Best Cymbals Review of [currentyear]

Cymbals are one of the components you can’t miss in your drum set. They are unique and essential drum accessories instruments that make your music sound better.

I have been playing the drums for many years, and I have never come across a complete drum set that does not have cymbals. There could be a few exceptions, especially those who just want to try out the drums. But if you are serious about drumming, you will need to invest in a quality cymbal or the best cymbal pack.

There are different kinds of cymbals on the market today, each of them promising different values and features. But it all comes down to the quality of sound you are getting.

One of my favourite brands, that is focused on quality, but it’s not that are Mehteran cymbals, definitely worth a try!

These components add tonal beauty to your drum. They add certain fills and make drumming sound more interesting and sweeter.

Most started drum kits come with cymbals included. However, you will not like how they sound because they are mostly of low quality. Some cymbals are used for adding effects. This is why you need to understand the types of cymbals on the market and what they are used for in a drum setup.

Different music styles call for different cymbal needs. Jazz drummers, for instance, use different cymbals that those used by metal or rock drummers.

A valuable tip is to check out the cymbal setups used by your favourite drummer. I know that each drummer has someone they look up to and has specific drumming approaches. You may not have the luxury to get every component of their cymbal’s setups, but you will know what exactly to look for.

The more you invest, the more you get. It is that simple!

Unfortunately, getting the best cymbal may not be as easy as it sounds. There are so many options on the market today.

You will need an upgrade for beginners, and for professionals, shell packs don’t include cymbals. So, either way, you will have to find something that works best for you.

Note, however, that a cymbal is a simple enough instrument. And there are very few things that make the difference. The following features characterize the best cymbal. Having said that, here are some of the best cymbals the modern market has to offer.

In this review, I have mixed up different types of cymbals: crash cymbals, Hi-hat cymbals, ride cymbals and crash cymbals. These are the common types, with China cymbals and Electronic cymbals offering different experiences too.

Make sure you know the type of cymbal you are looking for before purchasing.

Best Drum cymbals reviewed in [currentyear]

1.      Meinl 14″ Crash Cymbal (HCS14C)

Meinl is a popular cymbal maker, as it is known for creating professional products. The Meinl 14-inch crash cymbals are among the most recommended products for beginners and students.

The cymbal can help one gain more knowledge on how to get around their instruments. The cymbal is made from a strong brass alloy, which makes them able to withstand a lot of wear and tear pressure. This means learners can use them for a very long time without damaging the. And the best part is they are very easy to install. Set them anywhere in your kit, and you are good to go.

You can play the piece with sticks, mallets, or brushes for more distinct sounds. It comes with a two-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about issues.

2.     Meinl 16-inch Trash Crash Cymbal with Holes (HCS16TRC)

If your need to drive into traditional cymbals, here is something they can make a lot of sense for you.

The Meinl 16-inch Trash Cymbal with holes offers a unique experience with a trash effect and a short ring. This makes it a great addition to crash riding when your music is at the best levels.

Professional percussion experts designed the cymbal. This means students get exposed to reliable instruments. It is made from a brass alloy, which explains the low price and offers outstanding durability and resists wear and tear.

3.      Meinl 18-inch Crash Cymbal (HCS18C)

A bigger cymbal sounds incredible. And in this case, the Meinl 18-inch crash cymbal is one of the products you don’t want to miss in your arsenal.

It provides a dynamic sound, ranging from massive crash fills to light riding on the cymbal bell. It is primarily designed for beginners and students, but experienced drummers will also find it very useful. Is it crafted from a sturdy brass allow, which offers a wonderful tone balance and harmony during the performance? Even better, the cymbal can be used for any music style.

4.     Meinl Cymbals CC12TRS-B 12-inch Trash Splash

Still, on Meinl, this classic 12-inch custom trash splash cymbal offers great responsiveness, short sustain, medium-bright sound, and cool feel because of the holes drilled in between. For those who love making quick accents, you will find this product quite useful,

They add a good amount of sound effect in your playing. The cymbal is made from Germany and uniquely designed using B10 bronze. It gives out a sharp sound with a specific attack.

The holes help dry out the sound much faster. It comes with a two-year warranty, and hence, you don’t need to worry about issues that might come from its use.

5.     Meinl Cymbals B18CH-B Byzance 18-inch China Cymbal

This is another product from Meinl that you should have in your collection. This 18-inch Meinl Byzance cymbal was designed based on the traditional technic of hammered Turkish cymbal.

