Playing percussion instruments has always been an excellent thing for many musicians in different genres. And for a long time, we have been using these instruments to create incredible music.
And this music has become very popular. Among the most preferred instruments for playing percussion music are cymbals.
Whether you are in the jazz bands, marching groups, and orchestra, you will need these instruments to make your music more appealing.
One amazing thing about cymbals is that they have such a simple structure, yet are very eminent in many ways. For instance, it is made from different alloys that create different sounds based on how they are made.
They are normally round in shape. Their thickness depends on what the specific cymbal is made for and based on the playing style.
But there are very many cymbals on the market today that choosing the right one may be a bit overwhelming.
For those who need high-quality yet cheap cymbals, you have come to the right place. Here I will be reviewing ten great cymbals you can rely on even on a budget.
What to consider when buying cheap cymbals
The number of cymbal makers on the market has been surging over the past few years. If you went online and searched for cymbals, you will be surprised at just how many products will come up.
This is why you can never choose anything that comes up. You need to look at the best features and pick something that will give you the quality you need.
In many cases, people assume that cheap is always bad. Whereas there is some truth in this, you will find a wide range of cheaper cymbals that come at a very low price.
You don’t need to spend too much to get good quality cymbals. Here are some ideas that come to help you out.
Know your cymbals
The first step towards getting a good deal from your cymbals is to know them. This may seem easy, but it can save you a lot of trouble when it comes to easy searching and saving a buck.
Cymbals come in a disk-shaped structure, which shows the traditional ancient design. This shape allows for easy striking and producing the filling sound you get from them.
Besides understanding the shape, one must know the types of cymbals on the market. The major ones include hit-hats, ride, crash, china, splash, and sizzle cymbals.
For most drummers, a drum set with accessories can be complete without any other type of cymbals but the hi-hats. They come as a pair of cymbals are played open or closed using both hands and legs.
They are also a great way to give your drum set a wonderful taste. You can tell what each type of cymbal does from their names. For instance, a splash gives you that ‘splash sound whenever you hit them, while a sizzle does the same thing as its name suggests.
One can buy a full set of cymbals at once. But that may not always be a good idea if you are looking to save yet get a good deal of quality items.
In my experience, it is better to buy one item at a time until you have a full set together. I often buy each type of cymbal from a different manufacturer.
The brand
There are certain brands that are just known for delivering the best quality of cymbals. As mentioned earlier, the market is filled with different makers who will promise you the world, but only a few of them will deliver.
However, a good number of them have made a great reputation already, and you can never go wrong on them.
Zildjian is my favorite cymbal company. It has been operating for more than 200 years and serves as the market of quality for many drummers. There is no drummer who does not know about Zildjian.
Although the company is often associated with higher-end products, they have several lines of products dedicated to budget buyers. And if you get one, it is always a wonderful combination of quality and affordability.
Then there is Sabian. I consider this the second-largest cymbal manufacturer in the world. After all, it is an offshoot of Zildjian, which makes it another wonderful choice for you.
Some of the top drummers in the world use Sabian cymbals. They come with incredible versatility and high-end quality for any type of music.
Innovation is the world of cymbals that is majorly associated with Paiste. Their cymbals are defined by technologically advanced features that may just put them at the top of the market.
And most importantly, Paiste cymbals are very affordable. It is almost as if they make their products for on-a-budget buyers.
Other good companies include Wuhan and Meinl, among others. They all make high-quality products that will not leave you disappointed.
Build material/ Quality
You can have the best drums in your set, but if your cymbals are not good, then you will not unleash their full potential as you would love to. And hence, you should consider buying ones that match your drum kit for a perfect performance.
And if you know to drum, then you understand the importance of being economical in your selection. But this should not mean you have to sacrifice the quality of your drum set components. B20 is the material found in higher-end cymbals. It is a copper-based alloy, just like any other cymbal material, which has 20% tin.
It’s followed by B10 and B8 alloys. These are also goods materials, only that they are not as strong as B20. These cymbals are brighter, though, unlike B20 cymbals, which are much darker and stronger.
Much cheaper cymbals are made from brass. They are not very strong, and you should not rely on them to serve you for long.
However, this does not mean they are any band. There are many brass cymbals that bear a mark of quality and have everything you need for a wonderful performance.
It also matters the manufacturing process. The most expensive cymbals are hand-made to give them that distinct sound you would expect from any cymbal.
The music styles
There are a few cymbals made for all genres of music. But such versatility does not always mean it will give you what you need in the end.
For this reason, it would be better to narrow down to cymbals made for specific drumming style. It can help you a lot in making a quick decision.
best cymbals for rock, for example, are heavier and much thicker. This gives them the ability to withstand heavy hitting from heavy metal drummers.
