For cymbal aficionados, dreaming of the best silent cymbals can only get exciting. You could talk about these instruments days without end.
You could hit them non-stop and explore the newer ways of striking. Definitely, you know that the next door neighbor won’t be on your neck to accuse you of causing havoc.
The complete contrast is that regular cymbals can be disastrous when you practice with them. They can send away loud strokes and as well extract sanity out of your head.
This is something the quiet cymbals will eliminate and allow you not only to have peace with people around you, but also live a healthy life on your side.
However, it’s super important that you understand that even the silent models of cymbals still produce noise – but only on a limited scale. Such models apply modern sound-reducing technology on their design.
Hang on to your hats and enjoy the ride as we explore the industry.
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Why You Need the Best Silent Cymbals.
It’s quite a straightforward idea to use quiet cymbals especially if you will be confining yourself somewhere in your unsoundproofed room, or a basement for practice.
These cymbals are made using special metal alloys that are only capable of producing quieter sound uncharacteristic of the normal cymbals.
Definitely, with this sort of engineering, you can play those packs without affecting your neighbors or even inflict self-harm.
In studios where noise sensitivity is also a kind of a restriction, you will need to have low volume cymbals.
It may not be easy to keep sound less loud but trust me, quiet cymbals will go a long way to help you achieve your objective.
Super low volume cymbals are even designed to be up to 80 percent quieter. This can be quite the real deal when it comes to playing your drums with almost no disturbance to the surrounding.
Do You Buy Individual Quiet Cymbals or Packs?
On the internet, as you browse, you will see both individual cymbals and packs. Some even include drum heads for the ultimate reduced volume drumming experience.
With that said, the decision to buy a certain option depends solely on the level of your needs. As a person starting to venture into the drumming departments, a cymbal pack is going to a shrewd consideration on your side.
This is because you need to learn how to strike the instruments first. And once you’ve captured the art and skill, there’s no harm settling for individual cymbals especially if you want to target certain specific sounds.
Individual cymbals are also great for budget reasons.
Different Types of Cymbals.
1. Crash Cymbals
The crash cymbals are called “crash” because of the crash-like sound. These cymbals are the standard in most drum kits and therefore the most common.
For drummists, you know that a musical phrase has to end somewhere. And that’s the job of the crash cymbals.
Depending on what your needs are, you can get crash cymbals from the size range paper thin to heavy designs. Which could be something like 14”-20”.
Check out this Zildjian L80 Low Volume 14/16/18 Cymbal Set. Comes with the quiet any silent lover would expect. It is about 80 percent quieter.
Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbal Pack - LV468
- 80% quieter than traditional cymbals
2. Ride Cymbals
For a steady rythmic pattern, the ride cymbals (which also come as a standard in most drum kits), are the true crafters. The ride cymbals do not release the accent like a crash.
If you are still new to drumming, locate this cymbal on the extreme right hand of the drum set kit. That’s where it’s placed, above the floor tom.
Usually, it is the biggest on a beginner’s drum kit. As siad earlier, these cymbals produce steady sounds rather than the rich and explosive strokes of a crash.
While the sizes of rides vary, the average can be dubbed as 20” although it’s not rare to get rides of 26”.
Of nearly the whole pack of cymbals, rides are the most versatile. This is due to the variation of sounds it produces when hit on different spots.
Sabian QTPC501 Quiet Tone Practice Cymbal Set is a choice for those seeking to play it quiet in their rooms. It’s a durable model that will not dent or allow staining.
Sabian QTPC501 Quiet Tone Practice Cymbal Set -Silver- 13"/18" (QTPC501)
- Greatly reduced sonic footprint
3. Hi-Hats
With hi-hats, you are getting a combination of two cymbals attached in the same stand. Coming smaller in size than the two previous versions, hi-hats are operated by a foot-pedal.
This pedal is used to open and close them. Hi-hats are also going to produce steady sounds while providing an additional accent.
