Cymbals are arguably the most important sounding component of your drum set. There are various kinds of cymbals and each of them has a unique function and sound quality. Any drum kit that doesn’t have a set of cymbals attached isn’t complete.
Unlike drums, cymbals can’t be tuned to fit different musical applications. Once you have a cymbal, there’s very little you can do to manipulate its sound. Therefore, shop wisely and choose cymbals that you are confident will work with your drum kit and compliment the music you want to play. Experienced drummers usually have their go-to brands and models when it comes to cymbals. However, if you’re a newbie you’re probably seeking help. Fortunately, you got here just in time.
TOP 3 Cymbal Sets
MEINL HCS Cymbals are an outstanding starting point for aspiring drummers to begin bringing cymbals into their drum set ups. The HCS series from Meinl Cymbals is designed to offer cymbal types and sizes normally found in professional lines to beginners, in order to deliver the same sound options a professional drummer may look for.
This pre-packaged cymbal set up includes HCS 13-inch hi hat cymbals, an HCS 14-inch crash cymbal, plus FREE professional 5A drum sticks from Pro-Mark, and a FREE 10-inch HCS splash cymbal to round out your kit’s sound. As you expand your interest with drums, the Meinl HCS line includes an array of cymbals from crashes and hi hats to rides and various effect cymbals, all easy to integrate into your kit. Meinl HCS cymbals are recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound.
Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Cymbal Set
The K custom hybrid cymbal set features cymbals with that modern K voice. Designed with Akira jumbo, the hybrid cymbals are a perfect combination of brightness and darkness. This pack includes 14″ K custom hybrid Hi Hats, a 21″ K custom hybrid ride, plus an added value 17″ K custom hybrid crash. This pre-matched set-up features: 21″ K custom hybrid ride, 14″ K custom hybrid Hi Hats, and an added value 17″ K custom hybrid crash.
With Zildjian K Custom Hybrid cymbals, you’re in good company. Zildjian cymbals power the top end of countless hit records. They provide the shimmering sheen on the kits of the rhythm-keeping elite. From Steve Gadd and Dennis Chambers to Dave Grohl and Lars Ulrich, top drummers rely on Zildjian. You can, too (affordably), with the Zildjian K Custom Hybrid cymbal pack.
Sonically matched in the SABIAN Vault, the SABIAN SBr Performance Set includes 14″ SBr Hats, 16″ SBr Crash and a 20″ SBr Ride. With hammered and lathed surface, tightly focused sound and nice price, SBr is in a class of its own. The Sabian SBR Performance Cymbal Set instantly puts the sonic power of brass to work for you, giving your drum kit extreme clarity and punch. SBR series cymbals are made to work together, balancing your kit with a crisp, authoritative sheen. And perhaps best of all, the SBR Performance Cymbal Set is super affordable, giving you great sound for a great price.
The Sabian SBR Performance Cymbal Set gives your kit wonderfully crisp, bright, and expressive top end. If you want a focused cymbal sound, these are the cymbals for you. The Sabian SBR Performance Cymbal Set gives you clean and penetrating 14″ SBR hi-hats and the lively definition of a multi-purpose 18″ SBR ride/crash. It’s a wonderful way to add new life to your kit, without breaking the bank.
TOP 3 Hi-Hats Cymbal
Meinl 13” Hihat (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair
These Brass alloy models sound and look great, and let you get into playing Mein at very realistic prices. The HCS series from Mein Cymbals is designed to offer all of the cymbal types and sizes normally found in professional lines to beginners, in order to deliver the same sound options a working drummer may look for.
The 13″ Hi Hats in the HCS line have gained immense popularity due to their versatility, durability, and outstanding sound quality. When played closed, these Hi Hats have a crisp “chick” Sound along with warm undertones that carry over when played open.
Zildjian ZBT 14″ Hi Hat Cymbals Pair
Zildjian’s ZBT sheet bronze cymbals are shaped, hammered, and lathed to exacting specifications. Zildjian’s sheet bronze cymbals have a higher pitch than their cast bronze counterparts and produce a more consistent sound. The ZBT line is a great introduction to the Zildjian family of cymbals.
Superb all-purpose ride cymbal. Excellent, clean stick articulation with controlled overtones. The ZBT line features precision lathing with a traditional finish. Zildjian continues to be one of the top choices for beginners and pros alike. For a bright, intense sound that cuts through the mix, choose the 14″ ZBT hi-hats.
