8 Best Cymbal Packs For All Budgets

Best Cymbal Packs

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Buying a cymbal pack is the most cost-effective way to get an awesome-sounding selection of cymbals for your drum set.

It’s also the most convenient way to buy a great-sounding set of cymbals, as the cymbals are all sonically matched and pre-configured for the best sounds possible.

Cymbals can’t be tuned in the same way that drums can, so it’s crucial to buy a versatile and high-quality sounding set.

In this guide, I’ve tested and reviewed the best cymbal packs available to find options that will complement a range of music genres and are suitable for rehearsals, live performances, and recording sessions alike.

What are the Best Cymbal Packs?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Most Versatile
Zildjian A Series Cymbal Pack
  • B20 bronze cymbal pack
  • 14" Hats, 16" & 18" crashes, 20" ride
  • Legendary, versatile cymbals
Best Premium Cymbals
Sabian HHX Legacy Cymbal Pack
  • B20 bronze cymbal pack
  • 14" Hats, 18" & 20" crashes, 201" ride
  • Dark and dry-sounding cymbals
Best Dark Cymbals
Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbal Pack
  • B20 bronze cymbal set
  • 14" Hats, 16" & 18" crashes, 20" ride
  • Legendary and dark sounding cymbals
Best Dry Cymbals
Meinl Cymbals Mike Johnston Byzance Cymbal Set
  • B20 bronze cymbal pack
  • 14" Hats, 18" & 20" crashes, 201" ride
  • Dark and dry-sounding cymbals
Best Bright Cymbals
Sabian AAX Promo Cymbal Set
  • B20 bronze cymbal pack
  • 14" Hats, 16" & 18" crashes, 20" ride, 10” splash
  • Bright and explosive cymbals
Best Intermediate Cymbals
Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Pack
  • B10 bronze cymbal pack
  • 14" Hats, 16" & 18" crashes, 20" ride
  • Incredible premium, dark sounds
Best Budget Cymbals
Paiste PST7 Cymbal Pack
  • CuSn8 bronze cymbal pack
  • 14" Hats, 16" & 18" crashes, 20" ride
  • Smooth, bold and open sound
Best Beginner Cymbals
Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack
  • Brass beginner cymbal set
  • 10" splash, 14" hats, 16" crash, 20" ride
  • Great budget cymbals

How I Tested and Selected the Best Cymbal Sets

My approach to testing all of the cymbal sets draws upon years of experience playing a variety of musical styles.

I understand that most drummers only use one set of cymbals, and therefore the cymbals need to be able to be supremely versatile.

I meticulously assessed these cymbal sets, taking into account their suitability for different musical genres, from pop, to rock, right through to metal and jazz. The resonance, sustain, and tonal quality of each cymbal in a set played a vital role in my evaluation.

My aim was to identify cymbal sets that not only met different budgets but also delivered outstanding sound and performance, to help elevate the musical experience for drummers across the spectrum.

In-Depth Cymbal Pack Reviews

Most Versatile

Zildjian A Series Cymbal Pack

Widely regarded as the most versatile cymbals of all time. These superb-sounding, professional-level cymbals can be heard on countless hit recordings.
Sounds
4.5
Versatility
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
Value
4.5

    Zildjian A Series Cymbal Pack Review

    The Zildjian A Series cymbal line is a fantastic sounding set of cymbals that are loved by many drummers, including myself. These are musical yet punchy cymbals that can be used in most settings.

    I love the sound of the Zildjian A Series cymbals, and I’ve recorded frequently with them for many different styles of music, ranging from pop right through to metal.

    These cymbals are widely regarded as the most versatile cymbals ever, and they sound right at home in most styles of music ranging from jazz, blues, pop, rock, metal, and more.

    The Zildjian A series cymbals are made with B20 bronze and have a traditional finish that helps to give them their expensive, mellow, and smooth sound.

    These cymbals have a buttery, smooth sound yet they also have the ability to cut through electric guitars when required.

    If you are looking for a professional, all-purpose set of cymbals that ticks all of the boxes, then this is hands down one of the best cymbal sets available.

    Their versatility means they perform exceedingly well within the parameters of any style of music.

