Yes, you read that right—this is a review of Zildjian cymbals, but it’s directed specifically at you, the young drummer on a tight budget. While Zildjian has long been synonymous with top-tier, and often pricey, cymbals, the Scimitar range is aimed at providing quality sound without breaking the bank. Here’s a detailed look at how these budget-friendly cymbals perform.
A Brief History of Zildjian
Zildjian is a name that has been associated with some of the finest cymbals for centuries, with roots dating back to the 17th century. The company’s origin story is as legendary as its cymbals—a frustrated alchemist named Avedis, attempting to turn metal into gold, inadvertently created an alloy with a remarkable sound. Rather than discarding his “failure,” he embraced it, thus beginning the Zildjian legacy.
Zildjian’s Response to Budget Needs
Despite their reputation for premium products, Zildjian recognized the need to cater to a broader market, especially as cheaper cymbals began to flood the scene. Enter the Scimitar range—a more affordable line that carries the Zildjian name but comes at a price that’s more accessible. While you might not expect to find Zildjian dabbling in the budget market, the Scimitar cymbals are proof that they’re up for the challenge.
First Impressions
At first glance, the Scimitars might not seem particularly impressive. Their brassy yellow color, relatively flat profile, and shallow grooves don’t immediately scream high quality. However, their weight is reassuring, particularly in the Hi-Hats, where the heavier bottom cymbal adds a satisfying “clunk” to the closed sound and helps with projection.
Hi-Hats
The 14″ Hi-Hats are solid, if not extraordinary. They offer decent volume and character but lack some responsiveness. The “chip” sound when closing them with your foot could be more focused, and while they’re not the brightest cymbals around, they’re certainly functional. Considering the price—around £60—they’re a good deal, even if they don’t fully live up to the Zildjian name.
16″ Crash
The 16″ Crash cymbal was a pleasant surprise. It performs well within its price range, delivering a clear, uncomplicated crash with enough upper frequencies to cut through a mix. While it doesn’t sparkle like more expensive models, it’s more than adequate for most playing situations. At £37, it’s hard to find fault.
18″ Crash Ride
The 18″ Crash Ride is a mixed bag. As a crash, it’s decent—similar to the 16″ but with a fuller sound due to its thickness. However, as a ride cymbal, it falls short. It’s too light to handle ride patterns effectively, resulting in a wash of overtones that drown out the beat. While this dual-purpose cymbal doesn’t quite fulfill its promise as a ride, it’s still useful as a crash, especially at its £45 price point.
20″ Ride
The standout of the Scimitar range is undoubtedly the 20″ Ride. For the money, it’s surprisingly good. It offers a credible bell sound and a well-rounded ride tone, albeit with a bit of clanginess. The overtones are present but not overwhelming, making this cymbal dependable and solid—a great value for budget-conscious drummers.
Overall Value
The Scimitars represent excellent value for money, especially when you consider that these prices are the full recommended retail—meaning you can likely find them for even less in stores. Zildjian also offers a boxed set of the 14″ Hi-Hats, 16″ Crash, and 18″ Crash Ride for £142, a package deal that’s hard to beat. However, note that this set doesn’t include a dedicated ride cymbal, which might be important depending on your needs.
Conclusion
The Zildjian Scimitar cymbals are a respectable entry into the budget market. While they don’t match the brilliance of Zildjian’s higher-end models, they don’t need to—they’re functional, well-priced, and carry the Zildjian name with honor. If you’re a drummer looking for affordable cymbals that still offer decent quality, the Scimitars are worth considering.
Pricing Summary:
- 14″ Hi-Hats: £60
- 16″ Crash: £37
- 18″ Crash Ride: £45
- Box Set (14″ Hi-Hats, 16″ Crash, 18″ Crash Ride): £142