Category: Cymbals

So why get a flat ride cymbal? Well, not other cymbal gives you the tight control of a flat ride. The dry tone was a huge part of the Latin-inspired jazz sound of the ’60s. For a sonic reference, think Roy Haynes on Chick Corea’s Now He Sings, Now He Sobs. They’re excellent for small-group…

The ride cymbal is an important part of any drum kit. Whether you’re the rhythm in a jazz trio or providing the power behind a heavy metal ensemble, the ride cymbal will be one of the most present sounds in any groove, making it especially important to choose one that complements your style and the…

A crash ride cymbal is a good way to bridge the gap between the largest crash and smallest ride cymbal in your kit, or simply find an adequate one to serve both purposes. However, finding the best one can sometimes be a hassle. As a drummer, you know how hard touring, packing, and setting up…

From the time they started in 1623 (yes, this is true), Zildjian has been innovating the world of cymbal production. Their founder, Avedis Zildjian, was the first to discover the combination of copper, tin, and silver that produces the unique sonic characteristics modern cymbals are known for. In the 400 years since, the Zildjian Company…

Like any piece of musical equipment, there’s far more that goes into making a good cymbal than just the kind of metal used in its construction. The way that it’s hammered, the shape and size of the bell—there are a wide variety of factors that give a cymbal its distinctive sound, and all of these…

Your choice of ride cymbal is going to be one of the most important factors in getting the right jazz tone. If you’re looking for a traditional, vintage jazz tone, you want to find a relatively dark cymbal with a medium to long sustain. There are certainly modern jazz players using brighter, punchier ride cymbals,…

The hi-hat is arguably the most important cymbal on your rack when it comes to shaping the overall sound of your groove. It’s an especially distinctive sound in jazz music but has an equally important role in rock, funk, or pretty much any other style you can name. While you can find hi-hats in a…

One of the most overlooked truths about drum kits is that each set is as good as the components used to build it. That means all of your drum heads, wood, hardware, and cymbals play a role. Likewise, there are several different categories of cymbals that can be rated by their importance. One category that…

Most people are aware of electric guitars and electric pianos, but these aren’t the only traditionally acoustic instruments that have gone digital in the modern era. Percussionists now have the option of buying electronic drum kits, the best-known of which are the V-Drum series from Roland. Just like with acoustic drums, the cymbals on an…

Drums are among the most versatile instruments we have today. No matter what type of music you play, or what your skill level is, you will be able to configure a drum kit to fit your needs perfectly. If there is one component every drum set has in common, it’s the ride cymbal. In terms…