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Hi-hat, Crash, Ride, China, Splash, Swish, Sizzle even Cowbells and Woodblocks.......... Whatever you're looking for you can find it at Alexandria Music.

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Sabian

Zildjian

Cymbals are used in modern orchestras and many military, marching, concert and other bands. They are one of the two instrument types that form the modern drum kit, the other of course being the drum, and as such are a basic part of much contemporary music. Even the most basic drum kit normally contains at least one suspended cymbal and a pair of hi-hat cymbals.

The hi-hat consists of 2 cymbals (generally 13-15", though larger, and smaller have been created). The lower cymbal remains stationary while the upper cymbal is attached via a clutch to a narrow metal shaft. This goes down through a hollow tube into the pedal, where it is controlled with the foot. A hi-hat can be played open, closed, semi open or the pedal can be manipulated so the cymbals clash together. With modern hi-hats, the pair is generally medium to heavy weight, with the lower cymbal being heavier than the top. This is not always the case, however.

A crash cymbal is a type of cymbal that produces a loud, sharp, but comparatively short-duration "crash" used mainly as an occasional accent effect. They can be played by hand in pairs, or mounted on a stand to be played by hitting with a drum stick. One or two suspended crash cymbals are a standard part of a drum kit. Suspended crash cymbals are also used in bands and orchestras, either played with a drumstick or rolled with a pair of mallets to produce a slower more swelling crash. Sometimes a drummer may hit two different crash cymbals in a kit at the same time to produce a very loud accent, usually in rock music.

According to most drummers, the term ride means to ride with the music as it sustains after it is struck. However, it can apply to either the function of the cymbal in the kit or to the characteristics of the cymbal itself. Most cymbal makers designate some of their cymbals as ride cymbals indicating they are designed primarily for this purpose.

Some drummers use a china cymbal, a sizzle cymbal or a specialised tone such as a swish or pang cymbal as a ride cymbal. When playing extremely softly, when using brushes, and when recording, even a paperthin crash may serve well as a ride cymbal.

On the other extreme, when playing extremely loudly a cymbal designed as a ride may serve well as a very loud, long crash. Some of Keith Moon's kits had only ride cymbals, with all but the largest of these serving as crashes.

Sticks, Mallets, Brushes, Felts, Mute Pads, Etc......                  Don't forget the Cymbal Accessories while you're here.