Cymbal Guide
A Beginner’s Guide to Cymbals: Models, Materials & Sizes
The choice of cymbals plays a key role in shaping the overall sound of your drum kit. With so many options in size, material, and design, it’s easy for beginners to feel lost. This article is here to break things down and make your choice a little easier.
Brass Cymbals: A Great Starting Point
A standard cymbal setup typically includes a 14” hi-hat, 16” crash, and 20” ride – and many beginner drum kits, including those in our MX series, come with such a set made of brass. This material is a great choice for new drummers who want to keep costs down initially. Our Millenium Brass Cymbals, available exclusively as a standard set, show that well-crafted brass cymbals can still deliver impressive sound quality.
Bronze Cymbals: Understanding B8 and B20
Cymbals in the mid and high-end price ranges are usually made from bronze, with two commonly used alloys. B8 bronze, with an 8% tin content, is often the more affordable choice, mainly due to its easier manufacturing process. These cymbals are typically crafted from stamped metal sheets that are machine-pressed into shape. B8 bronze produces a bright and cutting tone.
B20 bronze, on the other hand, is the go-to alloy for premium cymbals and has been a „magic recipe“ for centuries. Its higher tin content of 20% produces a warmer, more nuanced character. However, B20 cymbals require a more labor-intensive process, including casting, hammering and lathing. At Millenium, we prioritize B20 bronze for all our cymbals beyond our beginner-friendly brass models.
Customizing Your Cymbal Setup
Starting out, a single 20” ride and a 14” hi-hat provide a solid foundation. If you’re considering upgrading or expanding, crash cymbals are typically the next step. Our B20 lineup offers crashes in 14”, 16”, and 18”. Larger diameters produce fuller, deeper tones, which are ideal for powerful playing and rock styles. Smaller cymbals, on the other hand, offer shorter and more defined sounds – which is further enhanced with our 12” splash.
For sharp, punchy accents, a China is a fantastic choice. These exotic cymbals with their flattened edges are a great addition to your setup once you’ve already added a second crash. Our line-up includes two versions in 16” and 18”.
Upgrading Your Set
If you already own a set of brass cymbals, you can of course gradually upgrade to bronze by replacing individual pieces step by step. Just remember that combining different materials might affect the tonal balance of your setup. If you’d rather keep your setup consistent, our B20 cymbal set offers a complete solution with a hi-hat, ride, and crash in standard sizes. And of course, this set can be expanded further on.
Weight & Special Cases
In terms of weight, all our cymbals are crafted in a medium style, balancing articulation and the ability to cut through the mix in rehearsals, on stage, and in the studio. Our Still Cymbals, on the other hand, are a special case. Their perforated design makes them particularly quiet, perfect for noise-reduced practice or teaching sessions.
