Cymbals on a budget

[0203e9]

Greetings, I’m looking for a budget cymbals set for recording and live performances.

1. It must consist of hi-hat, crash and ride.
2. Under $200
3. I’m looking for a bright and thin hi-hat like the first one in this video

What are your suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[EvEnStEvEn]

You might as well read thru this thread from a week ago because you'll likely be getting similar replies.

Mid-level cymbal recommendations

I’m looking for some mid-level cymbals that won’t break the bank and deliver a nice sound. Something gig-worthy and reliable. I have tried the Sabian XSR series and was impressed with both the sound and quality of the cymbals. I am looking for large rock sizes: 22” ride, 18 & 20” crashes and...

www.drumforum.org

I'd say you'll be limited to the used marketplace with just a two hundred dollar budget. That might get you a ride and a crash, hats will be more...

 

[LRod1707]

Greetings, I’m looking for a budget cymbals set for recording and live performances.

1. It must consist of hi-hat, crash and ride.
2. Under $200
3. I’m looking for a bright and thin hi-hat like the first one in this video

What are your suggestions?

Thanks.

As EvenSteven said, for $200 your probably gonna have to go used. The closest I've seen that are actually really nice sounding (I've tried them) for new cymbals are the Wuhan B20's. You can get the set for $239 with free shipping. Since Wuhan isn't one of the big cymbal companies, they make a decent budget cymbal that should be worth more. Go on YouTube to hear them! Make sure you don't confuse them with the 457's which are the super budget line which don't sound very good. Here is a link where they have them for sale:

Wuhan WUTBSU Western Style 14/16/20" Cymbal Set | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

 

[K.O.]

Yeah, Wuhans are probably your best bet if you want new cymbals for close to $200. They aren't the most consistant in sound but some sound very good and even the "bad" ones will likely sound better than any B8 beginner cymbals you could buy for the same $200.

Used Zildjian As or Sabian AAs would be my recommendation if used is okay. As long as it isn't broken a used cymbal isn't much different than a new cymbal. Not as nice and shiny ( some prefer them that way) but unless mistreated in some extreme way cymbals don't go bad. If anything they improve with age.

 

[ggmerino]

Recommend going to Guitar Center Used Gear/Ebay/Craigslist and look for the cheapest Sabian pair of hats, ride and a crash that is not B8 or B15 (e.g., not B8/XS) or Zildjian (e.g., not ZXT/ZBT/S/Planet Z/Scimatar). This will likely be AA for Sabian and A for Zildjian. If you look hard you can find $100 for a ride and $100 for a pair of hats and maybe $50 for a crash. Get the lightest weight you can find (probably medium) for versatility and recordability. Spend $6.99 on some Bar-keepers Friend and shine them up. They will sound fine and look OK, but not as good as the video. Can always sell them later for close to what you paid.

Best of luck with the search- been there.

 

[Jordan Blue]

As EvenSteven said, for $200 your probably gonna have to go used. The closest I've seen that are actually really nice sounding (I've tried them) for new cymbals are the Wuhan B20's. You can get the set for $239 with free shipping. Since Wuhan isn't one of the big cymbal companies, they make a decent budget cymbal that should be worth more. Go on YouTube to hear them! Make sure you don't confuse them with the 457's which are the super budget line which don't sound very good. Here is a link where they have them for sale:

Wuhan WUTBSU Western Style 14/16/20" Cymbal Set | Reverb

Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear.

reverb.com

That is the absolute cheapest anywhere for new B20 bronze cymbals. Some of them sound pretty decent. They're just a bit bright for my ears.

 

[LRod1707]

That is the absolute cheapest anywhere for new B20 bronze cymbals. Some of them sound pretty decent. They're just a bit bright for my ears.

OP wants "bright" according to his post so they probably would be a good option.

 

[Rich K.]

Meinl HCS sound surprisingly good for the money. I used a set at a church performance (hi hats and an 18 as a crash ride) and they sounded fine...not cheap at all.

 

[LRod1707]

Meinl HCS sound surprisingly good for the money. I used a set at a church performance (hi hats and an 18 as a crash ride) and they sounded fine...not cheap at all.

For cheap they would be an option. Only issue I see with the HCS's are the fact that they use a cheap Brass alloy to make the cymbals. They aren't even B8. They are somewhere in between a bronze and B8 cymbal. They will probably bend from use and kill your ears long term. But hey, if the priority is cheap & new, they are an option for sure. The OP hasn't responded yet so let's see what he eventually picks.

 

[On the one]

I agree with the Wuhans as well. I have a Wuhan 16" China that is 19 years old and sounds fantastic. The Western series seems like the best option, but like others have posted earlier go to their website wuhancymbalsandgongs.com for a preview

 

[ggmerino]

Recommend sticking to Sabian or Zildjian used as they will likely sound better and you can get your money back when you sell them (and you might want to sell them when you have enough money for better cymbals). Sometimes you can even make a little dough.

Wuhans are a really good deal, but good luck selling them.

