HOW TO SHOP FOR CYMBALS - Crashes & Rides 

That's the most oddly satisfying intro i've seen in a while

In the pre internet era. I used to love reading drum/cymbal catalogues!! You'd usually get listed which drummers are using whatever particular set up. I used to find that really helpful as I'd listen to these drummers and get an idea of their sound!!

And THAT, is how you do a drum-less drum solo

Man, I wish RU-vid existed when I was learning to play!!! These videos are great and much appreciated.

Wow that's really cool that you totally created a rhythm just using your cymbals. Really cool.

This is good. We can buy a drum set in a day but it takes years to develop a great cymbal set up and the fact is that as we develop in our craft our cymbals evolve with us. Enjoyed your perspective. thanks!

I've been a drummer for a long time, but this is the first time I'm buying a new cymbal for myself. I really found this helpful!

Hey first for something. Thanks for doing what you do Rob. Always look forward to your videos.

Your introduction cymbal solo was really nice.

Your forgot one critical issue: Once you DO decide what you want... your local drum shop is NOT going to have it. Nor are you likely going to really be able to compare several models that you had your heart set on. But as usual... another great, informative video.

I wish my OCD would not prevent me from mixing cymbal brands. I just now got to the point I could add K custom hats to all of my other A customs.

So many variables in shopping for cymbals. Your point about the same models / size sounding different is so true and a major frustration. I also find bringing someone with me or (if available) a salesperson play it for you, while you step away a bit and turn your back to it. I find what you hear in the audience isn't the same as when up close and in your face so to speak. Looking forward to the hh video!

Rob, you are right on about Paiste having their sound samples online sounding exactly like the types and models that are actually on the market. If you ever have to shop blind online, without testing them first, hands down Paiste is the way to go.

Most helpful and favourite drummer/educator I’ve watched. Easily.

This was just the coolest comprehensive video I’ve watched in a long time. Give it a listen. This dude knows what he’s talking about.

For me, shopping for cymbals consists of 2 steps. 1) walk into store. 2) Choose any cymbal that says “Paiste”. They don’t even know how to make a bad product. Love your videos, and I hope you don’t get offended; I was only having fun. You’re awesome.

For my taste, and after years of playing, can't go wrong with Paiste 2002's, or Signature series. 602's are nice too, especially for jazz.

Great video, PST7 are best for your money imo, and for like trashier cymbals pstx that are best for money to

I bought a Zildjian Platinum 18" Rock Crash. That thing is a monster. Ear plugs? Definitely a must.

😭 you have no idea how bad i needed this video. Right on time. Im leaving my intermediate chapter and i need sum quality stuff. Thanks yo🤘🏾

Brass Ride cymbals also make excellent crashes, good examples are the Paiste 101, Planet z, Harpy B, Powerbeat, Any Pearl ride, Camber C-4000, Paiste 302, Sabian SBR, Meinl meteor and Atlas

I started out with a 3 piece and over the course of 8 years I now have a kit that consists of 19 pieces . I got my first kit when I was three. ps this is my first video I watched from you and I gave it a like.

I was transfixed for the first three minutes. Groovy man!

Thanks, RB! A lot to talk about.. This is a good primer. Possibly in Part 2 maybe mention hand hammered, small bell, big bell, half lathed, fully lathed and all that other cool stuff in addition to hi hats. Look forward to Part 2.

Very, very helpful. That Cymbal-Solo at the beginning is so tasteful. Beautyful. Thank You Rob. Greatings from Germany.

Hello Mr. Brown. I'm a singer-songwriter who just formed a band to "rock up" my songs. So, I'm piecing together a practice drum kit for my rehearsal space. Got Sonor Force 2000 22" kick, 16" floor tom and 13" rack tom. And a Yamaha KSD-225 snare. I'm a "senior." So, I'm gonna start learning to play drums, both to better my sense of rhythm and for an aerobic workout. I'm trying to buy all used gear. So, far I have $300 invested, without a crash and ride cymbal. Gonna keep looking on eBay for quality cymbals at reasonable prices. I 'm not a big fan of highs - guitars, drums, cymbals. So, I guess I'm looking for dark sounding heads and cymbals. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that your videos are very helpful. I appreciate you sharing your expertise. Hope all is well with you and yours. Kind regards. David.

