There is so much fun in playing punk on your drums. All the energy and a fair share of stamina, plus some hard-hitting, make you feel like you are truly in action.
But you will need some loud and highly durable cymbals. And this is where the problems begin.
There are so many cymbals on the market today that choosing the right one seems quite overwhelming. Some of them promise good items, but they end up disappointing.
Don’t worry, though. In this guide, I will be reviewing the five best cymbals for punk. Come along.
What are the best cymbals for Punk?
I was looking at some online discussion on this topic and realized there is some good information you can get from experienced drummers.
One from Reddit says, “Don’t buy cymbals in packs, you’ll just end up replacing them over time, which will cost you more. Also, try to go for cymbals that are versatile so that if you want to play another type of music, you’re not stuck with cymbals that only sound good when struck for heavier music….”
I have been following this same idea when buying cymbals, and it helps a lot. There are a wide range of cymbals today that offer different value of service.
Also, different music genres call for different cymbal and accessories solutions.
Many manufacturers make cymbal lines that are dedicated to these genres. For instance, Paiste Rude is a heavy cymbal dedicated to punk and other heavier styles. But they are not versatile.
For years, I have seen drummers who play hardcore punk use different cymbals that can be used in other genres too.
The most recommended line of cymbals for such music is the Sabian HHX or hand-hammered hi-hat from two
Paiste Dark Energy Crashes. I have been using this combination, which is quite helpful. You can choose any size from 16 and 18, or 18 and 20, depending on personal preference.
Apart from this, include a Zildjian K ride, say 22-inch, and maybe Wuhan china for effects.
With this, you have a high-quality cymbal setup that will serve you for years. As if that is not enough, it is versatile enough to work with any music. It will sound great for heavy music.
Unfortunately, it is a very expensive one too. If you must get it, prepare to dig deep in your pocket.
If you don’t have much money to invest, consider the Sabian AAX. This is a good line of cymbals for rock music.
Or perhaps, an even less expensive Sabian AA. Sabian has always been a favorite among many drummers due to the quality of products they make.
You may also want to get a sturdy cymbal pack for punk. Although I would not recommend it, it’s still a personal choice, and functional too, especially for beginners.
In this case, you may want to try out the Sabian XS. It is one of the most popular options in this category, used by many drummers. But still, not my best recommendation.
5 Best Cymbals for Punk Reviewed
Apart from the solutions mentioned above, there are other cymbals you may want to have a look at, as reviewed here. I have included packs and single cymbals that you can put together for a strong setup.
Zildjian A Custom Box set
Zildjian is the top-of-the-market cymbal brand. They have been making innovative products for more than 200 years and have the experience and reputation.
Here is one of their best cymbals. The A Custom pack features a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. They deliver a bright, beautiful finish that matches the quality of their tone.
These crashes have a short sustain with a quick release. This is a very important feature for a fast crash jab.
A nice ping ring is added on the ride, ensuring it can play loud choruses. The hi-hats produce a solid chick and hold down grooves very well.
All the cymbals come with a nice complement for each other, making it easy to produce the sound you need punk.
Its pros include affordability, nice compliment, and a bell of the ride.
However, the ride is very ringy, which may not sit well with many users. Also, it is not the best quality setup.
Meinl Classics Custom Dark Box Set
Meinl is known for its innovative cymbals, and the Classics Custom Dark box says it all. You get a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch and 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride.
This is one of the best qualities you can get in cymbals at this price range. All four cymbals are from one top tier.
They sound loud, dark, and cutting, with a clear and musical tone on the hi-hats and the ride. The crashes, on the other hand, deliver incredible responsiveness, which is good for fast playing.
Together, these cymbals have a wide spectrum of sound and tone. You can rely on the bell of the ride cymbal to cut through any mix.
If you are looking for a great punk cymbal setup that will not disappoint, consider this box. Note also that they feature a really nice finish that makes them look cool on the stage.
On the positive side, this is a very affordable cymbal pack. The black finish gives it a cool look, and its wide tonal spectrum is a tool you need for all your punk performance.
On the negative side, the 16-inch crash is not very responsive, compared to the other cymbals. But this is a feature common in many cymbals used heavy music.
Sabian AAX Promotional Cymbal Pack
Here is another wonderful cymbal pack from another top manufacturer. Every drummer knows who Sabian is, and there is no need for an introduction.
The AAX Promotional Cymbal pack comes with a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 21-inch ride. They deliver a big bright sound that will give you great satisfaction.
Their brightness will easily cut through any mix. The crashes are smooth, with dynamic swells.
They ride my favorite cymbal here. It delivers a crash that is nice for the heavy sound in loud punk choruses. The crash is nicely responsive, with the ability to offer you a full tone, no matter how hard they are hit.
The biggest downside is that they have Sabian’s new logo, which many people don’t like.
Paiste 2002 Cymbal Pack
The 2002s are the most popular cymbals from Paiste. They have been on the market for many years, helping rock, punk, and metal drummers with high-end functionality.
The pack has a 14-inch pair of hi-hats, 18-inch and 20-inch crashes, and a 22-inch ride. They are made specifically for heavy-hitting music genres, with a super clean crisp. They are also long-lasting.
A lot of wash can be felt on the crashes, while the ride is very loud.
On the downside, this is a pricier cymbal than the others on this list. But they are worth the price.
Sabian 16.5-inch AAX X Crash
If you are looking for a specific, yet versatile cymbal for punk, you can rely on this Sabian.16.5-inches is not a very common size, which makes it very unique.
It is a thin instrument with warm sounds and crazy projections. A pingy dry tone on the bell gives them a unique character.
On the negative side, it is not very accessible. There is not much information about it on the internet.
Verdict
There you have it, four cymbal packs that will make your punk music sound incredible. Consider buying a single different item from each pack and put them together.
