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.
- 1
Istanbul Agop Clap Stack 11/13/15" Cymbal Trio
Starting at $303.49 - 2
Zildjian 14" A Series New Beat Hi Hat Cymbals (Pair) 1982 - 2012
Starting at $180 - 3
Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal
Starting at $170Big, 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. - 4
Zildjian 18" K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal
Starting at $285Sporting 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. - 5
Zildjian 14" A Series New Beat Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Starting at $200With 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. - 6
Zildjian LV468 L80 Low Volume Box Set 14/16/18" Cymbal Pack
Starting at $250The Zildjian L80 Low Volume LV468 Box Set places the sound and feel of a full-volume cymbal set with drastically reduced decibels in one pack within easy reach. Crafted with a custom-made alloy and unique perforated pattern throughout the whole cymbal, this set serves up a pair of 14" hats plus 16" and 18" crashes for a full setup at an attainable price. Ideal for playing that cuts back on volume while retaining an authentic drumming experience, this set is great to have around basement or garage practice spaces. - 7
A. Zildjian 20" '60s Stamp Ride Cymbal
Starting at $145 - 8
Zildjian 21" A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal
Starting at $249 - 9
Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal
Starting at $274.99Constructed with a versatile medium-thin weight, low fundamental pitch and randomized machine hammering to impart even more complexity to its character, the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride is a flagship model of the series. Moody yet articulate, this cymbal's ability to create atmosphere through either sedate stick articulation or the ever-present dark, swishy wash make it a double-duty workhorse for riding or crashing. Favored by studio vets and jazz drummers alike, the Dark Ride is also an ideal candidate when playing post-rock, doom, or shoegaze. - 10
Zildjian 21" K Series Sweet Ride Cymbal
Starting at $280 - 11
Zildjian 14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Starting at $339.99Built with a medium weight on both cymbals, a small bell and randomized machine-hammered technique to emulate the umbrous character of Turkish cymbals, the Zildjian 14" K Custom Dark Hi-Hat is a multi-faceted pair of cymbals. Defined in its "chick" with a rumbling open sound, this set marries the darkness of the Ks with a brighter, cutting character found in modern cymbals. - 12
Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash Cymbal
Starting at $100Making 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. - 13
Zildjian 14" K Series Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Starting at $269.99Bringing together elements like a medium-thin top cymbal and medium weight bottom for a controlled yet smoky response, hand-emulated machine hammering for a traditional handmade feel, and a dark tonality that's set the gold standard for what descendants of Turkish cymbals should sound like, the Zildjian 14" K Hi-Hats are a monolith in the world of the hat. Found everywhere from studio legend setups to experimental thrash noise bands, the ubiquity of these cymbals is undeniable, and for good reason: they sound amazing. - 14
Zildjian 18" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
Starting at $160The 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. - 15
Zildjian 15" K Series Sweet Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Starting at $400Dark, 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. - 16
Zildjian 14" A Custom Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Starting at $175Zildjian'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. - 17
Zildjian 18" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal
Starting at $279.99 - 18
Zildjian 19" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal
Starting at $305.96 - 19
Zildjian 20" A Series Medium Ride Cymbal 1982 - 2012
Starting at $174.99 - 20
Zildjian 24" K Series Light Ride Cymbal
Starting at $349Light in weight across the bow, deeply hammered in profile and built with a smaller bell for a larger wash, the Zildjian 24" K Light Ride is enormous in both character and complexity. Capable of providing a nuanced, crisp sticking while also sporting on the biggest, darkest crashes in Zildjian's roster, this ride brings big, Bonzo-like boom to any setup but also works excellently in lower-decibel settings such as jazz.
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.