Is it Okay to Mix Cymbal Brands?

Everywhere we look we see sets of gleaming matching cymbals, but should we strive for this as a non-endorsed drummer?
If a cymbal outside of our preferred brand catches our attention, should we consider sacrificing our brand loyalties in the name of sound?
Ryan and Nick share their thoughts on the topic, join in the discussion down in the comments!
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For more in-depth lessons on all things drumming, check out our site where you can explore full-length lesson packs! - drum.dog
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Gear Featured:
Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Maple - 20, 10, 12, 14, 16"
Custom Maple Snare - 14x6.5"
Meinl Byzance 15" Dual Hats
Paiste PSTX 12" Stack
Istanbul Agop Dark 22" Crash
Leon Cymbal Flat Bell Raw Ride 23"
Sabian HHX Evolution 17" Crash
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For all your music distribution needs, don't forget you can use our VIP DistroKid link for 7% off a years membership!: distrokid.com/v...

[@sarojaband4664]

"Shop with your ears, not with your eyes.' Absolutely!! Personal favorites include Paiste 602 blue label heavy ride 22", 13" 2002 soundedge or Masterworks hihats, and Istanbul Xist medium thin crashes in all sizes. Excellent vid as usual Gents!!

[@ChristianContemporaryMusic02]

I agree, too! I use two paiste rudes, a 16" thin crash and a 16" 1981 crash/ride! 2× 18" pst7s a zildjian z series 20" ride. And 2× top and bottom paiste giant beats 15" hi hats with additional Bosporus trad series splashs' and 18" rock crash and china!

[@TessaAnderson]

I have Zildjian paiste sabian and wuhan on my kit! I find the exact cymbal that speaks to me and I love to see what makes each brand unique. I am a cymbal lover I have had people yell at me at tell me how horrible I am about my opinions regarding cymbals

[@bernardrooney105]

That’s my mix too!

[@Imabassplayer2]

When I was younger I did mix and match my cymbals. Now I use Zildjian because it's what I like. Doesn't mean I wouldn't buy a cheeky Paiste, Meinl, or a Dream cymbal but it has to speak to me. I like the way all Zildjian cymbal lines sound and I can't say the same about other brands. Again I know what I like and what I look for in a cymbal and it took years to figure out. At the end of the day if you like a cymbal and it blends well with your other cymbals then great. Thats important has to fit in. But yeah it's the sound that counts not necessarily the brand. But we all have some brand loyalty and we trust in a brand. Who cares about if cymbals are all the same brand or mixed up. Do what makes you happy because it's your kit and your sound nobody else. As a side note I'm an old Sabian logo fan, hate the new one it look bad.

[@matthewgonano636]

Ye I'm starting to really love zildjians. I mean most famous drummers used them so it should say alot

[@Darkurge666]

I buy cymbals used to reduce cost, then I try different brands and sizes to get a sense of what they're like. I listen to a lot of reviews and example files, but you still don't know what it will sound and feel like until you get it on your own set. I find that different cymbals work well for different kind of music. Zildijan - A Custom are great for ballads, lower volume and long sustain. Meinl Classic are great for volume, shorter sustain. Paiste 2002 are great for volume and accent. Rides are tricky. I've bought so many rides, and I still don't have one I'm 100% happy with.

[@michaelbrown1895]

Hi Guys, I've used my Paiste Signatures since they first came out,what,mid 90's!!! Still sound great, 20 power ride,14&16 Thin crashes, 13 Dark crispy hats & 8 splash. They were from the original small unit that was Wembley Drum Center. Think mixing is great idea,but I liked them uniformed tbh. Great debate,fantastic,cheers guys😊😊😉

[@grumpydrummer8960]

I've bought a lot 2nd hand and only researched them on utube to get a rough sense. Now I consider to have various textures if sounds , decays and elongation, regardless of what I play and rotate cymbals around the kit or change.