    The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

    • 14” A New Beat Hi-Hats
    • 16” A Medium Thin Crash
    • 18” A Medium Thin Crash
    • 21” A Sweet Ride

    Pros

    • Professional all-purpose cymbals that offer superb value
    • Unmistakable, classic sound that can be heard on many recordings
    • Excellent balance of tones across all of the cymbals

    Cons

    • If you're looking for a more diverse range of tones and effects, you may need to explore other cymbal lines
    Best Premium Cymbals

    Sabian HHX Legacy Cymbal Pack

    Providing buttery smooth and dark tones, the HHX Legacy cymbal pack has been designed in conjunction with Dave Weckl for supreme musicality.
    Sounds
    5.0
    Versatility
    4.0
    Build Quality
    5.0
    Value
    3.5

      Sabian HHX Legacy Cymbal Pack Review

      The Sabian HHX Legacy cymbal set incorporates a selection of gorgeous-sounding, thin cymbals with a traditional finish for a supremely musical sound.

      I love the tone these HHX Legacy cymbals possess. They have a gorgeous dark and mellow sound that works very well for studio recordings, and each of the cymbals complements each other wonderfully.

      The sounds are perfectly refined and smooth, and I think these cymbals work exceptionally well for pop, blues, symphonic, and jazz thanks to their rich low-end tones.

      They can also work well for more aggressive styles such as rock and punk music, but they won’t cut through quite as well as brighter cymbals such as the Sabian AAX line or Zildjian’s A Custom cymbals.

      The lightness of the cymbals is evident from their relatively thin weights, which provides the cymbals with a moderate-long sustain and beautiful resonance.

      The lightweight nature of the cymbals also provides excellent responsiveness with wonderful dynamics. All of the cymbals open up extremely well, with a fast attack.

      The large 15” hi-hats have a crisp, articulate sound but when played open up they have a shimmery, bright attack. When played with the hi-hat pedal they produce a warm ‘chick’ sound.

      The 19” Legacy crash cymbal has a beautiful attack with a dark personality and it has quite a long sustain, but it works very well with this cymbal.

      The 22” Legacy ride is a standout performer to me. I love this cymbal, and I think it works just as well as a ride cymbal as it does a crash cymbal. It has a wonderful stick articulation as well as a good amount of wash and crashability while delivering warm, deep tones.

      Overall, the HHX Legacy box set is a beautiful and elegant-sounding set of cymbals.

      But the only real downside is that it’s very expensive considering it doesn’t include two crash cymbals like the other premium cymbal sets included in this review.

      The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

      • 15″ HHX Legacy Hi-Hats
      • 19” HHX Legacy Crash
      • 22” HHX Legacy Ride

      Pros

      • Smooth and defined tones that sound very musically pure
      • Large diameters with thin weights offer a wonderful playing response
      • Stunning warm and washy tones

      Cons

      • Expensive option, especially as it does not include two crash cymbals
      • Rather mellow in sound, so they won't cut through very much
      Best Dark Cymbals

      Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbal Pack

      A truly professional-sounding set of cymbals with a beautiful sonic palette. The K line is loved by professional drummers of a range of styles.
      Sounds
      5.0
      Versatility
      4.5
      Build Quality
      5.0
      Value
      4.0

        Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbal Pack Review

        The K custom line is Zildjian’s flagship range of premium cymbals that have a dark and complex character. These cymbals are very versatile with buttery smooth sounds, and they are just so inviting to play!

        They’re perfect for various Styles and genres and they are well-loved for their warm, rich, and dry sound characteristics. Although they are expensive, their unique sonic palette is sublime.

        The 14-inch K custom dark hi hats have a dark tone but they are pleasantly crisp too, and they sound excellent played closed or open.

        Meanwhile, the 16 and 18 inch K custom dark crashes burst to life with gorgeous explosive and dark sounds, and they’re also highly musical and they pair very well together.

        The 20-inch ride cymbal has a phenomenal tone with exceptional clarity and a beautiful dark character.

        If you are looking for a truly professional sound with complex, dark sound qualities then this is the best cymbal set for you.

