There are many things about a drum kit you can change to improve its sound. You can swap the stock drum heads, learn tuning techniques, add muffling to the kick drum, use dampening control on drum heads, or change the snare wires on the drum.

But what you can’t easily improve the sound of are cymbals. Often regarded as the backbone of a full drum kit, cymbals make or break your overall percussion sound, so they are worth investing in. With multiple brands catering to beginner, intermediate, and pro drummers, there is something for everyone.

Let’s look at some of the best cymbal brands out there and what they have to offer!

2. Sabian

Sabian, a Canadian cymbal manufacturing company, were founded in 1982 by Robert Zildjian in New Brunswick, USA when he split from the Zildjian brand in 1979 to create cymbals of his own. Since then, Sabian have continued to be family-owned and is currently led by Robert’s son, Andy Zildjian.

They offer many ranges of cymbals, including AAX, HHX, and Stratus. These are highly acclaimed for their versatility and quality craftsmanship, catering for drummers’ diverse musical needs.

Sabian cymbals are renowned for their commitment to innovation and providing drummers with a wide variety of tones.

Notable artists such as Mike Portnoy, Chad Smith, and Jojo Mayer rely on Sabian cymbals for their performances and recordings, showcasing the brand’s popularity among professionals. The tone of Sabian cymbals is characterised by their richness, complexity, and responsiveness.

The brand offer a broad spectrum of sounds, ranging from bright and cutting to dark and complex, ideal for drummers looking for versatility from their cymbals.

In terms of durability, Sabian cymbals are crafted using high-quality materials and traditional manufacturing techniques. They’re known for their longevity and ability to withstand the rigours of regular play.

Our recommended Sabian cymbals:

• Sabian AAX 18″ X-Plosion Crash Cymbal, Brilliant Finish – Explosive, cutting, and bright sound
• Sabian AAX Promotional Set – A fantastic pack of cymbals with small raw bells for crisp sound and a hammering style for a darker tone than the original AAX series
• Sabian XSR Performance Cymbal Set with Free 18″ Fast Crash – The ultimate Sabian pack for a beginner-intermediate setup 

3. Gear4music

Our brand, Gear4music, are well known in the world of musical instruments, and our line of cymbals is no exception. With a focus on affordability and quality, Gear4music cymbals are designed to cater to beginner drummers who are just finding their feet and rhythmic skills.

One of the most famous ranges offered by Gear4music is our CZ2 and CZ3 cymbals. The CZ2 cymbals are known for their bright and dynamic sound, while the CZ3 cymbals are loud and explosive.

These cymbals are available individually or in complete packs that come with cymbal bags, making them convenient for travelling drummers.

Gear4music cymbals are extremely durable and designed to withstand the demands of regular drumming. They’re built to serve drummers of all levels and abilities, ensuring that they can withstand the test of time and intense playing sessions.

Overall, Gear4music cymbals are an ideal choice for beginner drummers who are looking for affordable options without compromising on quality. Our range of CZ2 and CZ3 cymbals offers bright and dynamic tones that can enhance any drumming performance.

Our recommended Gear4music cymbals:

• CZ2 10” Splash Cymbal by Gear4music – Brass construction produces fast and cutting accents
• CZ3 Complete Cymbal Pack by Gear4music – A full pack of CZ3 cymbals with padded cymbal bag for easy transportation
• CZ3 18” Crash Cymbal by Gear4music – Highly polished and hammered for a full, explosive sound

4. Meinl

Meinl Cymbals, a family-owned manufacturer and distributor of musical instruments based in Gutenstetten, Germany, are a leading developer of percussion instruments.

The brand offers a wide range of cymbals, with some of their most famous ranges including Byzance, Classics Custom, HCS, and Pure Alloy, which are all highly regarded for their quality craftsmanship and diverse sound options.

Meinl Cymbals are well-known for their innovative designs and constantly creating new sounds. Many famous artists use Meinl Cymbals, including Benny Greb, Anika Nilles, Thomas Lang, and Benny Greb. These artists trust Meinl Cymbals for their performances and unique sound.

The tone of Meinl Cymbals is characterised by its versatility and range. Whether drummers are looking for bright and cutting sounds or darker and complex tones, Meinl provides a wide variety of options to suit different musical genres and styles.

Meinl Cymbals are crafted with a focus on durability and longevity, using high-quality materials and relying on their years of expertise in production.

Our recommended Meinl cymbals:

• Meinl Byzance Vintage Smack Stack, 10 Inch, 12 Inch, & 14 Inch – Unique stack design produces a short, snappy attack sound
• Meinl HCS Cymbal Set – Explosive, bright tone and good attack
• Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Box Set with Free 18″ Cash – Dark. crisp, powerful tones

5. Dream

Dream Cymbals, launched in 2005, are a partnership between Canadian instrument designers and generations of Old World gong smiths.

With distribution in over 14 countries, Dream Cymbals have gained recognition for their exceptional craftsmanship, unmatched sound, and affordable pricing. Their goal is to provide exceptional musical products to musicians of all types.

