We Speak Cymbals at Drum Center of Portsmouth

If you are looking for high-quality cymbals, the Drum Center of Portsmouth should be your number one choice. We understand drums, and we understand drummers, regardless of how experienced you are. Whether you are a total beginner or an experienced veteran, we have the selection for you.

Our cymbal selection caters to both hobbyists and professionals, stocking some of the finest brands on the market. From Meinl to Zildjian, we have what you need. We also sell all kinds of cymbal types, including crashes, splashes, hi-hats, and rides. Essentially, we have every base covered, but this quantity doesn't come at the cost of quality.

In fact, we work hard to ensure that every product we stock is of the highest quality. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we are confident you will be happy with whatever purchase you decide to make. We stock cymbals of all sizes, types, and qualities. Our price ranges extend from just over ten dollars well into the thousands. Our higher-priced products are intended for a professional audience, but there is plenty for hobbyists too.

If you don't believe us, don't just take our word for it! Take a look through our expansive range for yourself and see why Drum Center of Portsmouth remains so popular.

What Type of Cymbals are There?

Before you make your first purchase, you must understand just how many different kinds of cymbals are out there. There are plenty to choose from, each with its specific purpose and design.

• Crash Cymbals: The most recognizable of any cymbal, they are responsible for the ‘typical’ cymbal sound most would expect to hear. They are often used to accent the sound produced by a drum set to a unique effect and range in size enormously, from 8'' up to 24''.
• Hi-Hats: These can be described as two cymbals sitting on top of one another, although technically, they are just all one cymbal. They are operated via a pedal that, when pressed, will push the separate cymbals together to produce a unique, crisp sound.
• Ride Cymbals: These are often the largest cymbals found in beginner sets. Unlike crash cymbals, which provide accents to drum patterns, ride cymbals are usually used to play steady patterns and are played similarly to hi-hats.
• China Cymbals: Unlike more traditional cymbals, China cymbals feature an upturned edge around their perimeter, responsible for their unique sound. China cymbals range from 8'' up to 27''.

As you can see, there are plenty of varieties out there, and they each excel in different areas. Depending on the music you intend to play (jazz vs. metal, for instance), you need to know the difference!

What Makes a Good Cymbal

More often than not, cymbals are made from bronze. It's a sturdy material that produces a satisfying sound. However, to keep costs low, some manufacturers will use brass instead. If you are new to drumming, then brass cymbals are fine, but they probably won't satisfy the expectations of more seasoned drummers.

You should look out for two key terms with bronze cymbals: B20 and B8. Bronze is a material made from a combination of copper and tin. B20 refers to a cymbal with 80% copper and 20% tin, whereas B8 refers to a cymbal with 92% copper and 8% tin. Generally speaking, B20 is considered to produce a better sound.

What Should I Look for When Buying a Cymbal Online?

The two biggest criteria you need to pay attention to (beyond material composition) are size and pricing. The size will dictate the pitch, and the pricing will (usually) indicate the quality. That doesn't mean it's impossible to find a bargain, but if something seems too good to be true then it usually is. Don't get duped into buying a sub-par cymbal just because it's a reasonable price.

This can be difficult to navigate online, especially since you can't try the product out for yourself before paying out. Try to stick to retailers with strong reputations and pay attention to product reviews. If you are just getting started, then you don't need the finest cymbal on the market, but you also don't want to start your journey with what is effectively a toy.

Research is key!