Best Drum Cymbals for 2024

No drummer, novice or professional, can do without a good instrument. Very often, sellers use a captivating marketing ploy - they supply additional cymbals with the installation.

These percussion instruments are likely to be of poor quality for the entry-level. And if you are an advanced musician, then you will be forced to search and purchase a set of cymbals for a clear and clean rhythm.

In our review, we'll take a closer look at how to choose the right models, what selection criteria should be considered, and how much a high-quality cymbal suitable for playing in a large concert hall costs. At the end of the article you will find recommendations for the care and transportation of the impact iron.

Features of the structure and manufacturing process of the plate

Cymbals are very ancient percussion instruments, which are slightly concave round plates made of a special alloy. The types used in drum kits are of indeterminate pitch and are called noise types. The plate is not just a rounded flat surface, its shape is more complex than it seems. The following zones are distinguished in it:

• central dome (base, bell) with a mounting hole;
• body - a disc-shaped part, usually thinning towards the edge.

High-quality impact discs are cast from different alloys and how much the model costs depends on their composition. There are several of the most commonly used alloys, but they all contain copper in varying proportions:

• bell bronze;
• malleable bronze;
• brass alloy;
• nickel silver - contains copper, zinc, nickel.

Budget-priced student tools are made by stamping from sheet metal. There are things of decent quality that have passed the process of forging and additional processing with a cutter.

Professional copies, included in the TOP of the best, are usually expensive in price and are made partially or entirely by hand. Blanks are cast and forged, sound grooves are applied to the surface with a cutter. Popular models have a "tube" sound that is comfortable and warm to the perception. This is because handcrafted discs have a unique surface with unpredictable impacts during the forging process.

The size

The diameter of the instrument that affects the character of the sound. Indicated in inches.Larger specimens have less attack and longer sustain - a powerful sound that decays over time. This diameter is best used on large concert venues, their sound will not be lost even in open space.

The smallest disc varieties have a more violent attack and are best used in clubs or studios. The size of the dome is of great importance. Pronounced and voluminous bulges produce the loudest and fullest sound with more overtones.

Weight or thickness

Another important factor that determines the depth of the sound is the clarity of the rhythm and power. The thicker the disc, the richer the sound and higher tonality, but such an instrument slowly builds up overtones. For colorful performances, it is better to have several types of thick and thin specimens.

• Thin (thin), Extra thin (super thin), Medium thin (medium thin) - models have a bright sound and give an explosive response. Suitable for low to medium volume ranges, for light impacts.
• Medium (medium), Medium heavy (medium heavy) - are universal and can serve as a compromise option for those who find it difficult to choose.
• Heavy (heavy), Extra heavy (extra heavy) models produce a fat and powerful sound. They are characterized by clear articulation with rich accents.

Tray Profile and Taper

Important characteristics indicating the size of the disc body without dome. The thickness of the metal and the narrowing of the edge, which is bent up or down, determines the appearance of a clear articulation in the instrument, whether it will give a large attack and a higher sound.

Modern manufacturers make new items with holes, hang beads and bells, insert rivets. Such additions change the timbre of the instrument and customize it.

Disc shape

A simple-shaped disc with a dome in the middle can be of various shapes. Dome sizes range from imperceptible to half the radius. But the most common type is a bowl-shaped dome that is 1/5 of the diameter of the disc.

The tool profile also changes depending on the model - from completely flat to tapered and convex.

• The flat type bend has less metal tension, so the sound is fast responding and very soft.
• A medium bend increases the tension of the material, a fundamental tone with a direct response and medium accent creates a full and rich sound.
• A steep bend has the highest metal stress. Such discs create powerful frequencies and a bright attack.

Types of cymbals

Crash

Paired disc-shaped instruments for orchestra, the sound is created by striking each other. For a drum kit, one or more elements are suspended. The sound appears when the stick strikes the edge. Models of the Crash type create the main accents in any composition.

Crash cymbals are produced in a variety of thicknesses, but feature a thin edge. Orchestral pairs are typically available in diameters from 16ʺ to 21ʺ inches. The most popular sizes for installations are 16ʺ, 18ʺ, large manufacturers produce ranges from 14ʺ to 20ʺ inches. For such discs, the maximum thickness falls on the dome part, gradually the alloy value decreases towards the edge, which creates a dense sound.

