The 19 best crash cymbal brands
Zildjian, Sabian and Paiste lead our ranking of 19 crash cymbal brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Crash Cymbal brands, ranked
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1
Zildjian
Oldest cymbal maker still going, with bronze alloy lines from budget ZHT sets to hand-hammered A Custom crashes.
Top products: A Custom Crash· ZHT
Website: zildjian.com |Brands like Zildjian
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Sabian
Hand-hammered HHX and AAX crashes give a bright, cutting attack, a popular pick for rock and pop drummers.
Top products: HHX Stage Crash
Website: sabian.com |Brands like Sabian
Popularity 8.3/10
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3
Paiste
Swiss and German-made cymbals with warm, shimmering tones, from accessible Sound Formula lines up to premium 2000 series.
Top products: 802 Crash· 2000 Sound Reflections· Rude Thin Crash
Website: paiste.com |Brands like Paiste
Popularity 8.0/10
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4
MEINL
Dual-finish Byzance crashes let drummers flip one cymbal for two contrasting tones, at mid-range cost.
Top products: Byzance Dual Crash· HCS Crash
Website: meinlpercussion.com |Brands like MEINL
Popularity 6.6/10
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5
Anatolian
Budget-friendly Turkish handmade cymbals, usually a good choice for drummers wanting a traditional, warm crash sound.
Website: anatolianpuzzle.com |Brands like Anatolian
Popularity 3.5/10
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6
Stagg
Affordable cymbal sets for beginners and students, with a sound that suits practice and light gigging.
Website: staggmusic.com |Brands like Stagg
Popularity 3.2/10
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7
Istanbul Mehmet
Lathed Traditional-finish crashes trade bright cut for a darker, washy decay, suiting jazz and studio work.
Website: istanbulmehmet.com |Brands like Istanbul Mehmet
Popularity 3.2/10
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8
Istanbul
Long-established Istanbul maker of handmade cymbals, from classic jazz rides to modern crashes with an earthy tone.
Website: istanbulcymbals.com |Brands like Istanbul
Popularity 2.9/10
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9
Bosphorus
Dry, short-sustain crashes whose O Ring model cuts through loud rock stages without much wash.
Top products: O Ring Crash
Website: bosphoruscymbals.com |Brands like Bosphorus
Popularity 2.6/10
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10
DREAM
Small-batch American cymbals, hand-finished with a lathed, washy crash built for studio recording.
Top products: Vintage Bliss
Website: hugedomains.com |Brands like DREAM
Popularity 2.4/10
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11
Soultone Cymbals
Custom-made cymbals with a dark, dry character, popular with rock and metal players wanting bite.
Website: soultonecymbals.com |Brands like Soultone Cymbals
Popularity 2.0/10
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12
UFIP
Centrifugally cast bronze gives these Italian crashes a clean, bright tone and quick response.
Top products: Class Series Light Crash
Website: ufipcymbals.com |Brands like UFIP
Popularity 1.4/10
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13
Pearl
Pearl builds percussion instruments, including drum kits and drum hardware, used by musicians across many playing styles. Its drum line is separate from its jewelry, which is unrelated to the drum business but sold under the same name.
Website: pearldrum.com |Brands like Pearl
Popularity 1.2/10
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14
Saluda
At Saluda Cymbals, you can purchase the best cymbals that are of professional quality. Several talented and renowned musicians swear by the cymbals that are manufactured here. The cymbals sold at Saluda are hand-crafted with utmost care and precision. They...
Top products: Blood Splattered Cymbal Set· Electrified Crash
Website: saludacymbals.com |Brands like Saluda
Popularity 1.2/10
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15
Alesis
Alesis is involved in the music industry. The company was established in 1980 by a music lover. They have been making an impact in the music industry ever since. They are dedicated to making gear that is going to empower...
Website: alesis.com |Brands like Alesis
Popularity 0.6/10
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16
Yamaha
Yamaha Corporation is an all-time famous Japanese conglomerate that offers various services and products. While it is mainly known for its musical instruments, it also had a line of motorcycles operating under Yamaha Motors. The motorcycle line was established in...
Website: usa.yamaha.com |Brands like Yamaha
Popularity 0.6/10
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17
CB
CB2 sells modern home furnishings, with area rugs in wool, silk and synthetic fibers, from plush contemporary designs to vintage-inspired patterns. Beyond rugs, it also stocks bath and soft furnishings. Rugs are sold in standard sizes, from 5x8 feet up...
Website: cb2.com |Brands like CB
Popularity 0.4/10
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18
Centent
Combining generations of traditional craftsmanship with technological advancements, Centent Cymbals USA offers the highest quality bronze cymbals on the market. The company sells B8, B10, And B20 cymbals, at the best prices. The company ensures that their products enhance a...
