How Much Do Cymbals Weigh In Pounds

So, there I was, at my local music store, trying out a new set of cymbals. I mean, who doesn't love that moment when you give a crash cymbal a good whack and it just sings? But then, the store assistant, let's call him Cymbal Steve, drops a bombshell. "Those are Zildjians," he says, "They're not just heavy on the pocket, they're heavy on the scale too." I looked at him, puzzled. "How much do cymbals weigh, anyway?" I asked, thinking I'd picked up a featherweight.

Well, my friends, that got me curious. I mean, we guitarists and drummers, we're used to lugging around our gear, but how much of that weight is actually the cymbals? So, I did some digging, and here's what I found out.

Size Matters

First things first, cymbals come in all shapes and sizes. There are crash cymbals, ride cymbals, hi-hat cymbals, and even splash cymbals. And yes, size does matter when it comes to weight. The bigger the cymbal, the heavier it is. A typical crash cymbal, for instance, can range from 16 to 20 inches in diameter. The 16-inchers are the lightweight ones, coming in at around 2 to 3 pounds. But the 20-inchers? They can tip the scales at a hefty 5 to 6 pounds.

And then there are ride cymbals. These are the biggest of the bunch, usually around 24 inches in diameter. They're the workhorses of the drum kit, providing the steady rhythm. And they're heavy, really heavy. We're talking 8 to 10 pounds here. That's like carrying around a small cat on your drum stand!

Material Matters Too

Cymbals aren't just made of one material, you know. They're usually made of bronze, but the exact composition can vary. Some are made of B20 bronze, which is 80% copper and 20% tin. Others are made of B8 bronze, which has a higher tin content. The more tin, the heavier the cymbal. So, a cymbal made of B20 bronze will weigh less than one made of B8 bronze.

Then there are the hand-hammered cymbals. These are made by skilled craftsmen who hammer the cymbals by hand to create their unique sound. But all that hammering also adds to the weight. So, a hand-hammered cymbal can weigh more than a machine-made one.

Cymbal Weight and Tone: What You Actually Need to Know - YouTube

So, How Much Do They Weigh?

Alright, let's get to the point. How much do cymbals weigh? Well, it varies, as we've seen. But let's say you're a typical drummer with a typical drum kit. You've got two crash cymbals, a ride cymbal, and a pair of hi-hat cymbals. Let's say your crash cymbals are 18 inches in diameter, your ride cymbal is 24 inches, and your hi-hat cymbals are 14 inches. If they're all made of B20 bronze, you're looking at around 10 to 12 pounds in total. Not bad, right?

But remember, that's just an average. If you're into heavier cymbals, or if you've got a bigger kit, that weight can go up. And if you're touring with your gear, well, you might want to invest in a good back brace. Just saying.

So, there you have it. Cymbals aren't just about the sound, they're about the weight too. Next time you're at the music store, don't just listen with your ears, listen with your back. It might just save you some pain later on!