Cymbals Melbourne - Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl
Cymbals Melbourne - Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl
Shop professional cymbals at Angkor Music Melbourne. Stock Zildjian A Custom, K Custom, K, Kerope, plus Sabian AAX, HHX, Meinl Byzance, and handmade Turkish Murat Diril cymbals. Browse hi-hats, rides, crashes, splashes, and effects cymbals in B20 bronze and budget brass. Expert advice from drummers who understand cymbal voices. Try cymbals in our Altona showroom or shop online with fast Australia-wide shipping. Call (03) 8360 7799 for personalized cymbal recommendations.
Understanding Cymbal Construction and Materials
Cymbal quality depends primarily on bronze alloy composition, manufacturing processes, and hand-finishing techniques. Understanding these factors helps drummers select cymbals matching their tonal preferences, musical styles, and budget constraints.
B20 Bronze - Professional Cymbal Standard
Professional cymbals from Zildjian, Sabian, and Meinl utilize B20 bronze alloy containing eighty percent copper and twenty percent tin. This traditional formula produces complex harmonic overtones, musical sustain, and tonal depth distinguishing professional cymbals from budget alternatives. B20 bronze responds dynamically to playing touch, revealing nuanced articulation from gentle brush strokes to aggressive rock crashes impossible to achieve with inferior alloys.
The manufacturing process for B20 cymbals begins with casting molten bronze into thick discs called blanks. These blanks undergo repeated heating and rolling to achieve proper thickness, followed by lathe cutting that creates concentric grooves determining stick definition and wash characteristics. Hand hammering shapes the bell and bow, creating tension patterns that control pitch, sustain, and harmonic complexity. Every tap from craftsmen's hammers alters the cymbal's molecular structure, making each hand-hammered cymbal sonically unique even within identical model specifications.
Professional drummers choose B20 cymbals for recording and performance because the complex overtones sit naturally in mixes without requiring excessive EQ correction. The rich harmonic content creates three-dimensional cymbal sounds that enhance musical arrangements rather than merely occupying high-frequency spectrum space. While B20 cymbals cost significantly more than brass alternatives, their tonal superiority justifies investments for serious players committed to professional sound quality.
Brass Cymbals - Budget-Friendly Entry Options
Entry-level cymbals manufactured from brass alloy containing various copper-zinc ratios provide affordable options for beginning drummers. Brass cymbals lack the complex harmonics and musicality of B20 bronze but serve important roles for students learning fundamentals without significant financial investment. Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR, and Meinl HCS series use brass construction with machine hammering and lathing creating acceptable tone for practice and early performance situations.
Brass cymbals produce brighter, more cutting tone compared to bronze with faster decay and less complex sustain. The simplified harmonic content makes brass cymbals sound one-dimensional to experienced ears but perfectly adequate for beginners developing timing, technique, and musical understanding before their sonic discrimination justifies premium cymbal investments. Most drummers start with brass cymbal packs bundled with beginner drum kits, upgrading to individual B20 bronze cymbals as skills and budgets allow.
Zildjian Cymbals - The World Standard
Zildjian has manufactured cymbals since 1623, making it the oldest continuously operating company in the United States and the world's leading cymbal brand. Nearly four hundred years of cymbal-making expertise informs every Zildjian cymbal from budget Planet Z to premium K Constantinople and Kerope series. The legendary Zildjian sound appears on countless classic recordings from jazz masterpieces to rock anthems, with artists like Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Elvin Jones, and countless modern drummers trusting Zildjian cymbals for their most important musical moments.
Zildjian A Custom - Modern Bright Projection
Zildjian A Custom cymbals deliver brilliant, cutting tone with immediate attack perfect for rock, pop, and metal styles where cymbals must project through amplified guitars and bass. Introduced in 1994, A Custom revolutionized modern cymbal design with medium-thin weights, brilliant finish, and focused sound that records beautifully while cutting through high-volume live mixes. The bright character suits contemporary music production where crisp cymbal definition enhances rather than muddles dense arrangements.
A Custom crashes produce explosive accent with fast decay allowing rapid cymbal work without excessive wash obscuring grooves. The 16-inch and 18-inch crashes represent the most popular sizes, providing punchy attack for rock backbeats and dynamic accents. A Custom rides feature clean stick definition with controllable wash, making them versatile choices for everything from ride patterns to crash-riding during choruses. The medium-weight construction provides durability for aggressive playing while maintaining musical response to varied touch.
Many professional rock, pop, and metal drummers build complete A Custom setups including 14-inch hi-hats, multiple crashes in 16, 17, and 18-inch sizes, plus 20 or 21-inch rides. The consistent bright voicing across the entire line creates cohesive cymbal sound perfect for drummers seeking modern projection without dark jazz complexity. A Custom cymbals typically cost between two hundred fifty and five hundred dollars per cymbal depending on size, representing solid mid-range pricing for professional B20 bronze quality.
Zildjian K Custom - Dark and Musical
Zildjian K Custom cymbals expand on the legendary K series heritage with darker, drier character and complex wash favored by jazz, fusion, and progressive rock drummers. K Custom cymbals feature heavier hammering creating controlled sustain with musical complexity rather than bright splash. The dark character sits beautifully in acoustic music contexts and recording situations requiring sophisticated cymbal voices that enhance musical arrangements without dominating frequency spectrum.
K Custom Dark crashes deliver rich, full-bodied accents with quicker decay than standard K Custom models, making them perfect for tight drumming requiring rapid cymbal work. The 16-inch and 18-inch Dark Crashes represent best-selling models among progressive and metal drummers who appreciate darker tone without sacrificing volume projection. K Custom rides provide buttery stick definition with complex wash underneath, creating sophisticated ride sounds suitable for jazz comping and progressive rock compositions requiring melodic cymbal work.
The K Custom Special Dry series takes dry character to extremes with unlathed surfaces producing ultra-dry, funky tone perfect for hip-hop, funk, and contemporary music requiring minimal cymbal wash. K Custom Hybrid models blend bright and dark characteristics, featuring brilliant-finished bells with traditional K Custom bows creating versatile cymbals suitable for diverse musical situations. K Custom pricing ranges from two hundred fifty to five hundred fifty dollars depending on model and size, positioning them similarly to A Custom while offering completely different tonal palette.
Zildjian K Constantinople and Kerope - Vintage Turkish Sound
Zildjian K Constantinople and Kerope cymbals recreate legendary vintage Turkish K sound from mid-twentieth century with warm, complex character that sophisticated players seek for jazz and acoustic music. These premium hand-hammered cymbals feature extensive lathing creating intricate patterns that enhance stick articulation and brush response. Kerope cymbals specifically honor Kerope Zildjian, who presided over Zildjian's most storied period developing the dark K sound that changed cymbal making forever.
Constantinople cymbals undergo traditional Turkish cymbal-making processes with individual hand-hammering creating unique sonic fingerprints for each cymbal. The thin to medium-thin weights produce singing sustain with complex overtones that bloom under sticks, responding beautifully to dynamic variation from whisper touches to full-volume crashes. Jazz drummers treasure Constantinople and Kerope rides for their musical wash supporting melodic ride patterns without harsh stick definition overwhelming subtle comping work.