[@bendodrum18]

Totally appreciate this video. I’m running Istanbul, Stagg crashes, and use a Sabian omni ride. On the verge of getting some meinl hats. They all sound incredible! Couldn’t be happier and that is the key. What ever works for you 😉

[@cave1958]

I only ever had one matched set of cymbals. It's been mixed brands ever since!

[@vortexsophia]

Just built my first kit having spent years as a professional piano and jumping to drums having grown up as a competition drum corps drummer as a kid. I went with ear and recommendation to how it'd translate on stage (plus having played with tons of advanced jazz drummers) I play open/traditional grip usually. I went in to pick with my ears and hands not my eyes on brand Sabian HHX 13" Fierce Hi-Hat Cymbals (primary) Paiste Blue Bell 22 Ride Stewart Copeland Signature (Right Hand Ride) Sabian 22" AAX OMNI as Left Crash (Doubles as Left Hand Open Ride) Paiste 2002 Thin Crash 18" on right hand side MEINL Generation X FX Hats 10 in (Aux Hi-Hat) I'll start with these and see what I need to alter with time. I can see a China in there soon and a splash. From who? Whatever feels right in my stick rebound and ear. I can also see adding a second crash as a Paiste 2002 at a different weight/size so the two talk The kit is a Ludwig Pink Vistalite Bonham setup that came with the Suphraphonoic snare, got the second 5in Vistalite pink snare. Ordered a RCI Starlite Pink acrylic 20in Bass drum for when i cannot fit the 26 Bonham through the door or stage.

[@mattbennett9467]

Excellent concept for a video as this is something that really divides opinion. I've been drumming for 35 years now and have been through the stages of brand loyalty & purism (go with your ears dude!) several times over. At 53, I've accepted that drumming is a hobby. As such, I do it for the love of playing, but also collecting, trading, discovering and a fair bit of escapism. If brand loyalty is important to a person, do it loud and proud. Conversely, if mixing and matching is important then that's your path (be aware you're still making a statement to other drummers and yourself by doing this though). Lastly, the drum kit is not one instrument, it's a collection of percussion voices from every corner of the world. Each cymbal is therefore actually a stand alone voice, as is each drum. I don't see many drummers mixing and matching their bass drums and toms, but we do match snares and kits. We can come up with all sorts of justifications for this, but really, it comes down to fashion.

[@azmadazhell]

I’m happy to mix my Istanbul Mehmets with my Istanbul Agops 🤣 Honestly though I love getting new gear from any brand and seeing what works. Living down under we don’t always get the best choice other than the major brands so it can be a lot of trial and error and ordering online. Second hand cymbals seem to be where I have hit gold the most though.

[@DemetriusConley]

I use to mix cymbal brands from Zildjian to Wuhan when I had my Groove Percussion Wine Red Drum Set that I use to have 10 years ago. On the other hand, this year I've changed my entire drum setup to a Sound Percussion Labs Unity Birch Drum Set, it's a 6pc kit & I use all Sabian AA Cymbals. Yes, they're the same cymbals.

[@upyours574]

I use Paiste 2002 crash cymbals 16" 18" and Zildjian 20" crash-ride A' and Zildjian hi hats 15" new beat A's. Beautiful blend of sounds.

[@nealp.2841]

I have a mix of the big four. Sabian, Zildjian, Meinl and Paiste. Mainly Sabian and Meinl.. I prefer to mix. I played strictly Sabian for many years. Just a couple years ago I started to purposely expand my cymbals and kit! 7 piece Ludwig, 22" kicks. All REMO Ambassador Ebony heads. 22" Green colorsound P3 reso bass head. Triple kick pedal

[@pijusfurmaniukas6972]

My opinion has always been, don't show loyalty to one brand, until you're sponsored. No need to look like you're promoting a brand unless they're paying you

[@loganhess5297]

My kit is a mix of everything lol. I've got an old pair of 14 inch Paiste 302 hi-hats, an old 16 inch Zildjian crash (Idk what line of cymbals, the logo is faded all you can see is a bit of the zildjian), a 16 inch Camber c4000 crash, an 18 inch Camber c4000 ride, a 8 inch stagg splash, a 10 inch sabian splash, and a 14 inch wuhan china lol.