 

[D. B. Cooper]

Recommend going to Guitar Center Used Gear/Ebay/Craigslist and look for the cheapest Sabian pair of hats, ride and a crash that is not B8 (e.g., not B8/XS) or Zildjian that is not B8 (e.g., not ZXT/ZBT/S/Planet Z/Scimatar). This will likely be AA for Sabian and A for Zildjian. If you look hard you can find $100 for a ride and $100 for a pair of hats and maybe $50 for a crash. Get the lightest weight you can find (probably medium) for versatility and recordability. Spend $6.99 on some Bar-keepers Friend and shine them up. They will sound fine and look OK, but not as good as the video. Can always sell them later for close to what you paid.

Best of luck with the search- been there.

Someone was saying around here recently that BKF turns bronze a completely different color, a yellowish gold, which is almost permanent. So be aware of that if you choose to use it.
Where is that thread? It was a good one.

For cheap they would be an option. Only issue I see with the HCS's are the fact that they use a cheap Brass alloy to make the cymbals. They aren't even B8. They are somewhere in between a bronze and B8 cymbal. They will probably bend from use and kill your ears long term. But hey, if the priority is cheap & new, they are an option for sure. The OP hasn't responded yet so let's see what he eventually picks.

Not trying to nitpick but if you're seriously concerned about ear damage, which we all should be, then all cymbals can cause hearing damage. Best to always use protection, especially for practice.

Also, B8 is bronze, it's just a little different alloy. Brass is a completely different than bronze. It's comprised of of copper and zinc, no tin.

 

[ggmerino]

Someone was saying around here recently that BKF turns bronze a completely different color, a yellowish gold

Good point- need to be careful, BKF is strong and likely contains acids and abrasives. Don't leave it on too long and wash off the cymbals after with soap and water. Also worth mentioning that logos may come off.

 

[LRod1707]

Someone was saying around here recently that BKF turns bronze a completely different color, a yellowish gold, which is almost permanent. So be aware of that if you choose to use it.
Where is that thread? It was a good one.



Not trying to nitpick but if you're seriously concerned about ear damage, which we all should be, then all cymbals can cause hearing damage. Best to always use protection, especially for practice.

Also, B8 is bronze, it's just a little different alloy. Brass is a completely different than bronze. It's comprised of of copper and zinc, no tin.

What I meant by "kill your ears" is not hearing damage. I was talking about sound. Cheap cymbals initially sound fine and then when the ears get used to the sound, they sound pretty bad. And about the HCS's composition, from what I've read, they are not B8. They are bronze but not B8. I'm sure I can be wrong but even Meinl's website doesn't say anything about B8. And hey, I'm not against them. Like I said, it's a New cheap option. But I'd still go with Wuhan which are B20 if I was in that boat to buy something New & cheap.

 

[LRod1707]

Good point- need to be careful, BKF is strong and likely contains acids and abrasives. Don't leave it on too long and wash off the cymbals after with soap and water. Also worth mentioning that logos may come off.

I posted a few weeks ago about the cleaning method I accidentally discovered. I no longer use any of the abrasive or acidic cleaners. Liquid Turtle Wax! Less than $5 at Walmart. Cleans & polishes leaving the cymbals like new and leaves a protectant on the cymbals. I also discovered that it didnt affect my logos at all. Apply it with a clean rag, leave on for a minute or so and polish off with a microfiber towel and your done! Best cymbal cleaner/polisher I've ever tried!

 

[Tama CW]

You can do bright and light for $200 used, with some searching. It's the hi hats that will be more of a chore to find bright and light. The HHX hats you like in that video are anything but cheap. And even used they'll run you $150-$200 by themselves.

For bright and light hats in the $60-$75 range I'd recommend Paiste 404 hats. They come reasonably light (medium thin) and they are bright.
A used set of 14 hats / 16-18 crash / 20 ride in the Paiste 404 or PST7 lines can be found for $200 or less.

Zildjian's early 1980's AMIR line would get you there as well. Not easy to find. Buyable at $50-$65 each when you can find them.

Sets of Sabian AA's can be had for $200....though much of the time the hat will be on the heavier side....new beat or fusion weights. A pair of 800-900 gm hats is cool.

Wuhan B20 crashes can be found to fit your bill. But finding a non-clangy or gongy Wuhan ride will be more of a challenge.

Consider Dream hi hats. Had a set of Dream Ignitions that were crisp and light. Sort of vintage vibe...and often cheap since few are familiar with them.

If you don't mind mixing Sabian, Zildjian, and Paistes as you find them (and like them) then $200 would be quite doable.

 

[LRod1707]

You can do bright and light for $200 used, with some searching. It's the hi hats that will be more of a chore to find bright and light. The HHX hats you like in that video are anything but cheap. And even used they'll run you $150-$200 by themselves.

For bright and light hats in the $60-$75 range I'd recommend Paiste 404 hats. They come reasonably light (medium thin) and they are bright.
A used set of 14 hats / 16-18 crash / 20 ride in the Paiste 404 or PST7 lines can be found for $200 or less.

Zildjian's early 1980's AMIR line would get you there as well. Not easy to find. Buyable at $50-$65 each when you can find them.