        These cymbals respond well to being played both delicately and with power, speaking with a full-bodied and warm tone.

        You just know that when you play these cymbals you are playing the highest-tier range of cymbals that Zildjian has to offer.

        The Zildjian K Custom line is ultra-versatile and is ideal for all genres of music, ranging from pop, metal, gospel, hip-hop, funk, and many more styles.

        The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

        • 14” K Custom Dark Hi-Hats
        • 16” K Custom Dark Crash
        • 18” K Custom Dark Crash
        • 20” K Custom Dark Ride

        Pros

        • Legendary vintage sounds are perfect for various styles and genres
        • These cymbals respond beautifully to a wide range of playing dynamics
        • Renowned for their perfect blended sound quality

        Cons

        • Expensive price tag
        Best Dry Cymbals

        Meinl Cymbals Mike Johnston Byzance Cymbal Set

        An exceptionally responsive and musical set of professional cymbals; the Mike Johnston signature set offers desirable dry and complex tones.
        Sounds
        5.0
        Versatility
        4.0
        Build Quality
        5.0
        Value
        3.5

          Meinl Cymbals Mike Johnston Byzance Cymbal Set Review

          Dark, earthy, and beautifully refined would be a good way to begin to describe the Mike Johnston cymbal set from Meinl. 

          These cymbals represent the pinnacle of cymbal manufacturing from Meinl. These are on the thinner side, with gorgeous hand-hammering and raw surfaces for a dry sound overall.

          Despite being dry sounding and having a shorter sustain, this beautiful selection of Meinl Byzance cymbals proves to be versatile and will perform well for most musical styles.

          These cymbals perform best in the recording studio, where you really get to appreciate how dynamic and responsive these cymbals are.

          With that being said, however, they are still powerful enough to be used for live gigs, without having an overly-bright sound.

          The 14-inch extra dry medium hats have a very dry and dark tone and they open up nicely when you loosen the hats especially. They also blend with the other cymbals really well.

          The 18 inch Byzance extra dry thin crash has a very powerful tone that decays fairly quickly, yet it also blends more than it cuts. Meanwhile, the 20 inch Byzance extra thin crash is the brightest cymbal in the set but it still has dark characteristics thanks to its size.

          Mike Johnston’s 21 inch signature transition ride is a stellar sounding ride cymbal and is one of the most popular Byzance ride cymbals available.

          If you are looking for a well-balanced set of professional-level cymbals with excellent definition and warmth then this is the cymbal set for you.

          With a huge range of tonal colors, this Meinl cymbal pack has will work extremely well for pop, rock, funk, blues, hip-hop, and worship music.

          The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

          • 14″ Byzance Extra Dry Medium Hats
          • 18″ Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash
          • 20” Byzance Extra Thin Hammered Crash
          • 21″ Byzance Transition Ride

          Pros

          • Wonderful variety of tonal colors and textures
          • Supremely playable, with excellent responsiveness and stick definition
          • Ideal for those that prefer dry-sounding and thinner cymbals
          Best Bright Cymbals

          Sabian AAX Worship Cymbal Pack

          Sabian’s brighter-sounding professional cymbals. These cymbals are high-pitched and very explosive, making them perfect for live music when volume is required.
          Sounds
          4.5
          Versatility
          4.5
          Build Quality
          5.0
          Value
          4.5

            Sabian AAX Worship Cymbal Pack Review

            Sabian’s brighter professional option is the AAX line of cymbals. This was the very first professional-level cymbal pack I purchased (about 15 years ago) and I still love how these cymbals sound!

            The cymbals in the AAX line have a glossy mirror-shine brilliant finish, which helps them to project shimmery, high-pitched, and bright sounds.

            These cymbals have a higher pitch and they’re very explosive, making them perfect for heavier styles of music where volume is needed. They are also commonly used in pop and gospel music as well.

            Although they are excellent for heavy styles of music such as rock and metal, these cymbals are responsive and also deliver smooth tones that will also work very well for pop, fusion, and hip-hop.

            With bright and bold sounds, the Sabian AAX cymbal set works incredibly well for gigging and studio recording, where they excel under microphones.