Ride

Until recently, it was only the drummer who decided how to use the percussion instruments when playing. The division into Ride and Crash of basic cymbals has already taken place.

Ride patterns are used to guide the basic rhythm outline. Such a specimen has a thick edge and emits a long, sonorous sound, a little hissing. Some manufacturers make copies with mixed parameters - Ride / Crash or Crash / Ride.

For loud music, choose a large and thick disc size. The most demanded diameters for Rides are 18ʺ- 22ʺ, many manufacturers produce ranges from 16ʺ to 26ʺ, but it is quite possible to find Rides up to 8ʺ inches.

Hi-Hat

Hi-Hat - paired elements on a vertical foot pedal structure. The sound is produced both by striking the body of the disc with the stick and by moving the foot pedal.

Since its inception, the design has remained virtually unchanged. The foot mechanism expands the drummer's functionality and allows you to use multiple cymbals simultaneously.

Impact discs are similar in profile to the Crash discs, but are usually heavier. The difference also lies in the fact that the best Hi-Hats either have a wavy edge or are complemented by a special curved element. This is done so that the air flow leaves the interplate space faster.

Sizzle (Puzzle)

Ride-style cymbals are complemented by various chains and rivets to change the sound. This feature makes it cut through, the volume is increased. The disadvantage is the reduced dynamics of the game, since with a quiet sound, there is not enough energy to vibrate the rattles.

Splash

Small, thin instruments of uniform thickness throughout the disc. A slightly thicker dome creates an “empty”, desaturated sound, but with a very harsh attack.
The Splash type is one of the main effects cymbals. They create syncopated accents and play them hard. The most popular sizes remain 8ʺ and 10ʺ, the best manufacturers produce a wide range of diameters from 6ʺ and 12ʺ

China

The China model has the same thickness along the entire radius and a conical truncated dome. The center radius and part of the bulge are usually not polished. The edges of the disc are turned up.

Different manufacturers produce diameters from 6ʺ to 27ʺ. The sound is explosive, similar to a gong and is described as having "dirty" tones. In a drum kit, they are suspended with the dome down and are used primarily as effects cymbals.

Swish and Pang (Swish and Pang)

Models belonging to the "Chinese group" with an inverted edge and a standard dome. They are used to create rhythm Ride parts. Swish models have a higher pitch, softer and imperceptible ringing. These models are made with diameters from 16 "to 22" and usually have rivets. The Pang size range includes diameters from 18 "to 20" and does not have rivets.

Modern types of tool marking

The following parameters are included in the standard marking - series, weight, type and diameter of the tool. Having carefully studied all the features, you will easily understand which model is better to buy. For example: 14˝Custom Heavy Ride (14˝ - diameter, Custom - series name, Heavy - weight (heavy), Ride - type).

There are designations that indicate the specifics of the sound and help determine the choice. They can be individual for each manufacturer. The standard plate weight classification described above may be supplemented with the following markings:

• Studio - "studio" / medium;
• Stage - “concert” / medium heavy;
• Rock - "rock" / heavy;
• Power - "powerful" / heavy;
• Metall - "metallic" / extra heavy.

Sometimes explanatory adjectives are used to describe the characteristics of the instrument in more detail, which will help you choose a model for the style of music: Bell - "bell", Bright - "bright", Brilliant - "shiny", Crush - "destructive", Dark - "dark", Deep - "deep", Dry - "dry", Fast - "fast attack", Full - "full", Fusion - "mixed", Light - "light", Projection - "cutting", Thrash - "hitting", Tight - "Compressed", Trash - "dirty".

Popular Crash Cymbals Rating

18˝Dark Crash AAX BR

AAX series percussion instruments with 18 "diameter are produced by a well-known Canadian manufacturer. A basic professional cymbal for both beginners and experienced drummers. The disc is made of an alloy of copper (80%) and tin (20%) and belongs to the thin types. The cost is 21,000 rubles.

• professional model;
• high quality alloy.

• high price.

14˝Paiste 101 Bras Crash

The series is made of brass-copper alloy by a German manufacturer. The 14-inch model is of medium thickness and is suitable for beginners. It has a bright soft sound, medium sustain, the touch of the stick is blurry. The cost is 2769 rubles, you can order online.

• budget price;
• high quality alloy.

• sound is lost when working with a loud mix.

Zildjian 18˝A Custom Crash

The ruler is made of high quality bell bronze by automatic machine. The diameter of the thin disc is 18 inches. The surface has an attractive diamond polish.

