Which of my cymbals/hats would you upgrade first?

[aarono2690]

Looking to slowly upgrade the cymbals and hats. What would you upgrade first of the three?

 

[Tama CW]

My first question is why would you need an "upgrade" if you already have some quality hi hats, a nice ride, and a good crash cymbal?
Personally, I see nothing to upgrade as there is little to nothing better than these in the Avedis line. It's already top of the line.

So until I knew more my answer to the poll would be "none of the above"

 

[Pat A Flafla]

If it were me, I'd keep those quality cymbals and upgrade the throne to a Roc-N-Soc or similar, or maybe put that money into heads.

Or you could fall down the snare drum rabbit hole like most of the rest of us. We'd welcome you at the bottom to compare "family photos" of our snare drum harems.

 

[aarono2690]

If it were me, I'd keep those quality cymbals and upgrade the throne to a Roc-N-Soc or similar, or maybe put that money into heads.

Or you could fall down the snare drum rabbit hole like most of the rest of us. We'd welcome you at the bottom to compare "family photos" of our snare drum harems.

Really tempted to have Tama make me a snare to match my Starclassic Exotix finish. This is the finish of my kit:

Tama Drums Starclassic Maple Exotic 12 16 22 Ocean Blue Fade Movingui Kit - Dales Drum Shop 2023

Tama Starclassic Maple Exotic 3 piece Ocean Blue Fade Movingui

dalesdrumshop.com

 

[bpaluzzi]

None of those need upgrading. Those are all pro-line cymbals.

 

[Gavynnnnn]

My recommendation would be to buy a throne, buy another crash you like and run double crash, or just throw that money into savings, really. Nothing here is so bad you need to upgrade it, especially not for the kind of money ‘better’ than what you have would cost.

 

[frankmott]

Like others, I say keep the cymbals -- they're top notch. Upgrade your heads!
Way cheaper, and you'll notice a much bigger difference than a cymbal that's only marginally better than what you have.

 

[katulu]

Just my opinion, but sell them all and buy some Paistes.

 

[mfk252]

As others have said, there is no upgrading these cymbals. You may want to consider diversifying your cymbal collection if you have gigs/projects that require thinner, darker or even louder cymbals.

Also agree that upgrading heads should be a priority. Any kit (even the budget ones) can sound great with well tuned high quality heads.

 

[Pre ‘72]

Change your sticks

 

[mpungercar]

If it were me, I'd keep those cymbals and add a second crash cymbal.

 

[1988fxlr]

Theres no going up from what you have, just different. That being said your hats and crash are more versatile than your ride. Pings are nice but kind of a one trick pony. I’d probably add a 20” crash/ride (not necessarily crash/ride model, just a thinner big cymbal that will do both) to get a big crash sound and a washy ride option

 

[dtk]

I'm going to disagree with the others...what if anything aren't you hearing with those. If you like warmer smokier sounds...K's or HHs might be a good move...but you could also add one as a crash ride and just augment the sounds you already have.

I play more hat than anything...so if I were to do something...I'd start there...but maybe you play more ride than anything. We need more info to help you

 

[aarono2690]

Will do. I figured the stock heads on the Starclassic were fine for a while, but I’ll upgrade.

Any suggestions for this maple kit? I like warm subdued tones. Think Marvin Gaye whispering sweet nothings to a lady.

As others have said, there is no upgrading these cymbals. You may want to consider diversifying your cymbal collection if you have gigs/projects that require thinner, darker or even louder cymbals.

Also agree that upgrading heads should be a priority. Any kit (even the budget ones) can sound great with well tuned high quality heads.

 

[varatrodder]

I would ask, what would you like to hear that you aren't hearing from your current cymbals? More wash? More lows? A darker sound? A brighter sound? More highs? More cut?

As others have said, those are professional level cymbals so you can't upgrade from there - you can only change you sound.

 

[Pat A Flafla]

Will do. I figured the stock heads on the Starclassic were fine for a while, but I’ll upgrade.

Any suggestions for this maple kit? I like warm subdued tones. Think Marvin Gaye whispering sweet nothings to a lady.

Coated A or E. Which one depends a lot on which sticks you use and what your stroke is like. (My suggestion's leaning toward Emperor but what'd work bst for me might not work best for you.) Between the two is the Vintage Ambassador. Does anyone know if Remo still makes that?

 

[Seb77]

I would ask, what would you like to hear that you aren't hearing from your current cymbals? More wash? More lows? A darker sound? A brighter sound? More highs? More cut?

As others have said, those are professional level cymbals so you can't upgrade from there - you can only change you sound.

My thoughts exactly. I'd have to hear your cymbals in order to say if any of them needs upgrading. There are some great sounding As and A Customs, but also some not-so-great ones. (I'd guess the crash sounds great, just going by the logo (redesign post-2013 I think).
If you're not satisfied with them, you need to find out what you're looking for soundwise; in an extreme case it could be the same models, just different specimens. I think you should be able to figure out a certain range of size, weight, style you like (as opposed to brand or model), and listen to as many examples as you can.

 

[aarono2690]

If it were me, I'd keep those quality cymbals and upgrade the throne to a Roc-N-Soc or similar, or maybe put that money into heads.

Or you could fall down the snare drum rabbit hole like most of the rest of us. We'd welcome you at the bottom to compare "family photos" of our snare drum harems.

I currently have the Gibraltar that has the back support, is this not a good throne?

 

[aarono2690]

Coated A or E. Which one depends a lot on which sticks you use and what your stroke is like. (My suggestion's leaning toward Emperor but what'd work bst for me might not work best for you.) Between the two is the Vintage Ambassador. Does anyone know if Remo still makes that?

I use Vic 5A sticks. I tend to hit hard, but trying to get better about tempering my strokes.

 

[bpaluzzi]

Between the two is the Vintage Ambassador. Does anyone know if Remo still makes that?

They do. That's what I'm running on my Phonic kit now, and absolutely love them. Two-ply with one of the plies thinner (7.5 mil and 3 mil)