            I personally love the Sabian AAX line, and I feel that they have a supremely clean and bold character that jumps right out in any mix. They do an excellent job of cutting through a mix with loud guitars or synthesizers.

            I really love the raw unlathed bells combined with the brilliant finish surface of the cymbals that provide these cymbals with beautiful sonics and aesthetics.

            Plus, these are the most affordable B20 bronze cymbals Sabian offer, so you can also be confident knowing you’re getting excellent bang for your buck.

            The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

            • 14″ AAX Medium Hats
            • 16″ AAX X-Plosion Crashes
            • 18″ AAX X-Plosion Crashes
            • 21″ AAX Raw Bell Dry Ride
            • 10” AAX Aero Splash

            Pros

            • The cymbals deliver gorgeous tones across the board with the ideal amount of decay
            • AAXPlosion crashes and Raw Bell Dry Ride are standout performers with beautiful sounds
            • These cymbals deliver excellent projection that is perfect for live music
            Best Intermediate Cymbals

            Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Pack

            Complex, and rich-sounding cymbals at an affordable price. They have a dark, earthy tone that is reminiscent of far more expensive cymbals.
            Sounds
            3.5
            Versatility
            3.5
            Build Quality
            4.5
            Value
            4.5

              Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Pack Review

              The excellent Meinl Classics Custom Dark cymbal pack makes the ultimate purchase for any drummer seeking beautiful and professional sounds at an astonishingly low price.

              These cymbals have a distinctive dry tone and a complex, rich sound that complements all musical styles very well. These cymbals undergo a special finishing process that gives them their dark sound.

              The cymbals have plenty of stick definition and they possess a very expensive sound for their price.

              The beautiful, dark sound is reminiscent of far more expensive cymbals such as Zildjian K’s or Sabian’s Hand Hammered series.

              They outperform everything within its price range and they are simply so enjoyable to play! The full-bodied, dark sounds have such a unique flavor that fits in perfectly within any drum set.

              Each cymbal in the set performs exceedingly well and the whole set plays beautifully together- each cymbal complementing each other with a luxurious dry tone.

              The crash cymbals in particular have an expressive, dry tone that I think sounds amazing.

              The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

              • 14” Dark Hi-Hats
              • 16” Dark Crash
              • 18” Dark Crash
              • 20” Dark Ride

              Pros

              • Unique and distinctively dark sounds and looks!
              • Well-made and durable, capable of withstanding heavy use
              • Affordable when compared to other high-end cymbal options

              Cons

              • Rather metallic sounding due to B10 bronze formula
              • Dark lathed surface is not to everyone's tastes
              Best Budget Cymbals

              Paiste PST7 Cymbal Pack

              Crafted from a unique CuSn8 bronze alloy, these glossy-sounding cymbals are reminiscent of the legendary 2002 Paiste cymbal line at an affordable price.
              Sounds
              3.5
              Versatility
              4.5
              Build Quality
              4.0
              Value
              5.0

                Paiste PST7 Cymbal Pack Review

                Up next on our list we have the Paiste PST7 Cymbal Pack. This is an excellent mid-range priced cymbal pack that offers a lot in terms of quality and sound for the price.

                When playing these cymbals, I find they have a brilliant and bold character with a shimmering, open sound.

                They are hand-lathed to achieve a distinctively traditional look and sound. The result is a precise, clear, and versatile cymbal that responds well to being played light and also when hit hard.

                When closed tight the 14 inch hi-hats produce a clean and defined chick sound that is perfect for pop, rock and other contemporary musical styles.

                The 16 and 18 inch crashes are rather bright but really burst to life when
                played loud, and the 20 inch ride cymbal has an excellent ‘ping’ sound from the bell and good crash-ability.

                This cymbal pack offers amazing value for money, and these cymbals sound fantastic for their low-cost price point. I recommend this cymbal box set as a top option for intermediate drummers looking for bright sounds.

                They really do sound like a far more expensive set of cymbals, because they are crafted from a unique CuSn8 bronze alloy that stems from the legendary 2002 series.

                This is one of the best cymbal packs on the market for aspiring drummers that forms a beautiful-sounding sonic palette that is glossy and mellow when played together.

