Imagine a drummer laying down a killer beat. What makes that sound soar and sparkle? It’s the cymbals! Those shiny metal discs aren’t just decoration; they’re the voice that adds excitement and color to every rhythm. But stepping into the world of cymbals can feel like staring at a wall of sound, and it’s easy to get lost.
Many drummers find it tricky to pick the perfect cymbal. There are so many different kinds, and they all sound so unique! Should you go for a bright, cutting crash, or a warm, sustained ride? The wrong choice can make your drums sound dull or even clash with your music. It’s a common problem that can leave you feeling frustrated and unsure.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand the basics of cymbal types and what makes them special. You’ll learn how to listen for different sounds and how to match them to your drumming style. We’ll break down the mystery so you can confidently choose cymbals that will make your drumming truly shine.
Top Drum Set Cymbals Recommendations
No. 1
Arborea Cymbal Pack Alloy Cymbals Drum Cymbal Set 14"/16"/18"/20" Plus Free Cymbal Bag 5 Pieces Cymbals for Drum Set
- Better Material: The cymbal pack is made of more excellent stainless steel material, sophisticated craftsmanship, feedback more vivid sound when subjected to percussion
- Thick and Durable: High quality thickened stainless steel material and surface polishing technology,can withstand stronger knocks, not easy to break
- Designed for beginners: Provide the highest quality percussion experience at an affordable price
- For All occasion: Each drum cymbals set comes with a cymbal pack, which is convenient for practice in any occasion
- Cymbal Pack Includes: The cymbal pack includes a pair of 14" Hihat, a 16" crash, an 18" crash, a 20" ride and cymbal bag
No. 2
HCS Ultimate Cymbal Set Box Pack for Drums with Hihats, Ride, Crashes, China, Splash, Bell and FREE 16” Trash Crash — MADE IN GERMANY — Durable Brass, 2-YEAR WARRANTY
- MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players
- WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: Ultimate Set includes 14" hihats (top and bottom), a 20" ride, 14", 16” and 18” crashes, a 14" china, 8" bell, 10" splash, plus a FREE 16" trash crash; this huge selection gives you ultimate creative freedom
- DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones
- CATCH UP QUICK: HCS exceeds expectations because Meinl brings experience crafting cymbals since 1951; we make HCS and other lines in our German factory, and our top-of-the-line professional Byzance cymbals are hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze
No. 3
Rhythm Bytes Cymbal Set - New Sultans Series | Complete 7-pcs Drums Set Cymbal Pack Includes 14" Hi-Hats, 16" Fast Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride, 10" Splash, 18" China
- 🥁 Complete 7-Piece Set for Every Beat: Elevate your drumming with a comprehensive set that includes a 14" high-hat, 16" and 18" crash cymbals, a powerful 20" ride cymbal, a crisp 10" splash cymbal, and an explosive 18" china cymbal. This all-inclusive pack ensures you have every cymbal you need to cover a full range of sounds and styles.
- 🎵 Ultimate Versatility Across All Genres: Whether you’re rocking out on stage, laying down smooth jazz grooves, or driving heavy metal beats, the Sultans Series cymbals are your perfect companion. These cymbals are designed to excel in every musical genre, making them the ideal choice for versatile drummers.
- 🌟 Crafted Quality Cymbal Pack for Superior Sound: Each cymbal in the Sultans Series is made from a high-quality alloy that delivers crisp, clear, and resonant tones. The superior material ensures each strike produces a rich sound that stands out in any mix, whether you’re in the studio or performing live.
- 🎶 Precision-Crafted Brilliance for Unmatched Performance: Experience the meticulous craftsmanship of the Sultans Series. These cymbals are designed to provide unparalleled sound quality and durability, allowing you to perform with confidence and precision every time you play.
- 💧 Elegant Water Droplets Design for Visual Appeal: Add a touch of sophistication to your drum setup with the unique water droplets design. These stylish cymbals not only sound amazing but also captivate the audience with their visual elegance, making your performances more engaging and memorable.
No. 4
Alloy Cymbal Pack, 5 Pieces Drum Cymbals Set 14"Hi-hats/16"Crash/18"Crash/20"Ride Cymbals for Drum Set
- 【5Pcs Cymbal pack】：The cymbal pack includes a pair of 14" Hi-hat– Crisp chick sounds for any groove, a 16" crash and an 18" crash– From punchy to soaring sustain, a 20" ride– Defined ping for musical clarity. Each drum cymbals set comes with a cymbal bag, which is convenient for practice in any occasion.
- 【Thick and Durable】：Our cymbal is made of a thickened alloy material and a cold forging process that strengthens its hardness and durability. With high-quality thickened material and surface polishing technology can withstand stronger knocks, not easy to break.The ideal choice for daily rehearsals, studio sessions, and weekend gigs.
