Zildjian ZBT any good?

[Freddie Flame]

Anybody tried the rock series? Any good for rock/hard rock?

[biggator6]

I find the ZBTs to be a little harsh.. they may work for you, but I'd recommend picking up some higher-end cymbals (get them used.. much cheaper!).

If you like Zildjian.. for hard rock, I'd probably go A customs.

[JulianFernandez]

Avoid them as much as you can (or your budget allows)...
Harsh in a reeeeally bad way.

[Zeppelin]

Avoid it and the similar Sabian XS. I kind of got a live show ruined yesterday because of a Sabian XS ride which sounded like a 10k feedback..

[DamoSyzygy]

Comparing Zildjian ZBT and Sabian XS20 is an 'apples and oranges' scenario in the sense that they sit at two different quality levels and use different alloys. (B8 vs B20)

Because both cymbals are cast then cut from sheets (rolled) to save money, they are often not subject to a lot of individual attention/workmanship like more expensive lines. They often have less lathing/hammering and wind up sounding quite sharp and lacking in tonal depth.

If you have to go for cheaper line cymbals for recording, try to grab some which are smaller and as thin as possible.

[joeq]

Zildjian in name only

[Gamelan]

ZBT's are student line cymbals and fine for kids to practice on, but you wouldn't want to record them.

[lollygagger8]

Ya, they are good for a child's kit.

[Dr. Mordo]

ZBTs suck.

Check out Dream Cymbals - pretty cheap and sound great.

[Btbam0832]

Nah. Too metallic.

[BadMojo]

NO... no and no!

[joeq]

hey, when was the last time there was such universal agreement on a GS thread?

[Dr. Mordo]

Yep, this one might deserve a sticky.

[ivmike]

If you want to play B8 cymbals, then you need to be looking at Paiste 2002, Giant Beat or some of their other B8 professional lines.

If you want to stay Zildjian, then avoid the ZBT series and look for used Avedis cymbals at music shops and on line; they'll be easier on the wallet and on the ears, too.

[Piranhadrum]

Save up and get good high end used cymbals if you can't afford them new. By the way, ZBT hihats will chew up your sticks faster than you can say 'These really do suck'!

I think Sabian's B8 Pros, in their category, are the best bang for the buck new.

[Aeolian]

Originally Posted by Dr. Mordo

ZBTs suck.

Check out Dream Cymbals - pretty cheap and sound great.

+1 I use my Dream Bliss hats much more often than my Sabian AA's. Almost always for recording. I only pull the Sabains out for loud gigs or jam nights where someone else might bash on them.

I also have a Dream Bliss ride that gets the nod about half the time over my K Custom med ride for recording, and is my go to for quiet jazz or blues gigs.

The Dream Contact or Bliss are also pretty popular with punk and rock folks who want a big trashy wash like old vintage K's.

Check out Virtual Cymbals dot com. He video tapes each cymbal so you can hear what it sounds like.

[blueflamingo]

Big A-customs for hard rock/rock. Here's a little deal I found and took advantage of online... Musicians friend has a 19' inch A custom projection crash misprinted for 209 with free shipping... I picked one up when they were offering a free boom stand with it as well. Fantastic cymbal.

ZBT's are trash, with drums you really do get what you pair for... it's better to have fewer high quality cymbals than an array of trash.


Zildjian A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal: Shop Drums & Percussion & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend

for the lazy people.

[surfspank]

I had to chime in on such a harmonious thread.

I gave another Drummer this advice at a recent gig. Sure the those cymbals cut during live gigs, but do yours and your bandmates hearing a favour and spend the money on something a little less harsh. Hearing loss is not something musicians like to fathom, especially when a few extra bucks on things like cymbals can go a long way to preventing long term permanent damage.

Personally, I go vintage and dark...not a lot of high overtones. Go to a music store and hit a bunch...then you'll probably be able to hear why most Drummers avoid low end cymbals like the plague. They are for kids that will probably give up on the notion of playing in a year or so without great expense. Sorry if I offended anybody using B8's and loving them. From where I sit, if you are going to commit years to the kit hitting something millions of times, take your time, and money, and do it right from the start.

[Slipperman]

There are a LOT of dreadful sounding cymbals out there...

And ZBT's are right up there with the worst of the worst.

I WILL NOT record them, although I have forced to MIX them far too many times.

I've got about 40 "money" cymbals I will use to substitute for garbage like this if I'm tracking drums.

Only caveat. You break it you bought it.

Some people don't like this attitude.

They can record with somebody else.

No really. I'd rather listen to a lousy singer than bad overheads at this juncture.

25 years of bad cymbals. I've reached critical mass.

SM.

[Jax]

ZBT's are the equal of most higher end Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian cymbals. In terms of their being made of metal, being shiny, and round. But that's about it.

They're a way for Zildjian to make a profit off their scrap. And you're a damn fool if you buy them.

[Goliath|Audio]

Anyone used the Paiste Alphas? They seem to be cheaper than A's

[Abna]

hey its already been said a million times but just so there is no doubts in your mind.. ZBT's are beginers cymbals for people who are learning to play drums not going for sound.

[jordanvoth]

Go used. The first set of Cymbals I bought were all higher end Zidjians and they were PRICEY. One has survived until now, a lone 21" Projection Ride. Go used.
At my local shop there's a big section of used cymbals I can't ever keep my paws out of. I recently snagged a Zildjian Sweet Ride out of there for $125, and I had to choose that over a Ping Ride for $75, both in great condition.

[Animal2612]

I agree with everyone. Zbt's suck. Should of called them zit's! But perception is still a matter if opionion.
I went splash shoping and 70 bucks later I came out with an 8" b8. I knew what sound I wanted and the b8 made it. Another exception is the wuhan chinas. Cheap as anything and ruff as guts, but if you like your china DIRTY these r 4 u.
They are the only 2 exceptions to this rule I know of.

[BoardUpTheHouse]

ZBT's are good for they're price (well, at least the 18" crash/ride and the 16" crash). They don't record well though, in my opinion. I would LOVE to get a 20" Dream ride. I tried one out a while ago (I think it was one of the Contact ones) and it sounded incredible. Dreams are also very cheap to get new too.

[Simon Lomax]

We use ZBTs in our drum teaching rooms. They are fine for this and for the money.

Contrary to most peoples experience here I have got some good results with them when recording. We do have a great room sound and some great mics so maybe this has something to do with it.

[nooneimportant]

i've used two ZBT bottom hi hats as a complete set, and it's sounded ok... but only ok. the top's are a little lighter, and sound horrible.