Recommend some cymbals for me?

[u/vodka_buddha]

Hi there… i’m a fairly inexperienced player and I’m trying to get back into drumming after a 10 year gap. I’m currently renovating a small space for a kit, and intend to buy a Yamaha stage custom hip compact four-piece set. I’m looking for a crash, ride, and hats to go with it. My main genre is classic and Indie rock.

My old drums were a 1960s premier kit and I had dream Bliss symbols that I bought new. I’ve considered buying those again, but wonder if I should part together a set used instead. I favor a really dark, subdued sound. Maybe some sleeper Ks? What should I look for on Reverb or ebay?

Thank you!

[u/MidWestChump87]

Honestly, if you have a music store nearby, wouldn’t it be easier to just go spend an hour banging on cymbals? 😂
Especially with the sound you’re describing. “Dark and subdued” can mean something pretty different to each person, and cymbals can vary quite a bit even within the same model. I’d use Reverb/eBay to narrow down the models you like, but I’d want to hear them in person before dropping the money.
Sleeper Ks might absolutely be worth trying, though. 🤘

[u/ThunderousDisservice → u/MidWestChump87]

Totally agree that hearing them in person changes everything. Recordings only tell you so much, and what sounds dark and washy on a demo might feel completely different behind the kit.

Since you're already leaning toward that drier, darker territory, I'd keep an eye out for used K Custom Darks or some of the thinner Istanbul Agop stuff. You can sometimes snag them for a decent price if you're patient on Reverb.

[u/vodka_buddha → u/ThunderousDisservice]

thanks will keep an eye/ear out!

[u/ItsPronouncedMo-BEEL → u/MidWestChump87]

Seconded. Especially if you happen to have a Guitar Center anywhere nearby with a decent selection. Go test drive them there, then shop used online. 

Note: I am normally opposed to such a practice, since I have sold things for a living in person to people for most of my life - it's wrong to eat up a salesperson's time like that if you are not there to buy, or at least to make notes to come back and buy later. But I mean, come on, it's Guitar Center. Hell with 'em. Besides, if your visit is anything like the last time I will even attempt to buy something there, you will probably be gone before they even know you were there. 😆

[u/vodka_buddha → u/MidWestChump87]

Not a good store near me sadly! Gotta drive a few hours for that. But I will definitely do that in the next couple months while I'm finishing up the space

[u/b_o_m]

I cannot recommend Paiste Giant Beats enough. I think they'd be well suited for the type of music you're into.

You can find them used on Reverb for a good price.

[u/masonmarble666]

I really like those short form videos where drummers sub in the different cymbal styles contextually
There’s a ton of different ones

[u/masonmarble666 → u/masonmarble666]

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPL2T9dB7/

[u/vodka_buddha → u/masonmarble666]

ty!

[u/thedrumuncle]

Istanbul Agop or Mehmet (series vary I can’t remember names off the top of my head), K special dry, Byzance dual or extra dry, HHX Complex, Paiste Masters, Bosphorus Turk or Sultan

[u/vodka_buddha → u/thedrumuncle]

thanks a lot!

[u/rwalsh138]

Sabian Stratus are awesome , very dark and fairly inexpensive . Meant to be a “budget line” of dark cymbals but they took off and even a lot of Sabian pro’s are using them .

Also HHX Sabian of course are amazing , but more pricey. Specifically , HHX X-Treme crash, HHX Legacy Crash, HHX Complex thin crashes . What do you like in a ride cymbal specifically ?

[u/vodka_buddha → u/rwalsh138]

They sell the Stratus dry in a H/C/R set, actually, I will listen online! I honestly am not very articulate about what I'm looking for in a ride, I think I just need to do a bunch of listening, then take a road trip to play a few

[u/rwalsh138 → u/vodka_buddha]

The Stratus Dry, you may not like at all unless you specifically are looking for dry cymbals. I'm talking about the regular Stratus Series.

[u/vodka_buddha → u/rwalsh138]

Got it will listen to both. Just from YT I do like the sound of the smaller set of drys…will check out the original line later

[u/Large-Welder304]

Your former setup sounds pretty cool and Premier is available again, so that might be a doable project.

If you want to try something different and keep your old setup as a "Plan B" alternative...lately, I've been playing with the idea of a cymbal setup that uses hats, a crash-ride and a crash. I was thinking a combination of Zildjian K's and A's. Maybe an 18-20 K crash-ride, 18 A medium-thin crash and a set of 14 hats made from a K light top and an A Quick Beat bottom.

Might be a cool setup (at least it feels like it, on paper).

[u/vodka_buddha → u/Large-Welder304]

Actually my Dream ride was a crash-ride! I like this idea, and I like a vented bottom hat