Drum noob looking for a new crash cymbal

Longtallronnie

Wasn’t sure where to post this so here we go…

 I’ve taken up drums for an acoustic trio and have been loaned a Pearl Rhythm Traveller kit. 

I know feck all about drums but it seems like a half decent kit apart from the 14” crash that sounds horrible. 

The ride is a 20” Paiste 101 which sounds like it’s of higher quality than the stock Pearl crash so I’m wondering if the equivalent Paiste crash would be worth a look? 

Will mostly be looking at local Facebook ads rather than buying new but would appreciate any advice. 

Cheers
Ronnie

maltingsaudio

Not a drum expert but I thought Zildjan were the go to cymbal, then Paiste

Jonathangus

Again, not a drum expert, but the way Paiste cymbals are made means they're consistent - so you can try one in a shop, then look for a used one and it'll sound the same.  Zildjian are all different - you have to play the individual cymbal.

mrkb

why do you want a 14” crash - the smaller diameters are usually higher in pitch and thinner sounding. I hate smaller crashes - prefer 16-18” ones.

Longtallronnie

The current crash is a 14”, I don’t necessarily want another 14” just looking for recommendations. 

Watched a couple of YT vids of the Paiste 16 and I reckon that’d do me if I can find a used one nearby. Anything fancier or more expensive would be a complete waste on me!

ESBlonde

Talk to “Webby” at the Ipswich drumming shop. Very passionate and knowledgable. He seems to be offering stupid deals presently, (I wonder if he’s finally going to retire). You might need to ring several times, he does a radio show and lessons, so be patient and persistent.

Whistler

Ronnie, I have been drumming for 20 years and my cymbals of choice are Paiste 101.

The 14" I never use as it is too small to provide a nice full sound. The 16" is the smallest I use and the 18" crash is the one I hit most often, so I would suggest getting yourself to a drum shop and test driving the 16" and 18" Paiste 101 crashes.

Paiste 101 cymbals are brass and that means they do not have the fuller overtones of bronze-alloy cymbals. The cheaper bronze-alloy cymbals with prices comparable to Paiste 101 sound dire, whereas more expensive bronze-alloy cymbals (£200+ each) have nice sounds.

I play in church where the building is very resonant and the overtones of bronze-alloy cymbals are too much; the simpler sound of brass cymbals is preferable, If you will be playing in venues with better acoustic absorption then maybe bronze-alloy will be to your taste.

BluesLover

What a fab forum this is. So many helpful people…Happy new year to you all.
I would love to learn drums, maybe one day if I ever get the time!

Longtallronnie

Agreed.

Thanks everyone. 

Longtallronnie

Whistler said:

Ronnie, I have been drumming for 20 years and my cymbals of choice are Paiste 101.

The 14" I never use as it is too small to provide a nice full sound. The 16" is the smallest I use and the 18" crash is the one I hit most often, so I would suggest getting yourself to a drum shop and test driving the 16" and 18" Paiste 101 crashes.

Paiste 101 cymbals are brass and that means they do not have the fuller overtones of bronze-alloy cymbals. The cheaper bronze-alloy cymbals with prices comparable to Paiste 101 sound dire, whereas more expensive bronze-alloy cymbals (£200+ each) have nice sounds.

I play in church where the building is very resonant and the overtones of bronze-alloy cymbals are too much; the simpler sound of brass cymbals is preferable, If you will be playing in venues with better acoustic absorption then maybe bronze-alloy will be to your taste.

The 18” 101 I’ve seen online is listed as a crash/ride - is that a different beast? 

We’re an acoustic trio so I’m not going to be leathering the kit so perhaps the 16 would be more suitable?

Whistler

Ronnie, you are correct, the 18" is listed as crash/ride. That is the one I have and use.

I have never used the 18" as a ride but it could pass as a ride in a small setup without a 20" or larger pure ride cymbal. You have the 20" ride so, like me, you may never use the 18" as a ride.

The difference in the sizes is not volume but frequency. If you only used the smallest cymbals it would sound like a child's kit so I encourage you to go large; the 18" has a much more acceptable crash tone (or note) than the 16". Ultimately, it is your choice.

Longtallronnie

Thanks for the explanation.

mike257

maltingsaudio said:

Not a drum expert but I thought Zildjan were the go to cymbal, then Paiste

That's a bit like saying "Fender are the go to, then Gibson". All the major manufacturers have got their share of keen users and they've all got a broad selection of high end, midrange, and entry level stuff. Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, Meinl are the big names, and I'm seeing a lot of players using Istanbul Agop too. 

PolarityMan

The higher end stagg stuff is pretty decent now (myra) and very cheap.