T1B

Went to the local Guitar Center yesterday...doing some research on a couple things...

First I want to upgrade my cymbals...I got the Sabian B8's with my kit (one of those packs for the starter deal)...well they sound ok...but you damn near have to hit the ride with a sledgehammer to hear...plus the crashes are pretty shitty...so I am looking at some new cymbals...either

Sabian AAX or the Zildjan A Custom...I liked the smaller crashes in the AAX line (14, 15, and 16 inch)...I hit them in the cymbal room...plus the hi hats had a nice sound...

The A Customs were ok...but for the space we play in (usually small garages, etc) and small outdoor stuff in backyards...the A Customs are probably a little much...

Anyone got any thoughts?

Double Bass Pedal..I have the standard $100 double bass pedal...not that I am a speed demon or anything but how much difference do you notice in a QUALITY double bass pedal? I was thinking either Iron Cobra, Axis, or one of the DW Line...anyone have anythoughts on that?

Also can anyone recommend any exercises or something to build up double bass or just go out and start slow and work up???

Thanks in advance music forum!

Whenever I need cymbals, I go to the local drum store and look through the used stacks. I love the old school Zildjian cymbals that are not identified in any way other than a small engraved burb. If you find some of those (and that's the way they looked for a long time), you can basically be assured that they're good cymbals. I like the loud, active, "classic" sounding quality of those cymbals.

Some of the newer Zildjian lines have seemed less good to me. I am not a fan of Sabian cymbals, I have always found them to be quiet. I've had some decent Paiste cymbals over the years, but I always am more impressed by Zildjians.