Good vintage cymbals for a working man???

[Jim]

I work on a pretty strict budget.. $150 for a cymbal would be a reach for me.. is there a good vintage cymbal set that comes to anyones mind that I might get into (one piece at a time) for under $400.. hats, ride, crash... any ideas on what I should be hunting for or does this beast not exist??

Thanks..

[shepfu]

Jim, I think your best bet is to keep your eyes open on craiglist. That's how I have pieced together my cymbals. I just acquired a 70's Zildjian Med/Thin Sizzle ride for $40. Sometimes people think because it is old and dirty that it isn't worth much. In the last 7 month's I have purchased a 90's 18" Zil. K Med/thin dark crash, 90's 10" K splash, 00's 10" A custom splash, early eighties 16" dark crash and the ride I just mentioned for under $300. Just keep your eyes open and be patient and you can find some killer deals. Mister T

[O-Lugs]

NEVER buy "budget" cymbals and only RARELY buy new cymbals (when they are exactly what you want). That's my 2 cents.

Watch Craig's list, EBay, etc. and buy some old Avedis Zlidjians.

NEVER cut corners on your cymbals.:2Cents:

[backbeatkeeper]

Jim,
What are you looking for in particular? I have some stuff laying around that might suit your needs.

Backbeatkeeper

[Jim]

A decent crash to replace my miserable clangy Krut would be my first move.. PM me if you got something you think would work well.

I have my 602 savings account building up but that is going to be awhile.

[big daddy]

What kind of sound are you looking for? Vintage A Zils, K Zils, Paiste, etc...?


If you play jazz and are looking for the "K" type sound, you should check out Dream cymbals. They are NOT K zils, but they have a similar vibe, are reasonably priced, hand hammered cast cymbals (eg: 22" ride = $160.00 average street price).

As noted, keep an eye on C-list and the 'Bay for sure.

IMHO, before you write off budget cymbals, play them. I purchased a 20" Meinl MCS "Student" quality ride cymbal - Ditto on a set of Paiste PST-5 low end hihats. They sound great - Plain and simple. Several Pro drummers love the PST-5 hats and use them regularly - Or mix and match with other hats.

Modern budget cymbals are far superior to the ones made 20 or more years ago. Use the ears not the eyes.

[Jim]

The Dream "Bliss" line cymbals seem to be getting some really good press online.

I think you gave me a really good tip on that one.. now I just need to find a shop that carries them.

THANKS!

[Roscoe]

As noted, keep an eye on C-list and the 'Bay for sure.

IMHO, before you write off budget cymbals, play them. I purchased a 20" Meinl MCS "Student" quality ride cymbal - Ditto on a set of Paiste PST-5 low end hihats. They sound great - Plain and simple. Several Pro drummers love the PST-5 hats and use them regularly - Or mix and match with other hats.

Modern budget cymbals are far superior to the ones made 20
or more years ago. Use the ears not the eyes.

This is quite true Old Sport.

We've come a long way from Camber or someone
else's filthy, keyholed and split tosses.

Take your time and Listen.

I've been meaning to try the Wuhan line with futures being
what they are...

Albeit a pile of them.

;)