Dark cymbals can be a great option for worship musicians. Their wide frequency range and complex overtones allow drummers to cut through a mix without becoming harsh, garnering “the drums are too loud” complaints from the congregation, or sending the other musicians on the platform diving for cover. Dark cymbals are typically unpolished to add an earthy, organic aesthetic. Their larger diameter and thicker construction make for a lower pitch with a fast attack and reduced sustain, so they are considered drier than their bright cousins and compete less with the vocalists’ primary frequencies. Newer drummers find that most dark cymbals can be more forgiving when creating washes without becoming overly swirly. Their distinctly recognizable sound can play a significant role in developing a drummer’s signature sound — plus, they look really cool! While the ultimate cymbal selection depends on the drummer’s desired sonic palette, key considerations include size, brand, budget, and tonal characteristics. With their advantages, it’s no surprise that you’d see dark cymbals included in kits used by Hillsong Worship, Bethel Music, and Elevation Worship. Check out these options.
- Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark Cymbals
- Meinl Cymbals Byzance Extra Dry Cymbals
- Paiste Masters Dark Cymbals
- Dream Dark Matter Cymbals
- Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbals
- Zildjian S Dark Cymbals
- Need a Set for Worship?
Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark Cymbals
The Meinl Cymbals Classics Custom Dark series is derived from a high copper-to-tin formula and uses complex upper harmonics to cut through a mix with a clear attack and a shimmering decay that is articulate without overwhelming the music. Your drummer will like shaping the sound to match the feel of the moment, and your sound tech will find that the cutting attack and mellow sustain make it easy to balance these cymbals beautifully in the mix.
Meinl Cymbals Byzance Extra Dry Cymbals
Meinl Cymbals Byzance Extra Dry cymbals get their buttery warmth from B20 bronze hammered into shape by artisans in Turkey. Whether sticking for technical articulation or digging in for wide-open crashing, these low-pitched cymbals are packed with a versatile, complex character that’s a perfect match for gospel, funk, jazzy, and R&B tones. Their short sustain makes them an excellent consideration to overcome rooms with challenging echo issues.
Paiste Masters Dark Cymbals
Paiste Masters Dark cymbals combine a silvery, peppery ping with a dark wash and enough dry decay to create a breathy, overtone-laden sound that matches modern worship music’s jazz, country, and rock sonics. Crafted by renowned Swiss cymbal artisans from Turkish B20 bronze, these cymbals provide the smoky tonal character you’re looking for with just enough top-end brilliance to cut through any mix — whether you’re after warmth, depth, or full-on devastation.
Dream Dark Matter Cymbals
Individually cast, hammered, and lathed in China from B20 bronze, Dream Dark Matter cymbals use multiple firings to char and transform each cymbal on a molecular level. An additional six months of aging matures the tone to create a complex wash with controlled cut-through overtones that start with a precise stick sound and bloom warmly into a dry falling-off wash. These cymbals match the energy of your playing style — from controlled articulation to raw thunder.
Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbals
Zildjian K Custom Dark cymbals breathe warmth into your kit with a full-bodied sound full of dry and dark tonal character with excellent stick definition and just the right amount of trashy crash to cut through a full mix. The traditional finish allows your darks to fit in aesthetically with your kit’s bright and traditional cymbals for a unified look.
Zildjian S Dark Cymbals
For budget-friendly dark cymbal options, consider this machine-hammered 4-piece Zildjian S Dark cymbal pack. These cymbals’ expressive stick response carries plenty of mix-cutting shimmer, soft-edged sustain, and a smoky, intense bloom that will sit well in a mix without overloading the sound palette. With their distinct patina finish and versatile richness, these cymbals complement your kit, and you can expand your musical palette at a price that will please beginners and professionals alike.
Need a Set for Worship?
Looking for a cymbal set specifically designed for worship? Sweetwater’s worship musicians put their collective heads together and created an affordable custom set containing a versatile range of bright, fast, and dark cymbals handpicked for the specific demands of the worship music genre. The set is designed to blend and sit well in a mix, whether onstage or in the studio. Check out the Zildjian K Custom Worship cymbal set!
Take a Walk on the Dark Side
Not sure what dark cymbal option may work best for you? Reach out to your knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700, and get started today!
