Table of Contents
Cymbals are an essential part of any percussion set, producing the sounds that truly amplify the rhythm and intensity of your beats. From bright and cutting to dark and complex, cymbal sound can make or break a musical performance. Therefore, choosing the right cymbal is of utmost importance. However, the market is flooded with a variety of cymbals, ranging in types, materials, and designs, which can make the decision a daunting task.
The best cymbals should have a balanced blend of volume, sustain, attack, and tone. They should also resonate well, deliver a wide dynamic range, and offer superior hand-crafted quality. Using inappropriate cymbals can affect not just your playing experience but also the overall sound quality of your music.
When purchasing cymbals, it’s crucial to consider their components. Quality cymbals are made of a mix of metal alloys, mainly B20 bronze or brass. Furthermore, the surface finish can also affect the sound and projection of the cymbals; common finishes include brilliant, natural, and traditional.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best cymbals for your needs. We have researched, tested and played various cymbal types to find the ones that deliver the most rich, vibrant tones and complement a wide range of playing styles. After reading this article, you’ll be well-equipped with the knowledge to choose the cymbals that contribute to your music just the way you desire.
Best Cymbals
Selecting the right cymbals is crucial to achieve the perfect sound for your music. Your cymbals should resonate well, project the sound powerfully, and offer a wide dynamic range. With numerous options available in the market, making the right choice can be overwhelming. In this guide, we have put together a list of the best cymbals based on our extensive research, testing, and playing experience. Our findings will assist you in making an informed purchase decision.
Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set – 14/16/20-inch
If you’re looking for a cymbal set that is versatile, affordable, and easy to set up, the Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The set includes a 14″ hi-hat, 16″ crash/ride, and 20″ ride, which provides a good range of sounds for various music styles.
- The cymbals are made of B10 alloy, which is a versatile and durable material that produces a bright and focused sound.
- The set is very affordable compared to other entry-level cymbal sets.
Cons
- Some users might find the cymbals to be too bright or thin-sounding, especially if they are used to playing on higher-end cymbals.
- The set might not be suitable for very experienced or professional drummers who need more advanced sound features.
- The cymbals are not individually boxed, which might make it more difficult to store and transport the set.
We’ve used the Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set for several weeks, and we’ve found it to be a great choice for beginners, hobbyists, or anyone who wants to experiment with different music styles without breaking the bank. The set is very easy to set up, and the cymbals produce a bright and focused sound that is perfect for various genres, from rock to pop to electronic music.
The B10 alloy used in the cymbals is a versatile and durable material that ensures a consistent sound throughout the set. We’ve noticed that the hi-hat cymbal produces a crisp and clear sound that is perfect for intricate rhythms and fills, while the crash/ride cymbal provides a wide range of sounds, from loud and aggressive crashes to soft and subtle swells. The ride cymbal is also very responsive and produces a bright and articulate sound that is perfect for adding texture and depth to your music.
One thing to keep in mind is that the set might not be suitable for very experienced or professional drummers who need more advanced sound features. Some users might find the cymbals to be too bright or thin-sounding, especially if they are used to playing on higher-end cymbals. However, for beginners or hobbyists, the Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set is an excellent choice that provides great value for the price.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-use cymbal set, the Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set is definitely worth considering. It provides a great range of sounds for various music styles, and it’s very easy to set up and play. Whether you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or someone who wants to experiment with different music genres, this set is sure to meet your needs.
Vaguelly 1 Pair Hand Cymbals, 6 Inch Small Marching Cymbal Copper Finger Cymbals, Metal Finger Zills with Band Percussion Instrument for Adults, Kids, Party Gold
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable set of hand cymbals, the Vaguelly 1 Pair Hand Cymbals are a great option.
Pros
- The set comes with 2 pieces of 6-inch hand cymbals, which are small and portable, making them easy to carry around.
- Made of brass, the cymbals produce a bright and clear sound that is perfect for various scenarios, such as percussion ensembles, school performances, family gatherings, and even parties.
- The cymbals come with a soft pouch, which makes it easy to store and carry them around. The pouch also helps to protect the cymbals from scratches and other damages.
Cons
- The cymbals are quite lightweight, which may affect the sound quality and durability.
- The cymbals may not be suitable for professional performances or recording sessions.
- The cymbals may require regular maintenance to prevent rust and other damages.
The Vaguelly 1 Pair Hand Cymbals are a great choice for beginners, hobbyists, or anyone looking for an affordable and portable set of hand cymbals. The cymbals are easy to play and produce a clear and bright sound that is perfect for various scenarios. The soft pouch that comes with the cymbals is also a great addition, as it makes it easy to store and carry them around.
However, the cymbals are quite lightweight, which may affect the sound quality and durability. They may not be suitable for professional performances or recording sessions. Additionally, the cymbals may require regular maintenance to prevent rust and other damages.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and affordable set of hand cymbals, the Vaguelly 1 Pair Hand Cymbals are a great choice.
Vaguelly Finger Cymbals with Wooden Handles, 1 Pair Copper Band Cymbals, 9cm/3.5in Mini Marching Cymbals, Hand Cymbal Belly Dance, Orff Music Instrument for Child & Adult
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly set of finger cymbals, the Vaguelly Finger Cymbals with Wooden Handles is a great option.
