Best Drum Cymbals for 2020

Drum cymbals are one of the most important parts of a drum kit. That is why it is so important for a musician to get the best instrument. Also, the sound is influenced not only by the quality of the product, but also by the room where rehearsals and performances take place, the manner of playing and the user's personal preferences. Our article compiled a rating of the best cymbals for drum kits and instructions for choosing the right instrument.

Main selection criteria

For inexperienced drummers, the variety of product choices in stores can be a significant obstacle in finding a suitable option. Below users will be able to familiarize themselves with a brief guide to choosing plates for installation.

Manufacturing material

The sound depends on this point. The best option would be a tool made from an alloy of bronze and tin. Such material is called B20. These models are the most popular, they are most often produced by most brands. Bronze for B20 models is used in the middle class, in this case the musician can count on a warm and delicate sound. Higher grade bronze (B8) has a sharper, shrill and brighter sound. However, the color of the B8 plates has a reddish tint. Most often, Swiss brands are engaged in the creation of such premium models.

A more budgetary version of the tool is made from brass. Such models will appeal to beginners, but they are not suitable for full-fledged professional performances on stage, except for adding volume to the sound.

Weight

This parameter will determine the capabilities of the drum kit. The small weight of the model does not mean its poor quality, but characterizes the musical sound. So, for example, Heavy, Power, Rock and Metal are heavy types. They sound loud and harsh. When struck, the cymbals respond more slowly and have a long resonance.

Medium, Medium-Thin, Thin and Jazz are lightweight designs. They are not for fast paced musicians.

For concert performances on a large stage, it is better to choose heavy structures, but we do not advise focusing only on weight, otherwise you can get too heavy a sound. Medium settings are suitable for playing light melodies.

It should be noted that recently, light cymbals have been very popular, which quickly respond to the musician's actions and also quickly fade out. These models are suitable for users playing in small groups or solo.

Diameter

• below 16 - not suitable for recreating loud and powerful sound, a good option for beginners who are at the beginning of the learning path;
• 18-20 - will allow the sound to spread powerfully and confidently, especially in noisy and large rooms.

Advice! If you are an uncertain musician and still do not quite understand what instrument you need, we recommend purchasing a set of 14 ", 16" and 18 "cymbals. Then it will be possible to get both soft and harsh sound.

The form

As in most cases, this parameter affects the sonic capabilities of the instrument.

• flat cymbal - has a fast response, the sound is soft and delicate;
• medium bend - fast response, the sound is dense, spacious, rich;
• a sharp bend - a loud and powerful tone with multiple accents.

View

1. Crash - such a cymbal is necessary to add volume to the music, enrich it with accents and colors. The sound is often powerful and bright, it is produced by hitting the cymbal on the cymbal, so installation will require at least a couple of such instruments. Also, this feature determines the thickness of the edge of the plate - it should be quite thin.
2. Hi-hat - most often represented by a pair of cymbals mounted on a rack, the sound is produced by striking one instrument against another. A pedal or stick is used for control.
3. Ride - unlike the above options, this variety is capable of producing a sonorous sound with a long resonance. The thickness of the instrument should also be greater, in which case the tone will be more voluminous and confident.
4. Sizzle - Similar to a ride, but a similar tool comes with a number of add-ons. For example, a musician adds rivets to the installation. At the same time, the sound becomes sharper and louder. An important point is the correct installation of additional elements - they must be firmly fixed, but at the same time they swing easily. Most often, at least 4 elements are installed along the edge.
5. Splash - designed for a variety of tones. To do this, the musician must play aggressively and hard. That is why such plates must be thick enough. For a smoother playback, thinner options are required, but if used carelessly, they can break.

General Tips

When looking for a suitable product in a store, you should carefully consider where the cymbal game will take place. Also, when trying out the model, you should try to recreate the working atmosphere, a few strokes of your fingers on the surface will not allow you to get a full sound. It is optimal to start with medium versions, gradually trying out light and heavy models. It is advisable to set the cymbals as they are on the rehearsal base with the same incline.

The instrument should be played with the same intensity as usual by adjusting the volume level. This is the only way to fully experience the sound of the cymbals, to understand their capabilities, power and characteristics. It is also recommended to use your own drumsticks for testing. And most importantly, do not hesitate to ask questions to a consultant who is able to provide complete information about the product being sold.

We also want to give some practical tips on how to improve the sound of cymbals:

• do not fix the screw too tightly, the tool should vibrate easily;
• the plate should be located slightly at an angle;
• you should not hit the edge with a stick, the blow should be applied only to the center;
• the choice of sticks also influences the sound a lot. Lightweight accessories are recommended for a more accurate and confident accent sound;
• all elements of the drum kit must be transported in protective covers.

Rating of the best cymbals for drum kits

Ride

Sabian SBr Promotional Pack

Our rating starts with a set of several types of cymbals, however, a ride-type instrument is presented in the largest quantity (20 pcs.), Also the set includes hi-cat, splash, crash. Thus, the musician gets the opportunity to diversify the ensemble with both powerful and soft melody, it is also possible to highlight one or another accent in the composition. The set is suitable for professional users and beginners who are just starting to experiment in a creative way.