You can also achieve sound variation with hi-hats. When played closed, you get some soft-soothing, crisp sound that can also transmute to muted and metallic sound.
Open hi-hats produce sandy cutting sound that can be easily accented.
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4. Splash Cymbals
The splash cymbals almost work the same as the crash types. They produce accents, although they may also be used for special drumming effects.
Their sound is sharp and short; almost reminiscent of their small and thin footprint. Size normally range from 6-13”
I suggest the Zildjian L80 Low Volume Quiet Cymbal Pack. It comes as a perfect match for the noise-sensitive spaces and homes. It also produces smooth tone while allowing you have a long-lasting play.
Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbal Pack - LV468 w/ Remo SilentStroke Heads
- 80% quieter than traditional cymbals
5. China Cymbals
China cymbals can be described as a special version of crash cymbals. They have the capability to unleash a bright, crisp and explosive tone that’s also far trashier.
If you are wondering why the word China is indicated in the name, then it’s because of their shape and sounds that resemble the Chinese gongs.
Whether you want an 8-inch cymbal or a 27-inch one, China cymbals are definitely designed to be available in different sizes.
These are some of the most common types of silent cymbals you can expect on the market. And the market is awash with a serious variety, although getting the quiet one is not an easy feat to achieve.
What to Look for in a Silent Cymbal
It doesn’t help to select a poor pack of cymbals. Just keep in mind that once you choose the wrong ones, it’s going to be kind of difficult to manipulate the sound.
The only viable choice may be soundproofing your practice space. Which to me is an extra cost on your bill.
So, what this means is that being careful and wise is going to help you choose the quiet cymbals to achieve your goals.
- Size
The quiet drum cymbals are available in different sizes. And each size produces a distinct tone.
The size of the cymbals can be related to the different types I have discussed above. Which means there are hi-hats, crash, rides, splash or china cymbals.
A cymbal pack basically comes with a pair of the hi-hats, a crash and a ride. Don’t mind about other sizes if you are still a work in progress in matters of cymbal kits.
You will need to be patient as you take every step at a time.
- Brand
While the market is loaded with a huge variety of cymbals supplied by different brands, not everything is worth paying attention to. Some brands do not meet the cut.
However, you may check for the following brands on the market: Sabian, Zildjian, Istanbul Agop, Paiste, Bosphorous. Sabian and Zildjian are the commonest so far and most admired by many professional drummists across the globe.
- Material
The quality of alloy the cymbal is moulded from determines the resultant sounds and tones. For low volume cymbals, the alloy material used are unique and produce smooth and harmonious sounds.
Don’t just go to the shop and shout, “I need cymbals” and keep quiet. You will need to be more specific if you need to meet your quiet needs.
With that said, also remember that the material should be high-quality and durable. This is a huge investment you are about to make here.
The common materials being tin and bronze, make sure that you check to find B20 bronze for warm and soft sounds or B8 Bronze cymbals for bright, crisp sound.
- Weight
That perfect, pin-point tone you want from your cymbals can be affected by the weight of the cymbals. In addition, it affects the presence, playability and feel of the cymbals.
Genres such as rock, heavy metal, power may need a heavier model of the cymbal. While the contemporary music including jazz or pop can only need you to avail medium and a bit lighter models instead.
In Conclusion
Now the ball is in your court. You may need to have a look at my recommendations because I have done some careful and thorough research after several hours.
I am, therefore, quite confident in the different options I have enlisted in the guide. But you are totally free to undertake your own further research using the guide assembled into this post.
Hope you will be able to secure your silent cymbals sooner than later. I understand how much you crave to be at peace with yourself, family members and neighbours.
Last update on 2023-02-11 at 22:27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
FAQs
What are low volume cymbals for? ›
The L80 Low Volume cymbal is up to 80% quieter than a traditional cymbal and is the perfect solution for practice spaces, small drum lesson rooms, low volume gigs or anywhere you want to play and not be loud.