                The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

                • 14” PST7 Hi-Hats
                • 16” PST7 Crash
                • 18” PST7 Crash
                • 20” PST7 Ride

                Pros

                • Precise, clear and versatile cymbals
                • Amazing value for money overall
                • Bright, articulate tone that works well across various genres

                Cons

                • Darker sounding cymbals are more in trend
                • Do not provide the same depth and complexity as higher-end cymbals
                Best Beginner Cymbals

                Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack

                The ideal starter cymbal set for the novice drummer. These HCS cymbals are excellent tools for helping beginners to find their feet on the drums.
                Sounds
                2.5
                Versatility
                3.5
                Build Quality
                4.0
                Value
                5.0

                  Meinl HCS Cymbal Pack Review

                  Lastly on our list, we have this Meinl HCS cymbal pack, which is the best budget cymbal pack available on the market for complete beginners.

                  It’s a very affordable set of cymbals that is perfect for students beginning to find their feet behind a drum set.

                  These brass cymbals are made in Germany and they carry a full 2-Year guarantee that is offered with Meinl’s professional cymbal ranges.

                  This beginner cymbal pack contains all the cymbals required to complete a drum set, and they sound bright and musical. It is rare you will ever find a set of good-sounding beginner cymbals, but these Meinl HCS cymbals are more than adequate for students.

                  Brass cymbals are typically poor quality, but this set has a good sound that is responsive and works well for lots of different musical styles. They are by no means a great quality set of bronze cymbals, but for beginners, they are more than sufficient.

                  Eventually, a beginner will be required to upgrade to a higher-quality set of bronze cymbals like the Meinl Classics Custom Dark Set or the Paiste PST7 set.

                  But if you are at the very start of your drumming journey, and operating on a small budget, then this is the best budget cymbal pack to help you find your musical voice.

                  The cymbal set is comprised of the following cymbals:

                  • 10” HCS Splash
                  • 14” HCS Hi-Hats
                  • 16” HCS Crash
                  • 20” HCS Ride

                  Pros

                  • Highly durable and can withstand lots of playing
                  • Accessible price tag for complete beginners
                  • Musical range of tones despite being made of brass

                  Cons

                  • Brass cymbals are inferior to bronze
                  • Will require upgrading

                  Cymbal Pack Buyer’s Guide

                  Cymbals are arguably the most important investment for any drummer. They are crucial in defining a drummer’s individual sound behind the kit.

                  Purchasing a cymbal pack is the most cost-effective way of upgrading your cymbals, as it works out to be much more affordable than buying the cymbals individually.

                  When buying cymbals, it’s important to remember that unlike drums (which require drumheads and tuning) cymbals will retain their inherent sound qualities and they cannot be altered without damaging or modifying the cymbal (which you do NOT want to do).

                  The cymbals you play make up a large portion of the sounds you have at your disposal as a drummer. Drums and cymbals are effectively tools that you use to translate your musical voice.

                  It’s important to invest in high-quality cymbals because you can’t improve their sounds in the same way you can with a drum.

                  Poor-quality cymbals will always sound terrible, and professional-quality cast cymbals will always sound great.

                  It’s also important to look for a cymbal pack that best suits your needs as a musician. If you play rock and metal, then you will want cymbals that have a louder attack and brighter projection, with the ability to penetrate through a wall of electric guitars.

                  With cymbals, there is an element of “one size fits all” because the average drummer can’t afford to buy twelve different sets of cymbals! A drummer will often rely on one or two good-quality cymbal sets.

                  The best cymbal pack will have enough versatility to sound musically diverse enough to complement a whole range of music genres.

                  Tips for Choosing a Cymbal Pack

                  Choosing the best cymbal pack for you might seem tricky. First of all, the most important piece of advice I can give is to use your ears!

                  I can tell you what I think is the best-sounding set of cymbals, and you are well within your rights to disagree! After all, sound is subjective.

                  Before you make buy cymbals, use your ears and listen to how the cymbals sound:

                  • Can you visualize the cymbals sounding good with your drums?
                  • Will the cymbals complement the styles of music you play?
                  • Do the cymbals sound good amongst each other?
                  • Do the cymbals create a diverse sonic palette that you will feel inspired by?

