practice cymbals

my teacher has suggested that i buy practice cymbals, and save my good ones for recording/performing only. this isn't so much of a problem because i already have practice hats/ride/crash (solar prepack by sabian. the crash is terrible but the other two dont sound too bad with a band playing). however, i use two crashes currently, and the solar crash doesnt keep up with a band very well (it's VERY quiet). so basically i'm looking for low priced crashes (that can keep up with a couple of guitars). quality is not a huge issue as long as i can keep my sanity. what i'm seeing as my main options right now are zildjian's zbt and zbt-plus, and paiste's 302/402/502 series. can anyone here offer me their experience/advice with any of these? am i missing any series? what is the best deal in terms of quality to price (i dont want to drive my bandmates insane with my cymbals). thanks, any help is appreciated!

I'f you wan't loud cymbals try Zildian K's ,The're not cheap but they sound bloody good!

I guess I'm not sure I understand the idea abut keeping your good cymbals for only recording and performing. I own a Pearl Master Series drum set and wouldn't consider playing anything less for practicing! In fact, the reason I purchased this set to begin with is because I like the sound, response, etc. If I played violin and owned a Stratavarious would I not want to practice with it?. Of course I would... I see no difference in a great set of cymbals than that of any other great instrument. The response, the different sounds, different techniques to obtain those sounds, they're all important. They should be and need to be practiced. Without the same cymbals you're actually going into the recording studio with or on stage with how are you going to be prepared to use these instruments to both your and their fullest capacity?

The majority of drummers on the workshop circuit specify the type of drums they HAVE to have waiting for them when they arrive to do the workshop. They also specify the amount needed, brand, and model of cymbal stands, thrones, bass pedals, etc. But they all bring their own cymbals. There's a reason for this and I can't help but disagree with you current teacher.

It is my opinion, and only my opinion, to save your time, effort, and money. Just play the ones you like unless there are other considerations which you didn't mention in this post..

I agree with Dean 100%

Dave Lemonds

well, i would agree with you, but i'm not in a position currently that requires a lot of recording or performing... in fact i have yet to perform anywhere. the response of the crashes isnt important to me while i'm practicing coordination excersises or just beating the crap out of it all. if and when my band is ready to start playing outside of the practice room, i would use the real cymbals, but at this point i mainly just need stuff that i can play that wont die in a few months (i like the really thin crashes for a lot of reasons, but unfortunately they don't last long in the heavier music environment).

I can get you a good price on the K's if you decide to go with them. a lot of people seem to like the Z Customs as well which are priced about the same as the regular A line.

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