you're playing in a small room at low volumes.
A standard cymbal stand is fine for mounting splashes but specialized boom arms are preferred by many drummers to conserve space and improve positioning. Another useful mounting device is called a "cymbal stacker" (shown above).
Finally, you can invert a splash cymbal on top of a traditional crash. The sound is dampened only slightly and you save space with a pretty cool look.
If you decide to experiment with this, be sure to have an extra long plastic sleeve so that the stand's bolt does not come into contact with the metal.
Add one or more splashes to your cymbal mix and have fun with placement and use in songs!
China CymbalThe china cymbal is often used like a splash cymbal. You'll also find it used within a rhythm to accent a ride pattern. They can be found in sizes ranging from 12" - 22". Many drummers will use only one 18" since they varying sizes overlap in sound so closely.
Chinas have the most unique shape of the cymbal types. In particular, the edge is turned up to aid in its signature "trashy" sound. The tone is bright and cuts through the mix very well.
Be careful though, if not used in good taste, a china cymbal can actually take away from your overall sound.
When it comes to price, use your ear as a guide and not your wallet. There are many cymbal companies (such as Wuhan) that offer a great sounding chinas at affordable prices.
Effects CymbalsEffects cymbals were created for many different purposes. You can find them in a wide range of sizes and shapes. The first and biggest use is for accents. Due to their unusual and cutting sounds, the "use sparingly" rule applies here as well.
Some effects cymbals have been created to meet the needs of certain musical genre such as "techno". In fact Sabian, Zildjian and Meinl have created entire lines aimed to produce synthetic sounds. Ironic isn't it?
It is truly fun to try different cymbal types in a mix. Keep the core hi hat, ride, and crash. Then slowly blend other types to suit your main musical genre and playing style. Have fun and remember to use taste when adding non-standard sounds to a song!
hope this thread helps