The alloy of the plates is a mixture of copper and zinc, this material is called brass. This alloy is not recommended for performances on a large stage, as it is prone to breakage during active strikes.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 21,500 Russian rubles.

Paiste 0001065618 2002 Giga Bell

A tool with an unusual design, the main color of which is black.The smooth polished surface allows you to get a bright, somewhat harsh melody with metallic notes. The volume ranges from medium to very loud. The resonance of the model is long lasting, while the musician can control the intensity of the tone. When you hit the surface with a stick, a sonorous and sharp sound is obtained. Such features somewhat narrow the range of the instrument's capabilities - it is not able to reveal itself with accents, but at the same time it will allow you to add a clean and transparent ringing to the composition.

This cymbal will perfectly fit into the orchestra, giving the melody "dark" and pronounced ringing shades. A famous and successful drummer took part in the creation of the instrument.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 23,000 Russian rubles.

Meinl MB10-22HR-B

High-quality plates are made of excellent alloy - B10, which includes copper, tin and silver particles. A beautiful and stylish finish will be a nice bonus and complement to the ensemble.

As for the capabilities of the instrument, they are as follows: strong sound is combined with delicate and warm colors. All accents are harmoniously balanced thanks to the sharpened and perfectly smooth surface. The special manufacturing technology allows the cymbal to remain sophisticated, combined with a powerful melody and long resonance. The model is suitable for all styles of music, implying both active and aggressive playing, and calm melodic compositions.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 23,000 Russian rubles.

Crash

Meinl B22HHC-B Byzance Brilliant Heavy Hammered

The 22 ”cymbal is ideal for many styles of pop, fusion, rock and reggae. The instrument also performs well both for live performances and for recording studio versions of compositions. The model has a medium-bright melody, the volume is also at an average level.

The tool is made from B20 material, which means that it has a professional alloy with a high level of strength. The sound for this material has warm and soft notes.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 32,000 Russian rubles.

Rolling Rock Set

Not a bad pair with small diameters - 14 "and 16". Cymbals are characterized by a sonorous and bright sound. This instrument is able to enrich the melody with rich accents by striking one cymbal against another. The thin edge of the instrument guarantees excellent compositional quality and ringing tone. However, you should be careful when striking, because the edge of the product may simply burst.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 3,000 Russian rubles.

Zildjian L80

This model has a volume lower by 70% than its counterparts. This product is ideal for those musicians who want to purchase a quieter version without losing the main accents and subtleties of the composition. Also, this feature is combined with the need to rehearse at home, at night the user will not disturb the sleep of even the most picky neighbors. Quiet beats will also appeal to drummers who have some hearing problems.

Plates are produced according to the author's methods and technologies, which have no analogues. Thanks to these nuances, as well as a special plastic alloy, the user can play music with any accessory - sticks or a brush.In addition, cymbals can be used to hone any technique, even the most extravagant. The tool is suitable for a craftsman with any skill level. You can play it in any room, including the judge. The volume level allows the product to be used in rooms with a small number of listeners.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 21,000 Russian rubles.

Hi-hat

Paiste 13 ″ pair 101 Brass

A pair of plates are made of brass and have a diameter of 13 ”. Thus, such a product will rather become an addition for an orchestra; it will not be suitable for playing solo due to its small size. We can also recommend this model for beginners who are still in search of their own style.

The sound is characterized by warm and soft notes, the weight of the device ranges from medium to heavy. When struck with a stick, a dense and pronounced melody is obtained. The volume of the product is average, and we also note a long resonance.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 5,500 Russian rubles.

Rolling Rock Set

A set of cymbals of different diameters, whose diameter ranges from 14 "to 20". Thus, the drummer gets the opportunity to fully hone his skills and create musical masterpieces.

A big advantage will be the ability to order goods with free home delivery.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 5,000 Russian rubles.

Zildjian K0800 K Series 5 Pack

This brand has already been featured in our selection. The popularity of the company is due to its long experience and a large number of famous clients. For many centuries, the manufacturer has pleased both musicians and listeners with an excellent instrument capable of producing clear sounds. Over time, the tradition of the brand has not changed, while the manufacturing technology has undergone significant and modern updates.

As for the capabilities of these cymbals, they are as follows: the B20 bronze set is distinguished by a ringing and piercing melody. The tone of the product has branded recognizable notes that are inherent in this particular manufacturer. The set is perfect for beginner drummers who prefer a bright and sonorous melody. This type of setup allows you to play compositions of different directions, from rock to light pop performance. Traditional alloy guarantees medium volume and relatively long resonance. Also, a musician can use both sticks and brushes or hammers when playing.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

The average cost is 25,500 Russian rubles.

If you had experience using the products described in the rating, write your feedback in the comments.