Riding (and Crashing, Hi-Hatting, Splashing) Out the Storm

MMR Reaches Out to over 300 Cymbal Retailers

While some are finding success via the low-volume alternatives presented by electronic drum sets (see page 8) during pandemic-related lockdowns, the majority of MI retailers participating in this month’s survey (62.6 percent) report that current sales of cymbals are down. Though still a small portion of overall sales – not even two percent – dealers are observing that v-kit cymbal pads are slowly on the rise, as are the types of effect cymbals we profiled in our November 2020 issue.

Compared to last winter, sales of cymbals for your business are…

In terms of volume, which types of cymbals sell most at your store?

What brands of cymbals generate the most profit for your operation?

Are there any significant current trends when it comes to cymbals – on either the end-user or supplier sides?

“[Zildjian and SABIAN] generate the most profit dollars based upon the fact that the sales volume is great. As a percentage of the individual sale, Dream cymbals are the most profitable. We simply sell fewer of them.” Jonathan Breen, The Music Shoppe, Inc., Normal, Illinois

“I’ve sold three cymbals in the past year and they were all Zildjian. This has been my worst year in 43 years.” Dan Yadesky, Yadco Music, North Versailles, Pennsylvania

“We are seeing continued interest in cymbal box sets, and effect style cymbals, like stackers. I personally feel we’re starting to chip away at alloy snobbery – people are buying a cymbal if they like the sound as opposed to what materials they are comprised of.” Shane Kinney, Drum Center of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, New Hampshire

“Almost all crash cymbals sold this year were 18”, 19”, and 20”.” Evan Miller, Rupp’s Drums, Denver, Colorado

“Digital cymbals are slowly picking up steam – primarily Zildjian’s Gen16 series.” David St. John, Music & Arts, Glendora, California

“People are looking for less expensive hi-hats. If there [was] a gig-worthy pair for less than $250, they’d sell like hotcakes.” AJ DeLong, The Music Den, Randolph, New Jersey

“Cymbal manufacturers seem to be rushing to broaden their lines, offering more variations, and are pushing cymbals that look non-traditional. Intentionally warped cymbals and cymbals with harsh finishes may not attract the retail buyer’s eye as much as the manufacturers seem to hope. Traditional cymbals became traditional for a reason, so those are still what sells the best.” Allen McBroom, Backstage Music, Starkville, Mississippi

“Cymbals with holes – i.e. Ozones – get lots of attention.” Derek Sharp, Supersonic Music, Topeka, Kansas