classics, PST-5 orSabian Xs20?

[victoriousmusic]

Hey,
I just got an acoustic set (Gretch 4 piece) and am trying to decide on cymbals. Since I haven't had an acoustic set in several years and haven't bought cymbals since the 80's, I am having difficulty deciding on some. I live FAR away from any store that might carry them. If anyone has any tips, good or bad, on any of these lines or something else, please comment.
I am looking at Meinl classics (esp. heavy soundwave hat 14"), Paiste PST-5, rock ride and crash, or maybe whole set up, and Sabian Xs 20 hats, crash/ride..Now, I don't mind mixing them up either. The only cymbals I've owned were Zild. A's, but I can't afford them this time. I had new beats, 22" heavy ride, 20" ping ride and 14" med thin crash. I liked them alot, but am wondering if I may like to try something different this time..
Oh and I had thought about some Paiste bronze series, but the hat sounds real weak on the website.
Thank for any help you can offer.

Melinda

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Have you looked at Zildjian used on ebay etc.

[Strangelove]

PST 5s are the best sounding intermediate grade cymbals out there, IMO (with the exception of Alphas). I play professional grade cymbals but if I had to go to intermediates, they would be my choice.

[victoriousmusic]

Thanks for responding, and no I haven't looked on ebay yet, I emailed into MF to see how much they would give me for my used gear and was planning on using that money (gift cert.) to purchase cymbals from them..BUT, I just got word on their "offer" if you could call it that...and I won't be going that route. Be assured that they won't offer you hardly anything..BEWARE of this..I had one e drum complete set(Hart pads, Roland TD-3), 2 elect. pieces (hh +stand, DM5) plus 2 guitars and they offered $322.20 store credit. I guess that MIGHT be enough to get midrange set of hat, ride, crash, but GOLLEEEEEE! I just sold one of my guitars and got $250 for it, alone...so I'm sure that number would go down even from there.
I appreciate the honest responses. I liked the sound of PST5 on the website. I thought I might get an upgraded hat (Alpha, or something else) and then go with PST5 for ride and crash. I'm going to list my stuff on ebay and look there I suppose..

[ENRICO]

If you have to choose I would go with the sabian XS , but is much better option to buy better used cymbals

[Strangelove]

Alpha Sound Edge hats are absolutely awesome. I'll put them next to 2002s anytime. Great choice. You have a good ear. I never knew how good they were until I played some recently. I've never been good at judging cymbals based on Paiste's Soundroom.

[victoriousmusic]

Thanks guys,
westerner- I am leaning toward paiste soundwave alpha hat and your comments made me feel a little more sure of myself on this. Thanx..and..you actually played them too.
The hat is the most important cymbal imo, so I will try to go with the best I can get there. From the sounds of it, the alpha is awesome. I don't think I'll go any less on the hat for sure.
This forum is great, so much better than just going to HC for "reviews".

Melinda

[blackbyrd]

I own two PST5 thin crashes and I am pleased with them...however If you are buying new look into the XS20.. I got a chance to play a set loaded with them the other day and I will probably be looking into them soon. The Alphas are great cymbals, however I would look into used first

[Drumrunner]

If i had to choose between the two it would be the XS. Otherwise if it had to be new then go with the Alpha's if not and you don't care about looks or matching go used much better deal than all of the above.

[victoriousmusic]

Thanks guys for all the replies,
HOWEVER, I just last night got a set of Saludas on ebay. Can't wait to see/hear them. They are supposed to be shipped out today. I got set of Nemesis series, med. weight except the 2 splashes are med-thin. I got 14" hats, 16" crash, 20" ride, 8" and 10" splashes. These are the ones with the rings lathed into them as well. They look pretty cool to me.

Thanks for all the info and help

Melinda