[@nesslessman6379]

I’ve been mixing forever. Signatures to Ks to HHX and Meinl. Killer broad mix of sounds! And I’m still discovering more!!

[@jonashellborg8320]

I play different brand cymbals, and prefer buying in person. The latter has gotten harder in the UK lately, so I’m forced to buy online, and indeed you don’t quite know what you’re getting, especially in hand hammered cymbals. Brand loyalty for the sake of itself makes no sense to me, unless you’re a very active drummer and an artist deal makes a lot of sense in that situation. Good topic!

[@zacraue2182]

Great video guys!

[@earldrum]

Unfortunately, Chad Smith is with Paiste now! :) Time to change companies!! This is a great topic and I get both sides of this topic ... I tend to match (not always!) B8 with B8 or B20 with B20 cymbals ... my Paiste cymbals sound great together ... I don't mix an match Paiste with Sabian or Zildjian often. But Zildjian, Istanbul and Sabian work great together for me. Even my 18" Paiste traditional flat ride sounds great with my Zildjian Keropes!

[@seppoinnanen5577]

When I was younger, I did not have any special affection with any cymbal brand. So, I played with Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste and Wuhan with no worries. Nowadays, I fiind it hard to mix and match any other brand with Istanbul Agops. Some pieces from Paiste and Bosphorus have made a quick u-turn in my setup, but with not much luck. To me, nothing else has that hooking Agop vibe. So, I'm a very happy one brand guy nowadays. With an exception of a couple Wunan chinas, off course (have Agop chinas also) 🤘🤘

[@koolBOY8323]

i think this is something that only other musicians, specifically drummers, will care about. most everyone at the show listening or dancing will only care if the cymbals go chick, crash, swish, or clang. and in a lot of cases you can find very similar sounds in every brand. i sort of do both of these, i mix up whatever i want in the practice room but i tend to like specific brands with each kit for a particular venue or show or style. something about classic pairings that i grew up seeing. paiste and tama, zildjian and yamaha, zildjian and ludwig, sabian and ayotte, etc. there is absolutely no sonic reason for this, just a personal thing.

[@wingelschweinchen7065]

I have Sabian, Meinl, Zildjian, Paiste, Stagg and Wuhan on my set. ;)

[@borispopovic2570]

Very interesting topic actually! I am a Zildjian Lover and i am currently buying every Zildjian Cymbal i wanna have, because they're awesome! But afterwards, i am going for every cymbal i find interesting sonically. But i have to say, that it totally makes sense to me to combine the right cymbals, not only by brand, but mainly by Series, cause it just has the same sonic idea of course! For example i only had a k sweet 19" Crash by Zildjian for months now with phil Collins ride by Sabian. They're both great, but since I have the 23" k sweet ride by Zildjian, the 19" Crash makes much more sense now, because the new Ride now supports its sonic signature. Sounds logic...but that's the whole discussion of that video now. In the end it's always up to the sound and combinations you're looking. You want the same Sound or a totally mixed Sound? Both can be great, for now i go with the matching combinations, but maybe next year, i'll mix it up. Cheers, thx for the video!

[@butchcassidy3373]

I mix and match to get the sound I want. Agop Istanbul, Sabina, Meinl I love em all

[@scsidrum]

I have always mixed cymbals. Currently I have mix of Dream cymbals (hats, crashes), however, my ears don’t favour their ride cymbals. Therefore, I use a 20” Zildjian A Custom ping. I had the original Paiste Alphas and broke them. My paper thin Dream cymbals are still here so I value the craftsmanship.

[@extremelycreativeusername3190]

i have a sabian and meinl mix on my kit currently. sounds fine to me!

