Medium Thin Crash Cymbals

Most drum sets don't come with cymbals, and there's a reason for that: it's because customizing your cymbal setup is just a routine part of being a drummer in the first place! And while we're all entitled to picking out exactly which cymbals we want to use and how, one thing that belongs in every drummer's kit is at least one crash cymbal. They're one of the foundations any good cymbal layout is built on, which means there's no shortage of options when it comes to picking them out. Of course, the first step is to narrow down the options. For drummers who like things on the lighter side (but not too light) going for medium-thin crash cymbals is probably the best way to do that.

But why choose a medium-thin crash cymbal instead of a heavier one? Two words: speed and control. Unlike heavier-weight cymbals, these crashes keep sustain to a more modest level. That means you won't overshadow the vocalist in the recording studio or small venues. They also limit the low overtones, which means they blend more smoothly into the mix. And since they put out less volume, there's no need to worry about stressing a microphone, either. In fact, when you don't need your cymbals over-the-top loud, it wouldn't be a stretch to say these lighter cymbals are stronger in nearly every other way.

With that in mind, tracking down the best medium-thin crash cymbals for your needs is still a matter of personal taste, just as it is for any other weight and style of cymbal. Be sure to take your playing style and level of experience into account, too. For example, if you're a new player you might want to start out with the Zildjian ZBT Crash Cymbal or the Stagg DH Dual-Hammered Exo Medium Thin Crash Cymbal. But if you have thousands of gigs under your belt, some of the higher-end options like the Paiste Giant Beat 18" Crash or the Sabian Artisan Series 3 Point Crash Cymbal could hit the mark. The choice is yours to make!