Are low volume cymbals worth it? ›Low volume cymbals are often misunderstood. They're a fairly new idea, but their practicality has quickly made them a desirable addition to any drummer's arsenal. Granted, they might not be great for live performance, but low volume cymbals have many advantages over their full-frequency counterparts.
How many decibels are low volume cymbals? ›4. Our impressions. Zildjian L80 Low Volume are supposed to reduce noise levels from 123 dB (that is the peak value conventional cymbals reach) to the level of 83 dB. The manufacturer claims the noise level is reduced by 80 per cent.
Are dark cymbals quieter? ›Dark Cymbals
Most players would say you have more control over them – especially in a recording environment because they're less likely to flood the microphones. At the lower pitch, dark cymbals are quieter and blend well throughout a large kit.
The B8 versions produce a clear bright sound whereas the B20's produce a warmer and softer sound. While manufacturers such as Zildjian and Sabian produce their higher and mid level sets with bronze B20, the Swiss manufacturer Paiste is renowned as a pioneer for using B8 bronze.
Are Thinner cymbals better? ›A general rule is the thicker the cymbal, the higher the pitch. If you're playing a lot of rock music, a thicker cymbal may withstand the loud crashes better than a thinner cymbal (although the latter has more flexibility).
How do I make my cymbals quieter? ›Putting tape on a cymbal will lower how much it resonates, leading to a softer sound. The thicker the tape you use, the more it will deaden the sound. Be careful not to put too much as it could lead to the cymbal sounding like a piece of cardboard. The best type of tape to use has to be insulation tape.
What is the most important cymbal? ›Here's a guide to what cymbals you'll need and the size of each. Ride - the most important cymbal for jazz music. A large cymbal that ranges from 19 to 24 inches in diameter. Hi hats - 2 cymbals of the same size that are played together.
Why are Paiste cymbals the best? ›Its warm, powerful sound with extremely impressive projection results in a set of cymbals with amazing clarity and wonderful tone. They are an excellent choice for both the studio and onstage – working well across rock, metal, punk, blues and even soul, funk and gospel.
Why are China cymbals upside down? ›Such cymbals are most frequently mounted upside down on cymbal stands, allowing for them to be more easily struck and for a better sound.
Is Sabian vs Zildjian better? ›
Sabian vs Zildjian 101
In general, Sabian cymbals sound a bit brighter and glassier compared to Zildjian cymbals which sound darker. Sabian cymbals start at a lower price compared to Zildjian, so are a better option for lower budgets. Zildjian cymbals are made in the USA whilst Sabian cymbals are made in Canada.
The lowest hearing decibel level is 0 dB, which indicates nearly total silence and is the softest sound that the human ear can hear. Generally speaking, the louder the sound, the higher the decibel number.
Which is quieter 40 dB or 50 dB? ›It gets a little confusing because decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale based on a power of 10. For those of you without math degrees, this simply means that every increase of 10 decibels doubles the intensity of the sound. So a 50-decibel dishwasher is actually twice as loud as a 40-decibel dishwasher.
Is 49 dB quiet? ›As stated before, anything under 50 dBA will be quiet. Anything under 40dB would be barely audible.
Are thinner cymbals louder? ›Thicker cymbals work better for heavier playing, as they require a harder strike to produce their proper sound. They also produce a higher volume compared with thinner cymbals. Like thinner cymbals, thicker cymbals have a limit to the volume of sound they will produce, but they are louder than thinner cymbals.
Do cymbals sound better with age? ›Do cymbals get better with age? Cymbals do sound better with age for drummers who prefer the dark and mellow sound. As they age, they produce that specific dark and mellow sound in contrast to bright and loud new ones have.
Can you gig with low volume cymbals? ›Another use could be at an intimate acoustic gig in a small venue. Low volume cymbals could be the perfect accompaniment with just enough volume to accent the performance.
What company makes the best cymbals? ›- Paiste. Paiste is one of the best cymbal manufacturers globally, highly regarded for producing top-quality cymbals that pro drummers use. ...
- Sabian. ...
