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Whether you’re building your first drum kit, or traveling with minimal gear, a crash/ride cymbal is an absolute necessity.
“When you’re looking to add cymbals to your setup, a crash/ride offers the dual benefit of performing as both a crash as well as a ride cymbal” says Arafat Kazi, Boston-based drummer for The Attempted Band.
What You Need to Know About Crash/Ride Cymbals
The crash/ride cymbal was originally called a “medium” in early drum kits, for the simple reason that its sound acts as a middle ground between the largest crash cymbal and the smallest ride. The main jobs of a crash/ride are actually really one job at two different volumes and velocities. When played at a soft volume and intensity, it provides a more general ride tone than would be produced from a traditional full-sized ride cymbal. When played at loud volumes with hard hits, its crash effect will ring out longer and fuller than a standalone crash cymbal.
“And if you already have a ride,” Kazi continues, “that’s great. Set up your crash/ride on the left side and get more versatility. Crash/rides tend to combine the sonic qualities of a big crash with lots of sustain, and a smaller ride, usually with good ping and way less washy than your main ride. The 18 to 19-inch sizes are versatile, easy to transport, and an affordable way to add lots of options to your sonic palette.”
A slight note: these cymbals are not to be confused with a ride/crash cymbal, which is similar in design and function, but less common, and provides a slightly different sound. It’s generally heavier and less tapered, for the purpose of prioritizing the ride over the crash.
These days, your drum kit doesn’t have to be uniformly branded with all the same company’s cymbals; you can mix and match and choose whatever fits with the sound you’re going for, creating a setup that’s unique to you and your style. But whether you’re building an entire outfitted kit with all the bells and whistles (which can also include other percussion instruments) or sticking to a minimal three-piece bass/snare/tom setup, a crash/ride cymbal is a must-have for all drummers.
