Please, I'd like some opinions. I have both of these cymbals and at best, both are okay for what I play (rock but not ear-splitting rock). I like the B8 bell but when the ZBT is struck in the middle it gives off quite a good sound, at least to me. I know that everything is subjective and that a lot of factors come into play. I just wanted some opinions here. I have no room to mount another cymbal and I don't feel like changing the ride on every three or four songs. I know that these are not high end but, they're going to have to do for a bit. Thank you! Brian
Neither the Zildjian ZBT or the Sabian B8's are particularly good cymbals as you've already acknowledged. The B8 refers to the makeup of the alloy used which is B8 bronze for both Sabian and Zildjian. In the end you should use the one that fits the music and sounds better to both you and your band mate's ears. From my point of view I've always felt the Sabian B8's looked better and were more similar looking to cast B20 bronze cymbals. But the few I've heard sounded pretty dull and lifeless. The ZBT's always looked cheaper to my eyes, but the sound, although mediocre, was brighter and more lively than the Sabian's. Of course admittedly my experience with both brands of B8 formula cymbals is limited, and around 12-15 years old. Keep in mind that a lot of drummer's playing rock are happily using ZBTs. Depending on the type and loudness of the music you're playing, the subtleties of really good cymbals may not be audible to you or your audience anyway.
