Articulate, washy, dry, moody: there's a whole world of adjectives to describe cymbals and just as many models drummers use in many different capacities. Defined under the broad umbrella of a bowed disc made of bronze alloy, the variety of cymbals on the market can do everything from add color and movement to a jazz ensemble to slice through a heavy metal mix with piercing clarity.
From the handcrafted character of the Zildjian K Constantinople rides to the lively, brash power of the Paiste 2002 hi-hats to the modern sound of Sabian AAX crashes, the best options in the world of cymbals are right here.
The list below updates daily and reflects the most popular cymbals on Reverb according to buyers on the platform. Click on each entry for more info and check out the bottom of the page for details to consider when buying cymbals for your kit.
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Zildjian 14" A Series New Beat Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Startet ab $270With a medium weight top cymbal and heavy bottom one for a pronounced articulation and reconceived lathing/hammering duo, the Zildjian 14" A New Beat Hi-Hats have been a gold standard in the world of hats since their introduction in the '80s. Built to bring needed presence in response to louder genres of the time, these have persisted as a favorite pairing across genres on stage and in studio. - 3
Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal
Startet ab $100Big, bright and immensely responsive thanks to the close lathing and ultra-polished brilliant finish, the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash offers a bold presence in any drummer's setup. Medium-thin in weight and built for a soft stick feel, this cymbal works best in higher-decibel environments where big sounds are needed to cut through the mix. - 5
Zildjian 10" A Custom Splash Cymbal
Startet ab $79Piercing and cutting yet musical, the A Custom 10" Splash makes excellent use of Zildjian's proprietary alloy and brilliant finish to speak loudly and get out of the way quickly. Equally at home in metal, rock, fusion and pop situations, it is a great first step into the world of effects cymbals and complements just about any existing cymbal setup. - 6
Zildjian 18" K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal
Startet ab $299Sporting a medium weight, additional machine hammering for added complexity, and the highly coveted B20 bronze alloy, the Zildjian 18" K Custom Dark Crash is a mainstay of one of the drumming world's favorite cymbal lines. Capable of providing full, moody washes with light sticking and an aggressive attack with a big hit, the size and weight of this cymbal also afford the opportunity for tight backup ride patterns. A go-to choice for session pros and fusion mavericks, the Dark Crash is a universally-loved piece perfectly at home whether you're playing reggae, shoegaze, or jazz. - 7
Zildjian 15" K Series Sweet Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Startet ab $410Dark, washy, and full-bodied, the Zildjian 15" K Series Sweet Hi-Hat showcase the hand-hammered sound that distinguishes Turkish cymbal-smithing in a unique combination. A thin top recalls that atmospheric shimmer players know and love from the K line, while an extra-heavy bottom cymbal gives you a solid "chick" and more volume. - 8
Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash Cymbal
Startet ab $120Making a triumvirate of elements like a versatile crash size that provides just the right amount of aggression and attack with a nice decay, tight concentric lathing for a consistent even response, and a focused bell for a frequency sweet spot, the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash is one of the most versatile cymbals on the market. Whether you're looking for your next cast bronze staple in a studio drum setup, add an extra splash of color to your fusion band, or want an oversized splash for your thrash metal band, this cymbal is up your alley. - 12
Zildjian 18" K Series Dark Thin Crash Cymbal
Startet ab $329.99Crafted with a light weight through the bow, complex over-hammered surface, and highly responsive character that can easily complement or cut through a mix, the Zildjian 18" K Thin Dark Crash is a jack of all trades for a cymbal arsenal. Capable of delivering atmospheric, explosives crashes with a slightly elongated decay, this cymbal's size and character also make it a great understudy as a left-side ride or accent piece. Whether you're headed to the jazz club for an evening session or interested in adding more flavor to your fusion, pop, or rock setup, the Thin Dark Crash delivers on every front. - 13
Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Startet ab $150Zildjian's 14" A Custom Hi-Hats provide a reliable and consistently brilliant sound. Their bright character will cut through the mix in any setting and respond with a lively stick feel. Found everywhere from country to pop to punk, these hats shine in just about any application. - 14
Zildjian 14" A Custom Mastersound Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Startet ab $250One of the most iconic instruments ever produced, the Zildjian A series has been an industry standard for nearly a century. Known for its balanced tonal character and full sound, the A (Avedis) cymbals can be found on drumsets throughout the world. The A Customs, introduced in 1990, feature a bright pitch, more immediate attack, and shimmering crashes and pings well-pronounced in any mix.
This price reflects the pair of hi-hats.
Years of production: 1990-present
Composition: 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver
Associated artists: Ginger Baker, Vinnie Colaiuta, Travis Barker - 17
Zildjian 18" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
Startet ab $200The Zildjian A 18" Medium Thin Crash brings a balanced, rich attack and wash suitable for any genre through its medium-wide lathing, even bow, and buttery stick response. This cymbal's responsive nature and versatility make it an ideal choice for pop, fusion, jazz, metal, and anywhere a crash staple is needed. - 19
Zildjian 6" FX Zil Bel
Startet ab $70Bringing together features like a heavy weight, brilliant finish for a brighter tonality, and a thick body that produces projected, glassy overtones like an ice bell, the Zildjian 6" Small Zil-Bell is one of the most interesting effect cymbals on the market. Very versatile, these can be stacked on top of existing cymbals on the bell for an added accent or stacked with the larger model Zil-Bell for even more chime in your kit. - 20
Zildjian 20" FX Oriental Crash of Doom Cymbal
Startet ab $275Built with a large but gradually sloping bell for a tapered sustain, a flat profile through a thin bow for the utmost in moody, atmospheric attack, and and overhammered profile for explosive attack that's front and center in any mix, the Zildjian 20" Oriental Crash Of Doom is a monstrous hybrid of china and crash in one. Developed in tandem with Dennis Chambers and based on a cymbal he found while touring in China, this model is favorited for its dark tonality and unmistakable character which lends completely new facets to any set up.
What to Consider When Buying Cymbals
Size
In general terms, you might think bigger cymbals are always louder and smaller cymbals quieter. But that's not exactly the case. True, there's more sustain and decay in a 22-inch crash versus a 16-inch crash, but the larger cymbal has a lower fundamental tone and can more easily blend with a mix. Conversely, smaller cymbals are good for controlled applications like the studio because their sound appears and disappears relatively quickly.
Weight
Just as important as size, a cymbal's weight affects its volume and how hard it has to be hit to produce sound. "Power" crashes and heavy rides find favor in louder genres, but because you have to work harder to get a response, they can end up getting worn out faster than a thin cymbal. However, if you're looking for that defined "ping" on your hi-hat and ride work, heavy's the way to go.