Ranking of the best drum cymbals for 2022

No drummer, novice or professional, can do without a good instrument. Very often, sellers use a captivating marketing ploy - they supply plates in an additional configuration with an installation.

Most likely, such percussion instruments will be of low quality for an entry level. And if you are an advanced musician, you will be forced to look for and purchase a set of cymbals for a clear and clean rhythm.

In our review, we will analyze in detail how to choose the right models, what selection criteria should be taken into account and how much a quality cymbal suitable for playing in a large concert hall costs. At the end of the article you will find recommendations for the care and transportation of shock iron.

Features of the structure and manufacturing process of the plate

Cymbals are very ancient percussion instruments, which are slightly concave round plates made of a special alloy. The views used in drum kits have an indefinite pitch and are called noise. The plate is not just a rounded flat surface, its shape is more complex than it seems. It includes the following zones:

• central dome (base, bell) with a mounting hole;
• body - disc-shaped part, usually thinning towards the edge.

High-quality shock discs are cast from different alloys, and how much the model costs depends on their composition. There are several commonly used alloys, but they all contain copper in different proportions:

• bell bronze;
• malleable bronze;
• brass alloy;
• nickel silver - contains copper, zinc, nickel.

Student instruments of the budget price category are made by stamping from sheet metal.There are things of decent quality that have gone through the process of forging and additional processing with a chisel.

Professional pieces that are in the TOP of the best are usually expensive in price and are made partially or entirely by hand. Blanks are cast and forged, sound grooves are applied to the surface with a cutter. Popular models have a "tube" sound, comfortable and warm to the perception. This is because handmade discs have a unique surface with unpredictable impacts during the forging process.

The size

The diameter of the instrument, which affects the character of the sound. Designated in inches. Larger specimens have less attack and a long sustain - a powerful sound that decays for a while. This diameter is best used on large concert venues, their sound will not be lost even in open space.

Varieties of discs with a minimum size have a more violent attack, they are better for use in clubs or studios. Of great importance is the size of the dome. Pronounced and voluminous bulges form the loudest and fullest sound with a large number of overtones.

Weight or Thickness

Another important factor that determines the depth of the sound is the clarity of the rhythm and power. The thicker the disk, the richer the sound and the higher the tone, but such an instrument slowly builds up the overtones. For colorful performances, it is better to have several types of thick and thin specimens.

• Thin (thin), Extra thin (super thin), Medium thin (medium thinness) - models have a bright sound and give an explosive response. Suitable for quiet and medium volume range, for light impacts.
• Medium (medium), Medium heavy (medium heavy) - are universal and can serve as a compromise option for those who find it difficult to choose.
• Heavy (heavy), Extra heavy (super heavy) models form a fat and powerful sound. They are characterized by clear articulation with juicy accents.

Profile and narrowing of the dish

Important characteristics indicating the size of the disc body without dome. The appearance of a clear articulation in the instrument depends on the thickness of the metal and the narrowing of the edge, which is bent up or down, whether it will give a greater attack and a higher sound.

Modern manufacturers make novelties with holes, hang beads and bells, insert rivets. Such additions change the timbre of the instrument and customize it.

Disc shape

A simple disk with a dome in the middle can have a variety of shapes. The dimensions of the dome range from imperceptible to a value that occupies half the radius. But the most common type is a bowl-shaped dome 1/5 of the disk diameter.

The profile of the tool also varies depending on the model - from completely flat to conical and convex.

• The flat-type bend has less metal tension, and therefore the sound is obtained with a quick response and is very soft.
• A medium bend raises the tension of the material, a root with a direct response and a medium accent creates a full and rich sound.
• A sharp bend has the highest metal stress. Such disks create powerful frequencies and bright attack.

Cymbal types

Crash (Crash)

Paired disc-shaped instruments for the orchestra, the sound is created by striking each other. For a drum set, one or more elements are suspended. The sound is produced when the stick strikes the edge.Models like Crash create the main accents in any composition.

Crash cymbals are produced in a variety of thicknesses, but a feature is the thin edge. Pairs intended for the orchestra usually come in 16" to 21" diameters. The most popular sizes for installations are 16", 18", large manufacturers produce rulers from 14" to 20". For such discs, the maximum thickness falls on the dome part, gradually the amount of alloy decreases towards the edge, which creates a dense sound.

