Sabian AA's vs Meinl Classics vs Paiste Alphas

christherevrock

I'm a drummer who plays on a target kit reskinned with evans ec2clear. I use pearl elimanators and zildjian zbt's. Ive been playing almost two years and want to upgrade my kit. I want new cymbals first and im stuck between AA's which ive heard are quite pro but are a bit heavy, The Meinl classics which i havent heard much about and alphas which ive heard are really good. Any comments on them would be much appreciated. I'm in a band who are Biffy Clyro/At the drive in sound if that helps to my genre of drumming.
Cheers, Chris.

Eoin Madsen

Better to actually hear them than hear about them. Try and get into some shops to listen if you can. Not sure who's stocking what these days, someone else might be able to help you there. It's been a few years since I shopped for cymbals.

If you're going to be upgrading the shells as well, try and plan ahead - ie, if you're trying out cymbals, try them with the kit you're aspiring to.

I have a mixed set of AA and AAX cymbals, which I quite like. They record quite well for the sort of drums I play. I've never liked to sound of any of the Paistes I've heard, even the expensive ones. And not sure I've ever heard these Meinl classics you speak of. :pac:

Yakult

I love meinl classics. Brilliant sounding cymbals, but they are a tendency to crack after a few months.

My bro has Sabian AA's (Hi-hats, 16,18 crash, 20 ride and 7 splash) He has had them all for 8 years and they are still perfect condition and still sound great.

So I say Sabian. But try them out if you can.

fitz

Really depends on your budget.
AA's are nice, but if you can stretch to it, Zildjian's A and Z Custom series are gorgeous, as are Sabian's HH/HHX range.
I've some HHX's for sale if you're interested (mods, hope mentioning it is ok).
Also, how many cymbals do you use? Are you a simple hats/ride/crash or two kinda guy, or are we talking about mixing in effect cymbals like chinas/splashes?

christherevrock

I was on the 3 dif websites yesterday and you can listen to the sound of each of them. For me the Alphas sounded best.
Im stil not sure yet and it wil prolly be another month before I get them so I stil appreciate all comments as my mind could change.

I use a 16" crash, 14" fast crash, 20"ride, 14" hats and I'm gettin a 10" metal splash.

Also any adivce on shells?
I was looking at Tama star Classics as I dont want to just upgrade to exports or something like that just from targets, I want something a little better.

fitz

I wouldn't trust sounds on sites, the recorded samples could have been processed to sound as best they can. Better to go and physically hear them, shops shouldn't have a problem with you having a go of cymbals, particularly if you're going to dish out some cash.
I'd decide on your budget, then go try out everything.
Find a set of hats that you really like, then match your primary crash to them. From there match your ride and second crash.
Tama Star Classics are nice. Again, best to try everything out and hear for yourself what they sound like when you're sitting behind them.
Worth looking at Taye drums, superb value for money: www.tayedrum.com

BobTheBeat

Having played/owned both meinl classics,Sabian AA's and the older alpha series respectively, I would advise that you take the Meinl classics out of your considerations. They are just too rigid and 'ringy' for most types of musical situations.

The AA's and alphas are pretty much on the same level (quality and price wise) as one another. I did find the alpha full crash and full ride very musical at the time. Having only played a set of 12" AA hats i did find them somewhat similar to the z custom range of hats.

christherevrock

Ah right Ive never heard of taye drums before strangely.
I'm a big fan of pearl tho.
its weird because i onli use 2 toms(one high and one floor) and then bass and snare from the kit so if I got a signiture snare then Id be wasting money splashing out huge cash for the use of 3 drums like.
Opinions?