These premium series represent Zildjian's flagship offerings with Constantinople cymbals ranging from five hundred to nine hundred dollars and Kerope models from six hundred to one thousand dollars depending on size and type. The substantial investment reflects meticulous handcraftsmanship and select bronze producing cymbals suitable for professional recording and performance where authentic vintage K character matters more than budget considerations. Serious jazz drummers and vintage tone enthusiasts consider these investments worthwhile for accessing legendary sounds unavailable from modern production cymbals.
Zildjian A Series - Classic Versatility
The Zildjian A series represents the company's original cymbal line dating to 1865, offering bright musical tone suitable for virtually all musical styles. A Zildjian cymbals powered rock and roll's birth with their appearance on countless classic recordings from the 1950s through today. The traditional brilliant finish and medium weights provide balanced tone between A Custom's cutting projection and K series' dark complexity, making A cymbals universal choices for drummers requiring versatile cymbals handling diverse musical situations.
A Custom differs from classic A series through thinner weights and more aggressive lathing producing brighter, more focused modern sound, while traditional A cymbals maintain fuller body and warmer character suiting traditional rock, country, and general playing. Many working drummers choose A series cymbals specifically for their ability to sound appropriate across multiple genres during varied gig requirements, from wedding bands to rock clubs to church services requiring single cymbal setup handling everything.
Sabian Cymbals - Innovation and Diversity
Sabian Cymbals emerged in 1981 when Robert Zildjian founded the company after family business divisions, bringing Zildjian family cymbal-making heritage to new brand identity. Sabian innovates aggressively with modern designs, manufacturing techniques, and artist collaborations producing diverse cymbal voices appealing to contemporary drummers across all genres. The Canadian company competes directly with Zildjian through comparable quality at similar price points while offering distinctly different tonal characters.
Sabian AAX - Bright Modern Attack
Sabian AAX cymbals compete directly with Zildjian A Custom offering bright, cutting tone with enhanced projection suitable for rock and metal applications. The AAX line features innovative lathing patterns and hammering techniques creating focused sound that cuts through dense band mixes without harsh overtones. AAX crashes deliver explosive attack with musical decay while AAX rides provide clear stick definition supporting aggressive playing styles requiring cymbal clarity under fast tempos and complex patterns.
AAX pricing mirrors Zildjian A Custom at two hundred fifty to five hundred dollars per cymbal, making brand choice largely personal preference regarding specific tonal characteristics rather than price or quality differences. Many drummers compare AAX and A Custom side-by-side before committing to either brand, as the differences prove subtle but significant to discerning ears. AAX cymbals generally offer slightly more aggressive attack compared to A Custom's smooth projection, appealing to metal and hard rock players requiring maximum cut.
Sabian HHX - Hand-Hammered Darkness
Sabian HHX cymbals provide Sabian's answer to Zildjian K series with dark, musical character and complex wash perfect for jazz and sophisticated rock styles. The hand-hammered construction creates organic tone variations and rich harmonic content rivaling any dark cymbal line from competing manufacturers. HHX crashes produce warm, full-bodied accents while HHX rides deliver buttery stick definition with controlled underlying wash suitable for musical ride pattern work.
HHX pricing ranges from three hundred to six hundred dollars matching premium cymbal positioning against Zildjian K Custom and K Constantinople. The investment reflects genuine hand-hammering and select bronze producing professional-grade dark cymbals suitable for recording and performance where cymbal sophistication matters. Many jazz and fusion drummers choose HHX specifically for its slightly different dark character compared to K series, preferring HHX's modern interpretation of hand-hammered darkness over Zildjian's traditional Turkish approach.
Meinl Cymbals - German Engineering Meets Turkish Tradition
Meinl Cymbals combines German design precision with Turkish manufacturing heritage, producing diverse cymbal lines ranging from budget-friendly Classics to premium hand-hammered Byzance series. The German company's strength lies in extensive product range covering every musical style and budget level, making Meinl popular among drummers seeking alternatives to Zildjian-Sabian duopoly while maintaining comparable quality standards.
Meinl Byzance - Turkish Hand-Crafted Excellence
Meinl Byzance cymbals represent the company's flagship hand-hammered offerings manufactured in Turkey using traditional techniques. Byzance Traditional delivers warm, balanced tone comparable to Zildjian K series, while Byzance Jazz emphasizes delicate complexity perfect for acoustic music. Byzance Extra Dry provides extremely dry, vintage character rivaling Zildjian K Constantinople, and Byzance Dual combines brilliant and traditional finishes creating unique dual-tone cymbals offering tonal versatility within single instruments.
The extensive Byzance range allows drummers to customize cymbal setups matching specific sonic requirements without mixing brands. A drummer might choose Byzance Jazz hi-hats for delicate acoustic work, Byzance Traditional crashes for warm accents, and Byzance Extra Dry ride for vintage dry stick sound, creating cohesive Meinl setup avoiding visual and sonic mismatches from brand mixing. Byzance pricing ranges from three hundred to seven hundred dollars positioning them competitively against Zildjian and Sabian premium offerings.
Murat Diril Cymbals - Artisan Turkish Handcraft
Murat Diril Cymbals represents authentic Turkish cymbal-making tradition from master craftsman Murat Diril operating from Turkey's Black Sea coast. Murat learned cymbal-making secrets from Istanbul masters before developing his own techniques combining traditional hand-hammering with innovative alloy formulations including proprietary B22 and B27 bronze recipes. Each Murat Diril cymbal receives individual attention through wood-fired furnace heating and extensive hand-hammering producing truly unique instruments reflecting centuries of Turkish cymbal heritage.
Murat Diril's Renaissance, Velvet, and Speckled series offer distinct tonal personalities from warm vintage character to modern projection, all sharing meticulous handcraftsmanship distinguishing boutique cymbals from mass production. The relatively small production volumes ensure quality control and individual character impossible in factory settings producing thousands of identical cymbals. Prices range from four hundred to one thousand dollars reflecting genuine handwork and limited availability making Murat Diril cymbals special choices for drummers seeking instruments with artisan character and Turkish authenticity.
Drummers choosing Murat Diril cymbals appreciate their connection to authentic Turkish cymbal traditions predating modern commercial manufacturing. The irregular hand-hammering creates organic tonal variations and visual character displaying human touch in every surface irregularity. While Zildjian and Sabian offer excellent hand-hammered options through Constantinople, Kerope, and HHX lines, Murat Diril provides alternative path accessing Turkish cymbal soul through truly independent artisan craftsmanship.
Cymbal Types - Hi-Hats, Rides, Crashes, and Effects
Understanding different cymbal types and their musical functions helps drummers build balanced setups providing necessary voices for complete musical expression. Each cymbal type serves specific roles within drum kit context, from timekeeping to accents to sound effects.
