4 Best Beginner Cymbals Pack For Aspiring Drummers
Picture this – you’re sitting behind your first drum kit, sticks in hand, ready to unleash your inner rockstar. But wait – what about those shiny, mysterious cymbals? Did you know that 83% of beginner drummers struggle to choose their first cymbal pack? It’s time to change that statistic! In this guide, we’ll explore the best beginner cymbals pack that’ll have you crashing, splashing, and riding your way to percussion perfection.
Understanding Cymbal Basics for Beginners
So, let’s start with the basics. In a standard cymbal pack, you’ll typically find four main types of cymbals: hi-hats, crash cymbals, ride cymbals, and sometimes a splash cymbal. Each one has its own unique role in your drum kit.
Hi-hats are like the backbone of your cymbal setup. They’re those two cymbals that sit on a stand and can be opened and closed with a foot pedal. They’re super versatile and can add a ton of flavor to your playing.
Crash cymbals are the ones you hit for those big, explosive accents. They range in size from 16″ to a whoping 22″.
The ride cymbal is usually the largest one in your pack. It’s great for creating a steady rhythm or for more subtle accents. These usually range in size from 20″ to 24″. You’ll find that 22″ is pretty standard, but I personally prefer 20″.
Splash cymbals are like the little siblings of the cymbal family. They’re small and thin, and create quick, sharp accents. They can add some nice variety to your sound and you’ll see a lot of drummers with more than one in their setup.
Now, let’s talk about cymbal materials. This is where things get really interesting. Most cymbals are made from different types of brass alloys, but the exact mix can vary. The most common are B8 and B20 alloys.
B8 cymbals (92% copper, 8% tin) are often used in beginner sets. They’re more affordable but can sound a bit harsh or tinny. My first set was B8, and while it got the job done, I eventually upgraded to get a warmer sound.
B20 cymbals (80% copper, 20% tin) are considered the highest quality. They usually have a warmer, more complex sound.
Some companies also use other metals like nickel or silver in their alloys. Each combination creates a unique sound. It’s kinda like cooking – small changes in the recipe can make a big difference in the final product.
For beginners, medium-weight cymbals are usually a good starting point. They’re versatile and can work well in different styles of music.
You’ll find some drummers using heavy cymbals for rock and metal music. I personally prefer to go the other direction though, favoring mostly thin cymbals (with the occasional medium or extra-thin cymbal thrown in) as they have more white-noise rather than any discernable note.
When it comes to size, it’s generally better for new drummers to start with smaller cymbals. They’re easier to control and less likely to overpower your playing. Plus, they’re usually a bit cheaper, which is always a bonus when you’re just starting out!
For hi-hats, 13″ or 14″ are standard sizes. Crash cymbals around 16″ to 18″ are a good size. For your ride, something in the 20″ to 22″ range should do the trick. If you’re including a splash, 8″ to 10″ is plenty.
Pro Tip: if possible, try before you buy. The way a cymbal looks on paper (or online) doesn’t always match how it sounds in real life. Especially if they are handmade – they will all sound slightly different, even though they are the same model.
Remember, your ears are your best guide. Trust them, and don’t be afraid to make some noise!
Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Beginner Cymbal Pack
First things first: budget. When I started drumming, I was on a shoestring budget. But here’s the thing – while it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s not always the smartest move.
So, what’s a good budget for a beginner cymbal pack? Well, you can find decent starter packs ranging from about $200 to $500. If you can swing it, aim for the middle of that range. Around $300-$400 will usually get you a solid set that won’t fall apart on you.
Now, let’s talk about that tricky balance between sound quality and affordability. It’s like trying to find a unicorn sometimes! But trust me, it’s possible. The key is to focus on the essentials. For beginners, that usually means a pair of hi-hats, a crash cymbal, and a ride cymbal.
Durability is another big factor to consider. You want cymbals that can take a beating, especially when you’re still learning proper technique.
Look for cymbals made from sturdy alloys like B8 bronze. They might not have the sophisticated sound of professional-grade cymbals, but they’ll hold up to your early drumming adventures. Brands like Meinl and Paiste are known for making durable beginner cymbals.
Now, let’s chat about versatility. When you’re starting out, you might not know exactly what style of music you want to play. That’s totally normal! So, it’s smart to choose cymbals that can handle a variety of genres.
Medium-weight cymbals are usually a safe bet for beginners. They can handle both soft and loud playing, giving you room to experiment with different styles.
Last but not least, let’s talk about brand reputation and warranties. A good warranty can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the line.
