StrangerDrum Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Tuesday, Nov 25, 2008 - 11:52 PM

[quote author=r2champion link=topic=200.msg1064#msg1064 date=1225516165]
In todays economy, it is very much a "buyers" market for used drum equipment. Check ebay or craigslist for used "top of the line" cymbals rather than cheaper cymbals that you will soon be unhappy with. By cheaper, I don't mean by brand, but sheet cymbals verses cast cymbals. Most top cymbal companies make both, but the sheet cymbals are mostly for the beginner/intermidiate player (ZBT, ZXT) while the cast cymbals (Zild A, K, Z) are pro cymbals. Obviously the cast cymbals are more expensive new, but some great deals can be had these days for used cymbals. Just be sure to check for cracks, keyholes, etc. before buying used cymbals.
[/quote]

THIS!!!

Just about everything I have came from Ebay. I saved a ton of money that way. And if you get a piece you don't like, sell it! I have lost VERY little money doing this.

And again, spend the extra money and get the good stuff the first time!

King Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Friday, Nov 7, 2008 - 10:48 AM

Good deal...thanks for the info

r2champion Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 - 11:52 AM

Well, ebay is a crapshoot...sometimes you come out well, other times not. I pay attention to seller ratings, the content of the description, and I would most certainly not by anything from ebay without pictures. Most drum equipment sellers on ebay will supply a close up of problem areas for damage. Look at the finish, is it scratched, look ragged out, or well taken care of? The description tells a lot about the sellers knowledge of the product as well. Do they accurately describe what you see in the pictures? Do they describe it as if they are a drummer in the know? You can even ask sopecific questions to the seller before bidding. All these things help.

On the other hand, Craigslist is at the top of my list. Generally it is set up just like the classifieds in your local area. They list what they have for sale then you decide if you're interested. If so, hop across town and check it out first hand before handing the guy your hard earned cash. You know what you are getting without questions asked.

Additionally, buying used doesn't necassarily require an internet connection to take advantage of. Ask other drummers if they know of anyone selling anything, Check the classifieds in the newspaper, go to music/drum shops. Get my drift?

drumhead101541 Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Tuesday, Nov 4, 2008 - 9:04 AM

Yeah I'm not sure I would by a cymbal without actually seeing it and smacking it a few times.

King Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Monday, Nov 3, 2008 - 1:41 PM

Besides the fact that you can't hear them when buying used cymbals online most people are also skeptical about buying via internet because they don't know if it's damaged or not. What are some things that you look for when you're out shopping the web for used gear.You mentioned keyholes,and cracks, but what are the other things you take into consideration? I don't buy online that much so help a brother out.

r2champion Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Saturday, Nov 1, 2008 - 1:09 AM

In todays economy, it is very much a "buyers" market for used drum equipment. Check ebay or craigslist for used "top of the line" cymbals rather than cheaper cymbals that you will soon be unhappy with. By cheaper, I don't mean by brand, but sheet cymbals verses cast cymbals. Most top cymbal companies make both, but the sheet cymbals are mostly for the beginner/intermidiate player (ZBT, ZXT) while the cast cymbals (Zild A, K, Z) are pro cymbals. Obviously the cast cymbals are more expensive new, but some great deals can be had these days for used cymbals. Just be sure to check for cracks, keyholes, etc. before buying used cymbals.

GiggingDrummer Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Sunday, Aug 31, 2008 - 4:21 AM

I always played Zildjian in the past but I'm just about to buy a set of Sabian HHX. Groove Hats, Yo Yo Mayer Ride, and HHX splash and crashes.
I find that the darker cymbals blend with the other instruments instead of cut through them.

drumhead101541 Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Thursday, Aug 21, 2008 - 9:47 AM

I'm a Zildjian guy myself, but I have really grown to the Byzance Series from Meinl. They are just like Zildjian's K and A series.

King Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008 - 9:35 AM

I remember the good ol days of no transportation. Sometimes you just gotta work with what you got, no shame in that. Most local stores only carry Sabian and Zildjian but most are starting to add more variety to their product roster. Same goes for Orlando, but some stores are starting to carry Meinl. I was always iffy about Meinl because I had never heard them for myself but they make really good stuff. However, choosing your gear is always about personal preference. Like Dave said, go with what sounds good.

Bdesormeaux Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008 - 5:11 PM

but my local store only holds zildjian sabian, and i saw aome meinl in there yesterday, but not too much.  and its not to easy to go around when your 15 and you dont have a car

Dave Heim Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Tuesday, Aug 19, 2008 - 12:49 PM

Don't think of it as Zildjian [b]OR[/b] Paiste [b]OR[/b] Sabian [b]OR[/b] Meinl.  There's no law that says you have to stay with one specific brand. 

Cymbals are best bought with your ears.  Don't get wrapped up in the finish or look.  Go [b]listen[/b] to a bunch.  Bring you own preferred sticks and kick the tires.  Bring a friend with so s/he can hit a few prospective cymbals for you while you step further away and listen.

You might also consider buying good quality cymbals on the used market through e-Bay.  There are usually some nice finds out there for not a lot of cash.

Bdesormeaux Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Monday, Aug 18, 2008 - 6:17 PM

yea i may be checking out meinl also, i have the hcs china by meinl, its great. well thank you guys for helping me

cyrusjt Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Monday, Aug 18, 2008 - 4:09 PM

Bump King's previous statement.  He is right, the best idea is for you to go to your local drum shop and play around on some different cymbals. Figure out what your best option is. Every cymbal sounds different to every drummer

King Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Monday, Aug 18, 2008 - 3:43 PM

Check out MEINL. They make great cymbals and they sound fantastic. Even their MB8 line sound good. Far too many drummers become superstitious creatures of habit and refuse to change but I say try new stuff when you can. Try to find a place nearby that sells Meinl so you can actually hear for yourself how good they sound. Other than that , go with either Zildjian or Sabian....never have been to big on Paiste myself- I can't pay top dollar for cookie cutter cymbals

cyrusjt Says Re: Sabian vs. Zildjian vs. Paiste

Submitted On: Monday, Aug 18, 2008 - 1:22 PM

As long as you go with a higher quality of any of those three you will be fine.. I would suggest either avedis or A customs by zildjian for a more rock sound. I play a mixture of a customs and sabian paragons (niel peart signature series). My larger cymbals are A customs and small spashes and a 14" crash is a paragon.
Paiste red labels are nice too