Hi-Hat Cymbals - Timekeeping Foundation
Hi-hat cymbals consist of two cymbals mounted on specialized stands with foot pedals controlling their opening and closing. The standard 14-inch hi-hat size provides versatile timekeeping voice suitable for all musical styles from delicate jazz to aggressive rock. Closed hi-hats produce tight, crisp eighth-note and sixteenth-note patterns defining groove foundations, while partially open hi-hats create sustained washy textures adding movement and dynamics. Fully open hi-hats deliver loud splashy accents punctuating musical transitions and building intensity.
Hi-hat bottom cymbals typically feature heavier weight than top cymbals, creating solid foundation supporting lighter top cymbal's articulation. The weight pairing produces clear stick definition with controlled wash, avoiding muddy sound from matching thin pairs or harsh attack from matching heavy pairs. Many drummers experiment with different hi-hat pairings mixing brands and models to achieve their signature hi-hat voices, as this proves perfectly acceptable unlike mixing crashes or rides where brand consistency matters more for visual and sonic coherence.
Ride Cymbals - Primary Timekeeping Alternative
Ride cymbals range from 20 to 24 inches with 20 and 21-inch sizes most popular for versatility. Rides serve primary timekeeping roles during songs where hi-hat feels too bright or closed, providing sustained wash underneath stick patterns while maintaining clear tip definition. Jazz drummers favor lighter rides with more washy character supporting melodic ride patterns over complex chord changes, while rock drummers prefer heavier rides with focused ping cutting through amplified band volume.
The bell area of ride cymbals produces higher-pitched accents useful for song sections requiring cymbal definition without crash volume. Many rock songs feature eighth-note or quarter-note ride bell patterns during verses before opening to crash accents during choruses. The stick definition quality of rides matters enormously, as unclear tip sound creates rhythmic ambiguity undermining groove clarity. Testing rides before purchasing proves essential for evaluating whether stick definition matches your touch and stick choice.
Crash Cymbals - Dynamic Accents
Crash cymbals ranging from 14 to 20 inches provide explosive accents marking song sections, fills, and dynamic peaks. The most common crash sizes include 16 and 18 inches offering balanced attack and decay suitable for rock, pop, and general playing. Smaller 14 and 15-inch crashes produce quick, trashy accents with fast decay perfect for rapid cymbal work in technical styles, while larger 19 and 20-inch crashes deliver washy, sustained explosions favored by metal drummers seeking maximum cymbal presence.
Most drummers own multiple crash cymbals in complementary sizes and voices, positioning them strategically around drum kits for varied accent colors. A typical rock setup might include 16-inch crash on left for quick backbeat accents, 18-inch crash on right for fuller choruses, plus 17-inch crash over floor tom for fills. The crash assortment allows dynamic variety and specific accent choices matching musical moments rather than relying on single crash serving all accent requirements equally inadequately.
Effects Cymbals - Splashes, Chinas, and Stacks
Effects cymbals expand sonic palettes beyond standard hi-hats, rides, and crashes. Splash cymbals ranging from 6 to 12 inches produce quick, bright accents with immediate decay perfect for punctuating fills or adding sparkle to grooves. China cymbals feature upturned edges creating trashy, aggressive tone perfect for metal and hard rock accents requiring maximum cutting power and exotic character distinguishing them from standard crashes.
Cymbal stacks pair two or more cymbals together creating short, trashy effects impossible from standard cymbals. Common stack configurations include small China over regular crash or two crashes face-to-face with holes drilled for mounting. The complex combination of vibrating cymbals produces funky, modern sounds popular in progressive metal, fusion, and contemporary drumming styles seeking unique voices beyond traditional cymbal options. Effects cymbals allow creative sonic exploration while standard hi-hats, rides, and crashes maintain fundamental musical functions.
Cymbal Price Guide Melbourne
Entry Level: $200-$350 per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR, Meinl HCS
Brass construction suitable for beginners. Complete cymbal packs $200-$400. Adequate for learning fundamentals. Budget-friendly practice and entry performance.
Intermediate: $250-$400 per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian S Family, Sabian B8X, Meinl Classics Custom
B8 bronze or entry B20. Improved tone quality for advancing players. Gigging capability without professional investment. Bridging gap to premium cymbals.
Professional: $450-$1000 per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian A Custom/K Custom, Sabian AAX/HHX, Meinl Byzance
B20 bronze professional quality. Recording and touring capability. Modern manufacturing with consistent quality. Working drummer standard.
Premium: $700-$1,500+ per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian K Constantinople/Kerope, Sabian Artisan, Murat Diril
Hand-hammered boutique cymbals. Individual character and artisan craftsmanship. Ultimate tone for discerning professionals. Investment-grade instruments.
Why Buy Cymbals from Angkor Music Melbourne
Melbourne's Cymbal Specialists
Visit our Oakleigh showroom to play Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, and Murat Diril cymbals before purchasing. Hear tonal differences between A Custom and K Custom, AAX and HHX. Call (03) 8360 7799 to arrange showroom visits.
Our drummer staff understands cymbal voices and helps match cymbals to your musical style. Whether building first professional setup or adding specialty effects, we provide honest recommendations based on playing experience.
Shop cymbals online with secure packaging protecting instruments during transit. Melbourne metro customers enjoy same-day pickup or next-day delivery. Orders over one hundred dollars ship free with tracking throughout Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cymbals
What is the difference between B20 bronze and brass cymbals?
B20 bronze cymbals contain eighty percent copper and twenty percent tin, producing complex harmonic overtones and musical sustain that distinguishes professional cymbals from budget alternatives. The traditional bronze formula responds dynamically to playing touch with rich tonal depth and three-dimensional sound quality perfect for recording and professional performance. Brass cymbals use copper-zinc alloys creating brighter, simpler tone with faster decay and less harmonic complexity. Brass suits beginners learning fundamentals at affordable prices, while B20 bronze serves serious players requiring professional tone quality. The price difference reflects material costs and manufacturing complexity, with brass cymbals costing fifty to one hundred fifty dollars versus two hundred fifty to one thousand dollars for B20 bronze equivalents. Most drummers start with brass cymbal packs, upgrading to individual B20 cymbals as skills and budgets allow.
Should I buy Zildjian A Custom or K Custom cymbals?
Choose Zildjian A Custom for bright, cutting tone with immediate attack perfect for rock, pop, and metal styles where cymbals must project through amplified instruments. A Custom cymbals deliver modern sound that records beautifully while cutting through high-volume live mixes with focused clarity. Choose Zildjian K Custom for darker, drier character with complex wash favored by jazz, fusion, and progressive rock requiring sophisticated cymbal voices. K Custom cymbals provide musical complexity and controlled sustain sitting naturally in acoustic contexts and recording situations. The decision depends entirely on your musical style and tonal preferences rather than quality differences, as both lines represent professional B20 bronze construction at similar price points. Many drummers mix A Custom and K Custom cymbals within single setups, using bright A Custom crashes for accents paired with dark K Custom rides for timekeeping complexity.
What cymbal sizes should a beginner buy?
