Thin Cymbals

One of the most important things to know when it comes to cymbals is that no two are created equal, even if they're the same type. To get a sense for how many varieties cymbals come in, you've got to think not only about the five main kinds (splash, crash, ride, china and hi-hat) but also the fact that each of them comes in different weights, multiplying the options exponentially. The good news is that choosing the right cymbals isn't as tough as it may seem. To decide if thin cymbals are the right weight for you, all you have to do is think about where and how you'll be playing them.

The thickness of a cymbal is directly related to its power and speed. The thinner the cymbal, the faster and more precise it is. The heavier the cymbal, the louder and more cutting it is. In the big picture, what this means is that thin cymbals are perfect when you need swift response and precise sound with tight sustain. They're great cymbals for more laid-back musical genres, where the instruments are softer and a whole lot of penetration simply isn't needed to be heard over them. Thin cymbals are also right at home in studios and smaller venues, where a heavy cymbal would be overwhelming.

Crash and china cymbals make up the biggest share of the selections here, which makes sense: those types lend themselves best to the benefits of a thin design. There's plenty of variety, from the brilliant Sabian AA Holy China to the extremely musical Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash. And those are just two examples from the dozens of thin cymbals you have to choose from. Like any instrument, it all comes down to what works best for you... so don't hesitate to dive in and investigate all the options - you'll be glad that you did!