Selection & Testing
Selecting the right cymbals is a deeply personal journey that directly impacts your musical expression. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make choices that perfectly fit your needs.
General Considerations
Personal Preference
Your ears are the most important tool you have. A cymbal’s sound should inspire you to play. Don’t be swayed by what’s popular or what your favorite drummer uses. The best cymbal for you is the one that you love the sound of, regardless of its type or series. Trust your instincts.
Type of Music
The genre you play is a major factor in cymbal selection.
Jazz & Fusion: Look for thinner, darker cymbals with a complex wash and quick decay. These provide a rich sonic palette for nuanced and dynamic playing.
Rock & Metal: Choose thicker, heavier cymbals with a higher pitch and longer sustain. They have the power and volume to cut through loud guitars and bass.
Funk & Pop: A versatile setup is key. Medium-weight cymbals that offer a balance of clear stick definition and a musical crash are ideal for a wide range of grooves.
Size of Ensemble, Group or Band
The size and volume of your band should influence your cymbal choices.
Acoustic or Small Ensembles: Lighter, thinner cymbals work best here. They provide musical color and detail without overpowering other instruments.
Full Bands or Orchestras: Heavier, larger cymbals are necessary to provide enough volume and presence to be heard alongside loud instruments.
Your Existing Cymbals
Don’t feel you have to replace your entire setup at once. A new cymbal should complement your existing collection. Consider whether you need to fill a specific sonic gap—for example, a darker ride to contrast a bright crash you already own. There is no rule that says all your cymbals must be from the same series.
Your Drum Sticks
The weight of your drumsticks and your cymbals should be compatible. A heavy stick on a thin, delicate cymbal can produce an unmusical sound and potentially cause damage. Conversely, a light stick on a heavy cymbal may not be able to get the full sound out of it. Choose a stick-cymbal combination that feels and sounds right.
Your Drum Sizes
The size and tuning of your drums affect the overall feel of your kit. A large, low-tuned drum kit might pair well with larger, darker cymbals for a cohesive sound. A smaller, high-tuned kit might benefit from smaller, brighter cymbals to maintain a consistent sonic character.
Performance & Rehearsal Environment
Think about where you’ll be playing.
Small Clubs or Studios: Lighter, quieter cymbals with a fast decay are often preferred to avoid overwhelming the space.
Large Venues or Outdoor Gigs: Heavier, more powerful cymbals are needed to project your sound effectively.
Recording
When recording, control is everything. Thinner cymbals with a quick, musical decay are often easier to mic and mix, as they don’t produce an overwhelming wash. A cymbal that sounds perfect live might be too loud or too sustained for a studio setting.
Overall Volume & Cymbal Size
Larger cymbals naturally produce more volume and have a lower pitch. If you play in a very loud band, you may need larger cymbals to be heard. If you’re a heavy hitter, consider a thicker cymbal that can withstand the force without sounding harsh.
Variety & Consistency
Some drummers prefer a wide variety of sounds, while others seek a consistent sonic signature. Mosico offers distinct series that cater to both philosophies. You can choose a single series for a cohesive sound or mix and match from different lines to create a custom sonic palette.
Looks
A cymbal’s finish—whether brilliant, traditional, or raw—is part of its identity. The look of your cymbals can be a source of inspiration, adding to the visual appeal of your kit on stage.
Series Selection
Each Mosico series is crafted with a specific sound and purpose in mind. From the brilliant DRAGON series to the dark and traditional KNIGHT series, each has a unique voice. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each series to find the one that best suits your needs.
Warranty
Your cymbal is a significant investment. Mosico offers a comprehensive warranty to protect your purchase, ensuring you can play with confidence. Details are available on our website.
Cost
While higher-priced cymbals often offer superior tonal complexity and craftsmanship, Mosico is dedicated to producing high-quality cymbals at every price point. Our goal is to provide exceptional value, so you can find a professional-sounding cymbal that fits your budget.
Testing Cymbals
General Testing Advice
When testing cymbals, remember that the goal is to find a sound that inspires you. Here is some general advice to ensure you get a full and accurate impression of each cymbal.
Bring Your Own Sticks: Always use your own drumsticks. The weight, size, and tip shape of your sticks will significantly alter the cymbal’s sound. Using your own tools ensures the most authentic result.
Play at Different Volumes: Don’t just play at one dynamic level. Strike the cymbal softly, moderately, and with force. A great cymbal should remain musical at all volumes and not get thin or harsh when played loudly.
Strike Different Parts: Play on the bell, the bow, and the edge. Each area should produce a distinct and clear voice.
Try it in a Beat: Integrate the cymbal into a rhythm you commonly play. See how it blends with your existing cymbals and if it helps you express yourself musically.
Ride
When testing a ride cymbal, focus on its stick definition and tonal balance.
Ping: Use the tip of your stick to play on the bow, listening for a clear, articulate “ping” sound. This sound should remain distinct and present over the cymbal’s wash.
Wash: Play on the bow with the shoulder of your stick or play a continuous rhythm to feel the cymbal’s wash. A good ride should have a controllable wash that doesn’t overpower the “ping” sound.
Bell: Play on the bell, listening for a bright, focused, and penetrating sound. The bell should be used to add accents and rhythmic emphasis.
Crash
The focus for testing crash cymbals is on their power and decay.
Attack: Use the shoulder of your stick to strike the edge, feeling the explosive burst of sound. A good crash cymbal should produce a loud, vibrant sound instantly and be able to cut through the mix.
Decay: Listen to how the sound fades. It should be musical and smooth, not thin or harsh as it decays. A fast-decaying crash is great for quick fills, while a slow-decaying one is better for building atmosphere.
Hi-Hat
The hi-hat is the core of your rhythm, so focus on its responsiveness and clarity.
Chick Sound: Use your foot to press the pedal, listening for a crisp, clean, and strong “chick” sound as the cymbals close.
Closed Stick Sound: Play on the closed hi-hat with your stick, listening for a clear, focused “click” or “tick.” This sound is the foundation of your rhythm.
Open Sound: Play the hi-hat when it’s partially or fully open, feeling its wash and sustain. The sound should be rich, full, and controllable.
Other Cymbals
When testing other specialized cymbals, focus on their unique function and character.
Splash & Bell: Strike these small cymbals, focusing on their immediate response and high-frequency tone. The sound should be quick, bright, and not lingering.
China & Swish: Listen for their unique “trashy” sound. They should have a strong, aggressive attack while still offering a distinct musical color and a quick decay.
Effects Cymbals: For stacks and other effects cymbals, experiment with different combinations and playing techniques to discover the unique textures and rhythms they can create.