Beginners should start with standard cymbal pack including 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch crash, and 20-inch ride providing essential voices for learning fundamentals. This configuration covers all basic cymbal functions from timekeeping to accents while remaining affordable and manageable. The 14-inch hi-hat size represents universal standard suitable for all musical styles, 16-inch crash delivers punchy accents with quick decay allowing rapid cymbal work, and 20-inch ride provides versatile timekeeping voice balancing stick definition with underlying wash. Avoid oversized cymbals exceeding these dimensions until developing strength and technique handling their weight and volume, as beginners often struggle controlling large cymbals leading to poor technique habits. Most complete beginner drum kit packages include appropriate cymbal sizes eliminating guesswork about proper configurations for starting players.
How long do cymbals last before needing replacement?
Quality cymbals last decades with proper care and technique, as B20 bronze does not wear out from normal playing. Cymbals require replacement only when cracked from improper striking technique, keyholing from loose mounting hardware, or edge damage from aggressive rim shots and poor setup positioning. Professional touring drummers might replace crashes every few years due to intensive playing and transportation stress, while casual players keep the same cymbals for twenty or thirty years without issues. Proper cymbal care includes mounting with felt washers protecting against metal-to-metal contact, striking with proper glancing technique rather than perpendicular crashes, avoiding over-tightening wing nuts causing keyholing, and storing safely when not in use. Brass cymbals from beginner packages warrant replacement sooner than B20 bronze, not from wear but from upgrading to professional quality as skills develop justifying better instruments.
Can I mix different cymbal brands in my setup?
Yes, mixing cymbal brands proves perfectly acceptable and often desirable for achieving specific tonal goals. Many professional drummers combine Zildjian A Custom crashes with K Custom rides, or pair Sabian AAX hi-hats with Zildjian K crashes creating custom setups matching their exact sonic preferences. The key consideration involves maintaining tonal coherence rather than brand loyalty, ensuring bright cymbals complement each other and dark cymbals work together rather than creating jarring contrasts between drastically different voices. Some drummers intentionally mix bright and dark cymbals for varied accent colors, positioning A Custom crash on one side with K Custom crash on other providing tonal options within single setup. Visual consistency matters less than sonic results, though matching brand logos across all cymbals creates cleaner professional appearance for drummers concerned about stage aesthetics.
What makes hand-hammered cymbals worth the extra cost?
Hand-hammered cymbals from Zildjian K Constantinople, Sabian HHX, Meinl Byzance, and Murat Diril series justify premium pricing through superior tonal complexity and individual character impossible from machine manufacturing. Each hammer blow from skilled craftsmen alters the cymbal's molecular structure, creating unique tension patterns that control harmonic development and sustain characteristics. The irregular hand-hammering produces organic tonal variations making each cymbal sonically distinct even within identical model specifications, appealing to discerning players seeking instruments with personality. Machine-hammered cymbals like A Custom deliver consistent quality and reliable tone suitable for most drummers, while hand-hammered alternatives provide sophisticated voices that sophisticated jazz, fusion, and acoustic players appreciate for their musical complexity. The investment makes sense for professional recording and performance where cymbal sophistication contributes meaningfully to musical results, less so for beginners and casual players who won't fully appreciate the subtle differences justifying double or triple the cost.
Should I buy a complete cymbal pack or individual cymbals?
Beginners should purchase complete cymbal packs bundling hi-hats, crash, and ride at package pricing typically saving one hundred to two hundred dollars compared to buying individually. Entry-level packs from Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR, and Meinl HCS provide adequate brass cymbals for learning fundamentals without expensive commitments. Intermediate and advanced players benefit from buying individual cymbals allowing precise selection of specific models, sizes, and voices matching their developed preferences. Building custom cymbal setups one piece at a time spreads costs over months or years while ensuring each cymbal serves specific musical purposes rather than accepting manufacturer-dictated pack configurations. Professional drummers exclusively buy individual cymbals, carefully auditioning each piece before purchasing to guarantee it meets their exacting standards. Start with complete pack if beginning drumming journey, transition to individual cymbal purchases when upgrading to professional B20 bronze quality.
What is the difference between Zildjian and Sabian cymbals?
Zildjian and Sabian share family heritage with Robert Zildjian founding Sabian in 1981 after splitting from the Zildjian company, bringing centuries of cymbal-making knowledge to both brands. The companies produce comparable quality at similar price points using B20 bronze and similar manufacturing processes, making choice largely personal preference regarding specific tonal characteristics rather than objective quality differences. Zildjian cymbals generally offer slightly warmer, more traditional character reflecting their longer history and conservative approach to innovation, while Sabian embraces modern designs and aggressive marketing creating contemporary voices appealing to younger drummers. Many drummers audition comparable models from both brands before committing, as the subtle tonal differences prove significant to discerning ears even when specifications appear identical. Both companies produce excellent professional cymbals worthy of recording and touring use, so brand loyalty often develops from early positive experiences rather than measurable superiority of either manufacturer.
Do I need different cymbals for jazz vs rock drumming?
Jazz and rock styles benefit from different cymbal characteristics, though versatile mid-range cymbals can serve both contexts reasonably well. Jazz drummers favor lighter weight cymbals with complex wash and subtle stick definition, choosing models like Zildjian K Custom, K Constantinople, or Sabian HHX that respond beautifully to brushes and light touch. Rock drummers require heavier cymbals with focused projection cutting through amplified bands, preferring Zildjian A Custom or Sabian AAX delivering immediate attack without excessive wash obscuring aggressive grooves. Players performing diverse musical styles often maintain multiple cymbal setups, swapping between jazz and rock configurations depending on gig requirements. However, drummers unwilling to invest in multiple setups can choose middle-ground cymbals like Zildjian A series or Sabian AA providing reasonable versatility handling varied situations without excelling specifically at jazz delicacy or rock power.
Where can I try cymbals before buying in Melbourne?
Angkor Music maintains extensive cymbal showroom at our Oakleigh location where customers can play Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, and Murat Diril cymbals before purchasing. We encourage testing multiple models and sizes to compare tonal characteristics, attack qualities, and sustain differences rather than relying on online descriptions or videos that poorly represent actual cymbal sounds. Our showroom includes entry-level brass packs through premium hand-hammered models allowing comparison across all price ranges and tonal families. Staff drummers provide guidance based on your musical style and budget while allowing unhurried evaluation of options. Visit during business hours with no appointment necessary for trying cymbals. Bring your own sticks to ensure proper evaluation using familiar gear. Playing cymbals in person reveals tonal nuances and playing feel impossible to judge remotely, making showroom visits essential for significant cymbal investments where tone matching personal preferences matters tremendously.
Shop Cymbals at Angkor Music Melbourne
Visit Melbourne's cymbal specialists for expert advice from drummers. Browse Zildjian A Custom, K Custom, Kerope, Sabian AAX, HHX, Meinl Byzance, and Murat Diril cymbals. Try before you buy in our Altona showroom or shop online with fast Australia-wide shipping.