Ride (Ride)

Until quite recently, only the drummer decided exactly how to use percussion instruments when playing. The division into Ride and Crash of basic cymbals has already happened at the present time.

Ride patterns are used to guide the basic rhythmic canvas. Such an instance has a thick edge and emits a long sonorous sound, a little hissing. Some manufacturers make copies with mixed parameters - Ride / Crash or Crash / Ride.

For the height of the sound with loud music, you should choose a large and thick disc size. The most popular diameters for Rides are 18" - 22", many manufacturers produce rulers from 16" to 26", but it is quite possible to find Rides up to 8".

Hi-Hat (Hi-hat)

Hi-Hat - paired elements located on a vertical structure with a foot pedal. The sound is produced both by the blows of the stick against the body of the disc, and by the movement of the foot pedal.

Since its inception, the design has remained virtually unchanged. The foot mechanism expands the functionality of the drummer and allows you to use several cymbals at the same time.

The impact discs are similar in profile to the Crash type, but usually heavier.The difference also lies in the fact that the best Hi-Hats either have a wavy edge or are complemented by a special curved element. This is done so that the air flow leaves the inter-plate space faster.

Sizzle

Ride-type cymbals are complemented with various chains and rivets to change the sound. This feature makes it cut through, the volume is added. The disadvantage is the reduced dynamism of the game, since with a quiet sound there is not enough energy to vibrate the rattles.

Splash (Splash)

Small, thin instruments with uniform thickness throughout the disc. A dome with a slight bulge creates an "empty", unsaturated sound, but with a very sharp attack.
The Splash type is one of the most important effect cymbals. They create syncopated accents and play them hard. The most popular sizes remain 8" and 10", the best manufacturers produce a wide range of diameters from 6" and 12".

China (China)

The China model has the same thickness along the entire radius and a truncated conical dome. The central radius and part of the bulge is usually not polished. The edges of the disc are turned up.

Different manufacturers produce rulers of diameters from 6ʺ to 27ʺ. The sound is explosive, similar to a gong and is described as having "dirty" tones. In a drum kit, they are hung upside down and are used primarily as effect cymbals.

Swish and Pang (Swish and Pang)

Models belonging to the "Chinese group", having an inverted edge and a standard dome. They are used to create rhythmic ride parts. The Swish models have a higher pitch, blurry and subtle ringing. Such models are made with a diameter of 16" to 22" and usually have rivets.The Pang-type size range includes diameters from 18″ to 20″ and does not have rivets.

Modern types of tool marking

The standard marking includes the following parameters - series, weight, type and diameter of the tool. Having carefully studied all the features, you will easily understand which model is better to buy. For example: 14˝Custom Heavy Ride (14˝ - diameter, Custom - series name, Heavy - weight (heavy), Ride - type).

There are designations that indicate the specifics of the sound and help determine the choice. Each manufacturer may have their own. The standard cymbal weight classification described above can be supplemented with the following markings:

• Studio - "studio" / medium thinness;
• Stage - "concert" / medium heavy;
• Rock - "rock" / heavy;
• Power - "powerful" / heavy;
• Metall - "metal" / super heavy.

Sometimes explanatory adjectives are used to describe the characteristics of the instrument in more detail, which will help you choose a model for the style of music: Bell - "bell", Bright - "bright", Brilliant - "brilliant", Crush - "destructive", Dark - "dark", Deep - "deep", Dry - "dry", Fast - "quick attack", Full - "filled", Fusion - "mixed", Light - "light", Projection - "cutting", Thrash - "beating", Tight - "compressed", Trash - "dirty".

Rating of popular Crash-cymbals

18˝ Dark Crash AAX BR

The 18" AAX series percussion instruments are from a well-known Canadian manufacturer. A professional-grade basic cymbal suitable for beginners and experienced drummers alike. The disk is made of an alloy of copper (80%) and tin (20%) and belongs to thin types. The cost is 21,000 rubles.

• professional model;
• quality alloy.

• high price.

14˝Paiste 101 Bras Crash

The series is made of brass-copper alloy by a German manufacturer. The model with a diameter of 14 inches has an average thickness and is suitable for beginners. It has a bright soft sound, medium sustain, stick touch is blurry. The cost is 2769 rubles, you can order online.

• budget price;
• high quality alloy.

• the sound, when working with a loud mix, is lost.

Zildjian 18˝A Custom Crash

The ruler is machine-made automatically from high-quality bell bronze. The thin disk is 18 inches in diameter. The surface has an attractive polished "brilliant".

