Jazz cymbals for drum sets come in a variety of styles, which can be chosen based on the musical style. Crash, ride, and hi-hat cymbals are the most common. The size and weight of the cymbals should be determined by whether the intended musical sound is light jazz or big band, as the percussion instrument should blend in with the music. Cymbals are typically used to add accents to a percussionist’s drum set sound.
The best jazz cymbals are often determined by the company from which they are purchased. When you buy from a well-known dealer, you can usually expect a high-quality product. If you buy something because it’s cheap, the cymbals may not sound right, and this will show up in whatever music you’re playing. Also, look for cymbals designed specifically for jazz; cymbals designed for rock or marching band music may be too loud or otherwise fail to blend in.
A lighter-weight product is generally better suited for jazz music. Light jazz cymbals usually have a sound that blends in with the rest of the percussion and aren’t too harsh. Ride cymbals are a popular choice, as they produce a shimmering sound that is ideal for softer parts of songs. Crash cymbals are also used in jazz music to emphasize certain elements of a song, whereas hi-hats are typically played to produce a short sound with a steady beat.
The size of your drum set can also influence the best jazz cymbals. Jazz cymbals are frequently large; appropriate ride types are typically 20 to 22 inches (51 to 56 centimeters) in diameter, while crash cymbals with a diameter of 17 inches (43 centimeters) can be used for playing jazz. Hi-hats typically have a diameter of 14 inches (36 centimeters). The type of hardware you’ll need to support the cymbals, such as legs and stands, is also determined by their size.
In a jazz drum set, there are usually two hi-hats, one ride, at least one tom, and one or two crash cymbals. Ride cymbals for jazz can have drilled-in rivets that change the sound depending on the texture of the music you want. When shopping for cymbals, make sure to ask about jazz cymbals specifically, as a rock kit, for example, has a brighter sound that may not work as well with this genre of music.