Cymbals Melbourne - Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl
Shop professional cymbals at Angkor Music Melbourne. Stock Zildjian A Custom, K Custom, K, Kerope, plus Sabian AAX, HHX, Meinl Byzance, and handmade Turkish Murat Diril cymbals. Browse hi-hats, rides, crashes, splashes, and effects cymbals in B20 bronze and budget brass. Expert advice from drummers who understand cymbal voices. Try cymbals in our Altona showroom or shop online with fast Australia-wide shipping. Call (03) 8360 7799 for personalized cymbal recommendations.
Understanding Cymbal Construction and Materials
Cymbal quality depends primarily on bronze alloy composition, manufacturing processes, and hand-finishing techniques. Understanding these factors helps drummers select cymbals matching their tonal preferences, musical styles, and budget constraints.
B20 Bronze - Professional Cymbal Standard
Professional cymbals from Zildjian, Sabian, and Meinl utilize B20 bronze alloy containing eighty percent copper and twenty percent tin. This traditional formula produces complex harmonic overtones, musical sustain, and tonal depth distinguishing professional cymbals from budget alternatives. B20 bronze responds dynamically to playing touch, revealing nuanced articulation from gentle brush strokes to aggressive rock crashes impossible to achieve with inferior alloys.
The manufacturing process for B20 cymbals begins with casting molten bronze into thick discs called blanks. These blanks undergo repeated heating and rolling to achieve proper thickness, followed by lathe cutting that creates concentric grooves determining stick definition and wash characteristics. Hand hammering shapes the bell and bow, creating tension patterns that control pitch, sustain, and harmonic complexity. Every tap from craftsmen's hammers alters the cymbal's molecular structure, making each hand-hammered cymbal sonically unique even within identical model specifications.
Professional drummers choose B20 cymbals for recording and performance because the complex overtones sit naturally in mixes without requiring excessive EQ correction. The rich harmonic content creates three-dimensional cymbal sounds that enhance musical arrangements rather than merely occupying high-frequency spectrum space. While B20 cymbals cost significantly more than brass alternatives, their tonal superiority justifies investments for serious players committed to professional sound quality.
Brass Cymbals - Budget-Friendly Entry Options
Entry-level cymbals manufactured from brass alloy containing various copper-zinc ratios provide affordable options for beginning drummers. Brass cymbals lack the complex harmonics and musicality of B20 bronze but serve important roles for students learning fundamentals without significant financial investment. Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR, and Meinl HCS series use brass construction with machine hammering and lathing creating acceptable tone for practice and early performance situations.
Brass cymbals produce brighter, more cutting tone compared to bronze with faster decay and less complex sustain. The simplified harmonic content makes brass cymbals sound one-dimensional to experienced ears but perfectly adequate for beginners developing timing, technique, and musical understanding before their sonic discrimination justifies premium cymbal investments. Most drummers start with brass cymbal packs bundled with beginner drum kits, upgrading to individual B20 bronze cymbals as skills and budgets allow.
Zildjian Cymbals - The World Standard
Zildjian has manufactured cymbals since 1623, making it the oldest continuously operating company in the United States and the world's leading cymbal brand. Nearly four hundred years of cymbal-making expertise informs every Zildjian cymbal from budget Planet Z to premium K Constantinople and Kerope series. The legendary Zildjian sound appears on countless classic recordings from jazz masterpieces to rock anthems, with artists like Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Elvin Jones, and countless modern drummers trusting Zildjian cymbals for their most important musical moments.
Zildjian A Custom - Modern Bright Projection
Zildjian A Custom cymbals deliver brilliant, cutting tone with immediate attack perfect for rock, pop, and metal styles where cymbals must project through amplified guitars and bass. Introduced in 1994, A Custom revolutionized modern cymbal design with medium-thin weights, brilliant finish, and focused sound that records beautifully while cutting through high-volume live mixes. The bright character suits contemporary music production where crisp cymbal definition enhances rather than muddles dense arrangements.
A Custom crashes produce explosive accent with fast decay allowing rapid cymbal work without excessive wash obscuring grooves. The 16-inch and 18-inch crashes represent the most popular sizes, providing punchy attack for rock backbeats and dynamic accents. A Custom rides feature clean stick definition with controllable wash, making them versatile choices for everything from ride patterns to crash-riding during choruses. The medium-weight construction provides durability for aggressive playing while maintaining musical response to varied touch.
Many professional rock, pop, and metal drummers build complete A Custom setups including 14-inch hi-hats, multiple crashes in 16, 17, and 18-inch sizes, plus 20 or 21-inch rides. The consistent bright voicing across the entire line creates cohesive cymbal sound perfect for drummers seeking modern projection without dark jazz complexity. A Custom cymbals typically cost between two hundred fifty and five hundred dollars per cymbal depending on size, representing solid mid-range pricing for professional B20 bronze quality.
Zildjian K Custom - Dark and Musical
Zildjian K Custom cymbals expand on the legendary K series heritage with darker, drier character and complex wash favored by jazz, fusion, and progressive rock drummers. K Custom cymbals feature heavier hammering creating controlled sustain with musical complexity rather than bright splash. The dark character sits beautifully in acoustic music contexts and recording situations requiring sophisticated cymbal voices that enhance musical arrangements without dominating frequency spectrum.
K Custom Dark crashes deliver rich, full-bodied accents with quicker decay than standard K Custom models, making them perfect for tight drumming requiring rapid cymbal work. The 16-inch and 18-inch Dark Crashes represent best-selling models among progressive and metal drummers who appreciate darker tone without sacrificing volume projection. K Custom rides provide buttery stick definition with complex wash underneath, creating sophisticated ride sounds suitable for jazz comping and progressive rock compositions requiring melodic cymbal work.
The K Custom Special Dry series takes dry character to extremes with unlathed surfaces producing ultra-dry, funky tone perfect for hip-hop, funk, and contemporary music requiring minimal cymbal wash. K Custom Hybrid models blend bright and dark characteristics, featuring brilliant-finished bells with traditional K Custom bows creating versatile cymbals suitable for diverse musical situations. K Custom pricing ranges from two hundred fifty to five hundred fifty dollars depending on model and size, positioning them similarly to A Custom while offering completely different tonal palette.
Zildjian K Constantinople and Kerope - Vintage Turkish Sound
Zildjian K Constantinople and Kerope cymbals recreate legendary vintage Turkish K sound from mid-twentieth century with warm, complex character that sophisticated players seek for jazz and acoustic music. These premium hand-hammered cymbals feature extensive lathing creating intricate patterns that enhance stick articulation and brush response. Kerope cymbals specifically honor Kerope Zildjian, who presided over Zildjian's most storied period developing the dark K sound that changed cymbal making forever.
Constantinople cymbals undergo traditional Turkish cymbal-making processes with individual hand-hammering creating unique sonic fingerprints for each cymbal. The thin to medium-thin weights produce singing sustain with complex overtones that bloom under sticks, responding beautifully to dynamic variation from whisper touches to full-volume crashes. Jazz drummers treasure Constantinople and Kerope rides for their musical wash supporting melodic ride patterns without harsh stick definition overwhelming subtle comping work.