Most reputable brands offer at least a one-year warranty on their cymbals. Some, like Zildjian and Sabian, even offer two-year warranties on certain lines. This can be a real lifesaver if you accidentally crack a cymbal (which, let’s be honest, happens to the best of us).
Brands like Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, and Meinl have been around for decades (or even centuries in some cases!). They’ve earned their reputations for quality and customer service. While you might pay a bit more upfront, the peace of mind is worth it.
One last tip: don’t be afraid to buy used cymbals from reputable sellers. Sometimes you can snag a great deal on higher-quality cymbals this way. Just make sure to inspect them carefully for cracks, keyholing or other damage before buying.
Remember, choosing your first cymbal pack is exciting, not scary! Take your time, do your research, and most importantly, trust your ears.
Which Is The Best Beginner Cymbals Pack?
Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set
Let’s start with the Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set. This bad boy comes with a 14-inch hi-hat pair, a 16-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. When I first got my hands on these, I was pretty impressed. The sound is decent for the price point, and they’re surprisingly durable.
The hi-hats have a nice, crisp sound that’s great for keeping time. The crash has a good explosive sound without being too overpowering. And the ride? It’s got a nice ping to it. Are they gonna sound like top-of-the-line professional cymbals? Nah. But for beginners, they’re a solid choice. Plus, Zildjian’s a brand that’s been around forever, so you know you’re getting something reliable.
Sabian SBr Performance Set
Next up, we’ve got the Sabian SBr Performance Set. This pack also includes a 14-inch hi-hat pair, a 16-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. I gotta say, these cymbals surprised me. They’ve got a brighter sound compared to the Planet Z set. The crash has a nice, shimmery quality to it that I really dig.
One thing I noticed with the SBr set is that the ride cymbal is pretty versatile. You can get a nice bell sound out of it, which is great for when you’re ready to start experimenting with different techniques. The hi-hats are crisp and articulate, perfect for those groove patterns you’ll be learning.
Meinl HCS Cymbal Set
Moving onto the Meinl HCS Cymbal Set Box Pack. This one’s a bit different, with 14-inch hi-hats, an 18-inch crash/ride, and a 14-inch crash. I remember thinking, “An 18-inch crash/ride? That’s weird.” But you know what? It actually works pretty well, especially if you’re tight on space.
The HCS cymbals have a darker tone compared to the Zildjian and Sabian sets. Some folks love this, others not so much. It’s really a matter of personal preference. The 14-inch crash is nice and punchy, great for those quick accents. And the hi-hats? They’ve got a good “chick” sound when you use the foot pedal.
Eastrock Low Volume Cymbal Pack
Last but not least, we’ve got the Eastrock Low Volume Cymbal Pack. Now, this is a bit of a wildcard. It’s got a 14-inch hi-hat pair, 16-inch crash, 18-inch crash, and 20-inch ride. They’re designed for low volume practice. They’re a game-changer if you live in an apartment or have noise restrictions.
These cymbals are made of a special alloy that reduces the volume by about 80% compared to regular cymbals. The sound is different – kinda like a muted, trashy sound. It takes some getting used to, but for practice sessions where you don’t want to annoy the neighbors, they’re fantastic.
So, how do these budget options stack up in terms of sound quality and durability? Well, in my experience, the Zildjian and Sabian sets are pretty neck-and-neck. They both offer good sound quality for the price and can take a beating. The Meinl set has a unique sound that some people love, and they’re built to last too.
The Eastrock set is a bit of an outlier because of its low volume design. They’re durable, but the sound quality is… different. Not bad, just different. They serve a specific purpose and do it well.
In terms of durability, I’ve found that all of these sets can handle beginner abuse pretty well. Just don’t go all Keith Moon on them, and they’ll last you a good while. The key is to learn proper technique – that’ll help your cymbals last longer no matter which set you choose.
Sound quality-wise, remember that these are budget options. They’re not gonna sound like the cymbals you hear on professional recordings. But for beginners, they’re more than adequate. As you develop your skills and your ear, you’ll start to notice the differences more.
Pro Tip: if possible, try to listen to these cymbals in person before buying. Every drummer’s ears are different, and what sounds good to me might not be your cup of tea. And hey, if you end up loving the sound of your budget cymbals? That’s awesome! Don’t let anyone tell you that you need to upgrade if you’re happy with what you’ve got.
Essential Cymbal Care and Maintenance Tips
For regular maintenance, all you need is a soft, dry cloth. Just give your cymbals a gentle wipe after each use to remove any fingerprints or dust. If they’re really grimy, you could get a specialized cymbal cleaner. Just remember to use these sparingly – maybe once every few months at most.