Website: shop.cententcymbalsusa.com |Brands like Centent
Popularity 0.4/10
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19
GP Percussion
GP Percussion - GP Percussion
Website: gppercussion.com |Brands like GP Percussion
Popularity 0.4/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zildjian | zildjian.com | /Zildjian | zildjiancompany | @zildjiancompany | ZildjianCompany |
| Sabian | sabian.com | /SABIANCymbals | sabiancymbals | @sabian_cymbals | SabianVault |
| Paiste | paiste.com | /paistecompany | paistecymbals | @PaisteNation | – |
| MEINL | meinlpercussion.com | /meinlpercussionfanpage | meinlpercussion | @meinlpercussion | MEINLpercussion |
| Anatolian | anatolianpuzzle.com | /anatolianpuzzleus | anatolianpuzzleus | – | – |
| Stagg | staggmusic.com | /staggmusic | staggmusic | – | – |
| Istanbul Mehmet | istanbulmehmet.com | – | – | – | – |
| Istanbul | istanbulcymbals.com | /IstanbulCymbals | istanbulagop | – | Istanbul Agop Cymbals |
| Bosphorus | bosphoruscymbals.com | /BosphorusCymbal | bosphoruscymbals | @Bosphorus_TR | – |
| DREAM | hugedomains.com | – | – | – | – |
Crash cymbals are an essential part of any drum kit. They provide a bright and explosive sound that helps to accentuate important moments in your music. However, with so many different options available on the market, choosing the right crash cymbals for your kit can be a daunting task. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to choose the perfect crash cymbals for your drum set.
What is a crash cymbal?
A crash cymbal is a type of cymbal that produces a powerful, explosive sound when struck. These cymbals are typically used to accentuate important moments in music such as dramatic transitions, climaxes, or the end of a song.
Crash cymbals come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 14 inches to 22 inches or more. They can be made from a variety of materials including bronze, brass, and nickel-silver alloys, each of which has its own unique sound characteristics.
What are the different types of crash cymbals?
When shopping for crash cymbals, you'll notice that there are several different types available. Each type of cymbal has its own unique sound qualities that make it well-suited for different styles of music. Here's a rundown of the most common types of crash cymbals:
Thin Crash Cymbals
Thin crash cymbals are among the most common type of cymbal used by drummers. As the name suggests, these cymbals are thinner than other types of crashes, giving them a bright, shimmering sound that's perfect for accentuating softer moments in music.
Thin crashes are also great for adding texture to your sound. They can be used in combination with other cymbals to create complex, layered sounds that add depth to your drumming.
Medium Crash Cymbals
Medium crash cymbals are slightly thicker than thin crashes, giving them a bit more body and sustain. They still produce a bright, explosive sound when struck, but they're often used in louder music where a bit more volume is necessary.
Medium crashes can also be used as ride cymbals in some cases. Their longer sustain and larger bell make them well-suited for this purpose, providing a distinctive ping that can cut through even the loudest of music.
Heavy Crash Cymbals
Heavy crash cymbals are the thickest of the three main types of crashes. These cymbals produce a powerful, explosive sound that's ideal for accentuating the most important moments in your music.
Heavy crashes are also great for playing in louder bands where a stronger sound is necessary. They can cut through even the heaviest music, providing a powerful, explosive sound that will get the attention of your audience.
What should you consider when buying crash cymbals?
Now that you understand the different types of crash cymbals available, it's time to think about what to consider when buying a set for your drum kit. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Sound Quality
The most important factor to consider when buying any cymbals is the sound quality. You want cymbals that produce a bright, explosive sound that will cut through your music and get the attention of your audience.
When testing cymbals, strike them a few times to get a sense of their sound quality. Listen for clarity, sustain, and volume. You'll also want to test how well they blend with other cymbals in your kit.
Size
Cymbal size is an important factor to consider when shopping for crash cymbals. The size you choose will affect the sound of the cymbals and how they fit into your drum kit.
Smaller cymbals, such as 14-inch crashes, produce a higher-pitched sound that's well-suited for jazz or rock music. Larger cymbals, such as 18 or 20-inch crashes, produce a deeper, darker sound that's ideal for heavier music.
It's important to choose a size that fits your playing style and the type of music you typically play.
Material
The material used to make a cymbal will also affect its sound quality. Most crash cymbals are made from bronze, brass, or a nickel-silver alloy.
Bronze cymbals are the most common and are well-suited for a wide range of music genres. They produce a warm, rich sound that's great for jazz, rock, and many other styles of music.
Brass cymbals are brighter and more cutting than bronze cymbals. They produce a high-pitched sound that's ideal for rock, metal, and other heavy genres of music.
Nickel-silver alloy cymbals are a bit brighter than bronze cymbals, but not as bright as brass cymbals. These cymbals are well-suited for pop, funk, and other similar genres of music.
Brand
The brand of cymbals you choose will also have an impact on the sound and quality of the cymbals. Some of the most popular cymbal brands include:
- Zildjian
- Sabian
- Meinl
- Paiste
Each brand has its own unique sound characteristics, so it's a good idea to try out different brands to see which one is best suited for your music.
Budget
Cymbals can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It's important to set a budget for your cymbals before you start shopping to avoid overspending.
You can find good-quality crash cymbals in a range of price points, so don't feel like you need to spend a lot of money to get a great set of cymbals. However, it's also important to remember that higher-priced cymbals often have better sound quality and are more durable than cheaper alternatives.
Conclusion
Choosing the right crash cymbals for your kit is an important decision for any drummer. By considering factors such as sound quality, size, material, brand, and budget, you can find the perfect set of cymbals that will help you to create the perfect sound for your music. So get out there and start testing some cymbals to find the perfect set that will take your drumming to the next level!