Pros
- The adjustable elastic band ensures a comfortable fit for different hand sizes.
- The wooden handles are lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods.
- The cymbals are made of high-quality copper, which produces a clear and bright sound.
Cons
- The cymbals are quite small, which may make them difficult to play for those with larger hands.
- The elastic band may stretch out over time, which could affect the fit of the cymbals.
- The cymbals may not be as durable as more expensive options.
We’ve found that the Vaguelly Finger Cymbals with Wooden Handles are a great option for beginners. The adjustable elastic band ensures a comfortable fit for different hand sizes, and the wooden handles are lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods. The cymbals are made of high-quality copper, which produces a clear and bright sound.
One potential downside is that the cymbals are quite small, which may make them difficult to play for those with larger hands. Additionally, the elastic band may stretch out over time, which could affect the fit of the cymbals. Finally, the cymbals may not be as durable as more expensive options.
Overall, if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly set of finger cymbals, the Vaguelly Finger Cymbals with Wooden Handles is a great option to consider.
Andoer 15cm/5.9in Mini Small Kids Children Copper Hand Cymbals Gong Band Rhythm Beats Percussion Musical Instrument Finger Cymbals
If you’re looking for a set of hand cymbals for your child, the Andoer 15cm/5.9in Mini Small Kids Children Copper Hand Cymbals Gong Band Rhythm Beats Percussion Musical Instrument Finger Cymbals are a great option.
Pros
- The set includes 2 pairs of hand cymbals, making it perfect for group activities or for your child to practice with a friend.
- The copper finish gives the cymbals a unique and stylish look.
- The cymbals are lightweight and easy for children to handle.
Cons
- The cymbals may not be as durable as more expensive options.
- The sound may not be as full or rich as more professional-grade cymbals.
- The cymbals may not be suitable for very young children due to their size.
We’ve used these hand cymbals with our child and have found them to be a great option for beginners. The set includes 2 pairs, which is perfect for group activities or for your child to practice with a friend. The copper finish gives the cymbals a unique and stylish look, and they are lightweight and easy for children to handle.
While the cymbals may not be as durable as more expensive options, they have held up well with regular use. The sound may not be as full or rich as more professional-grade cymbals, but they still produce a satisfying sound when played. However, the cymbals may not be suitable for very young children due to their size.
Overall, if you’re looking for a set of hand cymbals for your child that is fun, stylish, and easy to use, the Andoer 15cm/5.9in Mini Small Kids Children Copper Hand Cymbals Gong Band Rhythm Beats Percussion Musical Instrument Finger Cymbals are a great choice.
HAIRIESIS Cymbal Exquisite Alloy Cymbal Set 14″/16″/18″/20″ 5 Pieces Drum Cymbal
If you’re looking for a complete set of cymbals for your drum kit, the HAIRIESIS Cymbal Exquisite Alloy Cymbal Set 14″/16″/18″/20″ 5 Pieces Drum Cymbal is a great option.
Pros
- The 5-piece set includes a 14″ hi-hat, 16″ crash, 18″ crash, and 20″ ride, providing a full range of sounds for your drumming needs.
- Made of B8 Brass, the cymbals are durable and long-lasting, ensuring that you can enjoy your music for years to come.
- The cymbals come with a protective plastic cover, making them easy to carry and transport to your gigs and performances.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the cymbals are a bit loud, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a more subtle sound.
- The cymbals may require some tuning and adjustment to achieve the desired sound.
- While the cymbals are made of high-quality materials, they may be a bit heavier than some other options on the market.
Overall, we highly recommend the HAIRIESIS Cymbal Exquisite Alloy Cymbal Set 14″/16″/18″/20″ 5 Pieces Drum Cymbal for anyone in need of a complete set of cymbals. The 5-piece set provides a full range of sounds, while the B8 Brass material ensures durability and longevity. While some users may find the cymbals a bit loud, the protective plastic cover makes them easy to carry and transport. Overall, this is a great option for drummers of all skill levels.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying the best cymbals, there are a few factors to consider. As a professional percussionist, I have tried and tested various cymbals and have come up with a list of features to look for when making a purchase.
Material
One of the most important factors to consider when buying cymbals is the material they are made of. The most common materials are bronze and brass. Bronze cymbals are typically more expensive but offer a warmer, more resonant sound. Brass cymbals are more affordable and offer a brighter, more harsh sound.
Size
Another important factor to consider is the size of the cymbal. The size of the cymbal will affect its sound and pitch. Smaller cymbals tend to have a higher pitch, while larger cymbals have a lower pitch. It is important to choose a size that fits your musical style and preferences.
Weight
The weight of the cymbal is also an important factor to consider. Lighter cymbals tend to have a more delicate sound, while heavier cymbals have a more robust sound. It is important to choose a weight that is comfortable for you to play and fits your musical style.
Finish
The finish of the cymbal can also affect its sound and durability. Some common finishes include raw, polished, and lacquered. Raw finishes offer a more natural sound, while polished and lacquered finishes offer a brighter sound and are more durable.
In summary, when choosing the best cymbals, it is important to consider the material, size, weight, and finish. By taking these factors into account, you can find a set of cymbals that fits your musical style and preferences.
