zxt titaniums or A customs?

[ham]

I'm saving up to get a shiny new set of cymbals. i'm rocking out on brand new zxt pro's right now, but i want to upgrade to something with a more cutting, raw sound. i've heard the zxt titaniums are not only stunning to look at, but sound incredible. but i've also been told that if i were to upgrade to something, it should be to cast cymbals. the A's are all i'd want if i got cast cymbals, (and i'd almost be willing to drop $250 just for those awesome 13" mastersound hi-hats), but cast cymbals are hella expensive, and i've heard they're not quite as durable. for a guy who's pretty serious about his music, but doesn't have the most flexible budget, what woudst thou suggest? i submit to you, will noon.

[Thrill Kill Will]

this is a PERFECT post.

this is really what i hope this forum to be.

so

typically, i would stay away from ZXT's (assuming they are similair to the ZBTs.. old scimitars, sabian b8 etc).

if you want a great sound on a budget i'd spend some time hunting down some nice used cymbals. i'm partial to really old avedis zildjians (basically A series but before they labeled them that way) from the 60s/70s. i've been able to find some of these cymbals anywhere from $35 for a 14" hihat to $85 for a 22" ride. i've had great luck at guitar center (sometimes the kids at the counter have no clue what they are doing so you have to be persisten and know what you're looking for) and also love the Long Island Drum Center (but that doesnt help if you live in idaho).

having said that.... one of my favorite rides was a 20" scimitar ride. it was a complete entry level/student model, super cheap, but it was a great cymbal.

one more thing, when looking for used cymbals, be sure to check for the zildjian stamp if the ink has been warn away. also look for tiny cracks (on the edge, the center hole, and circular cracks along the face of the cymbal). also beware of "keyhole-ing" , that is when the cymbal vibrating against the stand starts to wear away at the center hole.

good luck, and post if you have any questions or comments!

-will

[ham]

makes me happy that i made a perfect post! and thanks for the input.

the zxt's are a major step up from the zbt's and b8s, having played all 3. they're a lot more crisp and full, not as dull as some of the zbts i've played.

i've been looking for used cymbals all over the place, and the only good deals/good cymbals i've found are on ebay, and i really don't want to buy something i can't play before i make my decision. the music stores here in central ky aren't too big on cymbal selection, but i've heard of one in cinci that's really nice. i'll have to venture up there this summer and take a gander.

oh, and i sent an email yesterday about not being able to register for the boards. um... that's fixed.

it's awesome to have interaction with you all like this. i've never been able to just get online and chat with my favorite band before, and i'm liking it. thanks for getting this board up!

[stridethrurain]

the zxt series sucks. I got 4 of em, and I can only bear the sound of 3 of em. I suggest the A customs, cause you'll get a better-honed sound, as well as a more durable cymbal. Will was right in his supposition: the zxt's are alot like the zbt's, and we all know what those things are like

[ham]

anyone want to make a donation to the 'taylor wants A's' fund?

[waitingforyou]

Dude, you are definately right about cymbals breaking the bank. They are the reason I'm driving a ghetto wagon around... but they are so worth it. The titaniums definately have a cool look, but like everyone has said they aren't quite up to par if you really want something you will be happy with for a long time. One thing I just wanted to let you know is that with my experiences with Zildjian, they are really good with replacing cymbals. I got this amazing vintage signiture avedis cymbal, a line only out for a little bit. AWW it sounded so amazing, but it was paper thin. Of course that just had to have been the only cymbal I've ever broken (after a year and a half). Though the actual waranty is only a year, my credit card doubled the warranty. Zildjian was awesome with working with the visa to get me a new cymbal... anyway moral of the story is for the sound its definately worth it, and the people at zildjian are good guys, just dont fall inlove with paper thins... go with thin and above and you should be ok.
-Kenny

[foreveriburn]

hey will the long island drum center your talking about wouldnt happen to be in nyack would it now?

[Thrill Kill Will]

there is a long island drum center in nyack, but i've never been there, i've only been to the LIDC in...plainview? plainedge? someplace on LI.