Members The Professiona Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 ... if you don't mind, that is. I'm looking to get some more variety around my kit without putting a lot of money into it (at the moment). Call it more of a, I'm looking to try out some new cymbal arrangements and set-ups, and since none of the local music stores will let me take home their entire inventory to try out for a few weeks, I figure I should buy some inexpensive effects. But I don't want crap. So, my question is, of the non-big-Three (Paiste, Zildjian, Sabian) brands, what are considered alternative good brands of cymbals, that don't cost quite as much as these? And yes, I know, I know that it can be pretty subjective, so my question is not about me asking you to help me pick out good-sounding cymbals. I'm talking about (and asking for) information on well-made-but-inexpensive cymbals which are not in those higher prices. Any thoughts on the subject? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members drumsdb Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 You can normally find an odd sized Wuhan China for $10-$30.I have a 14" mini-china that I love and only cost me $10. Also, keep an eye out on craigslist for people selling that sort of thing also. You can also get some broken or cracked cymbals cheep and make effects that way. DB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members zildjian@consol Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 You might give Stagg cymbals a look or Wuhan traditions.Both brands from what I hear are hit and miss on sound,hope you find what your looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members marko46 Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 Both of those recommendations are good. For a tad more cash, Saluda's a decent brand. Also Dream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 Cheap cymbals sound cheap, and can only be made to sound cheaper. Cheap drums can be made to sound like good drums. Just saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jenksdrummer Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 Also, for cymbal setups...I've cut out cardboard circles in the size of many cymbals to see how things would lay out. Yes, it's kind of goofy and it's not 100% accurate, BUT, it does give you a pretty damn good idea where things can and can't go, and what you'll run into. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Eyehearya Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 If you're looking for a good splash go for the Wuhan 12". Best splash value on the market, IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 1001gear Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 Cheap cymbals sound cheap, and can only be made to sound cheaper.Cheap drums can be made to sound like good drums.Just saying. There's usable tone in cheap stuff. I went through a period with a cookie sheet for a ride, a baking pan with bare wire taped to it for a snare, and a desk shelf - still on the desk, for a kick. Real sticks though. There's no substitute for good cymbals but any array of sounds will make music - if YOU can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members marko46 Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 There's usable tone in cheap stuff. I went through a period with a cookie sheet for a ride, a baking pan with bare wire taped to it for a snare, and a desk shelf - still on the desk, for a kick. Real sticks though. There's no substitute for good cymbals but any array of sounds will make music - if YOU can. +1 1K1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jarick Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 I like Saludas but I think I'm the only one who prefers them to the big three. Also everyone loves Dream for super dark jazzy stuff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members marko46 Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 I like Saludas but I think I'm the only one who prefers them to the big three. Also everyone loves Dream for super dark jazzy stuff. I just ordered a new 17" Tesla crash. I requested a little extra lathing on the edge and a larger bell IF he can do it. Also, I ordered a 6" Tesla bell, and a 6" and 7" V-Bells. So I can appreciate a good deal of Jamie's inventory to the big three.. I think I'll then own 5 Saluda Cymbals, two sets of Hi-Hats (one set from you I think) and the three bells. I think Jamie does a nice job I you hit on the series that is pleasing to your ears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members xtranoise Posted October 28, 2010 Members Share Posted October 28, 2010 I'm another happy Saluda user, but Marko makes a good point to find a series that sounds good to you. I have cymbals from most of Saluda's line and some I prefer to others. Right now I find I favor my Diamond and Nemesis series. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members D Carroll Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 I love my Saluda, and my Dream. