Workhorse Cymbals

[MOUSE]

Over time iv'e searched for workhorse cymbals, ones that can cut most gigs and styles of music as a cover band muso playing a variety pop/rock,country, old time, etc. These are the three iv'e come up with that nearly always are put up (yes, i'm a no brand in particular kind of guy) as they can cover a night of a cross section of music, only my ears of course, they are.
Ride Paiste Signature dark full 20" ride
Zildjian A medium/thin crash 17"
Sabian 14" stage hi hats ( sometimes with a Zildjian K top for warmth)


What are your top three always up there?

[Ryan Culberson]

For my money, old A Zildjian's (especially circa 50's or 60's) are the greatest workhorse cymbals of all-time. 

[Donald Mcnany (boomerweps)]

Paiste 3000 heavy hats 14"
Paiste signature Heavy dry ride 20"
Paiste signature fast crash 16"
Paiste signature fast crash 18"

That's my standard minimum.

Boomerweps

[Bob Dias]

two main sets of cymbals for me:
set one: 60's A's. !5" hats, 16, 18" crashes, 21" ride.

Set two: Mehmets, 14" sultan hats, 16, 17, 18, 19" sultan crashes, 21" turk ride, 21" Bos N.O ride, 22" Agop turk China.

I gig with set #2...covers most anything I have ever been asked to play...jazz, blues, country, rock...you name it.

bob

[Susan Wood]

What about the Sabian RBDR, supposedly their best seller?

[donelk]

Susan, that is my primary right-side ride. Heavy, and versatile.

[Susan Wood]

Yes, I have had two Sabian RBDR cymbals;love the sound and killer bell, but a little too heavy(hard) stick feel ,if that makes sense?

[Tim van de Ven]

My workhorse cymbals are my Giant Beat set (24", 20" 18") and a set of 2002 hats (either 14" SE or 15" Heavy). I can play anything with that set of cymbals (even though I have piles of bronze).

[Bill Bachman]

The 20" K Custom medium ride does it all for me. New beat hi hats and A custom crashes seem to always fit right in with anything too.

[David Crigger]

For my money, old A Zildjian's (especially circa 50's or 60's) are the greatest workhorse cymbals of all-time.

Ryan - I couldn't agree more. My 20" 1968 A Zildjian ride is without a doubt my most cherished drumming possession. Talk about being able to cover all the bases!

I keep buying similar ones off Ebay, trying to snag another like it. So far, I've only gotten about halfway there (back then the variations within a given cymbal model was far, far greater than today). But I keep trying.

David

[Rusty Beckett]

Ryan - I couldn't agree more. My 20" 1968 A Zildjian ride is without a doubt my most cherished drumming possession. Talk about being able to cover all the bases!

I keep buying similar ones off Ebay, trying to snag another like it. So far, I've only gotten about halfway there (back then the variations within a given cymbal model was far, far greater than today). But I keep trying.

David

I have a 20" A Zildjian I got used in 64 or so.  It has been used in all types of settings and has never left me wanting.  I recently picked up a 22" A Zildjian from the same era - both are truly great cymbals.

[Ryan Culberson]

Yeah, Rusty and David!  That's what I'm talkin' about...  8)

Here are my 50's-era 20" and 22" out on a recent gig, as well as my "money" hats (mix-n-match vintage Paiste 602 over Sabian Rock Hat bottom).  With this setup, I'm confident and ready for any gig. 



Cheers,
Ryan

[MOUSE]

Great replies and some common ones showing up and taking into account everyone has different ears. Old  A's appear really popular, i have a sweet ride that is almost as good but the Paiste just tops it. Paiste heavy 2002 hi hats i used the first 20 years of my drumming life and they played everything, sometimes wish they never parted but i like what i have even better. I also have used A Customs and they are versatile as stated. 8)

[JeepnDrummer]

Currently, my cover everything cymbals are: 14" Armand hats, 15" K Custom crash, 17" A Custom crash, and 21" Armand ride.

I'm sure I'll end up with more cymbals in the future that will become part of my "cover everything" set.

[MOUSE]

Been listening to Matt Cameron and figured out his ride and hi-hats. Listened/read a few reviews on WWW ( my cymbal.co, etc)and they stack up in this category.
His ride an Zildjian A medium 20 nice tasteful wash and cuts through without being overbearing and high hats a nice pair of 14 Zildjian K custom hybrid, these are sweet sounding. The 13's also sound similar and would be happy with either as all round pies,albeit pricey items. ;)

[Bill Bachman]

My favorite do-it-all ride is the K Custom medium ride. It's got some complexity for jazz and enough beef to project in rock. It's always worked for everything I've tried it with.