Drummers should be aware that different cymbals produce different tones, that different materials are used in the construction of cymbals, that different types exist, and that when purchasing cymbals, size matters. When shopping for a cymbal, a drummer should consider the situation in which he or she will be using the instrument. Larger and thicker cymbals, for example, are better at projecting sound, which is important for musicians in loud bands. When purchasing cymbals, drummers should also be aware of the type of cymbal they are looking for.
Ride cymbals, crash cymbals, and hi-hats are the most common types of cymbals. Hi-hats are a pair of cymbals that can be banged together with a foot pedal in opposite directions. Crash cymbals make a loud “crash” sound that is audible but fades away quickly. Ride cymbals are commonly used because they produce a shimmering sound that lasts for a long time. Drummers use various cymbals for various purposes, so knowing the specific type required is crucial for drummers looking to purchase cymbals.
Before a drummer goes out and buys cymbals, he or she should learn about the metals that are used to make them. Brass cymbals, which are made of a copper-zinc alloy, are inexpensive but have a dull tone and a limited tonal range. Sheet metal cymbals are made of 92 percent copper and 8% tin and are a good middle-of-the-road option. These cymbals have a wider tonal range than brass, and they are neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. Cast cymbals, which are made up of 80% copper and 20% tin, have a better tonal range and overall sound, but come at a higher price.
It’s crucial to realize that the sound produced by a cymbal is influenced by its size and thickness. Larger cymbals produce more volume and have a longer reverberation time than smaller ones. Before purchasing cymbals, drummers should be aware that thickness is also an issue. Thicker cymbals take more effort to make a full sound, but they project better than smaller ones. A larger, thicker cymbal is often preferred by rock musicians.
The last thing drummers should know before purchasing cymbals is that each one has a slightly different tone. The tones produced by the instrument can be affected by the instrument’s construction, including the height of the bump in the center. Playing each cymbal both quietly and loudly before purchasing is an important part of the cymbal selection process. Drummers should consider the sound they want to achieve and how each cymbal compares. Jazz musicians, for example, prefer a darker tone, whereas rock musicians prefer a brighter tone.