I always wish I live at place where I could learn how to forge Cymbals now that’s a job idk like doing. I gotta start my own company

I enjoyed your opening ,the cymbals solo was quite nice in sounds and performance. As all your videos.

Cymbal swells with sticks? How very Carl Palmer of you! THAT was sweet! Great vid, Rob! :)

Menil has great soundfiles! Dream, Heartbeat, and even others have pretty good audio representations Also i test them with sticks, mallets, brushes,rods,hands, fingers ,nails.....

super video rob. can we get a look at the setup from your view on the throne?

Istanbul Agop & Mehmet my favorites Bosphorus Black Pearl and Zildjian Avedis Hollow stamp are pretty sweet. I got one Swabian and one Dream cymbal. The cymbal companies have all my money Shout out to The Cymbal House in Covington Kentucky

Love this'video..im a cimbals junkie''i have a collection of cimbals''from cheap to expensive ones'''from .Zildjian.Sabian.Solar.Paiste .Whan well in all ''i own more than 30 cimbals and every one have a different sownd and atack.😎🇵🇷

Very good informative video from Ron. Cymbals are truly an intity of their own. Doing research on adding a pure percussionist position into the new music concept band I am forming. Thanks for the info Ron.

Very helpful video! When I'm shopping for cymbals, online or at the store, I limit the time. After awhile, my ears stop distinguishing the difference characteristics of each cymbal. Probably ear fatigue?

I enjoy your teaching the most. I’m 62 and always wanted to play drums. So I’m digging deep to learn. Can you share what your cymbals are please? I toured in the early 80s playing keys and bass. I hear 5 crashable rides in 1/2 step descending pitch changes with the kick. Is that possible. Maybe I did that with my old DMX drum machine. Thank you for all the knowledge you share.

Rob, In your setup: exactly what Product (Z) (P); size, med/thin/heavy/ do you use. I like the sound of all you have. Thanks

Nice video....thank you again. I just got a Sabian Xsr 18" fast crash. Wonderful sound. Best I have EVER used for the money. FYI.

Good basic introduction to the subject, but I wish you had talked about mixing and matching cymbals in a set. I assume this would include taking one or more of your present cymbals to the store and playing them alongside prospective additions, but would love to have your thoughts on making them complement each other.

I've spent days just listening to the mycymbal.com samples when looking for hats & a ride.

I like the feel of your playing. Fluid.

Thanks for this video really informative and very well put together. Please post more when you get the chance!

I'm not any type of drummer lol, just goofing with a Pearl Roadshow kit I bought second hand. I'm a 40yo single mom who can't spring for lessons even, but the crash that came with this kit sounds TERRIBLE. It just makes my skin crawl. I can hardly justify buying anything decent but damn. I found a box of used cymbals at a secondhand book/music store but I had no idea where to even start- how to tell a crash from a ride or anything. So here I am doing my homework lol. Love your videos!

For the money I love the agop Istanbul cymbals.

Great video Rob! Very good information. Thank you.

5:49 mark IMLOL YOU SAID RIDICULOUS LOL I HEAR YOU

This helped. Im an old beginner. But my ear developed quick.

good information as a starting point.. thanks for posting.

Band mates and singers love crash and China cymbals. You can always count on their opinion when shopping.

Drum Center of Portsmouth, Memphis Drum Shop and Sweetwater or wherever you live are good places to start looking

The cost of Drums is biggest issue especially cymbals. I can’t afford 250-500$ for decent cymbal and wait I have to buy $50 stands for them all let be get some heads 20$ each and sticks and I invested in 700 DW 9000 double pedal and I actually jacked the crossbar connection from guitar centers pair cuz no I couldn’t afford 350$ for replacement part and mine was alil bent which slowed response but I hope they replace it cuz tons of people in there playing them anyway but I felt back but I need to jam lol.

Amazing, as always, Rob

There used to be one Company , Zildjian. But Paiste is Supreme, They make , Precise, Powerful Specialized consistent and superior quality. they are more expensive .also make semi -Pro, intermediate and nice beginner lines & Series Other Companies really were influenced (or stole) their concepts to compete with them. I like what Zildjian does , Zildjian makes good Zildjians. But I love my Zildjians , their character, they are warm (it can be hit or miss) and Bosphorus / Istanbul have Mastered the Zildjian Hand crafted Traditional

Excellent timing dude

18:25 Hey Rob, I asked this once before but I can no longer find the notification and forgot to write it down.. this time I'm ready to write it down haha.. what ride cymbal is that at 18:25? Think it would work well for rock/metal? it seems to cut through pretty well! thanks man.

