cymbals??

[radioliver]

I have a cheap drum to record that i got from an old friend and there is only one cymbal and it is written crash/ride 18/45. I want to get another one but im not sure if i should use the one i already have as a ride and buy a crash, or the other way around. Can someone help me figure this out and also maybe help me figure out how to choose once in the music store. Im really new to this. thanks

[Doc@BeefyTreats.com]

You should take the crash/ride in to the store with you, and your hihats, and compare them to what selection is available of both crash and ride cymbals. You will have to find a cymbal that is complimentary with both. Go to a few stores and ask for help.
David

[buldog5151bass]

My guess is it is better suited for ride. Radioliver is right though - gotta go listen. Everybody has a different ear.

My only advice is that for recording a crash, you generally want something with a quick decay. Cymbals tend to get mushy sounding really quick (especially if your drummer likes to bang). I prefer thin crashes. Also, try sticks with plastic tips - they tend to be brighter, especially with cheaper cymbals (of course - don't forget this is coming from a bassist).

[radioliver]

thanks
i would also like to know what the numbers mean. do they give any info about the sound or decay of the cymbal and stuff like that????

[falkon2]

It's the size in inches/cm ;)

[buldog5151bass]

There are no objective definitions - magazines may say "fast decay" "bright" ... whatever. But it all is up to each person.

My advice. Bring a drummer you know to the store, and start hitting cymbals. When you talk to the store - let them know what you are looking for, and how much you can spend (don't let them talk you up - unless you are a drummer, you have better things to spend you cash on).