These premium series represent Zildjian's flagship offerings with Constantinople cymbals ranging from five hundred to nine hundred dollars and Kerope models from six hundred to one thousand dollars depending on size and type. The substantial investment reflects meticulous handcraftsmanship and select bronze producing cymbals suitable for professional recording and performance where authentic vintage K character matters more than budget considerations. Serious jazz drummers and vintage tone enthusiasts consider these investments worthwhile for accessing legendary sounds unavailable from modern production cymbals.
Zildjian A Series - Classic Versatility
The Zildjian A series represents the company's original cymbal line dating to 1865, offering bright musical tone suitable for virtually all musical styles. A Zildjian cymbals powered rock and roll's birth with their appearance on countless classic recordings from the 1950s through today. The traditional brilliant finish and medium weights provide balanced tone between A Custom's cutting projection and K series' dark complexity, making A cymbals universal choices for drummers requiring versatile cymbals handling diverse musical situations.
A Custom differs from classic A series through thinner weights and more aggressive lathing producing brighter, more focused modern sound, while traditional A cymbals maintain fuller body and warmer character suiting traditional rock, country, and general playing. Many working drummers choose A series cymbals specifically for their ability to sound appropriate across multiple genres during varied gig requirements, from wedding bands to rock clubs to church services requiring single cymbal setup handling everything.
Sabian Cymbals - Innovation and Diversity
Sabian Cymbals emerged in 1981 when Robert Zildjian founded the company after family business divisions, bringing Zildjian family cymbal-making heritage to new brand identity. Sabian innovates aggressively with modern designs, manufacturing techniques, and artist collaborations producing diverse cymbal voices appealing to contemporary drummers across all genres. The Canadian company competes directly with Zildjian through comparable quality at similar price points while offering distinctly different tonal characters.
Sabian AAX - Bright Modern Attack
Sabian AAX cymbals compete directly with Zildjian A Custom offering bright, cutting tone with enhanced projection suitable for rock and metal applications. The AAX line features innovative lathing patterns and hammering techniques creating focused sound that cuts through dense band mixes without harsh overtones. AAX crashes deliver explosive attack with musical decay while AAX rides provide clear stick definition supporting aggressive playing styles requiring cymbal clarity under fast tempos and complex patterns.
AAX pricing mirrors Zildjian A Custom at two hundred fifty to five hundred dollars per cymbal, making brand choice largely personal preference regarding specific tonal characteristics rather than price or quality differences. Many drummers compare AAX and A Custom side-by-side before committing to either brand, as the differences prove subtle but significant to discerning ears. AAX cymbals generally offer slightly more aggressive attack compared to A Custom's smooth projection, appealing to metal and hard rock players requiring maximum cut.
Sabian HHX - Hand-Hammered Darkness
Sabian HHX cymbals provide Sabian's answer to Zildjian K series with dark, musical character and complex wash perfect for jazz and sophisticated rock styles. The hand-hammered construction creates organic tone variations and rich harmonic content rivaling any dark cymbal line from competing manufacturers. HHX crashes produce warm, full-bodied accents while HHX rides deliver buttery stick definition with controlled underlying wash suitable for musical ride pattern work.
HHX pricing ranges from three hundred to six hundred dollars matching premium cymbal positioning against Zildjian K Custom and K Constantinople. The investment reflects genuine hand-hammering and select bronze producing professional-grade dark cymbals suitable for recording and performance where cymbal sophistication matters. Many jazz and fusion drummers choose HHX specifically for its slightly different dark character compared to K series, preferring HHX's modern interpretation of hand-hammered darkness over Zildjian's traditional Turkish approach.
Meinl Cymbals - German Engineering Meets Turkish Tradition
Meinl Cymbals combines German design precision with Turkish manufacturing heritage, producing diverse cymbal lines ranging from budget-friendly Classics to premium hand-hammered Byzance series. The German company's strength lies in extensive product range covering every musical style and budget level, making Meinl popular among drummers seeking alternatives to Zildjian-Sabian duopoly while maintaining comparable quality standards.
Meinl Byzance - Turkish Hand-Crafted Excellence
Meinl Byzance cymbals represent the company's flagship hand-hammered offerings manufactured in Turkey using traditional techniques. Byzance Traditional delivers warm, balanced tone comparable to Zildjian K series, while Byzance Jazz emphasizes delicate complexity perfect for acoustic music. Byzance Extra Dry provides extremely dry, vintage character rivaling Zildjian K Constantinople, and Byzance Dual combines brilliant and traditional finishes creating unique dual-tone cymbals offering tonal versatility within single instruments.
The extensive Byzance range allows drummers to customize cymbal setups matching specific sonic requirements without mixing brands. A drummer might choose Byzance Jazz hi-hats for delicate acoustic work, Byzance Traditional crashes for warm accents, and Byzance Extra Dry ride for vintage dry stick sound, creating cohesive Meinl setup avoiding visual and sonic mismatches from brand mixing. Byzance pricing ranges from three hundred to seven hundred dollars positioning them competitively against Zildjian and Sabian premium offerings.
Murat Diril Cymbals - Artisan Turkish Handcraft
Murat Diril Cymbals represents authentic Turkish cymbal-making tradition from master craftsman Murat Diril operating from Turkey's Black Sea coast. Murat learned cymbal-making secrets from Istanbul masters before developing his own techniques combining traditional hand-hammering with innovative alloy formulations including proprietary B22 and B27 bronze recipes. Each Murat Diril cymbal receives individual attention through wood-fired furnace heating and extensive hand-hammering producing truly unique instruments reflecting centuries of Turkish cymbal heritage.
Murat Diril's Renaissance, Velvet, and Speckled series offer distinct tonal personalities from warm vintage character to modern projection, all sharing meticulous handcraftsmanship distinguishing boutique cymbals from mass production. The relatively small production volumes ensure quality control and individual character impossible in factory settings producing thousands of identical cymbals. Prices range from four hundred to one thousand dollars reflecting genuine handwork and limited availability making Murat Diril cymbals special choices for drummers seeking instruments with artisan character and Turkish authenticity.
Drummers choosing Murat Diril cymbals appreciate their connection to authentic Turkish cymbal traditions predating modern commercial manufacturing. The irregular hand-hammering creates organic tonal variations and visual character displaying human touch in every surface irregularity. While Zildjian and Sabian offer excellent hand-hammered options through Constantinople, Kerope, and HHX lines, Murat Diril provides alternative path accessing Turkish cymbal soul through truly independent artisan craftsmanship.
Cymbal Types - Hi-Hats, Rides, Crashes, and Effects
Understanding different cymbal types and their musical functions helps drummers build balanced setups providing necessary voices for complete musical expression. Each cymbal type serves specific roles within drum kit context, from timekeeping to accents to sound effects.