The model has a good mix sound. The dynamics are pleasant, with top frequencies brilliant. The cost is 27300 rubles.

• good sound;
• quality alloy;
• universal attack dome;
• long systain.

• high price.

Rating of quality ride cymbals

Sabian 21˝Bash Ride AA

The 21" disc is made of high quality bell bronze with increased wear resistance. Forged automatically. The surface is diamond polished.

The popularity of the model is due to the explosive sound, ideal for the style of rock music. The small dome instantly responds to touch, controls the sound well, and produces a gentle and transparent sound. Special forging and turning ensures a wide dynamic range. The average price is 21050 rubles.

• quality material;
• suitable for beginners and professionals;
• bright and punchy sound.

• high price.

Sabian SBR 18˝ Crash Ride

The Canadian manufacturer has released a special edition SBR for beginner drummers on a budget. The 18" disc is made from inexpensive brass but has a protective layer. According to the musicians, this significantly extends the service life.

Such a model can be used as a full-fledged ride and output a clear rhythmic outline, and partially as a crash, creating a loud, assertive sound. The cost is 5190 rubles.

• protective layer;
• using Crash-Ride;
• not a high price.

• production material - fragile brass.

Rating of quality Hi-Hat cymbals

Paiste 0000144213 101 Brass Hi-Hat

The lower element from the Swiss-made 101 Brass series is made of CuSn8 bronze alloy. The diameter is 18 inches at light heavyweight. The model produces a sound of medium volume with strong intensity.

Sustain of medium duration, the sound of the stick is pronounced and dry. The blow of paired disks turns out to be mean and soft. A copy can be used in live performances, suitable for recording studios. The cost is 2585 rubles.

• low price.

• no.

Paiste 13˝101 Brass Hi-Hat

A set consisting of a pair of cymbals can be used for live concerts. Suitable for a variety of musical styles and produces a powerful and harmonious sound.
Elements with the same diameter of 13 inches, differ in thickness - the upper cymbal has a medium weight, the lower cymbal has a medium weight.

High intensity with medium sustain is possible when playing. The sound of the stick is distinct and dry, the impact of the disks against each other is soft and elastic.According to buyers, the overall character of the sound is focused, clear, with medium brightness and volume. The cost is 10599 rubles.

• affordable price;
• high quality.

• not for professional use.

 

Rolling Rock Set A

A pair set at an affordable price is suitable for a novice musician.
Round elements are made of wear-resistant alloy, providing high quality and long-term operation.

Comes with a 14" molded Hi-Hat element and a 16" Crash-Ride. This combination gives a soft sound and clear articulation with a medium sustain. The cost is 2990 rubles.

• low price.

• not suitable for professionals.

Tips before buying the right cymbals

1. Be sure to listen to how the instrument sounds in real life, this will help to avoid mistakes when choosing. Start listening with medium sizes, gradually moving to heavier ones. Play as you will every rehearsal - with full power and dedication. Only in this way will you understand whether the sound is suitable or not.
2. Use your sticks, imagine that you are playing in a band. Listen to how long the sustain and attack are. Cymbals show themselves at different volumes.
3. The opinion of competent consultants can be useful, as well as a detailed description of the model. Ask questions and get the information you need. In addition, large stores necessarily provide a guarantee.

Rules for the care and storage of drum cymbals

• Store the "iron" only horizontally, with long vertical laying, the plates are deformed.
• Do not stack tightly, for which you need to lay each plate with a soft insulating layer.
• According to experienced drummers, you should only transport your instruments in a special case, otherwise you risk damaging fragile items.
• For cleaning, you can use special detergents, but ordinary laundry soap and a soft foam rubber sponge are quite suitable.
• Start washing from the center, gradually, in a circle, increasing the diameter towards the edge.
  Wipe the disc with a soft cloth from drops and wait until it dries completely.
• What to look for when cleaning - do not use abrasive powders and hard metal sponges.

Choosing the right instrument, it is difficult to immediately understand which company's cymbals are better. Take the opportunity to hear the sound live. A self-trial game will also help determine which size is better to buy.

If you are going to buy musical instruments in an online store, use trusted and large suppliers. Moreover, many virtual sellers, in addition to describing the features of the sound, offer to listen to a recording that reproduces the features of the sound and sustain. Look for such stores and purchase musical cymbals with high-quality sound for long-term creativity.