Sets of Sabian AA's can be had for $200....though much of the time the hat will be on the heavier side....new beat or fusion weights. A pair of 800-900 gm hats is cool.

Wuhan B20 crashes can be found to fit your bill. But finding a non-clangy or gongy Wuhan ride will be more of a challenge.

Consider Dream hi hats. Had a set of Dream Ignitions that were crisp and light. Sort of vintage vibe...and often cheap since few are familiar with them.

If you don't mind mixing Sabian, Zildjian, and Paistes as you find them (and like them) then $200 would be quite doable.

Maybe you would know this since you mentioned Dream (I know nothing about them). Aren't Dream cymbals made in the same Wuhan factory by the same people using the same materials & methods? I read that somewhere and they had stated that they were basically the same Wuhan's with a different logo. Considering you say that the Wuhan's are clangy vs the Dream's being smooth sounding, I wonder if that's just something that somebody made up!

 

[Tama CW]

I said the Dream Hi Hats were smooth...a bit like older A's. Have never tried Wuhan hats though. And of the Dream Ignition and Contact series 20" rides and 18" crashes I have personally tried, they too were a bit clangy and gongy....sort of an old time, dark, dry and trashy vibe. But some people love that sound. And other than the Ignition line, the other 2 lines (Contact and Bliss) are not inexpensive....usually $80-$150/used cymbal. They could well be made in the same factory as Wuhan. Wuhan offers a thin line of crash and ride cymbals....those I've had good luck with. The Dreams and Wuhans I've had were quite different in most respects other than being 20% bronze.

 

[Soulfinger]

And about the HCS's composition, from what I've read, they are not B8. They are bronze but not B8.

HCS are brass, not bronze. There´s an MCS line as well which is B8. Both sound decent. I´d definitely go with the MCS - strike that, I´d take a set of Paiste 201s. B8 as well, but more pleasant sounding and cheaper.

 

[zenstat]

You might as well read thru this thread from a week ago because you'll likely be getting similar replies.

Mid-level cymbal recommendations

I’m looking for some mid-level cymbals that won’t break the bank and deliver a nice sound. Something gig-worthy and reliable. I have tried the Sabian XSR series and was impressed with both the sound and quality of the cymbals. I am looking for large rock sizes: 22” ride, 18 & 20” crashes and...

www.drumforum.org

I'd say you'll be limited to the used marketplace with just a two hundred dollar budget. That might get you a ride and a crash, hats will be more...

And speaking of hats, I played percussion in a NZ Jazz Festival concert a few years back and the kit drummer used Sabian B8 hats. Yes he had "proper jazz cymbals" other than that, but Sabian B8 were fine. So maybe one of the ways to meet that tight budget is to go for low end hats. Even better in terms of price, low end hats used.

Slightly off topic but for clarification:

Maybe you would know this since you mentioned Dream (I know nothing about them). Aren't Dream cymbals made in the same Wuhan factory by the same people using the same materials & methods? I read that somewhere and they had stated that they were basically the same Wuhan's with a different logo. Considering you say that the Wuhan's are clangy vs the Dream's being smooth sounding, I wonder if that's just something that somebody made up!

I have good evidence that Dream and Wuhan are made in the same factory. This one:

You can trace back to source via this 2017 post

Dream comparison to old K and others

Does Wuhan use the same manufacturers as Dream?

www.drumforum.org

but there are other independent confirmations since 2009. And if you look at the rest of the thread you will see how long I've been trying to raise the bar on discussions. It didn't work with several drummers who posted in that thread. And you will see shifting goal posts in the thread above and the next one I link to.

In another post (which was deleted -- I suspect as part of the great Universal Percussion Spizz meltdown and the brand new member INKZ who hasn't been seen since he came he singing the praises of the UP Spizz cymbals in other threads)

Wuhan Cymbals

I been seeing a lot of Wuhan cymbals these days on the internet - can anyone tell me more about them? Has anyone tried any?

www.drumforum.org

I was careful to point out that this does not mean that they are the same people, or that the material is identical, or that the specs are the same (hammering, shape, lathing style). There could be different teams working on the two brands under different foremen. That happens in Turkey where one factory is used on different shifts to produce different brands, although untangling all the secrecy surrounding who makes what is something I haven't got to the bottom of. Sometimes the workers even put on different branded t-shirts for different videos.

Two lesser known Turkish cymbal makers, what do you know about them?

I've started to collect some Mehmet's and have loved them. I'm starting to become very interested in Turkish cymbals so I'm researching. What do you know about Istanbul Pera and Turkish cymbals as compared to Agop & Mehmet? Here are the websites and a couple of pictures...

www.drumforum.org

The Dreams and Wuhans I've had were quite different in most respects other than being 20% bronze.

Unless you have had the material tested it may not be B20, and the Dreams and Wuhans might differ. See:

Alloys - Cymbal

www.cymbal.wiki

where there is a bit of info about enriched B20 and and its use in "hot sledged" Chinese cymbals. "Hot sledged" means that the casting is flatted by hammering it out rather than rolled through a rolling mill.