Jazz cymbals, on the other hand, are much lighter and more responsive. This is because jazz drumming does not take a lot of effort. It requires subtle strikes. You can never get any sound from heavy cymbals if you are playing jazz.
There are many other genres of music that follow the same applications.
I would rather you got a more versatile cymbal thought. It’s nice to learn to play different music types so that you don’t get stuck sometimes when you are faced with touch pieces.
Budget
The budget should be at the top of the list of your concerns. Thinking that quality is always affected by price is not always right. I have seen people spend less for something incredibly wonderful, and others spend a fortune on things they won’t even use for long.
Even though it’s true that quality does indeed affect price in most cases, there are some exceptions. You can easily find some great sounding instruments at a reasonable price.
Once you have ticked all the right boxes following the features discussed above, everything else should fall into place.
10 Best Cheap Cymbals Reviewed
For those who are not sure where to start from, will be reviewing a number of products here to help you choose more easily. This is a random combination of different cymbal types and from different manufacturers.
It would therefore be helpful if you know the exact cymbal you want. Overall, every product on this list has a good structural quality and will deliver an excellent sound.
Consider their functionality and structural features, and choose what suits you the most. Just remember what may be good for someone else may not be so for you.
Meinl Cymbals HCS134+10S HCS Pack Cymbals
There is nothing better for a beginner than finding a nice set of cymbals to complete their drum set at once. And these Meinl cymbals will give you just that.
You probably have already heard about the brand, like its popular product Meinl Byzance Cymbal as the example, so there is no need to go into too many details. This quality cymbal box does not contain one but a complete package.
You get a 14-inch crash, a 13-inch pair of hi-hats, and a 10-inch splash cymbal. The package also includes a pair of good drumsticks to start using right from the box. And if you think this is enough, there are three lessons to help your learning.
A great construction quality from a sturdy brass alloy creates a perfect sound for various music styles. It features resounding bright music that will deliver an enhanced tone. This set is perfect for beginners.
Sabian SBR2012 SBR Series Pure Brass 20-inch ride cymbal
Sabian always comes as a good mention in quality drum cymbals. And this ride cymbal does not say any less. It is a fantastic choice for beginners.
Since it comes from a well-established brand, you can trust its excellent build quality, with a superb sound.
This may also be the cheapest model you will ever find with a combination of quality and affordability. It is heavier and much bigger than most models, which makes it perfect for rock and heavy hitters.
First-rate brass is used in its construction, ensuring a long-lasting product. Pure brass also helps it deliver a very tight and well-focused sound.
Its other specifications include strong sound, a bright response, and fast decay, and wash riding.
Meinl Cymbals HCS14C 14” HCS Brass Crash Cymbal for Drum Set
This is another German Made Meinl Cymbal that comes as a conducive option for shimmering and fast accents.
Its low price may fool you, but you will never complain regarding structural and functional quality. It’s warm sustain and a bright response gets you where you want to be.
You will get a colorful sound wash. It’s a good recommendation for student musicians and beginners.
It’s made from a top-class brass alloy, which makes it a robust crash, even for its tone.
Measuring 14-inch and weighing 1.61 pounds, this cymbal is ideal for all types of music. You will be amazed by its sound quality, even at this low-price range.
Meinl Cymbals HCS141620+10HCS Pack Cymbal Box Set
If you are looking for a complete set, instead of just one cymbal. It is also a great option for Meinl Hcs Cymbal Pack. This box has been extended to meet the needs of those who want to enjoy a complete set of enhanced sounds.
It comprises a 20-inch ride, a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, and 16-inch crash cymbals. You also get a complimentary 10-inch splash cymbal.
This is one of the most favored choices for beginners because it contains everything you need to start playing.
HCS range from Meinl is to provide a more economical and pleasant music experience. It’s very responsive, which makes it suitable for a wide range of music types.
It comes from high-quality brass alloy, ensuring durability. Newbies will find it an excellent choice overall.
Zildjian ZBT Starter Cymbal set
One you can be sure of from Zildjian is a great quality in their cymbals. Each of them is made to serve a specific purpose, which they do really well.
And this fabulous cymbal set, at an economical price tag, is one great asset. It’s a great option for those starting out with drums.
In terms of playability, this could be the easiest cymbal you will ever have. Top-rate construction, incredible design, and long-lasting design are some of the features you get.
The set carries an 18-inch ride, a 14-inch crash, and a pair of 13-inch hi-hats. They are made from high-quality BB alloy that is long-lasting.
A delightful crash that features in this model has a high stick definition. And you can count on its bright sound and reliability. Besides, the hi-hats deliver a chick sound that you will find suitable for a wide range of music styles.