- 【Exquisite Workmanship】：The surface of the cymbal is treated with car patterns and hammer points, which enhances the feedback of the sound and makes the sound brighter; The regular mechanical pattern and elegant pearl hole hammer point design add a sophistication to your performance.
- 【Impressive Sound】：Experience superior acoustic response thanks to our proprietary hammering techniques. The specially treated surface delivers brighter highs, richer mids, and faster decay - giving you professional dynamic range whether you're playing jazz brushes or rock power grooves.
- 【Versatility For All Music】：The cymbals for drums is perfect for drummer, it is a very full cymbals kit and highest quality percussion experience at an affordable price; Enrich your drum set and bring more possibilities to your playing; Whether you are a beginner or a lifelong learner, our alloy cymbals 5pcs super set will be a good choice to expand your drum kit and start your musical journey.
No. 5
Zildjian ZP4PK Planet Z Complete 14/16/20-Inch Cymbal Pack
- The Zildjian Planet Z Complete Pack is a superb entry level cymbal pack which makes a great upgrade to beginner or student set of cymbals
- This box set of Planet Z cymbals include the standard sizes in one convenient package a pair of full-size 14" Hi-Hats a 16" Crash and a full-sized 20" Ride cymbal
- The cymbals are in a traditional bright finish and produce cutting bright tones with short sustain
- Crafted in the USA from an exclusive nickel-silver alloy to produce a great responsive sound
- Zildjian's Planet Z cymbals offer an affordable way to complete your sound
No. 6
HAIRIESIS Cymbal Exquisite Alloy Cymbal Set 14"/16"/18"/20" 5 Pieces Drum Cymbal Drum Practice Cymbals
- ♪ High-Quality Alloy Material: Attention percussion enthusiasts! Our golden cymbal is a must-have for beginners looking to practice their skills. Crafted from high-quality alloy material, it produces lightning-fast sound feedback which is very suitable for drummer to practice.
- ♪ Exquisite Craftsmanship: Our cymbal's exquisite craftsmanship sets it apart. The surface is copper-plated and polished to create an awe-inspiring work of art. Its attention to detail is sure to impress even the most discerning percussionist.
- ♪ Well-Crafted: Our well-crafted cymbal features carefully treated car patterns and hammer points that enhance its sound feedback, producing a brighter, more vibrant sound that will take your drumming to the next level.
- ♪ Thick and Durable: Our cymbal is made with a thickened alloy material and a cold forging process that strengthens its hardness and durability. This means you can practice for hours on end without worrying about wear and tear.
- ♪ 5-Piece Drum Cymbal Set: Our drum cymbal set includes a 14" hi-hat, 16" crash, 18" crash, and 20" ride. We also offer a 30-day warranty service. If you encounter any issues during use, please contact us immediately.
No. 7
Low Volume Cymbal Pack Mute Set 14'Hihats+16"Crash+18'Crash+20"Ride 5 Pieces Silver Drummer Practice Quiet Cymbal for Drum Set
- Package Include: The low volume cymbal set 5 pieces: a pair of 14"hihat, 16"crash, 18"crash, 20"ride cymbal
- Lower Volume and Real Sound: The silent cymbals pack are 60%-70% quieter than regular cymbals and feel like real cymbals when played; You can play longer without ear fatigue or hearing damage
- Great Quality: The quiet cymbals pack are made of high quality stainless steel, sturdy and not easy to break; The entire surface of the mute cymbal is polished to make the surface and edges smoother; Fine workmanship and sophisticated look
- Practice Anywhere: The low noise cymbal pack are suitable for apartment, bedroom, rehearsal room and other scenes;The drum cymbals can be used with any drum set
- For All Ages: The low volume cymbals are designed for beginners and drummers to practice, which is a great option for those who are looking for a simple, cheap way to get cymbals
No. 8
Cymbal Pack, 5 Pieces Drum Cymbals Set,14" Hi Hat Cymbals, 16" Crash and 18" Crash Cymbals, 20" Ride Cymbals for Drums Set
- 【 5Pcs Cymbal pack】- Our premium alloy construction delivers lightning-fast response with crisp, articulate tones that rival professional setups. Perfect for both practice and performance, these cymbals give you studio-quality sound without the premium price tag. Ideal for beginners upgrading from starter kits or pros needing reliable backups.
- 【 Precision Craftsmanship 】- Turn heads with these visually stunning cymbals featuring mirror-polished copper plating and hand-hammered details. Every groove is precision-engineered to enhance sound projection while creating eye-catching stage presence.The perfect blend of form and function for serious musicians.
- 【 Impressive Sound 】- Experience superior acoustic response thanks to our proprietary hammering techniques. The specially treated surface delivers brighter highs, richer mids, and faster decay - giving you professional dynamic range whether you're playing jazz brushes or rock power grooves.
