Cymbals
Cymbals are as vital to a drummer as the drums 
themselves. No two cymbals sound alike, and drummers and percussionists each have their own tastes in cymbal brands, sizes, and sounds. This leaves beginners stuck in a seemingly impossible situation, as the options buyers have to sort through are countless. Here's how to get started.
The Bare Essentials
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Hi-hats are generally used for time keeping, and are the cymbals you will rely on most. They come in sizes ranging anywhere between 12 and 15 inches, with the bottom cymbal being a little heavier than the top. |
Crash Cymbals are used by both drumset and orchestral percussionists. Crashes come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, and it's up to the buyer to decide what's best for his/her situation (but we're here to help!). |
Similar to the hi-hats, the ride cymbal is most commonly used as for timekeeping. These are the heaviest cymbals, and come in sizes from anywhere between 18 to 24 inches. These are named for the tonal characteristics they possess. |
Other Options
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Splash cymbals are smaller and used for accenting parts of songs. The name is indicative of the sound produced by a splash, and they usually come in sizes between 6 to 12 inches. |
China cymbals are known for having a trashy tone, and usually serve as mock gongs for drummers who don't have the resources or the space for a full-sized gong. These usually have a cylindrical shape. |
Serving as a great accent piece, Zildjian's ZilBel is similar to the bell piece you would find on a cymbal. Its small size makes it easy to place in any setup, and many drummers have been sold on its distinct bright sound. |
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Sizzle Cymbals have rivets or other rattles added to modify their sound. The rattles make the cymbal louder and more penetrating, and of course the noise is dominated by the rattles themselves. |
Bell cymbals are very small and thick; they're are often used for effects. They have a distinctively high-pitched ping sound that has a long sustain--very similar to a bell, hence the name. |
Swish cymbals have the upturned edge of a china cymbal and also have a very small bell. Their tone is quite high.
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Cymbal Buying Strategies
The most common approach beginners take is to buy a matched set of cymbals, meaning that all of the pieces are made by the same manufacturer and from the same line. Most new drumsets come without cymbals, so beginners tend to gravitate towards starter packs, which range anywhere between $220 to $2200. However, after developing a unique taste, drummers tend to mix and match. Ignoring brand names and loyalties gives you a better opportunity to find an instrument that fits your style. Some brands tend to be more expensive than others, so purchasing an unmatched set has the potential to save you a considerable amount of money. Keep in mind that the best way to find cymbals that suit you is by going out and trying a handful of them out for yourself!
Materials
In a nutshell, all cymbals are made of bronze , which is a combination of tin and copper that is mixed in a cast. When the mixture hardens, the cymbal is hammered into its final shape. The cup (or bell) is then added, and the entire thing is spun on a lathe to make it perfectly round.
That explains why no two are alike, but why are some more expensive than others if they're all made of the same material?
To provide players with a cheaper alternative, most manufacturers have lines made of sheet bronze . These have a distinct sound that most players consider cheap and unusable; however, most are pretty durable, considering the price. Many professionals use them on occasion while doing gigs where they'd rather not have their more expensive cymbals crack. Some professionals have even developed their signature lines with sheet bronze. Jack DeJohnette 's entire line through Sabian is made of a similar metal as their B8 line .
Major Manufacturers
Here's a list of some of the most popular cymbal manufacturers.
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