Wuhan WUTBSU Cymbals Set
Wuhan is one of the biggest cymbal makers in China. And these B20 Bronze cymbals from the manufacturer are a great option you want to add on your drum set. They are stunningly incredible and will produce a range of musical sounds according to your liking.
They can easily be the best cheap cymbals you will ever have.
And it’s not just because they are made in the same way more expensive ones are, but because they deliver great sounds. Wuhan seems to be the only brand that makes B20 alloy cymbals at this price, and they have made the market quite competitive.
Although Wuhan is not what I can call a big player in the cymbal market, it has proven really wonderful in terms of quality. And these nice cymbals feature in the same range as Zildjian A Customs and best Sabian cymbals.
The package contains a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride cymbal. They all sound bright and clean, with a good volume projection. I liked the slight trashiness in their sound, which many drummers will appreciate.
The cymbals are great for all music styles, which makes it an even better option, considering its low price.
Zildjian I Family Cymbals
Zildjians have always proven very resourceful in the world of cymbals. The family cymbal set comes as a replacement for the ZBT line after 27 years on the market.
These are the most affordable Zildjian Cymbals you will find out there. They are made from B8 bronze alloy, which you can expect from anything at this price range, only that these Zildjians are better.
The ZBT line has been very popular among many drummers. And therefore, you can expect their replacement to be even better.
The new I Family cymbals are thinner and more responsive when you play. They will flex nicely, delivering a more modern sound. They also come with a smoother, more refined, and musical sound than the ZBTs.
You get a nice bundle of 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch crash cymbals, and 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride cymbal.
When it comes to choosing the best budget cymbals, consider the brand carefully. In this case, the new line of Zildjian cymbals should be on your list of best affordable cymbals.
You may end up paying a little more for the brand, but they are still much cheaper than other models from the same manufacturer.
Ammoon 12/14/16/18/20-inch Brass Alloy Crash, Ride, Hi-hat
I was never sure about Ammoon being a brand that could deliver the quality I expected in my cymbals.
But I came to learn it’s one of the most trustworthy and reputable manufacturers for music instruments out there. It delivers a diverse collection of great products, including quality cymbals.
This is one of their products, and it’s a very reliable option for someone who needs quality without breaking a bank for it. The construction is done nicely to make it more robust – from a brass alloy.
Expect a very high sound, especially because it is very light. This hi-hat cymbal will give you a perfect solution for all your sound needs.
It features a glowing luster metal that adds an aesthetic appeal and a brass alloy structure that makes it stronger. A tinkling sound emanates when you hear the cymbal on the top.
Many beginners can not expect such a robust functionality from at such a low price, which could easily make this cymbal a winner.
Sabian 10-inch AAX AAX-Plosion Splash
If you understand your cymbals, you will know how to pick them. Sabian is a reputable brand, from whom comes this incredible splash cymbal.
This model is one of the most affordable cymbals they offer. It delivers a nice, clear sound with wonderful structural quality.
It has a very simple, yet nicely attractive look, perfect for any drummer. Its design makes it deliver a more dynamic focus, ensuring you get an accurate response.
As if that is not enough, it delivers a bright and modern tone, with clear, crisp responses. It’s perfectly made for all types of music styles.
Stagg BM-B6L 6-Inch Black Metal Bell Light
Stagg is a familiar name among many music enthusiasts. It has been creating high-end percussion instruments for a long time, and their cymbals are familiar with a simple design, durable structure, and top-notch sound.
These small cymbals measuring 6-inch looks simply and bears a low price tag, but with an expensive sound. You can compromise your budget, but never the quality of sound that comes from your cymbals.
It’s a metal bell cymbal, black in color, and with a solid structure. It’s crafted from a B20 alloy and will serve you well in effects cymbals.
Frequently asked Questions
What Are Cymbals Made Of
Cymbals are made from four may materials, all of which are copper-based. The first one is brass, which is the cheapest option around.
Second, there are B8 alloy cymbals, which are a little better than brass, but still on the lower end. The third type is B10 alloy, which is found in most mid-range cymbals.
Last but not least is B20 cymbals. These are higher-end products and are more expensive.
What Are Cymbals
Cymbals are flat and sound percussion instruments that are played by striking either with a stick or together. They are very crucial components that make a drum set complete.
How Much Do Cymbals Cost
Cymbals come at different prices depending on the manufacturer and the material/process that are made from. Bronze cymbals are the cheapest, whereas B20 is the most expensive.
Verdict
Each of the products reviewed above comes from a reputable brand, which should make them reliable.
They also each have unique sound characteristics. It would be better to try out a few of them if you can before settling on one.
