Mid-range cymbals?

[jondrumming]

Hi everyone,

Some of you may have seen my other thread about the new kit, and how I was going to buy the B8 Super Set... yeah, i know, what was I thinking? Anyway, I decided not to buy the Axis pedals (probably getting Iron Cobras), so now I have about $500 instead of $330. Could you recommend a cymbal pack for about that price? By the way, I'm no cymbal expert, and I've never been too picky about what I play. Most of you will tell me to save up more and go for the K or A Customs or HHX, but I don't need anything that great, I just need some cymbals that will last a long time, won't cost me too much, and sound half-decent. The key here is the more cymbals it comes with, the better, because my parents don't understand the whole adding on cymbals thing, they'll probably say "geez, don't you have enough?!" So preferably a pack with a free splash, maybe a free crash? Or both?

I'm going to leave this up to all of you, because you probably know way better than me what the best is for those specifications:

1. $500 or less (maybe a little over 500, but try to keep it under)
2. Comes with a substantial amount (probably won't happen, but ideal would be the same amounts and sizes as the B8 Super Set, with the 14",16",18" crashes, 20"ride, 14" hi hats, and 10" splash.
3. Durability (will last for a number of years)

Thanks in advance for any of the suggestions I get!

[jimmyakaspanky]

$500 or less (maybe a little over 500, but try to keep it under)
Check out the Zildjian ZHT cymbals.
They are made from the same alloy as some of the higher end cymbals, but they are not cast, rather cut out from sheets.
They sound pretty good, and you can get a pack that includes a 16" and 18" crash, 20" ride, and 14" hats for $389 from Musicians friend:
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Zildjian-ZHT-4-Rock-Cymbal-Pack-With-Free-18-Rock-Crash?sku=490024
Then you'd money left over to get the 14" crash and 10" splash.
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Zildjian-ZHT-Splash?sku=445558
http://drums-percussion.musiciansfriend.com/product/Zildjian-ZHT-Fast-Crash-Cymbal?sku=445496
Grand total: $519.85
So if you could scrounge up an extra $20, you'd get some decent cymbals.

[caddywumpus]

Check out the Zildjian ZHT cymbals.
They are made from the same alloy as some of the higher end cymbals...

Sabian B8s are made from the same alloy as some of the higher end cymbals--it's not the alloy, but what's done with it that matters.

My suggestion is to look for used cymbals on craigslist or eBay. You can get high-end cymbals for lass than half of their new "street price." If you buy them as a set from somebody, you can save even more...

[jimmyakaspanky]

it's not the alloy, but what's done with it that matters.
True, but these cymbals are made much better than the Sabian B8 cymbals.
The ZHTs are hammered, but they are hammered by a machine and not by hand.
I have some, and they sound pretty good.
And he said he does not want anything higher end.

[jondrumming]

True, but these cymbals are made much better than the Sabian B8 cymbals.
The ZHTs are hammered, but they are hammered by a machine and not by hand.
I have some, and they sound pretty good.
And he said he does not want anything higher end.


Well, I decided to go all out on most of the cymbals and cut costs elsewhere, so now I'm going to go with Zildjian A Customs (20" Ride, 14" Hi Hats, 16" & 18" Crashes) and Paiste PST 5s (10" Splash, 18" China)

Of course, I don't have enough money for all of these yet, but now I have a ballpark range of how much more money I need to make/save ;)

[harryconway]

Good thinking. Your cymbal pick (right now) could quite possibly last you a lifetime.

[CountHavoc]

How's it goin'?
I bought a PST-5 pack about a year ago & that came with 14" hat's,16" crash & 20" ride.I added a 18" crash/ride for about $100 on top of the original pack.I beleive i paid about $400 all up.These cymbal's have been great & beside's a few stick mark's,hold up well considering i play hard rock/metal.On a side note,i bought a 18" meinal china & cracked it within 3 month's(yes im heavy handed)so definatly shop around & get what suit's ur style & sound.Hope i could help.