Choosing cymbals can seem complicated when you're first starting out. There are lots of different types, sizes and sounds to choose from, but the basics are actually quite simple. Andertons stocks a huge range of cymbals from brands including Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, Meinl and Stagg, with options for beginners through to professional players.
There are four cymbals you'll come across most often: hi-hats, crashes, rides and splashes.
Hi-hats are a pair of cymbals mounted on a stand. You control them with your foot, allowing you to play them open, closed or somewhere in between.
They're used throughout almost every style of music and are usually one of the first cymbals you'll want for a drum kit.
Crash cymbals are used for accents and big hits. They have a louder, more dramatic sound than hi-hats and are an essential part of most drum kits.
If you're building your first kit, a crash is usually the next cymbal to consider after hi-hats and a ride.
Ride cymbals are larger than crashes and are mainly used to keep a steady rhythm. They produce a more controlled sound and can be played on the main surface or around the raised centre.
There are rides to suit everything from jazz and softer music to rock and metal.
Splash cymbals are small and produce a quick, short sound. They're not usually essential for a beginner, but they can be a great addition once you've got your main cymbals covered.
They're particularly useful for adding little accents and extra character to your playing.
Effects cymbals are designed to give your drum kit different and unusual sounds. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and can be used to add accents, short bursts of sound or extra character to your playing.
They're not essential when you're starting out, but once you've got your hi-hats, crash and ride sorted, an effects cymbal can be a fun way to expand your setup.
China cymbals have a distinctive loud, aggressive and often "trashy" sound. They're particularly popular in rock and metal, but can be used in any style when you want a more dramatic accent.
They come in a range of sizes, with smaller Chinas generally producing a quicker sound and larger models offering more power and volume.
If you're building your first drum kit, a China isn't essential, but it can be a great addition once you've got your main cymbals covered.
You'll often see cymbals described as bright or dark.
Bright cymbals tend to sound louder, sharper and more noticeable. They're a popular choice for rock and heavier music.
Dark cymbals tend to sound warmer, softer and less aggressive. They're often popular for jazz, acoustic music and other styles where you want a more subtle sound.
Neither is better than the other – it simply comes down to the sound you like.
Yes. In general, larger cymbals produce a deeper, bigger sound, while smaller cymbals tend to sound quicker and brighter.
However, size isn't everything. The cymbal's design and thickness also affect its sound, so two cymbals of the same size can sound completely different.
If you're buying your first cymbals, a cymbal set can be one of the easiest options.
Sets usually include the main cymbals you'll need – commonly a pair of hi-hats, a crash and a ride – and are designed to work well together. They're also often better value than buying each cymbal individually.
If you're buying your first set of cymbals, we'd recommend keeping things simple.
A good starting point is:
Once you're comfortable with these, you can add splashes, chinas and other effects cymbals to give yourself more sounds to play with.
Most importantly, choose cymbals that suit the music you enjoy. There's no single "best" cymbal – it's all about finding sounds that you like.
You don't need to know everything about cymbals to choose the right ones. Start with the basics, think about the music you play and choose sounds that you enjoy.
If you're buying your first cymbals, a cymbal set is a simple way to get started. If you're upgrading an existing kit, adding a new crash, ride or splash can give you a completely different sound.
Andertons stocks cymbals for all budgets, styles and experience levels, so there's plenty to choose from.
what is the difference between a crash and a ride?
The main difference is how they're used. A crash cymbal is designed for bigger, louder accents and is often used to emphasise a particular part of a song. It has a fuller, more explosive sound.
A ride cymbal is generally used to keep a steady rhythm. It has a more controlled sound and can be played repeatedly throughout a song without being as overpowering as a crash.
If you're buying your first cymbals, having both a crash and a ride is a good place to start.
what size cymbals should i buy?
There isn't one perfect size. Larger cymbals generally produce a bigger, deeper sound, while smaller cymbals tend to sound quicker and brighter. For beginners, it's best to choose a size that suits the music you want to play.
how many cymbals should i have?
There's no set number. A basic kit might have three cymbals – hi-hats, crash and ride – while more advanced players may use several crashes, rides and effects cymbals.
What brands do andertons stock?
Andertons stocks cymbals from many leading brands, including Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, Meinl and Stagg, with options for beginners through to professional players.
