The best cymbals: Amazing cymbals for all genres

A good cymbal setup can make or break the sound of a drum kit. With so many types, brands, models, and sizes to choose from it takes some thorough research to find the best cymbals that satisfy the sound you’re going for.

We’ve run down some of the best cymbal sets, hi-hats, ride cymbals, and crashes previously. This is a comprehensive list of our top picks for the best cymbals.

Best cymbal pack: Zildjian A391 Set

The A391 series have great projection, resonance, focus, and brightness. Versatility is one of their biggest selling points, and drummers everywhere from punk to jazz use them. 

Zildjian’s A line is one of their most popular because they sound great. The 391 series is a little warmer than the A Custom. This 4-piece set includes 14” New Beat hi-hats, 21” Sweet ride, and 16” and 18” Medium-Thin crashes. 

Due to the size selection they work well for playing live or recording, which is a boon for drummers that only care to have one cymbal set. They are a little pricey, but Zildjian is quality worth paying for.

Best hi-hats: Zildjian A 15” New Beat

Since hi-hats are probably the most used cymbals it’s important to choose a set with a balanced sound. These have a good mix of projection and sustain and respond well to sticking dynamics.

They’re made of B20 cast bronze alloy, a great mix for playing different styles which is one of the reasons session drummers love them. Open, closed, and anywhere in between they never lose any definition or top end. 

Best ride cymbal: Paiste Signature Reflector Bell Ride 22”

A signature ride made in partnership with Nico McBrain of Iron Maiden might not be the first ride cymbal that comes to mind for different drumming styles. It’s right at home in a rock drummer’s setup, but the wide dynamic range is one of the reasons it works for a lot of styles. 

It’s all in the drummer’s touch. Because of the size it has a huge bell sound, and a crash with a wash to match its intensity. It has great dynamic range that picks up nuance and pleasant overtones.

The reflector finish gives it a sleek aesthetic thanks to Paiste’s signature bronze alloy. With a $500 price point it’s an investment decision, but it’s a versatile, quality ride that looks as good as it sounds.

Best crash cymbal: Paiste Signature Full Crash

Crash cymbals add accent and flair, so you want at least one of your crashes to do the job every time. Paiste’s Full Crash has a rich sound that’s versatile enough to meet the demands of any drumming style.

Like the Reflector Bell Ride it uses a signature alloy that gives it a full-bodied sound with a crisp high end and a smooth decay. 

There are four diameters to choose from – 16”, 18”, 19”, and 20”, so there are plenty of options for recording and performing.

Best dual crash cymbal: Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash 16”

No other cymbal really sounds like a dual crash. Their sound combines the qualities of a crash cymbal and a china cymbal. This equates to a thick, low initial attack that’s a little bit harsh – but in a good way. It then blooms into an explosive high end. 

It’s designed to be a fast and transient sound with very little sustain. This allows it to stand out regardless of where it sits in the dynamics of the part of a song where it’s used. The projection and presence is impressive, even with the rapid decay.

The cast alloy is hand hammered, so there’s no lathing and a raw finish which gives it a unique visual vibe. It does have a really dark sound, but that’s the idea.

Best O-Zone crash cymbal: Sabian HHX Evolution Series O-Zone 18”

Sabian O-zone cymbals are one of the most esoteric types of effects cymbals. They have symmetrical holes around the circumference of the metal that adds a unique, edgy sound with a short decay. They’re aggressive and stand out in a mix well, especially dense band mixes like those found in heavy styles like metal and hard rock.

They come in different sizes, but they’re generally larger like this model at 18” due to the fast decay time. The sound they provide won’t work for every drummer, but for the ones looking to add an accent cymbal that’s a little “out of the box” they’re a good choice.

FAQ

Should I buy cymbals in a pre-packaged set or individually?

Cymbal packs are better for beginners because they’re more convenient and cost-effective. Experienced drummers usually want to piece together their cymbal selection according to their specific needs.

This often means mixing and matching different brands and series to achieve the overall sound they want.

How do I know what size cymbals to get?

Size is one of the most important elements of choosing cymbals. Standard sizes are 14” for hi-hats, 20” for ride cymbals, and 16-18” for crash cymbals. Larger sizes usually equate to more volume, projection, and sustain. Smaller sizes are faster and have more cut.

In general, smaller sizes are ideal for recording and playing small venues and larger sizes are good for larger venues.

Can I mix cymbal brands?

Absolutely. A lot of drummers mix brands to get their version of the perfect sound combination. Experiment and make sure the tones complement each other. 

What are “hand-hammered” cymbals, and are they better?

Hand-hammered cymbals are shaped manually by skilled craftsmen. This gives each cymbal a unique tone and character. They’re often more complex and musical, especially favored in jazz and fusion. Machine-hammered cymbals are more consistent and generally more affordable.