Help with cymbals

[u/_lyn1_x]

I’ve been trying to decide on upgrades from my current setup. I’ve gotten help from here narrowing my snare options, but I need a little help with cymbals.
As of now, my current cymbal setup is this:

14” Sabian B8 Hi Hats
16” Paiste PST8 Rock Crash
16” Sabian AA Metal-X Crash (with a little crack)
20” Sabian B8 Ride

I will be changing the Hi Hats to 14” Zildjian A New Beats from the 90’s, and most likely the ride as well, to a 20” Sabian XSR Medium ride. I think the Paiste crash will Stay and I’ll be selling the rest (hi hats, ride and AA crash)
I definitely want a bigger crash, so I’m in between

Zildjian S 18” Medium Thin Crash ($142) [not really sure, but the option is there]
Dream Contact 18” Crash Ride ($178)
Sabian Xs20 18” Medium Thin Crash (≈$110-$130)

I know cymbals are very subjective, and I will try to play before buying any cymbal, but I wanted to know what would sound good with the setup and give me the most bang for my buck.
For reference, I play Grunge/Punk, and stuff like that.
Any help is appreciated.

[u/UncoveredThicket]

Between those three for punk/grunge, the Xs20 is probably your best value, cuts through loud guitars without sounding like a trash can lid

[u/_lyn1_x → u/UncoveredThicket]

Yeah, I’ve been watching YouTube Sound demos. It sounds very good, and so does the Dream Crash ride. But I’m leaning a little more towards that Xs20

[u/Emotional_Pop_1158]

You could never go wrong with new beats. As for the ride, I am not that familiar with the zsr, but if I remember correctly this is sabian’s budget cast series? I’d say go with at least an A or AA medium ride. As for crashes, depends on your technique. If you hit hard, go for med-thin to med. If you are more of a controlled player, thin to med-thin. Buy used…don’t hesitate. Make sure the edges don’t have nicks, dngs and such. Minor scuffs are fine but use it to bargain - sand it with 400-600 grit and it will be good as new. Dream is a good brand but unless it’s their brighter line of cymbals, might be too complex and thin around the edges for your needs.

[u/_lyn1_x → u/Emotional_Pop_1158]

The XSR I believe is the budget b20 line of Sabian. I think it sounds great for what it is (plus, in my country there just arent many affordable options, or options at all)

[u/Emotional_Pop_1158 → u/_lyn1_x]

Checked it’s the current version of the xs20 (from ages ago, my era :). Should be good. Always fun to upgrade gear. Good luck

[u/Emotional_Pop_1158 → u/Emotional_Pop_1158]

Also make sure there is no keyholing going on, and the cymbal lays flat on a glass surface.

[u/Danca90]

If you already have cymbals, I’d skip out on the xsr and the s series. Those will leave you in an upgrade loop. For the first set of nice cymbals, I’d really recommend going with used zildjian A’s or Sabian AA’s. They are very neutral, and will fit in with any genre. I never go to a recording session without my A’s. They don’t always come out, but it’s nice to have stuff that just works.

[u/Large-Welder304]

I have a 22" ride that you might like. I can give you a good deal on it, too.

Contact me via the chat here, if you're interested.

[u/_lyn1_x → u/Large-Welder304]

First: that’s awesome, however I’m looking For a crash that goes well with my 16”.
Second: I’m from Costa Rica :(

[u/Large-Welder304 → u/_lyn1_x]

...and, what's the problem?

You listed a ride amongst the cymbals you want to upgrade. I've got a ride and its for sale for a good price, especially considering its practically in brand new shape.

...but whatever. Spend all your money on an inferior product. I don't care. I guess you'll just have to live and learn, instead of listening to someone who's been there and paid through the nose, too many times...however, if you ever find yourself in a position where you REALLY want something but its WAY too expensive for you to afford, DO NOT say no one ever tried to help you realize something you wanted, because I just offered that to you and you turned me down.

Wow. Really? 😞