Introduction

There are many opinions and tastes out there, many of which will tell you what to select, what to do, or how to do it. I am a firm believer that all drummers come with a "patented" musical taste, and it must be exploited. Nonetheless, I do believe there are ways to get the best out of your likes. It is not a random thing that comes from not having anything to do and just selecting whatever pops into your head.

Consider this....

I recommend asking yourself the following questions if you are a beginner:

1. What type of music do I like?

   If the answer is jazz, check out Zildjian's Avedis series, or the new A. Armand series. These cymbals are spectacular for brush work, giving you a raw yet smooth detail. I also love the K series cymbals, especially the K Dark Medium Thin line. Avedis line cymbals have perfect definition.

   If you like rock, punk, death metal, hardcore, then stick with Zildjian's powerhouse cymbals, the Z Custom series. Z Custom Mega Bell ride will deliver the power you're looking for, cutting through the entire sound system. Yes, you'll be heard! Check the Z Custom Mastersound hi hats, a great innovation in hi hat technology. I also recommend the Z Custom Medium crashes for drummers who like a more melodic trash in their playing, and the Z Custom Rock crash line for those who play with fire and power.

   If you like classic rock, progressive, or any other type of rock, you have many choices. My personal favorites are a combination of A Mastersound hi hats, a 20" K Ride or a 20" K Custom Dry ride, 16" 17" and 18" K Custom Dark crashes, an 18" K Dark Med-Thin crash, 16" and 18" A Custom EFX crashes (brand new line!), and the A. China High's! See, you're able to select from more series and get the perfect sounds.

   There are no limits, nor am I suggesting one should stick to only one series; however, Zildjian has worked hard throughout the last decades to bring us drummers with the best in our fields.

2. How hard do I hit my cymbals? Am I a punisher, or a lover?

   There is a huge difference between the punisher and the lover. Cymbals are made to take the use and withstand the abuse, but not only do they run the risk of being cracked, but when you punish the cymbals you do not get the right sound out of them. Understanding your hitting habits can help you select the series you need. If you are a punisher and like playing progressive rock, for instance, use the A Custom Medium series, which are a little thicker than the regular A Custom crashes. Go with the 20" A Ping Ride, a powerful, cutting, and melodic ride that will cover your need for power hitting and musicality. Use Oriental China Trash cymbals, and, lastly, a pair of A Custom Mastersound hi hats. The ride and the hi hats will probably match in brilliance since the Ping Ride is a bright ride. I also recommend using the 15" K hi hats. You can also go with the K Mastersounds, but they are very heavy. My personal preference in Mastersounds is with the A series only... but that's just me.

   On the other hand, if you are a lover, you have no limits as to what to choose, except the Z Custom series. Usually, lovers will not trash their gear, or hit it hard, which makes the Z Customs a terrible choice. These cymbals were created for raw, heavy playing, and that's how you get their particular sound: kick the life out of them. Lovers, my suggestion is stick to the K Custom or A Custom hi hats, K Custom crashes, K or K Custom rides, and the Oriental series as well. Again, do not think this is it. I am only throwing recommendations that could help you shape the way you think about purchasing cymbals and looking for your particular taste.