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rdrummer322 Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 I have a couple of cheap Agazarian splashes (6 and 8) I got at Guitar center for next to nothing. I went through about 30 pair combinations in the store before I picked the 2 that sounded best together though. They are mounted in my set above the 10 inch Ryobi sawblade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members The Professiona Posted October 29, 2010 Author Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 Thanks for all the responses! It seems Dream and Saluda are a couple brands worth looking into. I suppose I should clarify, I'm not buying cymbals just so I'll have enough to place around my kit to rearrange things - if that were the case, I'd just cut out cardboard like someone said. I'm looking to find ways to experiment with my drumming style, and one way I want to do that is to be a bit more percussive in accent cymbals. For the record, I'm also adding a lot of percussion to my kit, but I know what percussion sounds good - the cymbals need trial and error, so I want to start with not-too-expensive. The Wuhan 12" splash mentioned will probably be the first thing I try - what about weird effects cymbals, like the new Sabian Ozones and such - any cheaper brands doing some crazy stuff like that? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members tspit74 Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 Dream for jazz. Personally, I'd stick to hats and rides. I haven't had more than one crash in 20 years. But I have a bunch of rides and hats by the big 3. Once a scrape a little money together, I'll pick up a Dream ride and hats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members marko46 Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 Thanks for all the responses! It seems Dream and Saluda are a couple brands worth looking into.I suppose I should clarify, I'm not buying cymbals just so I'll have enough to place around my kit to rearrange things - if that were the case, I'd just cut out cardboard like someone said. I'm looking to find ways to experiment with my drumming style, and one way I want to do that is to be a bit more percussive in accent cymbals. For the record, I'm also adding a lot of percussion to my kit, but I know what percussion sounds good - the cymbals need trial and error, so I want to start with not-too-expensive.The Wuhan 12" splash mentioned will probably be the first thing I try - what about weird effects cymbals, like the new Sabian Ozones and such - any cheaper brands doing some crazy stuff like that? I just bought a new 18" Ozone, which I love. And to answer your question, yes Saluda has a Ozone copy in addition to a hexagonal in the new Tesla line very similar to Sabian's. Don't know how either sound though. I do know that Whiplash Band loved his Hex from Sabian, and I dug my EFX A Custom, but it's got some small cracks at the ends of the holes and it's paper thin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members zildjian@consol Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 Thanks for all the responses! It seems Dream and Saluda are a couple brands worth looking into.I suppose I should clarify, I'm not buying cymbals just so I'll have enough to place around my kit to rearrange things - if that were the case, I'd just cut out cardboard like someone said. I'm looking to find ways to experiment with my drumming style, and one way I want to do that is to be a bit more percussive in accent cymbals. For the record, I'm also adding a lot of percussion to my kit, but I know what percussion sounds good - the cymbals need trial and error, so I want to start with not-too-expensive.The Wuhan 12" splash mentioned will probably be the first thing I try - what about weird effects cymbals, like the new Sabian Ozones and such - any cheaper brands doing some crazy stuff like that? try used on Ebay,all kinds of weird stuff for cheap.If you don't like it resale it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cearleywine Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 I love Dream. For all-around purposes check out the Contact line. For jazzy, dark and washy go for the Bliss. The large paperthin crashes have a similar tone to o-zones, but longer decay and better riding surface. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members twosticks Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 I will agree with the others plus might also check out Meinl cymbals. I would also check out craigslist or e-bay for deals on the big three. I would also go by local music stores, GC and the like to see what they have on clearance. Pawn shops, cosignment shops as well. Alternative places to find and buy cymbals plus look for closeouts on entry level by the big three as well. Just meaning that you may be about to find a used Sabian B8 crash for around the same price as a new Wuhan or Meinl cymbal and then could have a decent entry Level cymbal for around the same price as a lesser known newer cymbal. good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members xtranoise Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 I have bought several used cymbals through eBay and this and the Saluda forum, only got burned once (small cracks I could not see so seller probably did not see them either). Also, and I think someone mentioned this already, the big companies have some lesser expensive lines as well. I once had some Paiste PST 5 cymbals that were decent and the Sabian XS20, though not a "budget" line maybe, has some nice pies. Also the whole Sabian SR2 line of "refurbished" cymbals which you can check out at mycymbal.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jarick Posted October 29, 2010 Members Share Posted October 29, 2010 Only problem with Wuhan is some sound like garbage, others sound amazing. If you've got some spare cymbals to dump, e-mail Saluda and ask about a trade-in, then see if he's got some weird stuff sitting around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members 1001gear Posted October 30, 2010 Members Share Posted October 30, 2010 Speaking of PSTs ^ , in addition to my Sabian B8 rides - which I love, I have a Paiste Hammered Brass Tones ride which actually passes for a good desirable jazz ride lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.