It produces a ‘cha’ sound when you tap it with your stick. The sound is purified and undistorted, giving your music some lifts when you want to get in more seriously.

These are the cymbals you useful in any type of music, bringing in a warm attack with dark tones. The two-year warranty from Meinl is an assurance that you have one of your possession’s best products.

6.     Meinl Cymbals MB20-20HC-B 20-inch Heavy Crash Cymbal

It is easy to trust Meinl products because of the quality they promise. The MB20 is crafted on state-of-the-art material, with perfect craftsmanship and strength. It gives out an aggressive and robust sound that is right for any type of music.

They are quite heavy, which makes them perfect for modern hard-hitting needs. It is a good piece for rock and metal drummers.

7.      Meinl Cymbals MB20-14HSW-B 14-inch Hi-Hat Cymbal Pair

And now, if you are looking for a good pair of hi-hats to complete your setup above, consider the MB20HSW-B. These cymbals are designed for loud music. Their sound is much heavier, compared to other options on the market, with dominance, endurance, and aggressive power.

Their sounds will penetrate the air and soothe the hearts of your listener. They are made from a bronze alloy and hand-hammered into shape for heavy hitters.

8.      Zildjian Planet Z 16-inch Crash (PLZ16C)

From Meinl, the next up in line is Zildjian, another company that makes the best cymbals and drum accessories. After learning how to deal with your drum kit, you now need your first set of cymbals, and the Zildjian Planet Z 16-inch Crash Cymbal is a good start.

Planet Z series is a commendable line of beginner cymbals. The company has long years of experience in making the best sounding cymbals.

All Zildjian cymbals feature unique craftsmanship. Hence, you don’t need to be concerned about the durability and reliability of this product.

It is strong enough to withstand wear and tear, making it the best you can get at this price. Besides, it’s made for both interior and exterior usage.

9.      Zildjian K Custom 20-inch Dry Ride Cymbal  

The K Custom 20-inch dry ride cymbal makes a beautiful sound filled with dry undertones, unlathed and unpolished features. They are made to give a volume that suits all types of music.

They feature a nice killer bell, ping, and overtone for incredible dry stick sound. It is made from a tin copper ratio of 80/20 and is suitable for heavy drummers.

10.  Zildjian A Series 10-inch Splash Cymbal

For Zildjian cymbal fans, this is another product you should not miss out on. Their sound is perfect, which makes them a favorite for most drummers.

This piece is recommended for hard hitters. It produces a quick, pleasance sound, and it is a short crash. The traditional finish from Zildjian makes this product a beautiful piece. It’s made from a copper-tin ratio of 80/20, making it very strong and loud.

11.  Zildjian Series A 13-inch New Beat Hi-Hat pair

This hi-hat pair is among the best-selling on the market today. They are made from cast bronze allow of about 80% copper and 20% tin, with some silver.   The cymbal is produced with a traditional wide groove that gives out a classing sound. It will be suit your gig, studio, and live recording.

12.  Zildjian 18-inch Oriental China Trash

This cymbal adds special effects when you are performing in a huge concert. It sustains quite well and produces a crisp shimmering sound. With its good decay, it spikes up the funk in music for a beautiful finish. It’s made from a copper-tin ratio of 80/20, and any beginner will appreciate its quality.

13.  Zildjian A Custom 18-inch Medium Crash Cymbal

Talk about quality, and there are not very many brands that compare to Zildjian. And here is a product that proves it all. This is one of the heaviest of all A custom clashes. It offers an acute, attack, and high-pitched cymbal sound.

It’s simply a brilliant and musical production that gives you light musicals to a loud and cutting punctuation. Their outstanding performance and construction from an 80/20 copper/tin alloy make them a perfect solution for your drumming needs.

14.  Zildjian A custom 8-inch Splash Cymbal

You will immediately get a good filling when you hit this cymbal. It appears small, but offer a fast, colorful crash sounds with wonderful brightness. They are made from a tin copper ratio of 80/20, making them very durable. And they are top of the line, exactly what the modern drummer needs.

15.  Roland 12-inch Black Crash Cymbal (CY-12C)

Who has never heard about Roland in the world of electronic drum instruments? Their cymbals come in various sizes, and they are some of the best in the world.

The CY-12C cymbals are designed for learners, but experienced players will also find it very useful. It comes with a natural swinging motion and is created from durable materials that will serve you for a long.

