budget cymbals

I'm looking for some new cymbals and was wondering if anybody had any ideas. I was thinking either zildjian zht's or sabian xs20's. I don't know anything about paiste or meinl so I was wondering if anyone could steer me in the right direction.

What sound do you want?

what music do you play?

How much moola you got???

Agreed. That's key.

Check out

www.cymbalseller.com

Good dude. Samples to listen to. Has some great deals. Shows you the entire cymbal for any defects and such.

IMO you're better off getting two three great cymbals, than four or five so-so pies. You'll be happier in the long run.

I'm looking to spend no more than about $500. I play usually punk, classic rock, alternative, and a little grunge and metal

Paiste 2002's, Sabian's AAX, or XS, Paiste Rudes,Zildjian's Z's

Saluda Mist x

Wuhan.

CELLAR!! CELLAR!!!

Ditto.

CELLAR!! CELLAR!!!

I {censored}ing always do that don't I? Oh well, the link works.

I would go to any music store and play ALL kinds of cymbals! Find out what sounds YOU like and what works for you. I would also very much look into buying used or look online. Many times a budget crash may be $90 new, while a more pro like model maybe around $180 new. Musical equipment loses value worse than a car the minute it's taken out the door. One good thing with this economy is that many "weekend warriors" are selling to pay bills. Go and find out the cymbals or lines you like in person by trying them out at the store and then go on line or wherever and buy used.

If I could, I would not waste my time with budget cymbals to begin with when pro line cymbals can be had for the same or a little more used. In a pinch, budget cymbals will work from a known brand. but a little patience and research will do wonders. Try before you buy and look for used when you can IMO. Good luck Dude!

OK I know AAX is a more expensive model but how much better is it than zht's or xs20's

I endorse Wuhan cymbals, and have to agree here.

I wouldn't want a wuhan unless it was a one of the trash lid or china cymbals I've heard those are good. but I'm focusing on zht's or xs20's

if you're really trying to decide between the zilds and sabians, i would go with the xs20s. they actually sound pretty good. But really, a nice pair of hats crash and ride can be had for your budget and you'd be glad you got quality stuff.

I would give the Wuhans a shot. Don't judge the brand by the chinas, the crashes and rides blow the cymbals you're looking at out of the water. And probably cost less.

agreed, their rides and crashes aren't trashy like you'd assume. Cymbal choices are vast, for multiple applications I personally start with the avedis line.

I agree. I love avedis ride cymbals, the crash still doesn't impress me...

Yeah do yourself a favor and keep playing whatever {censored} cymbals you currently have and save a little longer for good stuff if money is the issue. (500 should get you started on a pro level ride and HH's if you go used)

In my opinion, even inspite of the fact that cheaper cymbals have come a LONG way, that there is still a very perceptable "dividing line" between even the best "entry" models and stuff like A's, AA's or 2002's.

Wuhans are easily three times the cymbal, for less money though... You are going to get something hand made, with a one year, no questions asked warranty... If you don't like it, take some tin snips to it, and send it back, and get another... It would be stupid to pick zht's or sx20's over the wuhan.

IMO Tons. AAXs and the like are passed down, traded and resold. ZHT and xs20, not so much. Like I said, There is NOTHING wrong Zht or xs20's but for most drummers, they tend to get old really fast as you get along with your drumming. I don't know if you are in the USA but they are like having a Geo Storm when you could have a Camero for a piss poor comparison.

What cymbals have you tried that you really like??? Cymbals are very personal. If you like them, that's all that matters. You can take crappy drums and with better heads and tuning, have a way cool set. You cannot "upgrade" cymbals the same way. Don't fall into the brand name game. Play what you like, don't pay out cash just because it says Zildjian or Sabian. Use your own ears!

Dream cymbals are a cool deal too...

hell yes, although the only ones I've personally sampled seemed best suited for jazz.

i agree and i like them because i play a lot of jazz.

IMO zhts are perfectly fine for a beginner as long as youre comfortable having to upgrade in a few years. ive been building up my cymbal collection as i get the money and im about ready to phase my zbt hi-hats and zxt ride out in favor of some higher end sabians. ive been playing for about 6 years now and i just started upgrading last year or so. (then again i didnt start gigging a lot until two years ago)

at the end of the day its your decision to make, so do what you feel is best.

Look, take (nearly) everyone's advice here: don't buy a set of cheap cymbals.

You can make inexpensive drums sound pretty good with good heads and tuning. But a cymbal is what it is, it ain't gonna improve.

Patience.

$500 gets you a very nice ride and hats used. Real cymbals. Keep whatever you've got and start there. Add a new pro-level cymbal as you save up.

This way every cymbal you buy will be good enough to play out. You may end up wanting "different" down the road, but you won't need "better." You get a set of cheap cymbals now and within a year or less you'll want to move up again. Stop the cycle now: get good cymbals.

Now, get thee to a drum shop and whack on some cymbals, learn what kinds you like, and start looking used.