Sabian SBR cymbals put the power of brass to work for today’s drummer, with clarity, punch, and a controlled dynamic range. Sabian SBR cymbals are made to work together, balancing kits with a crisp, authoritative sheen. Hand-guided hammering and aging enhance complexity and output for impressive musicality across the lineup.
Sabian’s SBR 13″ hi-hats punch well above their price class, with a tight “chick,” clean definition, a gnarly wash, and all shades inbetween. Perhaps most attractive of all is this series’ price point, which allows entry-level drummers to acquire the tools they need without breaking the bank.
Top 3 Ride/Crash Cymbals
The HCS 18″ crash/ride blends the cutting “ping” sound found in a ride cymbal with a smooth crash effect when played as a crash cymbal. The size and weight of this model makes it useful for a multitude of purposes. The HCS crash/ride has excellent stick definition and a clear, penetrating bell with warm undertones and a medium sustain.
When heavier moments arise in the music, it makes for a perfect crash cymbal. Meinl HCS cymbals are recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound. Also available in size 14′‘ and size 16”.
Zildjian Planet Z 16″ Crash Cymbal
The affordable Zildjian Planet Z 16’’ Crash Cymbal is ideal for new drummers wanting to expand their sound by adding a pronounced punch and a full, explosive sound. The entry level Zildjian Planet Z Cymbal is designed to provide a high-quality sound which can cut through the mix when you need to accent the beat.
Use the bell for accents and patterns or play towards the outer edge of this multi-faceted cymbal to create a washy, high-volume wall of sound. The Zildjian Planet Z 16’’ Crash Cymbal is essential for completing your sound and is far superior to most of the other cymbals in its price range.
The HCS series from MEINL is designed to offer all of the cymbal types and sizes normally found in professional lines to beginners in order to deliver the same sound options a working drummer may look for.
The HCS 20″ ride cymbal is essential to any player beginning with their first set of cymbals. The size is an industry standard, and the sound quality is unsurpassed in this price range. This cymbal has excellent stick definition and a clear, penetrating bell with warm undertones and a medium sustain. Meinl HCS cymbals are recommended for any style of music a beginner may be getting into while exploring their sound.
TOP 4 Effects Cymbals
Tailor-made for pop and rock, this china cymbal’s explosive, brash attack really cracks through with dark, trashy undertones, creating serious drama when the situation calls for it. This cymbal was crafted in Germany from durable MS63 brass alloy, which holds up to the force of your sticks while maintaining excellent musical pitches and tones.
The Meinl HCS 12″ china delivers an immediate cutting and trashy, brash response that works as a great accent to round out your drum kit. This model works perfectly as an effect cymbal that will stand out and compliment the other sounds in your set up.
If you want to invest in a model that has been hand-crafted by using ancient traditions, check out the Wuhan WU10418 12-Inch. Because it was made from a high-quality B20 alloy, this product produces a dark, trashy sound that is fitting for when playing rock.
The product has a significant number of repeat purchasers. Most of its buyers are drummers with over 15 years of experience that seem to consider that this product is a reliable model to invest in. What is more, many compare these cymbals with the ones sold by high-end competitors such as Zildjian or Sabian. They also have China cymbals available in 15” , 20′‘ and 22”.
Meinl Cymbals 8″ Splash Cymbal
Meinl utilizes a B10 bronze alloy to make these cymbals pack a loud and bright punch with rich musical tones. The classics custom 8-inch dark trash splash Features a unique twist on the traditional design of these cymbals. A special finishing process leaves This splash with more complex, dark and warm overtones along with an immediate, punchy response.
Not only does this model combine a bright attack with an earthy sustain, The finish adds rich texture and a stunning look. Classics custom cymbals are recommended for most styles of music, including metal, rock, pop, Fusion, and studio.
Zildjian A Series 10″ Splash Cymbal
The Zildjian A Custom 10″ Splash cymbal delivers a fast, colorful, and short crash sound – adding a very musical tone voice to your cymbal set. As a part of Zildjian’s A Custom Series, the Zildjian A Custom 10″ Splash provides a tempting alternative to the classic Zildjian voice.
The A Series was designed in collaboration with drum icon Vinnie Colaiuta, and manages to find a sweet place between dark and bright, making it the first choice for many top modern drummers. You’ll find that unique, colorful voice, in the Zildjian A Custom 10″ Splash Cymbal.
