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10 Best Cymbal Sets 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Zildjian K Custom Cymbal Set (KCD900)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Size
Type

Most important from
108 reviews

Size
The 20'' ride is the most pleasing ride ever heard, and the 16 and 18 crashes sound marvelously wonderful.
Type
The dark hi-hats offer a different flavor but quickly became a favorite.

The Avedis Zildjian Company K Custom Dark 4-Piece Cymbal Pack is a solid choice for drummers looking to achieve a warm and rich sound. This cymbal set is made from high-quality bronze, which enhances durability and tonal richness. It includes some of the most popular sizes in the K Custom lineup, offering a variety of tonal colors that are perfect for darker music styles. The overhammered design provides dry, trashy overtones that can cut through mixes nicely, making it a great option for genres like jazz, rock, and blues.

One of the standout features is its ability to deliver a strong presence without overpowering other instruments, which is crucial in ensemble settings. With a weight of 19 pounds and dimensions of 25 x 25 x 4 inches, this set is manageable to transport while still being substantial enough to produce quality sound.

The K Custom Dark cymbal set is best suited for intermediate to advanced drummers who appreciate a warm sound and play in settings where tonal subtleties are valued. Beginners may want to explore other options that provide more versatility in sound and price.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,164
Size
Type

Most important from
108 reviews

Size
The 20'' ride is the most pleasing ride ever heard, and the 16 and 18 crashes sound marvelously wonderful.
Type
The dark hi-hats offer a different flavor but quickly became a favorite.
#2

Zildjian Cymbal Variety Package (KS5791)

Rating
8.8
Size

Most important from
33 reviews

Size
The cymbals sound amazing and are a significant upgrade, especially the 15-inch hihats.

The Avedis Zildjian Company K Sweet Cymbal Set is a solid choice for drummers looking for a versatile and professional sound. This set includes a 15-inch hihat, a 17-inch crash, a 19-inch crash, and a 21-inch ride, providing a complete setup suitable for various music styles. One of its standout features is the oversized hihats that produce a rich wash, making them ideal for both playing and recording. The odd-sized crashes are lower pitched and slightly darker, which can add a unique texture to your performance. Additionally, the 21-inch Sweet Ride is thin enough for crashing, making it quite versatile as well.

However, there are a few points to consider. Weighing in at nearly 24 pounds, the set can be quite heavy, which might pose a challenge for transport, especially for gigging musicians. Some users may prefer a lighter set for easier handling. Musicians who favor brighter sounds might find these cymbals a bit darker than expected.

The bronze material used in this cymbal set is known for its durability and excellent sound quality, making it a great investment for serious drummers. The visual appeal with gold and black finish adds to its stage presence, enhancing the aesthetic. This cymbal set would particularly appeal to jazz, rock, and blues drummers looking for a warm, rich tone and a robust performance, but those who prefer a lighter and brighter cymbal might want to explore other options.

Rating
8.8
Size

Most important from
33 reviews

Size
The cymbals sound amazing and are a significant upgrade, especially the 15-inch hihats.
#3

Zildjian K Cymbal Variety Package, inch (K0800)

Rating
8.5
Size

Most important from
37 reviews

Size
The 20” ride cymbal sounds even better with two small silicone dampers.

The Avedis Zildjian Company K Series Box Set is a premium option for drummers looking for a high-quality cymbal set. This set includes 14” Hi Hats, 16” and 18” K Dark Crash Thin, and a 20” K Ride, which are popular sizes that offer great versatility for various playing styles. The cymbals are known for their dark, traditional sound, which is highly sought after for its rich and complex tones. These cymbals are made from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and consistent performance.

The natural finish adds to their aesthetic appeal, making them look as good as they sound. The set weighs 2.3 kilograms or about 5.06 pounds, making it manageable for most drummers to handle and transport. It is worth noting that this set is on the pricier side, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, the set does not include extra components like stands or cases, which would add to the total investment.

Despite these drawbacks, the Avedis Zildjian K Series is a top choice for serious drummers who prioritize sound quality and craftsmanship in their cymbals.

Rating
8.5
Size

Most important from
37 reviews

Size
The 20” ride cymbal sounds even better with two small silicone dampers.

Buying Guide for the Best Cymbal Sets

Choosing the right cymbal set can significantly enhance your drumming experience. Cymbals come in various types, sizes, and materials, each contributing to the overall sound and feel of your drum kit. When selecting a cymbal set, it's important to consider your playing style, the genre of music you play, and the sound you want to achieve. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
MaterialCymbals are typically made from bronze or brass. Bronze cymbals are more durable and produce a richer, more complex sound, making them a popular choice for professional drummers. Brass cymbals are generally more affordable and produce a brighter, less complex sound, which can be suitable for beginners or those on a budget. If you are a beginner or play in a casual setting, brass cymbals might be a good starting point. For more advanced players or those seeking a professional sound, bronze cymbals are the way to go.
SizeCymbals come in various sizes, typically measured in inches. The size of a cymbal affects its volume, sustain, and pitch. Smaller cymbals (under 16 inches) produce a higher pitch and shorter sustain, making them ideal for fast, intricate playing. Medium-sized cymbals (16-20 inches) offer a balanced sound with moderate sustain, suitable for a wide range of music styles. Larger cymbals (over 20 inches) produce a lower pitch and longer sustain, providing a powerful, resonant sound. Consider the type of music you play and the sound you want to achieve when choosing the size of your cymbals.
TypeThere are several types of cymbals, each serving a different purpose in a drum kit. Hi-hats consist of two cymbals mounted on a stand and are essential for keeping time and adding rhythmic accents. Crash cymbals are used for accenting and creating dynamic changes in the music. Ride cymbals provide a steady rhythmic pattern and are often used for keeping time. Splash cymbals are smaller and produce a quick, splashy sound, ideal for accents. China cymbals have a distinctive, trashy sound and are used for special effects. Consider the types of cymbals you need based on your playing style and the music you play.
WeightThe weight of a cymbal affects its sound and response. Light cymbals are more responsive and produce a softer, more delicate sound, making them suitable for jazz and softer music styles. Medium-weight cymbals offer a balanced sound and are versatile enough for various music genres. Heavy cymbals produce a louder, more powerful sound with longer sustain, making them ideal for rock and heavy metal. Consider the genre of music you play and the sound you want to achieve when choosing the weight of your cymbals.
FinishCymbals come in different finishes, such as traditional, brilliant, and raw. The finish affects the cymbal's appearance and sound. Traditional finishes provide a warm, classic sound with a natural look. Brilliant finishes are polished to a shiny appearance and produce a brighter, more cutting sound. Raw finishes have an unpolished, earthy look and produce a darker, more complex sound. Choose a finish that complements your playing style and the sound you want to achieve.

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