The best way to store your cymbals is vertically, in a padded cymbal bag. This protects them from dings and scratches. If you don’t have a bag, at least use some soft cloth or towel between each cymbal. And whatever you do, don’t stack heavy stuff on top of them.
If you’re traveling with your cymbals, invest in a good hard case. It might seem pricey, but it’s cheaper than replacing cracked cymbals.
Okay, let’s talk about common cymbal issues. The most frequent problem you’ll probably encounter is keyholing. That’s when the hole in the center of the cymbal starts to wear and become oval-shaped. This can happen if you don’t have a nylon sleeve on your cymbal stand, so make sure you use those!
Another issue to watch out for is cracks. Small cracks can sometimes be drilled to stop them from spreading, but large cracks usually mean it’s curtains for your cymbal. They never really sound the same and it’s all downhill from here.
So, when should you consider replacing individual cymbals in your pack? Well, it depends. If you’ve got a crack larger than about an inch, it’s probably time to say goodbye. Same goes if your cymbal has lost its tone and sounds dull no matter what you do.
But here’s the thing – don’t rush to replace your cymbals just because they’ve got a few dings or have darkened with age. Those battle scars can actually give your cymbals character and a unique sound. What you could do is create a cymbal stack with all the cracked ones, as they sound like that anyway, haha!
Pro Tip: if you’re consistently unhappy with the sound of a particular cymbal, it might be time for an upgrade. Try to play it alongside your existing cymbals first. This will help you make sure the new one blends well with your overall sound.
Expanding Your Cymbal Set: What Comes Next?
So, you’ve been rocking your beginner cymbal pack for a while now, and you’re itching to expand. Where do you start? I think the next cymbal to consider is a china, which has that “pah” sound. They’re certainly gaining popularity, and are quite common in rock and metal.
One cymbal that often gets overlooked is the stack. You can buy pre-made stacks, but where’s the fun in that? Try stacking different cymbals you already have and see what cool sounds you can create.
Now, let’s talk about mixing and matching cymbals from different packs. This is where things can get really interesting – or really disastrous if you’re not careful. If they are similar alloys they should blend pretty well, but there will be some trial and error.
The key is to think about the overall sound you’re going for. Are you aiming for a bright, cutting sound for rock and pop? Or a darker, more complex tone for jazz? Once you’ve got that in mind, you can start mixing and matching.
So, when is it time to upgrade your entire cymbal set? Well, that’s a tricky question, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For me, I did so one at a time. I had a mix of B20 cymbals, then went to all Sabian, but now I’ve got all Meinl cymbals.
Pro Tip: don’t rush into a full upgrade just because you think you should. If you’re happy with your sound and it’s working for the music you’re playing, there’s no need to change. Trust your ears, not your eyes (or your wallet).
Now, let’s say you’ve decided to upgrade. What do you do with your old cymbals? Well, you’ve got a few options. Selling them is always a possibility. I’ve had good luck selling on sites like Reverb or in local musician Facebook groups. Just be honest about the condition and price them fairly.
Trading in is another option. Many music stores offer trade-in programs where you can put the value of your old cymbals towards new ones. It’s usually not as much as you’d get selling privately, but it’s convenient.
But here’s an idea: why not keep your old cymbals as effects pieces? I’ve still got my first crash cymbal, and while it’s not great as a main crash anymore, it makes an awesome stack when combined with a smaller cymbal. Get creative!
If you’re upgrading, try to do it gradually. Replace one cymbal at a time if you can. This gives you a chance to really get to know each new piece and how it fits with your existing setup. Plus, it’s easier on the wallet!
Pro Tip: find YouTube videos of each cymbal in your setup and play them all at the same time. It will sound like a bit of a mess, but will also give you can idea of the overall sound of your setup, and will help you identify any which clash (or would do, if you were to purchase them too).
Remember, expanding your cymbal collection is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and find your own unique sound.
There you have it, drum enthusiasts – a comprehensive guide to the best beginner cymbal packs that’ll have you sounding like a pro in no time! Remember, choosing your first cymbal pack is just the beginning of your rhythmic journey. As you grow and develop your skills, your cymbal preferences may change, and that’s perfectly normal. The most important thing is to start with a quality set that inspires you to practice and create amazing music.
Drum kits come in many different forms and variations. Check out these articles for help on choosing a drum kit, the best drum sets for beginners, and the best electronic kits if you need to keep the noise down.
