Selecting & Buying Second-Hand Cymbals

When buying cymbals, always AIM for the BEST THAT YOU CAN AFFORD, even if it means saving-up that little bit longer.  It is worth the wait.

A cheap cymbal very rarely sounds like an expensive cymbal!

Use the following as a guide to help select the best cymbal for you:

1. Aim for a well established make.
2. Research the models available and what the reviewers say about them.
3. Cymbals come in an even greater variety of sizes and types than drums!  Think about the type of music you will be playing:
4. • Smaller, thinner cymbals are quieter, 'speak' (respond) and decay more quickly than their heavier relatives, especially with lighter sticks, multi-rods or brushes.
   • Larger diameter cymbals are generally lower pitched, louder and have longer sustain.
   • Heavier cymbals tend to ring more, are louder and decay more slowly.  Just to confuse things further, different manufacturers have their own names and sub-types of the three main categories; 'crash', 'ride' and 'effects' cymbals.
5. Read the adverts in the music and drumming press and if you choose to view, take someone with you who knows what they're looking for.
6. Listen to the cymbal.  Is it what you're after?  Compare it with what you already have.  Does it complement or fight against the sound of the other cymbals?  Remember that different sounding cymbals CAN BE A POSITIVE BENEFIT to your sound and increase your flexibility.
7. Look for signs of extensive or deep corrosion.
8. Check around the central hole for signs of 'key-holing' i.e., the hole is oval or distorted due to wear arising from metal-to-metal contact.  This is especially prevalent on top hi-hat cymbals and represents an increased risk of splitting or cracking around the bell, especially in smaller, thinner cymbals.
9. Look for signs of abuse such as distortion, chipping, cracks and repairs.  Listen for buzzes and rattles which may indicate problems such as fine cracks at the edge, bow or bell.
10. All of the major manufacturers 'stamp' their name into the metal of the cymbal.  Check that this is present to show that the cymbal really is what is being advertised.  Select the thumbnail below for an example.

Zildjian Logo Stamped into Cymbal (Click on image to enlarge)

Never be afraid to ask the owner questions about the history of their cymbals and why they are selling them.

DON'T think that you MUST buy cymbals of the same make or type.  There are so many excellent cymbals out there.  Not all are made by the top names. So there is plenty of opportunity to buy exactly the cymbal set that you want.

REPAIRING A CRACKED CYMBAL

If YOU DO FIND A CRACK IN ONE OF YOUR CYMBALS, CAREFULLY drill a small hole at the end of the crack nearest the bell if the crack radiates from edge towards the middle.  If the crack is PARALLEL TO THE EDGE, drill a hole at BOTH ends.  Although this will extend the life of the cymbal, its days are numbered!

Repairing a Cracked Cymbal

The best advice is DON'T CRACK YOUR CYMBALS IN THE FIRST PLACE.

You may like to Contact Us with specific Questions.

Or...try the excellent audio equipment search engine, Gearblasters.com where you can search for new and used equipment, and easily find the best price for YOUR equipment.  A first, and really great resource.  Check it out!

Alternatively, you may like to contact the Cymbal Manufacturers directly, or the Music Press to access reviews and 'road tests' of the equipment you're looking for.

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