Hi-Hat Cymbals - Timekeeping Foundation
Hi-hat cymbals consist of two cymbals mounted on specialized stands with foot pedals controlling their opening and closing. The standard 14-inch hi-hat size provides versatile timekeeping voice suitable for all musical styles from delicate jazz to aggressive rock. Closed hi-hats produce tight, crisp eighth-note and sixteenth-note patterns defining groove foundations, while partially open hi-hats create sustained washy textures adding movement and dynamics. Fully open hi-hats deliver loud splashy accents punctuating musical transitions and building intensity.
Hi-hat bottom cymbals typically feature heavier weight than top cymbals, creating solid foundation supporting lighter top cymbal's articulation. The weight pairing produces clear stick definition with controlled wash, avoiding muddy sound from matching thin pairs or harsh attack from matching heavy pairs. Many drummers experiment with different hi-hat pairings mixing brands and models to achieve their signature hi-hat voices, as this proves perfectly acceptable unlike mixing crashes or rides where brand consistency matters more for visual and sonic coherence.
Ride Cymbals - Primary Timekeeping Alternative
Ride cymbals range from 20 to 24 inches with 20 and 21-inch sizes most popular for versatility. Rides serve primary timekeeping roles during songs where hi-hat feels too bright or closed, providing sustained wash underneath stick patterns while maintaining clear tip definition. Jazz drummers favor lighter rides with more washy character supporting melodic ride patterns over complex chord changes, while rock drummers prefer heavier rides with focused ping cutting through amplified band volume.
The bell area of ride cymbals produces higher-pitched accents useful for song sections requiring cymbal definition without crash volume. Many rock songs feature eighth-note or quarter-note ride bell patterns during verses before opening to crash accents during choruses. The stick definition quality of rides matters enormously, as unclear tip sound creates rhythmic ambiguity undermining groove clarity. Testing rides before purchasing proves essential for evaluating whether stick definition matches your touch and stick choice.
Crash Cymbals - Dynamic Accents
Crash cymbals ranging from 14 to 20 inches provide explosive accents marking song sections, fills, and dynamic peaks. The most common crash sizes include 16 and 18 inches offering balanced attack and decay suitable for rock, pop, and general playing. Smaller 14 and 15-inch crashes produce quick, trashy accents with fast decay perfect for rapid cymbal work in technical styles, while larger 19 and 20-inch crashes deliver washy, sustained explosions favored by metal drummers seeking maximum cymbal presence.
Most drummers own multiple crash cymbals in complementary sizes and voices, positioning them strategically around drum kits for varied accent colors. A typical rock setup might include 16-inch crash on left for quick backbeat accents, 18-inch crash on right for fuller choruses, plus 17-inch crash over floor tom for fills. The crash assortment allows dynamic variety and specific accent choices matching musical moments rather than relying on single crash serving all accent requirements equally inadequately.
Effects Cymbals - Splashes, Chinas, and Stacks
Effects cymbals expand sonic palettes beyond standard hi-hats, rides, and crashes. Splash cymbals ranging from 6 to 12 inches produce quick, bright accents with immediate decay perfect for punctuating fills or adding sparkle to grooves. China cymbals feature upturned edges creating trashy, aggressive tone perfect for metal and hard rock accents requiring maximum cutting power and exotic character distinguishing them from standard crashes.
Cymbal stacks pair two or more cymbals together creating short, trashy effects impossible from standard cymbals. Common stack configurations include small China over regular crash or two crashes face-to-face with holes drilled for mounting. The complex combination of vibrating cymbals produces funky, modern sounds popular in progressive metal, fusion, and contemporary drumming styles seeking unique voices beyond traditional cymbal options. Effects cymbals allow creative sonic exploration while standard hi-hats, rides, and crashes maintain fundamental musical functions.
Cymbal Price Guide Melbourne
Entry Level: $200-$350 per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR, Meinl HCS
Brass construction suitable for beginners. Complete cymbal packs $200-$400. Adequate for learning fundamentals. Budget-friendly practice and entry performance.
Intermediate: $250-$400 per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian S Family, Sabian B8X, Meinl Classics Custom
B8 bronze or entry B20. Improved tone quality for advancing players. Gigging capability without professional investment. Bridging gap to premium cymbals.
Professional: $450-$1000 per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian A Custom/K Custom, Sabian AAX/HHX, Meinl Byzance
B20 bronze professional quality. Recording and touring capability. Modern manufacturing with consistent quality. Working drummer standard.
Premium: $700-$1,500+ per cymbal
Brands: Zildjian K Constantinople/Kerope, Sabian Artisan, Murat Diril
Hand-hammered boutique cymbals. Individual character and artisan craftsmanship. Ultimate tone for discerning professionals. Investment-grade instruments.
Why Buy Cymbals from Angkor Music Melbourne
Melbourne's Cymbal Specialists
Visit our Oakleigh showroom to play Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, and Murat Diril cymbals before purchasing. Hear tonal differences between A Custom and K Custom, AAX and HHX. Call (03) 8360 7799 to arrange showroom visits.
Our drummer staff understands cymbal voices and helps match cymbals to your musical style. Whether building first professional setup or adding specialty effects, we provide honest recommendations based on playing experience.
Shop cymbals online with secure packaging protecting instruments during transit. Melbourne metro customers enjoy same-day pickup or next-day delivery. Orders over one hundred dollars ship free with tracking throughout Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cymbals
What is the difference between B20 bronze and brass cymbals?
B20 bronze cymbals contain eighty percent copper and twenty percent tin, producing complex harmonic overtones and musical sustain that distinguishes professional cymbals from budget alternatives. The traditional bronze formula responds dynamically to playing touch with rich tonal depth and three-dimensional sound quality perfect for recording and professional performance. Brass cymbals use copper-zinc alloys creating brighter, simpler tone with faster decay and less harmonic complexity. Brass suits beginners learning fundamentals at affordable prices, while B20 bronze serves serious players requiring professional tone quality. The price difference reflects material costs and manufacturing complexity, with brass cymbals costing fifty to one hundred fifty dollars versus two hundred fifty to one thousand dollars for B20 bronze equivalents. Most drummers start with brass cymbal packs, upgrading to individual B20 cymbals as skills and budgets allow.
Should I buy Zildjian A Custom or K Custom cymbals?
Choose Zildjian A Custom for bright, cutting tone with immediate attack perfect for rock, pop, and metal styles where cymbals must project through amplified instruments. A Custom cymbals deliver modern sound that records beautifully while cutting through high-volume live mixes with focused clarity. Choose Zildjian K Custom for darker, drier character with complex wash favored by jazz, fusion, and progressive rock requiring sophisticated cymbal voices. K Custom cymbals provide musical complexity and controlled sustain sitting naturally in acoustic contexts and recording situations. The decision depends entirely on your musical style and tonal preferences rather than quality differences, as both lines represent professional B20 bronze construction at similar price points. Many drummers mix A Custom and K Custom cymbals within single setups, using bright A Custom crashes for accents paired with dark K Custom rides for timekeeping complexity.
What cymbal sizes should a beginner buy?