                  Are the cymbals dark or bright? Or washy or dry? This will have an impact on your overall musical voice behind the drum set! So it’s important to choose wisely.

                  Choosing From Different Cymbal Alloys

                  When buying a cymbal set, you may be aware of different cymbal alloys used in cymbal making.

                  Each cymbal manufacturer will experiment with different formulas and methods for producing their cymbals, but there are several notable formulas of cymbal alloys which I will explain below.

                  B20 bronze cymbals dominate the premium cymbal market and are the professional’s choice. This is because adding more tin to a bronze alloy is known to darken the tone and lead to a sonically richer-sounding cymbal.

                  • Brass cymbals (cheapest available)
                  • B8 Bronze cymbals (entry-level cymbals)
                  • B10/B12 Bronze cymbals (mid-level cymbals)
                  • B20 Bronze cymbals (professional-level cymbals)
                  • B25 Bronze cymbals (professional-level cymbals)

                  Brass Cymbals

                  Brass cymbals are the cheapest available, and they are made of a lower-quality alloy of copper and zinc. These cymbals will have a very “muddy” sound with little projection or clarity.

                  Brass cymbals are made out of sheet metal that is stamped into shape and then lathed down to create the finished product. They are the most budget cymbals available and are designed only for complete beginners.

                  B8 Bronze Cymbals

                  B8 Bronze cymbals are entry-level cymbals, and they are made of a higher-quality alloy of copper and tin with 92% copper and 8% tin.

                  B8 Bronze cymbals, like brass cymbals, are also stamped out of sheet metal, rather than cast forged like professional-level B20 bronze cymbals. This makes them more affordable and cheaper to manufacture.

                  The top cymbal brands offer lines of B8 bronze cymbals which tend to sound good for beginners and developing drummers. They are more musical than brass but are still less refined than premium cymbals.

                  B10/B12 Bronze Cymbals

                  Traditional manufacturing techniques have been combined with modern techniques to develop new affordable cymbal ranges made from B10 or B12 bronze.

                  10 or 12 years ago there was simply no good intermediate-level cymbal available. But with modern ranges like the Meinl Classics Custom Dark cymbal set and the Paiste PST7 cymbal set, there are now good options for drummers that demand quality on a budget.

                  B20 Bronze Cymbals

                  B20 bronze is a formula of bronze that is comprised of 80% copper and 20% tin, with traces of silver. B20 bronze cymbals are forged from cast bronze, which is then hammered and lathed into shape by an experienced cymbal craftsman.

                  B20 bronze cymbals are widely regarded as the best-sounding cymbals available. They are an enormous step up from cheaper cymbal packs in terms of quality, tone, sound, projection, versatility, response, stick definition, and more.

                  Creating high quality cymbal packs from cast bronze is a time-intensive and expensive process, which is why B20 cymbals command a higher price point.

                  B25 Bronze Cymbals

                  Some cymbal manufacturers are experimenting with B25 bronze cymbals – a formula of 75% copper and 25% tin for an even richer sound.

                  B25 bronze has a shimmery, bright, musical tone and a very long sustain which is due to the increased tin.

                  Cymbal Packs FAQs

                  How Many Cymbals Should a Drummer Have?

                  Most drummers typically play one set of hi-hat cymbals, two crashes, a ride cymbal, and possibly include some effects cymbals into their setups like a splash cymbal or a china cymbal.

                  There is no right or wrong number of cymbals to include within your drum set. Some professional drummers (typically jazz drummers) play a very minimal setup of just one pair of hi-hats, a crash cymbal, and a ride. While metal and rock drummers like Mike Portnoy play enormous drum sets with countless cymbals.

                  What are the Best Cymbals Made Of?

                  The best cymbals available and the ones played by the world’s top drummers are made from B20 bronze. These cymbals are cast forged and then hand-hammered and lathed to produce a beautiful-sounding and sonically rich cymbal.

                  B20 bronze cymbals have greater complexity and depth, as well as better projection and a more musical tone than more affordable bronze counterparts that are pressed out from sheet metal.

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