Best cymbal packs: All in one packs that still sound great

Finding the right cymbals for your setup can be tricky at times. Most of the time, drummers prefer to buy cymbals individually. This is because it allows them to buy the models they like, and mix and match brands and models.

Sometimes, however, it’s better to simply buy a cymbal pack. For example, cymbal packs are often more cost effective than buying cymbals on their own. So if you like all the cymbals in a cymbal pack anyway, they may well be the way to go.

Of course, there are quite a few cymbal packs out there, and they’re not all created equal. That’s why we’ve put together this guide.

Here are the best cymbal packs out there.

Best cymbal pack overall: Zildjian A391 Cymbal Set

Best cymbal pack overall

Zildjian A391 Cymbal Set

A 4-pack of cymbals that includes the most important types and sizes.

Pros

4-pack of cymbals

Bright and focused sound

Great for recording and live use

Cons

Somewhat pricey

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

Zildjian has been a leader in the cymbal world for decades, and for good reason. The company has an expansive lineup of cymbals that are versatile, great-sounding, and high-quality.

No series of cymbals embodies that more than the Zildjian A series. These cymbals are known for their versatility, proving just as helpful in jazz drumming as they do in puck rock.

The pack includes the Zildjian A 14-inch New Beat hi-hats, 16-inch Medium-Thin crash, a 21-inch Sweet ride, and an 18-inch Medium-Thin crash. In general, the Zildjian A series offers a classic-sounding tone. But there’s a heavier emphasis on warmer tones than those bright overtones that you might find on a Zildjian A Custom cymbal. 

These are some of the most popular cymbals in Zildjian’s lineup. They fit right at home in any drummer’s setup.

Best cymbal pack for rock: Sabian AAX Set

Best cymbal pack for rock

Sabian AAX Set

A versatile 4-pack with strong attack and good sustain.

Pros

4-pack

Bright with good attack

Crashes have large bell for better projection

Cons

Expensive

Might be too bright for some setups

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

Sabian is another pioneer in the cymbal industry. The company’s AAX series is known for being loud, bright, and powerful.

If you play pop, rock, punk, or metal, and simply want something that will fit with that, then the Sabian AAX Performance Set may be the best cymbal pack for your needs.

In the Sabian AAX Performance Set, you get the Sabian AAX 14-inch Medium Hats, 16-inch Thin Crash, 20-inch Medium Ride, and an 18-inch Thin Crash. For many, that’s all you’ll need. Simply set the cymbals up, and you’re good to go.

As mentioned, you can expect a nice, loud, and bright tone from these cymbals, which is perfect for louder music.

Best cymbal pack for jazz: Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Cymbal Set

Best cymbal pack for jazz

Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Cymbal Set

A 4-piece set with a fast decay and not too much resonance.

Pros

Dry sound with a fast attack and quick decay

Large cymbals have good presence

Cons

Cymbals might be too large for some drummers

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

While rock and metal music is often about finding bright and loud cymbals, jazz cymbals are usually a little nuanced.

Now, don’t be fooled into thinking you actually need a whole different set of cymbals for different music styles. Just find what sounds best to you, and they’ll likely work across a variety of genres.

That said, if you usually stick closer to jazz playing, then the Zildjian K Custom Dry Cymbal Set may well be the cymbal set for your needs.

Zildjian K Custom series are known for their dark and rich sound. They’re usually a little more dry than their A and A Custom counterparts. The result is a unique tone that many drummers swear by.

In this pack, you’ll find a set of 14-inch Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Hi-Hats, a 16-inch and an 18-inch Dry Crash, and a 21-inch Dry Ride. That’s everything many drummers will need. While this pack is a little more expensive than some of the others, for many it will be well worth the cost.

Best-value cymbal pack: Paiste PST7 Universal Cymbal Set

Best-value cymbal pack

Paiste PST7 Universal Cymbal Set

The perfect duo for the drummer looking to add some effects cymbals to their setup.

Pros

Warm and clear sound

3 weight classes

Cons

Only includes effects cymbals

Buy From

reverb

amazon

Cymbal packs are often about finding the best value for money, and if you’re looking for great value then look no further than the Paiste PST7 Cymbal Set.

Paiste has long been a favorite option for drummers around the world, and for good reason. The PST7 cymbal series in particular offers a smooth, clean tone with a ton of clarity. This makes for a versatile series of cymbals. The cymbals are built using Paiste’s CuSn8 base alloy.

In the Paiste PST7 Universal Cymbal Set, you’ll find everything you need for a basic kit. There’s a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride, which is a great starter set for any drummer.

In some cases, you’ll also get another free crash thrown in.

Best low volume cymbal pack: Zildjian L80 Series LV468

Best low volume cymbal pack

Zildjian L80 Series LV468

A high quality pack that’s perfect for low volume situations.

Pros

3-pack of essential cymbals

Great for practice and recording

80% quieter than standard cymbals

Cons

Doesn’t include any effect cymbals

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

Drummers have one primary concern when it comes to playing their instrument – finding a space to make noise. A low volume cymbal set is a perfect choice for practice, recording, or live shows where volume concerns exist.

They’re manufactured with a special pattern that reduces the volume by 80% without sacrificing tone quality. The proprietary alloy employs a matte finish that tames the high frequencies and reduces volume.

It would be nice if the set included more than just the three main cymbals. Matching with individual cymbals presents challenges too, but once you hear them you won’t have to be overly concerned with volume issues anymore.

Best budget cymbal pack: Meinl HCS Cymbals Set

Best budget cymbal pack

Meinl HCS Cymbals Set

Great for beginners, but might not be enough for more advanced players.

Pros

Hi-hats, crash, and ride

Good tone for price point

Clear stick response

Medium sustain good for recording

Cons

No effects cymbals

Buy From

musician’s friend

guitar center

reverb

amazon

Not everyone has multiple hundreds of dollars to spend on cymbal packs, but thankfully those people don’t have to settle with junk. These days, there are quite a few excellent cymbal packs that come at reasonable prices — like, for example, the Meinl HCS Cymbals Box.

In the HCS Cymbals Set, you’ll get a pair of HCS hi-hats, a 16-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. In general, Meinl HCS cymbals are known for sounding a whole lot better than other cymbals in this price range.

Instead of being ultra bright, the cymbals actually have a somewhat dark tone to them, which is a very nice touch.

FAQ

What are cymbal sets, and why should I buy one?

They are a pre-selected collection of cymbals that includes the essentials. Usually, a pair of hi-hats, a crash, and a ride at least. Some sets may include additional crashes, effects cymbals, or splash cymbals.

Buying a cymbal set ensures that all pieces are tonally matched, and offers a cohesive sound that suits a variety of musical styles.

Are pre-packaged cymbal sets better than buying individual cymbals?

Cymbal sets are generally more affordable and present tonal compatibility across the pieces. But advanced drummers who need specific sounds for different applications might prefer to handpick between individual cymbals.

Can I mix cymbals from different brands or sets?

It’s possible, but mixing cymbals from different brands or series can result in tonal inconsistencies. If you choose to mix, try to test the cymbals together to make sure they complement each other.