Cymbal Buyer’s Guide
Cymbals provide most drum sets with color and character. With so many different types of cymbals offering a variety of functions, it can be hard knowing which ones you need specifically for your drum set. This buyer’s guide provides the information needed to help you choose the appropriate cymbals for your particular drumming needs.
Cymbal Type
Hi-Hat Cymbals
Hi-hats are played in almost every style of music and usually produce the ostinato or smallest subdivision of the beat. All drummers have at least one pair of hi-hats in their cymbal set-up.
These cymbals are usually sold in a matching pair, each including a top and bottom cymbal. These cymbals usually have a diameter of 14 inches, but can measure anywhere between 10-15 inches. The bottom cymbal is usually slightly heavier than the top one.
Hi-hat cymbals are mounted on a hi-hat stand which stacks the top cymbal above the bottom cymbal. These stands include a pedal to allow them to be played by foot. Hi-hat cymbals may be played either in an open or closed position.
Ride Cymbal
The ride cymbal generally has a large bell which gives the cymbals a “pingy” sound, providing a different color option for smaller subdivisions and ostinatos. This particular cymbal is an integral part of any jazz drummer’s kit and is also played by drummers in most musical genres.
The ride cymbal is usually the largest and heaviest cymbal in most drumming set-ups. Ride cymbals usually have a diameter measuring between 18-22 inches, but can also measure between 17-24 inches as well. Most drummers have at least one ride cymbal in their cymbal setup.
Crash Cymbal
Crash cymbals produce accents, help with musical transitions, and produce a splashy, “crash” sound. Beginning drummers usually have one crash cymbal but most professionals have at least two. Most drummers prefer to have crash cymbals in a variety of sizes to provide different options for sounds and colors.
Crash cymbals are made in multiple sizes with diameters measuring anywhere between 14-22 inches with the most common models having a diameter measuring 16-18 inches.
Effect Cymbals
Effect cymbals (or EFX cymbals) are specialty cymbals that create unique sounds.
Chinese Cymbal
Chinese cymbals (aka “China” or “trash” cymbals) are mainly used to produce sharp accents in rock and metal. They have a very unique shape and sound similar to gongs but have a sharper decay. China cymbals come in sizes similar to crash cymbals and they’re often mounted with the bell pointing downward.
Splash Cymbal
Usually the smallest cymbals in any drummer’s cymbal set-up, splash cymbals are meant to produce short accents along with a splashy sound. Splash cymbals typically have a 6-12 inch diameter and are appropriate for almost all genres of music.
Flat Cymbal
Some ride cymbals are known as “flat-top rides” because they’re completely flat and generate a unique sound mainly for jazz playing. These cymbals don’t have a bell and typically come in sizes similar to ride cymbals.
Sizzle Cymbal
Sizzle cymbals have a buzzy, “sizzling” sound. Sizzle ride cymbals are mostly used for jazz while sizzle crashes and Chinas are usually used for effects in rock and heavier musical genres. These cymbals sometimes have holes drilled in them to create their buzz sound. Another common method to add buzz is inserting small metal rivets into the sizzle holes.
Orchestral and Band Cymbals
Hand Crash Cymbals
Hand crash cymbals (sometimes called “piatti”) are sold in pairs. They’re held in each hand by straps tied through their center mounting holes and played by striking one cymbal against the other. Hand crash cymbals are generally thicker and much heavier than a drum set's crash cymbals and are available in almost any size diameter between 14-24 inches.
Suspended Cymbal
A suspended cymbal is similar in size and sound to a drum set crash but is often lighter with a mellower sound. While drum set crash cymbals are usually played with a stick, suspended cymbals are typically played with mallets to create a swell. Suspended cymbals are available in almost any size diameter between 14-24 inches.
Anatomy of a Cymbal
Center Hole
All cymbals have a hole drilled in the center for mounting purposes.
Bell
The bell of the cymbal is the raised portion surrounding the center hole.
Bow
The bow is the area from the bell to the edge. Usually the largest part of the cymbal.
Edge
The cymbals edge is the endpoint of the bow.
Finish
It’s important to note many cymbals are available with different finishes. Some cymbals have a “brilliant” reflective finish that sounds brighter.
Naming
Most cymbals contain the cymbal type in their name, usually written on the cymbal. For example, a “dry ride” is a ride cymbal that sounds dry.
Cymbal Manufacturing Methods
Cast
Cast cymbals are made from molten metal poured into a mold. Once set, the metal is shaped into a cymbal, hammered, and lathered. These affordable cymbals generally sound great.
Hand-Hammered
These cymbals are made from a solid piece of metal hammered by hand into their ultimate form. These are often the best-sounding cymbals as well as the most expensive. The top cymbal makers keep their methods of hand hammering a close secret.
Sheet
Sheet cymbals are actually similar to cast cymbals except they’re cut from a larger piece of metal. Usually meant for beginners, these inexpensive cymbals sound very thin, aren’t very durable, and professionals often consider them a waste of money.
Performance
Finding a cymbal with a particular sound is difficult because every cymbal sounds different; even cymbals of the same model from the same manufacturer will sound distinct from one another.
The best place to start is by listening to a lot of cast cymbals and then comparing them to hand-hammered cymbals. This should be done for all of the cymbal types. Most quality cymbal makers have recordings of all their cymbals on their website and we highly recommend using this resource for selecting specific models. For recommendations of specific cymbals, refer to our best lists detailing each of the cymbal types.
Reliability
Since a cymbal is basically a piece of metal struck with a stick, it can get dented or even break if played improperly over time. While thick cymbals are more durable than thinner options, the quality of the cymbal is the most important factor in determining its durability.
Hand-hammered cymbals are generally the most durable followed by cast cymbals. Sheet cymbals are usually very thin and crack easily so only beginners on a budget should consider them.
Brand Names
The largest cymbal manufacturers are Zildjian and Sabian, two companies known for making high-quality cymbals. Paiste, Meinl, Istanbul Agop, and Bosphorous also make great-sounding cymbals as well.
Price/Value
Quality cymbals hold their own like no other musical instrument and often increase in value over time. We recommend spending some extra money to purchase quality cymbals because you can end up wasting a lot of money on inferior-sounding options which crack or dent easily.
Most drummers spend a couple hundred dollars on “starter” cymbals which sound terrible. Drummers often outgrow them quickly and could have just started with the same quality cymbals they plan on upgrading to.
Start with a pair of high-quality, 14-inch hi-hats and a similar quality 16- or 18-inch crash cymbal. If you’re on a budget, buy a dirt-cheap ride cymbal because it’s the most cost-effective option.
Quality ride cymbals are generally quite expensive and can be fairly genre-specific, so selecting one can be a difficult decision for a beginner. It may be best to start with an inexpensive option and then upgrade later on to the exact cymbal you want.
If you’re looking for more colors under a tight budget, try adding a China or splash cymbal as they’re often inexpensive. As your playing career advances (or your budget grows) you can upgrade to a higher quality ride and add another crash or two.
Cymbal packs are a good option for saving money as most companies offer a whole cymbal setup in one package. These are often sold at a discount and include a pair of hi-hats, a ride, and one or two crash cymbals with some packs even including specialty cymbals as a bonus.