The model has a good mix sound. The dynamics are pleasant, with brilliant upper frequencies. The cost is 27,300 rubles.

• good sound;
• high quality alloy;
• universal attack dome;
• long-term system.

• high price.

Quality Ride Cymbals Rating

Sabian 21˝Bash Ride AA

The 21 '' disc is made of high quality bell bronze with increased wear resistance. Automatically forged. The surface is brilliantly polished.

The popularity of the model is due to the explosive sound, ideal for the style of rock music. The small dome responds instantly to touch, has good sound control, and produces a gentle and transparent sound. Special forging and turning provides a wide dynamic range. The average price is 21,050 rubles.

• quality material;
• suitable for beginners and professionals;
• bright and energetic sound.

• high price.

Sabian SBR 18˝Crash-Ride

The Canadian manufacturer has released a special SBR series for aspiring drummers on a budget. The 18-inch disc is made from inexpensive brass but has a protective layer. According to the musicians, this significantly extends the service life.

Such a model can be used as a full-fledged ride and output a clear rhythmic outline, and partially as a crash, creating a loud, punchy sound. The cost is 5190 rubles.

• protective layer;
• using Crash-Ride;
• not a high price.

• the material of manufacture is fragile brass.

Quality Hi-Hat Cymbals Rating

Paiste 0000144213 101 Brass Hi-Hat

The bottom element from the 101 Brass series is Swiss made in bronze alloy CuSn8. Diameter is 18 inches at light heavyweight. The model produces a sound of medium volume with strong intensity.

Medium sustain, the stick sound is pronounced and dry. The hit of paired discs turns out to be mean and soft. Instance can be used in live performances, suitable for recording studios. The cost is 2585 rubles.

• low price.

• not.

Paiste 13˝101 Brass Hi-Hat

A pair of cymbals can be used for live performances. Suitable for a wide variety of musical styles and produces a powerful and harmonious sound.
Elements with the same diameter of 13 inches, vary in thickness - the top cymbal is medium weight, the lower one is medium heavy.

When playing, high intensity is possible with medium sustain. The sound of the stick is distinct and dry, the strikes of the discs against each other are soft and elastic. According to buyers, the overall character of the sound comes out focused, clear, with average brightness and volume. The cost is 10599 rubles.

• affordable price;
• high quality.

• not for professional use.

 

Rolling Rock Set A

A pairing set at an affordable price is suitable for a beginner musician.
The round elements are made of wear-resistant alloy for high quality and long service life.

Includes a cast 14 ”Hi-Hat and a 16” Crash-Ride. This combination results in a soft sound and clear articulation with medium sustain. The cost is 2990 rubles.

• low price.

• not suitable for professionals.

Tips before buying the right plates

1. Be sure to listen to how the instrument sounds in real life, this will help to avoid mistakes when choosing. Start listening at a medium size, gradually progressing to heavier ones.Play the way you do every rehearsal - with full power and dedication. This is the only way to understand whether the sound is suitable or not.
2. Use your sticks, pretend you are playing in a group. Listen to the sustain and attack duration. Cymbals show themselves at different volumes.
3. The opinion of competent consultants can be helpful, as well as a detailed description of the model. Ask questions and get the information you need. In addition, large stores always provide a guarantee.

Drum Cymbal Care and Storage

• Store the "iron" only horizontally; with prolonged vertical stacking, the plates will deform.
• Do not stack in a tight pile, which requires a soft insulating layer on each plate.
• According to experienced drummers, instruments should only be transported in a special case, otherwise you risk damaging fragile objects.
• You can use special detergents for cleaning, but ordinary laundry soap and a soft foam rubber sponge are fine.
• Start washing from the center, smoothly, in a circle increasing the diameter towards the edge.
  Wipe the disc with a soft cloth to remove drops and wait until it dries completely.
• What to look for when cleaning - do not use abrasive powders or hard metal sponges.

Choosing the right instrument, it is difficult to immediately understand which cymbals are better. Take the opportunity to hear the sound live. A self-trial play will also help you determine which size to buy.

If you are going to buy musical instruments from an online store, use trusted and large suppliers. Moreover, many virtual sellers, in addition to describing the features of the sound, offer to listen to a record that reproduces the features of sound and sustain. Look for these stores and buy musical cymbals with high quality sound for long-term creativity.