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Question: Sabian B8 or Paiste PST 5!?
hey im a relatively new drummer and the crappy cymbals that came with my ludwig drum set are cracked almost to pieces!. i am looking to get a new whole set of cymbals (hi-hat, a ride and probably 2 crashes)!. i don't want to spend like a grand on the cymbals but i don't want to buy cymbals that will either sound horrible or crack!. i have seen the paiste pst 5 set and the sabian b8 set and was wondering which one to buy (if you know a better set for a good price by all means please tell me), also i am going to get a new snare so if you know a good snare for a good price that would be helpful also!. thanksWww@QuestionHome@Com


Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Gah, don't do it!

Disheartened by the high price of cymbals, I was also trying to save money on my first set, and got one of those pre-packaged set of B8's!. This turned out to be a big mistake and a waste of money!. The moment I developed an ear for quality drum sounds (which does not take long), I noticed just how bad they sounded!.

The cheap "beginner" series cymbals all the big companies are making now are not worth the money in my opinion!. They still carry a substantial cost, despite being the lowest price in the catalog!. And it'll be a very short time before you'll be wishing you could buy better ones!.

The best way to save money on cymbals is to buy used!. You can often find new or like-new cymbals for less money just 'cause they've been used a little -- but also remember that looks aren't everything, especially when it comes to cymbals!. Resist the temptation to get something brand-new and shiny over something that will benefit you more in the long run!.

eBay has a very active market for cymbals!. Tons of people post cymbals for sale every day!. Make sure you buy from someone who:

1) has a high seller rating
2) posts lots of pictures
3) posts a thorough description of the cymbal
4) most important: someone who is very honest about the condition of the cymbal, to the point of posting close-up pictures of any damage or wear!. Don't buy anything cracked, even if it's just a very tiny crack, and even if someone attempted to "fix" the crack!.

I'd generally stay away from "thin" cymbals in the beginning when buying used, since they're more susceptible to cracking!.

So go see what you can find, whether on eBay or other sources for used gear!. Don't worry about stick marks, tarnish, and dulling color, as those generally don't affect the sound at all!. Trust me, if you're gonna spend a few hundred dollars, let it be on something that sounds good rather than looks good!. You will appreciate it later on!.

PS!. If you decide you still want the B8's, you can even save money on those, by buying them on eBay!. There are plenty of people selling them there!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I agree with the last guy!. The cheapy cymbals are definitely not worth the money!. I use Sabian AA, AAX, HH and some signature serious on my kit, and I never would have bothered with anything lower than Sabian AA or its equivalent from any other manufacturer!. If you're serious, save your money and get something better!.Www@QuestionHome@Com