Besides owning a piece of musical gear, protecting it from the environment and the elements is of utmost importance. As a result, investing in the best cymbal bag available is key to a perfect maintenance strategy for your instrument. This buying guide will walk you through all you need to know concerning procuring the best cymbal case for yourself.
What is a Cymbal Bag?
A cymbal bag is a protective package (bag or case) for storing cymbals. It provides protection, easy mobility for its users and is one of the most important possessions for drummers and instrument enthusiasts.
Types of cymbal bags
Even though there are many products and brands for cymbal bags, they are fundamentally classified based on their structural material. As a result, there are two major types: cymbal bags (soft bags) and cymbal cases (hard bags). Usually, drummers choose their cymbal bags based on their activity and intention.
· Soft Cymbal Bags
These cymbal bags are composed of soft structural materials such as leather or other synthetic materials. Most soft cymbal bags come in various styles and designs, like backpacks, while others may have straps. As a result, they are usually portable and perfect for privately used cymbals (when you do not share your cymbals with others).
Recently, there have been other hybrid designs of soft cymbal bags with wheels and handles so that users can roll them along to their destinations. This product is perfect for air travel and mobile drummers who still want bags with soft materials. However, when using soft cymbal bags, you should be careful with selecting the size to prevent the cymbals from scratching across themselves due to the extra space within the bag.
· Hard cymbal bags (cases)
These cymbal bags are also called cases and are made of harder structural material than soft bags. They offer more protection to your cymbals, especially if you share them with other people, including putting them up for rent. They are usually equipped with wheels and a rolled handle for easy mobility. They are also perfect for on-the-go engagements and gigs. One of the fantastic perks of using cymbal cases is that they provide a well-structured enclosure for the cymbals that fit so perfectly that the tendency to scratch is greatly minimized.
Factors you should consider when buying a Cymbal bag
Before rushing off to buy a bag or case for your cymbals, you might want to consider a few things. That way, you get maximum utility for your money and a perfect fit for your instruments.
Your intention for buying the cymbal bag
While some drummers exercise personal ownership over their cymbals, others don’t mind sharing, and some even go as far as hiring. In any case, considering the intended usage of your cymbals can help you choose what type of cymbal to buy, whether soft or hard.
Cymbal bag capacity
In general, most cymbal bags are well suited for cymbals between 20 to 22 inches. However, if you own cymbals of smaller or larger sizes, you might want to specify the required size with the seller. If you opt for a soft bag, you should not buy the exact size bag since the extra space due to the softness will cause the cymbals to move within the bag, leading to a few scratches.
The initial weight of the cymbal bag
The right cymbal bag should not have its original weight added to the weight of the cymbals. Essentially, cymbal bags should be as light as possible, especially if they are soft. If you choose a hard case, they should have wheels to enable easy mobility and keep the weight off your shoulders.
Benefits of using a cymbal bag
Cymbal bags are very beneficial to drummers for the protection and maintenance of their percussion instruments. The package keeps dust and other particles away from the cymbals and prevents them from getting scratched, thus damaging them. If you happen to always be on the go, either for live shows or gigs, then a cymbal bag is necessary to keep your things from being stolen.
How to care for and maintain your cymbal bags
For every drummer, owning the best cymbal bag possible is a worthwhile investment, considering how much it costs to procure a set of cymbals. Although cymbals come in various sizes, they scratch easily, making them prone to early damage and compromising sound effects and quality. Therefore one of the best ways to care for and maintain your equipment is by getting a nice cymbal case and occasionally cleaning it using a soft, damp rag. The rag you use should be a light, non-fluffy and absorbent material. Alternatively, you can also use Windex as a surface cleaner for your cymbals. However, good-quality cymbal bags should easily stand the test of time.
FAQS
Q. What are cymbals?
Cymbals are percussion musical instruments made of thin, rounded plates from various metallic blends- alloys. They are usually arranged in pairs to produce a unique sound when played, and traditionally, most cymbals are a part of a typical drum set.
Q. Why do I need a Cymbal Bag?
A. Beyond protecting your musical gear, a cymbal bag is essential to add a professional feel to your ensemble when you show up for gigs and shows. You do not want to show up with your instruments all over the place and look disorganized, which is why you need to have all your things put together, including your cymbals.
Q. What is the difference between a cymbal bag and a cymbal case?
A. Generally, people get confused about the difference between a cymbal bag and a cymbal case. While they are both used for the same purpose and could mean the same thing, they are slightly different. A cymbal bag is made of soft structural material like leather, while a cymbal case is made of a harder material and functions as a travel box because of the added wheels and roller handle.