Streamer cymbals are the latest range of pressed cymbals to be imported from the Meinl Company of West Germany by U.K. Distributors Rosetti & Co. The prices of cymbals from this fairly limited range are definitely in the budget category and put them alongside such names as Zyn and Ufip. I had a good cross section of the range to try, namely 14" Medium hi-hats (the only hi-hats available in the range), 16" crash, 18" crash/ride and 20" medium ride.

The first thing that struck me was the quality of finish on these cymbals, which was quite impressive considering the price (all cymbals had brilliant type finishes by the way). My curiosity thus suitably aroused, I set the Streamers up around my kit and let rip. The cymbals all have a very bright sound, as might be expected, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of body that was present.

The hi-hats had the now almost standard format of a heavier weight bottom cymbal and they responded really quite well with quite a crisp "chick" when working the hi-hat pedal. Played closed they're not too bad at all, but some rather nasty overtones develop if you overdo the pedal pressure.

The crash was a bit weak in its sound for my liking, but for a non-premium quality cymbal it was definitely acceptable. Overtones were present, but a bit of experimentation with tape underneath the cymbal would help to reduce this to acceptable levels.

The ride and crash/ride cymbals were again a little high in the overtone stakes, but both had a respectable amount of cutting power and a creditable bell sound, and as such can both be considered as definitely usable.

To the beginner, the prospect of forking out hundreds of pounds on top-notch cymbals after having taken the plunge on a complete kit often forces the purchase of cymbals which are really only fit to use for practice in a very lonely spot. The introduction of these Streamer cymbals should certainly provide an alternative way out, as the prices are very reasonable and the quality of sound should easily stand up to the early days of playing in a band. Definitely good value for money.

Recommended Retail Prices (incl. VAT)
14" hi-hats £24.95
16" crash £19.95
18" crash/ride £24.95
20" med. ride £29.95