- 【 Thick and Durable 】 - Built to withstand the toughest playing conditions, our cold-forged alloy construction resists cracking and keyholing. Thicker than standard beginner cymbals yet perfectly balanced for responsive play. The ideal choice for daily rehearsals, studio sessions, and weekend gigs.
- 【 Complete Cymbal Includes 】 - √14" Hi-Hats – Crisp chick sounds for any groove.√16" Crashes & 18" Crashes – From punchy to soaring sustain. √20" Ride – Defined ping for musical clarity.
Choosing Your Sound: A Drum Set Cymbal Buying Guide
Cymbals are the shiny, ringing stars of any drum set. They add sparkle, crash, and rhythm to your music. But with so many kinds, how do you pick the right ones? This guide will help you find the perfect cymbals for your drumming journey.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for cymbals, keep these important things in mind.
Types of Cymbals
- Hi-Hats: These are two cymbals that sit on a stand. You play them with a foot pedal to open and close them. They make a “chick” sound when closed and a “shhh” sound when open. Hi-hats provide the steady beat for many songs.
- Crash Cymbals: These are bigger cymbals that make a loud, explosive sound. Drummers hit them to add excitement and accent important parts of a song. They have a quick, bright sound that fades away.
- Ride Cymbals: These are usually the largest cymbals. They have a clear, pinging sound when you hit the top. You can also hit the edge for a more sustained, ringing tone. Ride cymbals often play the main rhythm.
- Splash Cymbals: These are small, thin cymbals that make a quick, sharp “splish” sound. They add little accents and flair.
- China Cymbals: These cymbals are often turned upside down. They make a trashy, raw sound. They are great for adding an exotic or aggressive feel.
Size Matters
Cymbal sizes affect their sound. Smaller cymbals are brighter and cut through the mix better. Larger cymbals are louder and have a longer sustain.
- 13-15 inches: Good for hi-hats.
- 16-18 inches: Common for crash cymbals.
- 20-22 inches: Popular for ride cymbals.
Thickness and Weight
Thin cymbals are more sensitive and have a faster decay. Thick cymbals are louder and have a longer sustain. Medium-weight cymbals offer a good balance.
Important Materials
Most cymbals are made from bronze. The type of bronze makes a big difference in sound.
- Brass: This is a cheaper metal. Brass cymbals are okay for beginners but don’t sound as good as bronze.
- Bronze Alloys:
- B20 Bronze: This is a mix of 80% copper and 20% tin. B20 bronze makes a richer, more complex sound. Many professional cymbals use B20.
- B8 Bronze: This is a mix of 92% copper and 8% tin. B8 bronze is brighter and more cutting. It’s often found on mid-range cymbals.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a cymbal is made greatly impacts its sound.
- Manufacturing Process: Hand-hammered cymbals sound better. The hammering creates unique tonal qualities. Machine-made cymbals can sound more uniform but less interesting.
- Lathing: This is the process of cutting grooves into the cymbal. Different lathing patterns create different sounds. Fine lathing can make a cymbal brighter.
- Finishes: Raw (unlathed) cymbals often have a darker, trashier sound. Brilliant finishes can make cymbals louder and brighter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you play and what music you like.
- Beginners: Start with a cymbal pack. These packs usually include essential hi-hats, a crash, and a ride. Look for B8 bronze or good quality brass for your first set.
- Rock and Metal Drummers: You might want loud, cutting crash cymbals and a ride with a strong ping. Heavier cymbals often work well here.
- Jazz Drummers: Lighter, more complex cymbals with a shimmering sound are great for jazz. Hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbals are popular.
- Pop and Funk Drummers: Versatile cymbals that can handle different dynamics are key. Medium-weight cymbals are a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drum Set Cymbals
Q: What is the most important cymbal to have?
A: The hi-hats are usually the most important. They provide the main beat for most songs.
Q: Do I need a lot of cymbals to sound good?
A: No. A good drummer can make music with just a few well-chosen cymbals.
Q: Are expensive cymbals always better?
A: Not always. The best cymbal for you depends on your style and the sound you want. Some affordable cymbals sound great.
Q: How do I clean my cymbals?
A: You can use a special cymbal cleaner or a mild soap and water. Be gentle when cleaning.
Q: What is “sustain” on a cymbal?
A: Sustain is how long the sound rings out after you hit the cymbal.
Q: Can I mix and match cymbals from different brands?
A: Yes! Many drummers create their own unique sound by using cymbals from different companies.
Q: What does “wash” mean when talking about cymbals?
A: Wash refers to the complex, shimmering overtones that blend together with the main note of a cymbal.
Q: Should I buy cymbals online or in a store?
A: It’s best to try cymbals in a store if you can. Hearing them in person helps you decide if you like the sound.
Q: What are cymbal packs?
A: Cymbal packs are sets of cymbals that are sold together, usually at a good price. They are great for beginners.
Q: How long do cymbals last?
A: Cymbals can last for many years, even a lifetime, if they are cared for properly.