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10 Best Cymbal Sets 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set - 14/16/20-inch

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,244
Finish

Most important from
1360 reviews

Finish
Right out of the box, the stunning finish on these cymbals holds up remarkably well over time, showing minimal signs of wear and tear even with regular use.

The Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set is a fantastic choice for beginner and student drummers looking to upgrade their drum kit. This set includes a pair of 14-inch Hi-Hats, a 16-inch Crash, and a 20-inch Ride cymbal, covering the standard sizes most drummers need. Made from a unique nickel-silver alloy, these cymbals are crafted in the USA and produce bright, cutting tones with short sustain, making them suitable for various music genres.

The traditional bright finish adds a classic look to the cymbals and enhances their visual appeal on stage. One of the set's significant strengths is its affordability, providing a cost-effective way for beginners to complete their sound without compromising quality. However, more experienced drummers may find the sound lacking in depth and complexity compared to higher-end cymbals. Additionally, the relatively short sustain might not be ideal for all types of music.

The compact dimensions of the packaging make it easy to transport and store. In summary, the Zildjian Planet Z Complete Cymbal Set is an excellent entry-level option that offers great value for money, especially for those just starting their drumming journey.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,244
Finish

Most important from
1360 reviews

Finish
Right out of the box, the stunning finish on these cymbals holds up remarkably well over time, showing minimal signs of wear and tear even with regular use.
#2

Zildjian S Dark 5-piece Cymbal Pack

Rating
9.6
Finish

Most important from
53 reviews

Finish
A surprisingly good deal, this cymbal offers a dry, controlled decay with a rich tone suitable for recording.

The Zildjian S Dark 5-piece Cymbal Pack offers a versatile collection that includes a pair of 14” hi-hats, 16” and 18” crashes, and a 20” ride. The cymbals are made of bronze, which is known for its durability and bright, clear sound. This makes the set suitable for various music genres, from rock to jazz.

The proprietary finish and custom coating contribute to its unique dark sound, providing a rich and complex tone that many drummers appreciate. At 1 pound per item, the cymbals are relatively lightweight, making them easy to transport and handle during setup and teardown. The dimensions of 25.5 x 25.5 x 4.5 inches suggest they come in a well-packaged, compact form, which is convenient for storage and travel.

The Zildjian S Dark 5-piece Cymbal Pack is an excellent choice for dedicated drummers seeking a high-quality, versatile, and uniquely sounding cymbal set.

Rating
9.6
Finish

Most important from
53 reviews

Finish
A surprisingly good deal, this cymbal offers a dry, controlled decay with a rich tone suitable for recording.
#3

Arborea Cymbal Pack for Drum 8 pcs Super Polishing Cymbals Set Brilliant Gold Hero Series Include 14"Hihats 16"Crash 18"Crash 20"Ride Bonus 10" Splash 16"Ozone Stacker 18" China Cymbal Free Cymbal Bag

The Arborea Cymbal Pack, part of the HERO series, comprises eight pieces, each made from high-quality stainless steel. This material choice contributes to a bright, vibrant sound, making it a great option for drummers looking to enhance their performance. The set includes a diverse range of cymbals—14” hi-hats, 16” and 18” crashes, a 20” ride, a 10” splash, a 16” ozone stacker, and an 18” china cymbal. This variety makes the pack versatile for different music styles and suitable for both beginners and experienced drummers.

The cymbals are designed with a polished finish, adding to their durability and visual appeal. The surface is treated with a special car pattern and hammer points, which enhances the sound feedback, resulting in a brighter tone. A free cymbal bag is also included, making it convenient to transport the set for practice or gigs.

However, at 11.58 pounds, the pack may be relatively heavy for some users, and the polished finish might require regular maintenance to keep it looking pristine. This cymbal set offers excellent value with its quality construction and comprehensive range of cymbals, making it a worthy addition to any drum kit.

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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