16.  Sabian SBR 10-inch Splash (SBR1005)

Put simply; this is an excellent addition to a drummer’s collection. Sabian Cymbals are made to last while offering high-end service, and this 10-inch crash cymbal represents the best in the world of beginners. It’s made from qualitative brass, offering bright and exciting sounds.

17.  Sabian 20-inch SBr Ride Cymbal (SBR2012)

Looking for a good ride cymbal that will meet all your needs, the SBR2012 is a good recommendation. You can count on Sabian ride cymbals because they are made for professional use.

And this product is sturdy and reliable, offering a lathed surface for great performance. It will help any professional learner gain those bright sounds and a focused style.

18.  Sabian 11-inch AAX-Plosion Splash

As the name suggests, this is a very powerful cymbal. It is designed to meet the responsiveness and accuracy of modern drumming.

It gives a perfect feel to your performance. This is a world-class product made in Canada, offering a great addition to your cymbal collection.

19.  Paiste Signature Series 22-inch Dry Heavy Ride

If you know any drummer who has pushed the limits, Series Dry Heavy ride – 22-inch is a great gift to get them. The cymbal offers a very dark and pronounced wash with a unique and apt bell character. Such a complex, deep, and dark wash cymbal is designed to increase your quest and interest in music.

20.  Paiste Signature 13-inch Dark Crisp Hi-Hat BOTTOM

With Paiste’s reputation, you can buy their Paiste signature hi-hat with confidence that you have made the right decision. This is a very thick bottom and thin too cymbal that sounds full and tight. It’s perfect for jazz and sounds amazing when crash-riding.

21.  Wuhan WU10414 14-inch Lion China Cymbal

This is a cymbal you can use to get that trashy sound you would expect from a top-quality cymbal. If you are a heavy hitter, then this is the cymbal for you. It is made from high-quality cast B20 alloy dark explosives that allow for awesome sound quality.

22.  Pintech Percussion 14-inch Trigger Cymbal (TC14)

This electronic trigger is explicitly designed in the US from an almost indestructible polymer, resulting in a durable product. These cymbals can do bends, but they don’t reach the

breaking point. So, if you need outstanding tracking and dynamics, this is a product you should consider.

23.  Ammoon Brass Alloy Crash Ride Hi-Hat cymbal

Here is another good recommendation for beginners. These brass alloy crash ride hi-hat cymbals offer such an accent and excellent sound to smile on every beginner’s face. You can use them for a stage performance, and a professional can have them for home practice.

What to consider when I buy cymbals?

The cymbals material

It is worth noting that cymbals come in different materials. First of all, they are made for striking hard, which means they are durable above anything else.

There are many different materials from which cymbals are made. This is what mostly creates differences in prices.

Cheaper ones are mostly made from brass. However, you will discover that they don’t sound very different from the more expensive ones. The only major concern is that brass cymbals will break very easily. This is why they may not be worth the trouble.

A good material to consider is copper. It has been used in making higher-end cymbals, although there are variations within it too.

Most manufacturers use B20 and B8 copper. It is not very much clear which of them is better, since there are a lot of debates about them.

There are many other materials for making cymbals. You only need to know what your brand use.

The brand

Many cymbal brands have come up over the past few years. Most of them are good, and they come up with innovative products. But some are not just good.

My favorite brands are Zildjian, Paiste, and Meinl. These are the main players in the cymbal market, and each of them offers top quality in their products.

If you need the best cymbals, you will have to consider carefully whom you buy from. There are, of course, many other good brands. You just need to take your time to research well before settling one.

Weight

Another important thing to look for in cymbals is their weight. Some cymbals are heavy, while others are quite light. Honestly, I don’t see any major difference between them since they are made for a specific purpose. Some music styles call for open and loud ringing, which means you need to but lighter cymbals, while other demand for heavier tones.

If you are a heavy hitter, you should go for heavier cymbals—the last thing you want it buying something that will break as soon as you start playing.

Price

Cymbals are very expensive or at least the best ones. Those that come with the kit are not of the best quality; this is why they are cheap.

If you want to get the best, you will need to dig deeper. That is just how things work in the cymbal world, as you would expect with any other product.

When buying cymbals, I always advise those who ask me to consider the brand and the built quality. At the end of the day, the cost will not matter if you are gaining more from the products.

Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

Getting the best cymbals can make a huge difference in the music you make. These are essential components of your drum set, which come at different prices. If you want the best, you will need to invest more.