Upgrading my Cymbals and kit...

silverwater

I've been playing drums for years, but haven't been in general practice or in a band for a while. Now that I have rejoined my old band I want to concentrate on making everything as good as possible. This includes my kit, which I don't think is bad for the standard of the band right now, but I would like to possibly upgrade my cymbals.
I have Paiste 302's (a 16" Crash and 20" Ride as far as I am aware, although I don't pay attention to the technical side of drums...) including hi-hat.

I was wondering what you would advise me to buy now for an upgrade that would not be overly priced and shooting beyond reality, but still ones that are a noticeable improvement...

I also have no accessories on my kit, like a tambourine, cowbell etc... so would you advise me to make purchases like that?

All comments greatly appreciated.

highlydebased

There are some Zildijan that are reasonably priced, you might be looking at 2-300 to replace crash ride and hihats

Cowbells and tambourines are not expensive, I have yet to buy them. I'd buy them if you are upgrading your cymbals too

DublinWriter

silverwater wrote:

All comments greatly appreciated.

A good few years ago I bought a complete set of Zildjian Ks and As from the following crowd at a fraction of the cost of buying here:

http://musiciansdiscountwarehouse.com

I'm not sure if they still take international orders, but it will give you some idea of the rip off prices we pay here.

Also, when it comes to cymbals, nearly all musical instrument shops in Ireland will sell you the 'display' model off the rack as new...i.e. the one that has been gathering dust and fingerprints and has had people battering the crap out of every saturday afternoon.

When I bought my Ziljdians from the site above, they came in the proper Zildjian bags and were brand spanking new.

Really be picky about your hihats - these are what you'll normally be playing the most. I have a pair of 15" Paiste 3000s and a pair of 14" Zildjian Ks. They both sound good in their own right, but they sound like absolute crap if played with the wrong type of music. The 3000's are very cutting and punchy and K's are more mellow and have less stick-definition.

If possible, it's always a good idea to bring your own cymbals to the shop so you have some frame of reference to compare any new cymbals with.

silverwater

That website doens't have any cymbals for sale...
Ks and As...? Should that mean something to me..?

I don't mean paying 2/300 euro for them, but the thing is that there are so many variations that I have no idea what to choose.
I might bring my cymbals to the shop with me... Maybe that would help...
Thanks

Baggio

I would say ...
get good cymbals...as you say their are many makes available now putting out good stuff...personally i use Zildjians,,,for me their sound is more pure and natural...goood hi hats are zildjian A new beats,,your ride cymbal is your most important cymbal and really the one deffinately down to your own ear - i use a 20inch A Ping ride..but yu may fancy a crash ride etc....my advise,,,DON'T skimp on cymbal quality...if ya have to buy em from the states to save money DO IT! pay the duty even and youll still save and have great spanking new top notch cymbals,,,nothing else compares...

go into a shop try a few of any make availabel,,,make a mental note of what yu like...get on the net and buy from uncle sam the dollar/euro diference make it veryy worthwhile anyway regardless of the price difference.

can recommend www.midwestpercussion.com as an excellent supplier...my cymbals were sloowww coming but boy was i glad..all brand spanking new, perfect condition and saved a bucket of cash!

hope it works out for ya,.,.,,ciao' amigo...Baggio....