[@thesimplyagapeproject6342]

It is interesting because I use a Sabian Vault 17 inch crash because it sounded like a Paiste. It has that silver mix in it. Paiste's for sure are different. I use double high hats and I have 13 in Dark Energy hats on my left and 14 inches 2002 Sound edges on the right. I use a 19-inch Paiste crash/ride because of the hammering they sound really great with brushes believe it or not

[@jadedillon5201]

I like to have certain cymbals match, for instance I have two crashes and want them to compliment each other, and find it best if they are the same brand and line for that. On the other hand, accent cymbals and hi-hats can be a different brand, whatever sounds good. I have mostly Zildjian A custom but found a great trashy Meinl Byzance. I listened to a dozen or more before buying it.

[@dr.timschurig234]

I tend to mix lines, but not brands. And I don't trust the sound that you hear in the shop, because this is always far away from the sound I hear in my specific room. I preselect cymbals by the brand's sound- samples you find online (using head phones), order them and check them out in my band. It works, Ladies and Gentlemen. Until today this method didn't fail, no returns.

[@C_475]

I mix and match just because I bought what was the cheapest at first and I plan to mix and match because Imma buy what I like best

[@iAmSpyNz]

I would tend to be brand loyal until what I have in mind is not offered then I have no issues going to someone else. ended up having mostly meinl(hats, crashes) some sabian (fx,splash, ride) and a paiste china!

[@drumdog]

Mixed brands can indeed bring a unique sound to your kit, @lilchile123! Sounds like you've got a great setup with Meinl, Sabian, and Paiste. 🥁 It's all about what sounds best to your ears.

[@hiptoalieu]

Zildjian Sabian TRX Meinl Instanbul Agop Paiste Agzarian (LOL)... I use all these brands and they all have a different vibe, but somehow everything seems to blend quite well!

[@ronniek7748]

I generally play all A’s & K’s but I have a pair of Sabian flat hats that are killer. Also a 17” Sabian crash that is special. But I have to say that I do like the look of all the logos being the same. But the sound is what matters foremost. BTW I get a kick of how the Brits pronounce ‘H’. Cheers guys!!

[@Henrik.br27]

I would like to use same brand but I just love the sound of my ride and china too much to replace them with others

[@ricardomadleno564]

I’m going for Wuhan for hit hat 14’ (B20 premium sound for 185 eur on a hit hat is amazing straight out of the store), then a Zildjian A custom 16’ crash(180 eur bought second hand) as my first crash, then a Ziljian Dark thin crash(220 eur bought second hand) as my second crash and finally a Zildjian A custom medium 20’ Ride...my dream would be to have a Zildjian K series Hit-hat but it’s like 450/500 eur regardless the Wuhan traditional Hit-hat is made of B20 and sounds amazing...Traditional Wuhan cymbals are premium cymbals like the K’s and the A’s from Zildjian but at a reasonable price.

[@gregwonhoff7161]

I really enjoyed this video you gave us. I have another question about cymbals, and it deals with the placement of your crash cymbals around your set. Do you set them up by tone such as higher to lower from left to right, or do you place them wherever on any given day? Thank you for you informative presentations.

[@sarojaband4664]

Great Q! Opinion: Crash cymbals generally punctuate the rhythm when hit, so you should be able to reach them easily while keeping time. Therefore, a good starting point is to have one crash close to your ride cymbal, and another close to your hi hats. Usually, medium thin 16, 17, or 18 inch crashes are a good reference point, and you should set your two most complimentary crashes there. Good luck, and feel free to respond.

[@gregwonhoff7161]

@@sarojaband4664 Thank you for getting back to me, but I am still wondering how you determine where to place each specific cymbal. I have one ride, one crash/ride and five crashes. Now, is there a recommended way to arrange the crashes? Right now I have them set up left to right depending on each one’s tone. I have the highest on the left and they progress to the right as they go down in tone. I’m wondering if others do it in a specific way or do they just set them wherever they please. I hope I am making sense here. Thank you again for helping me with my foolish dilemma.

