Hey all need some help with my cymbals

DrunkDrummer

New member
Hi all, I'm new here, would like to extend my friendly greetings to all of you here. :)

I'm hoping to get some advice on my Paiste PST-3 cymbals ... you know when people hit their cymbals, have that 'pssssshhhhh' sound (srry, I don't know how to describe other than that)? I cannot make mine sound like that, dunno why, it's like a clang and all I can mostly hear is a weird metal sound (like you take a cheap metal plate and throw on wall) and lots of ring ...

Is there a method to use so I can get that sound? Currently I hit it with the stem (dunno what name) of the sticks.

I know PST-3's are kinda entry-level cymbals, but I see some other people using PST-3's also can get that sound.

Thanks guys ^^
 
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no 2 cymbals, even if the same model, sound the same. that's why you have to test the cymbals first (scrutinize every aspect of it - harmonics, etc) until you're perfectly happy with it, then buy it.
 
Cymbals often sound different from the driver's seat and when heard from the audience's pespective. A matter of physics - You're much nearer to the source of the sound.

It can make a huge difference when it comes to lower-end cymbals - the harsh clanginess probably dissipates before the rest of the sound reaches your ears.

It could also be a matter of playing technique. It can take time to know a particular set of cymbals and how to coax the best sounds outta them.

Finally, PST3's are made of brass. I wouldn't expect that much outta them, decent cymbals they may be.
 
Weckl-x:

What do you mean by PST-3's are made of brass? Care to enlighten me? :)

So, what type of cymbals should I generally get if I want something, uh, I can expect much from? (lol)

What are the differences between thin and thicker cymbals?

Thanks
 
Brass is usually used for beginner/lower end cymbals as it is a much cheaper alloy, compared to bronze.

Quoting from Rabe's Cymbal page:

Brass is used for the cheapest of cymbals, because the material itself is cheap. As with bronze, there are many different alloys but the material used for cymbals usually consists of 63% copper and 37% zinc. Brass cymbals have little sustain, because the high frequencies decay quickly. Compared to bronze, brass sounds less rich and deep, and also less powerful. However, not all brass cymbals are inferior. In some instances even professional instruments are made from it. UFIP is known to make large cymbals and gongs from brass.

http://home.mnet-online.de/cymbalism/cymbalism/cymbals/materials.html
What kind of cymbals should you get?
In general, get the best range you can afford. If you can't afford anything else now, save. Use the time to work on your playing.

You can find your answer on thickness (and more) on Paiste's page on Cymbal Anatomy.

Characteristics.gif

http://paiste.com/e/support_anatomy.php?menuid=315#characteristics
 
1. What kind of room are you in? It could be the acoustics of the room that make the cymbals sound bad. I have that problem. Unless you can move your drum kit to another room, I guess you'll have to put up with it.

2. How are you hitting your cymbals? Try hitting them with a sweeping motion, go across the cymbal instead of hitting the edge directly.

I've got a paiste 101 crash, it actually sounded good in a larger room I played in but in my drum room at home it sounds just okay.
 
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