Every company's lineup is deficient in some way, so I don't see the point of committing to one company unless you have an endorsement deal.

LOOKING for cymbals.. .1 more ride..1 more cRRash,, Thnz..for the knowledge..

Hi Rob Brown, I don't know if you've already done a video on this, but how do I do Gospel Chops? I'm the drummer at my church and I don't know how to do them or how to start incorporating them into my drumming.

differentiating cymbal tone descriptions; decay, attack, bright, dark, etc. is confusing. What are the characteristic norms with light/medium/heavy cymbals & their composition? Is there a "basic" expectation from a cymbal group using the tone descriptions?

Cymbally fantastic.

Really like your videos, very informative

Nice lesson. Eager for you to talk about how to test out hihats in part 2.

What cymbals would you suggest for cymbal swells? I find the ones I have are difficult to swell with

Hmmm...looks like Cosmo Music in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada, I do believe.

So helpful! Thank you..

Excúsame but can you tell me The name of saquear frame that Iam looking for to set up my 10 cymbals I do have a round one But Iam looking for the square clamps and also a square frame I’ve seen in in two levels Can you help me what’s the name of that piece please. Thanks

Meinl byzance is the only choice for me personally. Has every spectrum of sound u could ever ask for in the different series in the byzance line.

What do you mean professional and choosing one company? Because of endorsement? Or what?

I’m a reggae, funk and a bit of rock drummer what would I do?

Ziljians A 14" new beat hats, A medium thin crash and A medium ride. Have probably been heard on more records than anything else!! They work for any genre of music!! When I first started lessons, these are what my teacher had and I used to dream of owning a set!! I could get my budget drum kit to sound half decent with heads, tuning and muffling!! But there was nothing I could do for my no name budget cymbals!!

You said you friggin love your pst7's? Yet.... Your rarely seen playin em lol!

Lol I love Ufip. But would NEVER recommend buying them online!! Each cymbal is it's own unique instrument, with it's weight printed in grams on the underside!! Consistency is terrible!! But tbh I don't think it's what they're aiming for!! I think they want each cymbal to be unique!!

What size high-hat are you using there? 16"?

14:22 Mark He play a real mean symbol brother

What Paiste Cymbals Do You Like and What Sizes.

I just bought ba zultan 16 inch china, the shipping cost more than the cymbal.

Those paiste sounds amazing. Its a medium or thin? 13:00

Hi Rob, do you hany input on the Paiste 900 series? thankx

What’s the best for gospel?

took me through a journey just now....

What sizes do you have going on here?

I don't know why but its like a pet peeve of mine when people mix brands on the same kit. It's stupid I know

Are heavier cymbals typically more durable? I assume thicker = stronger = can take more abuse.

I have been listening to heavy metal for years, but I have released that I dislike the sound of the cymbals and drums used in heavy music.

What a cutie pie!

Does the intro ever end

Which cymbals are you using in the video on your kit?

What about durability

4:35: gotta disagree. If you’re intermediate, you are beyond cymbal paks! Seriously, don’t get ‘em. Presuming your first drum set came with not-great cymbals, if you’ve gotten into drums enough to be willing to lay out $$ for better cymbals you’ll want to move to GOOD cymbals at this time. And you’ll have been listening to lots of music, and you’ll have a sound in your head that you want to hear on your set. So this is the time to start getting that sound. Trust me, you will not get it from a prepackaged set of stamped cymbals. This is the moment you start getting good cymbals. If you’re into jazz, a good 18” crash ride is a great place to begin upgrading your cymbals. If you’re a rocker or funk player, perhaps begin with a 16” fast crash. Btw, this is not a knock on all stamped cymbals. Some are not bad. But you have to start listening to the cymbals you buy at this point… and cymbals that have been manufactured in the classic fashion, by casting and then hammering (and turning on a lathe), typically have a better chance to sound great than do stamped cymbals.

Pst7 16"crash.? £70... 2002 16" crash.? £185... Yet folks say they sound indentical.... Your all mad! Lol!