[@SharkVsTree]

@@gregwonhoff7161 By tone, do you mean pitch? I don't set my crashes up by pitch, I set them up to be easy to reach in the context of the music I play, and their relation to the "rhythm" cymbals (ride and hi hat, much like the other poster mentioned). The highest and lowest-pitched crashes are placed on either side of my ride cymbal. The middle-pitched cymbal is closer to my hi hats. The highest-pitched cymbal is also the smallest (16"), with short sustain. The medium-pitch/sustain cymbal is medium-sized (17"), and the lowest pitch/longest sustain is the largest (18"). My ride cymbal is also intentionally very crashable (21" Zildjian A Armand Ride; strong bell, but thin on the edge), for the occasional time I want an accent to be extra-loud. I also don't see much need for more than three dedicated crashes, as chinas are often used in the same context in the styles of music I play. I have three crashes and three chinas. The chinas are set up at the extreme ends of the kit, as I don't use tend to use them as much. There is a small, fast (12") china set up next to my ride for quick rhythms or fast accents.

[@sarojaband4664]

@@gregwonhoff7161 It's a matter of musical taste. I personally like a 16, 17, or 18" crash close to my ride and hihat. The rest are for key accents, ie big 20" crashes at 9 and 3 o'clock position for big swells at end of songs; small 16" in front for quick splashy hits. Let your musicality guide you!! There's no right or wrong here.

[@gregwonhoff7161]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, this clears things up for me a bunch. I know that your time is valuable, so I do so appreciate you spending yours to help me understand just another aspect of this wonderful instrument.

[@jamesf.ryaniii7918]

Do you play a 10" Pearl tom, 12" Ludwig tom, 16" DW floor tom, 22" Tama bass drum and 14" Gretsch snare???? Do you use a Vic Firth stick in your right hand and a ProMark stick in your left hand??? Do you wear Adidas on your right foot and Nike on your left foot??? Do you have 4 of the same brand of tires on your car or do you have 1 Goodyear, 1 Michelin, 1 Dunlop and 1 Firestone??? Do guitar players use the same brand of strings for all 6 strings or do they use strings from 6 different manufacturers???

[@hiptoalieu]

I've played gigs where I used... 18" Mapex Kick 13" Yamaha snare 10" Sonor rack Tom (literaly birch) 10" Mapex Rack Tom 13" Yamaha snom This was one of my favorite configs I've ever played!

[@jamesf.ryaniii7918]

@@hiptoalieu I knew someone would reply with that. But, you have to admit....you are in a very small minority. Did you also use Aquarian clear on the 10" toms, Evans G1 coated on the 13" snom, Remo controlled sound coated on the snare and Evans EMAD on the bass?

[@im_in_immense_pain]

What are you trying to say?

[@ВладиславСірко]

U've got a point: i have crashes - Super Zyn 16', Sabian XS 16', swiss Paiste 2002 18' cut to 17', german 2002 18' and Zildjian Avedis 18'. Zildjian doesn't match with Paiste and Zyn, Sabian is broken and sounds too fast, but matches with Zyn. Swiss Paiste matches only with german 2002. So my "go to" is 16' Zyn/swiss 2002 on the left and german 2002 on the right. The point is "why take time and match cymbals between each other if you can buy ones from same series and have great match"

[@NajeKim]

With my new drum set I got a pack of Sabians to go with it. I did not like the sound of them. What searching and found Dream Bliss cymbals which had the sounds I was looking for so I traded in all the Sabians for the Dreams. Now I'll be driving 12 hours this coming weekend to sample a couple Wuhan Linear Smash cymbals (17" & 19") to hear which one would compliment my Dreams the best.

[@drumdog]

Mixing cymbal brands to find your perfect sound is a journey worth taking. Dream Bliss cymbals have a fantastic tone. Enjoy the trip and let us know how the Wuhan cymbals complement your setup!

