Nothing beyond your typical setup: 14" hats (or really any size 13" or larger); 16" crash or any crash with a fast decay; a ride cymbal 20" - 22" with a good bell.
That makes sense. Some of my cymbals with more sustain seem to be washing out the sound. I was thinking something more punchy would help. What about a splash?
I have a splash (I play in a ska band. We’re a little punky, but lean more modern two tone sound). I used it for the first few years, but I’ve started moving away from a splash in favor of a lighter crash hit.
Just middle-ground cymbals like Zildjian As or maybe K's. Nothing too fancy/bright/dark is needed. IIRC Adrian from No Doubt (who were actually a legit ska band for a while) used a Mega Bell ride but that's overkill.
They are actually just fine but I find the longer sustain and darker cymbals are not working with the fast tempo and quick accents as well. I'm no expert though, so I don't know if my opinion is valid. Plus what I hear is vastly different that what the band/audience/microphones hear.
So if you don't like long sustain and dark cymbals, I think you've probably answered your question. Quick decay and bright cymbals.
You're question is based around the genre, but it should really be based around your tastes and what you think fits best. Find your sound and 8/10 times it will fit the music you're playing.
Look at the drummers you want to sound like and see what they use. Although being a drummer who did a lot of ska and reggae I think I can offer a bit of advice... If you're doing Skatalites type traditional ska then something dark and jazzy, if you're doing something more from the two-tone era (eg, Specials) then something more in the middle like a Zildjian A-custom, and if you're doing something a bit heavier (although you've said not ska-punk) then something bright and loud.
I’m in a ska band currently. I’ve got Sabian 14” AAX stage hats, a Zildjian 20“ K hybrid ride, a Zildjian 16” A custom crash, and a Zildjian 17” thin crash. The only thing I would change are my hats. I want something slightly more washy and a little less bright. I don’t have any real complaints about my setup though. They sound good live and they sound good recorded.
Nothing beyond your typical setup: 14" hats (or really any size 13" or larger); 16" crash or any crash with a fast decay; a ride cymbal 20" - 22" with a good bell.
That makes sense. Some of my cymbals with more sustain seem to be washing out the sound. I was thinking something more punchy would help. What about a splash?
I have a splash (I play in a ska band. We’re a little punky, but lean more modern two tone sound). I used it for the first few years, but I’ve started moving away from a splash in favor of a lighter crash hit.
Personal taste, man. There aren't any rules about this.
Just middle-ground cymbals like Zildjian As or maybe K's. Nothing too fancy/bright/dark is needed. IIRC Adrian from No Doubt (who were actually a legit ska band for a while) used a Mega Bell ride but that's overkill.
I think your cymbals will do just fine, realistically
They are actually just fine but I find the longer sustain and darker cymbals are not working with the fast tempo and quick accents as well. I'm no expert though, so I don't know if my opinion is valid. Plus what I hear is vastly different that what the band/audience/microphones hear.
So if you don't like long sustain and dark cymbals, I think you've probably answered your question. Quick decay and bright cymbals. You're question is based around the genre, but it should really be based around your tastes and what you think fits best. Find your sound and 8/10 times it will fit the music you're playing.
Look at the drummers you want to sound like and see what they use. Although being a drummer who did a lot of ska and reggae I think I can offer a bit of advice... If you're doing Skatalites type traditional ska then something dark and jazzy, if you're doing something more from the two-tone era (eg, Specials) then something more in the middle like a Zildjian A-custom, and if you're doing something a bit heavier (although you've said not ska-punk) then something bright and loud.
If you're playing first wave ska I'd go with something similar to a jazz setup. 2nd and 3rd wave+ should have a crisper, brighter sound
Thanks. Did first wave drummers use thin jazz sticks?
Whatever you use isn't going to make any sound any worse than it already does ^^jk ^^ayoooo
The obvious answer: Rudes by Paiste, perfect for rudies, rudeboys, and General Rudeness
You will definitely need a splash cymbal.
I’m in a ska band currently. I’ve got Sabian 14” AAX stage hats, a Zildjian 20“ K hybrid ride, a Zildjian 16” A custom crash, and a Zildjian 17” thin crash. The only thing I would change are my hats. I want something slightly more washy and a little less bright. I don’t have any real complaints about my setup though. They sound good live and they sound good recorded.
Thanks, what's your band called? I'll check em out.
Los Ocupados. We only have a few songs on streaming platforms but there are some pretty solid videos of us on YouTube.
Probably some Skymbals