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Paiste Signature: introduced to widespread acclaim in 1989

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For some, buying new music making gear is the most fun you can have with your clothes on. For the inexperienced, though, it can be a stressful experience. There's so much choice, and, depending on your skill level, buying the wrong gear could seriously stunt your progression.

To make it easier, we've put together a buyers' guide, which includes our top product picks and essential buying tips. Here's how to buy high-end and specialist cymbals…

3 buying tips

1. At this level you should be an experienced enough player to know what you're seeking in a cymbal, but the usual rules still apply. Consider how well any new cymbal will sit within your existing set-up. The best way to do this is have your regular cymbals with you so that you can compare them side by side.

"This type of cymbal will not reveal all of its qualities in loud scenarios, so try to test new cymbals in as quiet an environment as possible"

2. This type of cymbal will not reveal all of its qualities in loud scenarios, so try to test new cymbals in as quiet an environment as possible. That way you will be able to hear their range of expression properly. As well as playing a cymbal yourself, it's a good idea to have a friend or salesperson play the cymbal for you as you move around the room. Cymbals do sound different out front, so it makes a lot of sense to pay attention to how they travel to an audience or microphone.

3. The sort of cymbals available here are, almost without exception, handmade. As a result many of them come with personal touches, like the weight in grams written underneath, often accompanied by the cymbalsmith's signature. This adds kudos, if not gravitas, to each cymbal, but, as ever, don't let anything distract your ears from making the final judgement.

5 high-end and specialist cymbals from £140

1. Zildjian Constantinople
£458-£564

One of Armand Zildjian's final projects, the K Constantinople range has continued to evolve since his passing away in 2002. The individual cymbals that make up the current range of hi-bell and fl at rides and hi-hats are all outstanding (if pricey) instruments that compare favourably with the vintage K cymbals that inspired them.
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