Choosing Like a Professional

When you show up at a well-stocked drum shop to buy a cymbal, you’ll have hundreds to choose from. 

One method is to just start hitting them. Grab a stick, start at the beginning, and smack each one.  

Although maybe fun for a few minutes, this method will take you the longest, and ultimately won’t yield what you’re looking for. After a few dozen, they don’t all sound the same, but your ear will be tired and you won’t be able to remember what sound you came in hoping to achieve.

Plus, you’ll mark yourself as a complete amateur, and you’ll annoy everybody else in that store. If you need any help from someone, well…

Another method is to know what type of cymbal you want when you walk in. A crash cymbal. Okay, now you’ve narrowed the selection down to around 100. 

Better yet, an 18” crash cymbal with a dark overtone to complement the 16” bright crash you already have. 

Now you’re down to 15-20. 

If you’ve really done your homework, you’ll know the one or two from each manufacturer that might be the one you want. 

Now you’ve got less than 10 to choose from. 

What’s your budget? Is there a specific look you’re aiming for? Do you favor or dislike one of the manufacturers? 

A professional walks into the drum store and hits 5 cymbals and walks out with the one he was looking for. 

The pro always brings a compass.