- Meinl. ...
- Zildjian. ...
- Istanbul Agop. ...
- Dream. ...
- Turkish. ...
- Wuhan.
Christian Wenzel of Paiste notes that, “Brass sounds slightly muffled in comparison to all bronze alloys.” And Paul Francis at Zildjian describes brass cymbals as being “limited” in sound and durability and “the most basic cymbals you can hit.” Judging by these restrictions, it probably comes as no surprise that brass ...
What cymbals did Jimmy Cobb use? ›Jimmy Cobb - SABIAN Cymbals.
Are there drum sets that aren't loud? ›
Electronic drums are designed to keep the noise down, literally. Unlike digital pianos, they don't quite manage to totally cut the noise out. Playing e-drums is much about recreating the feel of playing a real acoustic drum set than making the music.
How do you make cymbals less loud? ›Putting tape on a cymbal will lower how much it resonates, leading to a softer sound. The thicker the tape you use, the more it will deaden the sound. Be careful not to put too much as it could lead to the cymbal sounding like a piece of cardboard. The best type of tape to use has to be insulation tape.
Is there a way to play drums quietly? ›Drum mutes are a quick and easy way to reduce drum volume. They're soft rubber pads that you place on top of your drumheads, and the benefit here is that you can instantly remove them when you want to play at full volume. Drum mutes are also available for cymbals, and they will dramatically reduce cymbal volume.
How can I make my drums quieter? ›Make sure the drum room is either carpeted or has plenty of rugs. Soft surfaces help absorb sound, so having a soft layer of fabric under your drums helps immensely. It's also a good idea to put a rug under the drum kit, even if your room is carpeted or is otherwise full of rugs.
How do you play drums without disturbing neighbors? ›- Get an Individual Practice Pad. ...
- Choose a Practice Pad Kit. ...
- Look for Sound-Off Pads. ...
- Use Brushes. ...
- Develop New Skills. ...
- Get Thinner, Lighter and Smaller Sticks. ...
- Purchase an Electronic Kit. ...
- Buy an Isolating Drum Booth.
The Silentstroke™ drumheads are the ultimate in low volume drumheads, designed for quiet practice applications where standard drumset volumes are an issue. Constructed with 1-ply mesh material, Silentstroke™ drumheads provide a soft spring-like feel at very low decibel levels. Available is sizes 6" - 24".
How much soundproofing do I need for drums? ›Due to the way our ears perceive sound, a “soundproof drum room” may not need to be soundproof at all. It only needs to reduce the volume by as little as 10dB to make the music half as loud outside the room.
Why do people tape under cymbals? ›A common technique for reducing the volume and ringing of drums and cymbals is to place duct tape on the drum head or cymbal. It can also reduce low rumble in toms and harmonics from an overly “live” drum or cymbal.
Can you make cymbals quieter? ›Cymbal and drum mutes are a simple and effective way to reduce the volume of the cymbals or drums dramatically. A cymbal mute is a strip of thin rubber that is attached to the cymbal. The rubber absorbs strike energy and reduces residual vibration within the cymbal.
Are dry cymbals quieter? ›2 — Dry and Low-volume Cymbals
They usually have a lower pitch, as well, so there won't be a lot of loud and harsh high frequencies coming off the cymbals when you hit them a little harder.
Do a lot of drummers go deaf? ›
Being a professional musician quadruples your likelihood of suffering noise-induced hearing loss and increases the risk for tinnitus by more than half. And drummers experience more hearing loss than any other musician.
What is the hardest genre to play on drums? ›The hardest style of drumming to learn is jazz, followed closely by metal and latin. This is because jazz has one of the biggest ranges of material to learn to be a proficient drummer in an ensemble.
Can people with ADHD play drums? ›“That structure helps an ADHD child to plan, anticipate, and react.” This is where the drums can play a crucial part in the alternative measures category for ADHD positive children; take this notion of how rhythm in music is shown to be effective, and combine it with the most rhythmical, physical, and interactive ...