[@SharkVsTree]

I have no interest in attempting to signal an endorsement I don't have by demonstrating brand loyalty to any cymbal manufacturer. Turns out a lot of companies make very good-sounding cymbals. I have Zildjian, Paiste, Wuhan, Stagg, Sabian, Meinl, and Saluda cymbals all on my kit and they sound great together. Like I want my cymbals to sound. That said, if I were a touring musician, I would want to have an endorsement to cover the broken cymbals I would surely have to deal with, and in that case I would probably try to get with Meinl.

[@willymccabe6602]

Knowing a cymbals accurate weight (in grams), the lathing and/or hammering, the profile and alloy can go a long long way in helping determine what cymbal is the right one when buying blind.

[@Drummer885K3vinRios]

I use Mienl but looking to switching onto Soultone!

[@matthewgonano636]

I have dream sabian zildjians and paiste cymbals. My fav are zildjians hats

[@SPACEMAN_fkYT]

Percussion is sound so you choose the sound that you're looking regardless of the label.

[@impurestoli]

on my gigs i use 3 different cymbal brands Meinl. Paiste and Istanbul

[@Mike-ol7xp]

I have all Zildjians A's and K's, but have Sabians also (aux hats & holy china). I don't mind mixing those two brands because they're both from the Zildjian Family. If I use another brand (Stagg) I'll use that whole set up on it's own, and vice versa. I will use Wuhan Chinas and linear smashes though.

[@scrolldier]

Just dont let them touch....

[@drumdog]

Haha, exactly @scrolldier! Keeping cymbals from touching is an art of its own. 🥁 Thanks for the input!

[@morgunstyles7253]

241. Exactly

[@alexrtsimpson]

The first thing I do when I get cymbals is scrape the logos off anyway so you wouldn't know.

[@philwright2480]

I have Paiste crashes, and Zildjian hats, splash,and ride, and a two wuhan chinas, they sound great to me

[@jackie_drummerboy]

My one take from this video… I stand by the quote “Because Chad Smith is still with Sabian..” BUT. He switched to Paiste and I’m left with an all Sabian set up with not 1 but 2 Holy Chinas!

[@kushking420]

I have a mix of Sabian and Meinl in my collection

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

I clean the logos off with solvents. The molecules aren't branded.

[@drumdog]

😄

[@Lupine.]

Still got my 20+ year old Alpha hats

[@drumdog]

Old Alpha hats have such a story to them, @Lupine.. Keeping cymbals over decades shows they resonate well with you!

[@rkaylor5769]

Paiste and Meinl.

[@nealsausen4651]

Sure it’s OK to mix and match various brands with cymbals why not?! where is written what law states that you only Can use ZILDJIAN Or you could only use Paiste Or you can only use Sabian It’s perfectly appropriate to use different makes Of cymbals in a single set up hell I myself oeven used two different brands of drumsticks a different brand in each hand sometimes if it if it feels right! My hats might be ZILDJIAN My Ride might be UFIP Crashes might be MEINL Etc. who cares?!

[@milespenucevski2190]

My mindset: do they sponsor me? No, they absolutely do not. Can I mix and match? So long as they gel sonically.

[@zim1966]

I have meinls istanbuls bosphorus and sabians

[@steevidrums]

I hate to say it, but having all the same brand of cymbal, drum make, hardware, even drum heads, is for me some horrible superficial pursuit of... I don't know what. But I just can't help it. I feel it looks better, even if it's only for my own satisfaction which of course it is, no musician I have played with give a rats ass. Don't get me wrong, I won't put something up if it's the same brand but sounds bad. I know, it's pathetic.

[@northamericanproductions]

I learned on ziligian and played them for many years, but now im switching to meinl. Im just tired of all the zildjian fanatics out there. They're like ford guys and i hate ford. Honestly ziligian isnt as innovative as the other companies. They just keep banking on the guys buying their k series.

[@drumdog]

Hi there just to let you know that your comment we'll be answered in our comments video dropping later today.

[@asor8037]

is it ok ? do whatever you want, who cares

[@robertdemaree2165]

Mix and match for different styles but eventually I will switch to all zildjian