Beginners should start with standard cymbal pack including 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch crash, and 20-inch ride providing essential voices for learning fundamentals. This configuration covers all basic cymbal functions from timekeeping to accents while remaining affordable and manageable. The 14-inch hi-hat size represents universal standard suitable for all musical styles, 16-inch crash delivers punchy accents with quick decay allowing rapid cymbal work, and 20-inch ride provides versatile timekeeping voice balancing stick definition with underlying wash. Avoid oversized cymbals exceeding these dimensions until developing strength and technique handling their weight and volume, as beginners often struggle controlling large cymbals leading to poor technique habits. Most complete beginner drum kit packages include appropriate cymbal sizes eliminating guesswork about proper configurations for starting players.
How long do cymbals last before needing replacement?
Quality cymbals last decades with proper care and technique, as B20 bronze does not wear out from normal playing. Cymbals require replacement only when cracked from improper striking technique, keyholing from loose mounting hardware, or edge damage from aggressive rim shots and poor setup positioning. Professional touring drummers might replace crashes every few years due to intensive playing and transportation stress, while casual players keep the same cymbals for twenty or thirty years without issues. Proper cymbal care includes mounting with felt washers protecting against metal-to-metal contact, striking with proper glancing technique rather than perpendicular crashes, avoiding over-tightening wing nuts causing keyholing, and storing safely when not in use. Brass cymbals from beginner packages warrant replacement sooner than B20 bronze, not from wear but from upgrading to professional quality as skills develop justifying better instruments.
Can I mix different cymbal brands in my setup?
Yes, mixing cymbal brands proves perfectly acceptable and often desirable for achieving specific tonal goals. Many professional drummers combine Zildjian A Custom crashes with K Custom rides, or pair Sabian AAX hi-hats with Zildjian K crashes creating custom setups matching their exact sonic preferences. The key consideration involves maintaining tonal coherence rather than brand loyalty, ensuring bright cymbals complement each other and dark cymbals work together rather than creating jarring contrasts between drastically different voices. Some drummers intentionally mix bright and dark cymbals for varied accent colors, positioning A Custom crash on one side with K Custom crash on other providing tonal options within single setup. Visual consistency matters less than sonic results, though matching brand logos across all cymbals creates cleaner professional appearance for drummers concerned about stage aesthetics.
What makes hand-hammered cymbals worth the extra cost?
Hand-hammered cymbals from Zildjian K Constantinople, Sabian HHX, Meinl Byzance, and Murat Diril series justify premium pricing through superior tonal complexity and individual character impossible from machine manufacturing. Each hammer blow from skilled craftsmen alters the cymbal's molecular structure, creating unique tension patterns that control harmonic development and sustain characteristics. The irregular hand-hammering produces organic tonal variations making each cymbal sonically distinct even within identical model specifications, appealing to discerning players seeking instruments with personality. Machine-hammered cymbals like A Custom deliver consistent quality and reliable tone suitable for most drummers, while hand-hammered alternatives provide sophisticated voices that sophisticated jazz, fusion, and acoustic players appreciate for their musical complexity. The investment makes sense for professional recording and performance where cymbal sophistication contributes meaningfully to musical results, less so for beginners and casual players who won't fully appreciate the subtle differences justifying double or triple the cost.
Should I buy a complete cymbal pack or individual cymbals?
Beginners should purchase complete cymbal packs bundling hi-hats, crash, and ride at package pricing typically saving one hundred to two hundred dollars compared to buying individually. Entry-level packs from Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR, and Meinl HCS provide adequate brass cymbals for learning fundamentals without expensive commitments. Intermediate and advanced players benefit from buying individual cymbals allowing precise selection of specific models, sizes, and voices matching their developed preferences. Building custom cymbal setups one piece at a time spreads costs over months or years while ensuring each cymbal serves specific musical purposes rather than accepting manufacturer-dictated pack configurations. Professional drummers exclusively buy individual cymbals, carefully auditioning each piece before purchasing to guarantee it meets their exacting standards. Start with complete pack if beginning drumming journey, transition to individual cymbal purchases when upgrading to professional B20 bronze quality.
What is the difference between Zildjian and Sabian cymbals?
Zildjian and Sabian share family heritage with Robert Zildjian founding Sabian in 1981 after splitting from the Zildjian company, bringing centuries of cymbal-making knowledge to both brands. The companies produce comparable quality at similar price points using B20 bronze and similar manufacturing processes, making choice largely personal preference regarding specific tonal characteristics rather than objective quality differences. Zildjian cymbals generally offer slightly warmer, more traditional character reflecting their longer history and conservative approach to innovation, while Sabian embraces modern designs and aggressive marketing creating contemporary voices appealing to younger drummers. Many drummers audition comparable models from both brands before committing, as the subtle tonal differences prove significant to discerning ears even when specifications appear identical. Both companies produce excellent professional cymbals worthy of recording and touring use, so brand loyalty often develops from early positive experiences rather than measurable superiority of either manufacturer.
Do I need different cymbals for jazz vs rock drumming?
Jazz and rock styles benefit from different cymbal characteristics, though versatile mid-range cymbals can serve both contexts reasonably well. Jazz drummers favor lighter weight cymbals with complex wash and subtle stick definition, choosing models like Zildjian K Custom, K Constantinople, or Sabian HHX that respond beautifully to brushes and light touch. Rock drummers require heavier cymbals with focused projection cutting through amplified bands, preferring Zildjian A Custom or Sabian AAX delivering immediate attack without excessive wash obscuring aggressive grooves. Players performing diverse musical styles often maintain multiple cymbal setups, swapping between jazz and rock configurations depending on gig requirements. However, drummers unwilling to invest in multiple setups can choose middle-ground cymbals like Zildjian A series or Sabian AA providing reasonable versatility handling varied situations without excelling specifically at jazz delicacy or rock power.
Where can I try cymbals before buying in Melbourne?
Angkor Music maintains extensive cymbal showroom at our Oakleigh location where customers can play Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl, and Murat Diril cymbals before purchasing. We encourage testing multiple models and sizes to compare tonal characteristics, attack qualities, and sustain differences rather than relying on online descriptions or videos that poorly represent actual cymbal sounds. Our showroom includes entry-level brass packs through premium hand-hammered models allowing comparison across all price ranges and tonal families. Staff drummers provide guidance based on your musical style and budget while allowing unhurried evaluation of options. Visit during business hours with no appointment necessary for trying cymbals. Bring your own sticks to ensure proper evaluation using familiar gear. Playing cymbals in person reveals tonal nuances and playing feel impossible to judge remotely, making showroom visits essential for significant cymbal investments where tone matching personal preferences matters tremendously.
Shop Cymbals at Angkor Music Melbourne
Visit Melbourne's cymbal specialists for expert advice from drummers. Browse Zildjian A Custom, K Custom, Kerope, Sabian AAX, HHX, Meinl Byzance, and Murat Diril cymbals. Try before you buy in our Altona showroom or shop online with fast Australia-wide shipping.