There’s a range of famous cymbals on offer from Dream that have garnered acclaim in the music industry. Some notable series include the Bliss, Energy, and Dark Matter lines. Each series offers its own unique tonal characteristics and versatility, allowing drummers to find their perfect sound.

Many renowned artists, such as Matt Garstka of Animals as Leaders, Chris Coleman, and Stanton Moore, choose Dream Cymbals for their performances and recordings.

The tone of Dream Cymbals is rich, complex, and musical. Whether it’s the warm and shimmering tones of the Bliss series or the dark and trashy sounds of the Dark Matter series, there’s a wide range of tonal options to suit different genres and playing styles.

Additionally, each cymbal is designed to withstand the demands of regular playing and maintain its sonic integrity over time.

Our recommended Dream cymbals:

• Dream Bliss Series 15″ Hi-Hat Cymbals, Pair – Lightweight, thin-tapered, and hand-hammered
• Dream Energy 19″ Crash Cymbal – Bright, articulate, and punchy crash tones
• Dream Cymbals Ignition Series 3 Piece Cymbal Pack – Large – Hand-hammered bronze 14″ hi-hat, 18″ crash, and 22″ ride 

6. Paiste

Paiste Cymbals, a family-owned business, aim to continually create new sounds with cymbals, gongs, and bronze percussion instruments. Founded in Russia in 1901 by Michail Toomas Paiste, the brand has plenty of extensive experience in manufacturing.

Over the years, after moving to Estonia, Poland, Germany, and eventually ending up in California, USA, Paiste have collected knowledge from each country, and this is reflected in the cymbals they produce today. Each creation is meticulously researched and executed to guarantee consistency in sound and function.

Today’s music mixes styles, borrows from historical periods, integrates ethnic genres, and incorporates worldwide music styles – and so Paiste, known for their state-of-the-art quality, strive to satisfy the needs of all drummers and percussionists.

The brand’s extensive range covers a wide variety of musical needs and allows you to vary your setups with extreme versatility.

Many renowned artists across genres choose Paiste cymbals for their performances, including Alex Van Halen, Stewart Copeland, and Danny Carey. The tone of Paiste cymbals is characterised by its richness, complexity, and responsiveness, allowing drummers to achieve a wide range of musical expressions.

As for durability, Paiste cymbals are crafted with meticulous craftsmanship and high-quality alloys to withstand regular and vigorous play and are known for their longevity, making them a reliable choice for all drummers and percussionists.

Our recommended Paiste cymbals:

• Paiste 101 Universal Brass Cymbal Pack – MS63 brass and a medium-heavy weight design
• Paiste PST 7 14/16/20 Medium/Universal Cymbal Pack – 14” hi-hat, 16” crash cymbal, and a 20” ride cymbal with crisp, rich tones 
• Paiste 2002 18″ Crash Cymbal – A crisp, bright-sounding crash

7. Istanbul Agop

Istanbul Agop Cymbals are a renowned cymbal producer based in Turkey. The company’s roots can be traced back to the 16th century, originally used as bells for churches. The cymbals later found their place in the Ottoman military band.

In 1980, Agop Tomurcuk, a skilled cymbal smith who had worked in the industry since childhood, began producing Istanbul Cymbals.

After his passing in 1996, the company split between Agop’s sons.

Istanbul Agop Cymbals offers a range of cymbals, including “Alchemy Cymbals,” which has its own production line.

The brand distinguishes itself through its unique finishing process and handmade dedication in every cymbal. Numerous prominent drummers across various genres endorse Istanbul Agop Cymbals, such as Mel Lewis, Cindy Blackman, and Lenny White.

These endorsements demonstrate the brand’s versatility and appeal to musicians from rock to jazz and indie to heavy metal.

The tone of Istanbul Agop Cymbals is highly regarded for its unique sound, achieved through the method and alloy used. The specific formula of the alloy remains a closely guarded secret known only to the owners of the firm! But what we do know is that the cymbals are hand-crafted to withstand even the most brutal of playing styles while still remaining a crisp and defined sound.

Our recommended Istanbul Agop cymbals:

• Istanbul Agop 11″, 13″, & 15″ 3 Piece Clap Stack – An acoustic recreation of iconic 8-bit handclap samples
• Istanbul Agop XIST Cymbal Set with Free 18” Crash and Bag – Full cymbal pack featuring free 18” crash and bag – great value for money for all drummers
• Istanbul Agop 24″ Joey Waronker Signature Ride Cymbal – A signature design with medium weight, light hammering, and a clear stick sound

8. Stagg

Stagg cymbals have a rich history in the world of drumming. Established in Belgium in 1995, Stagg have become a trusted brand known for their diverse range of high-quality cymbals. One of the most famous ranges offered by Stagg is their SH series.

These cymbals are crafted with a single, light hammering treatment and traditional lathing, making them versatile and suitable for various musical styles.

Additionally, the Genghis series features hand-hammered cymbals with dark, warm sounds – ideal for metal and rock drummers.

Stagg cymbals are favoured by a number of artists across different genres. Drummers such as Search Carriere of BEAR, Al Junior of The Cruel Knives, and Benjamin Hendrickx of Moments are just a handful of the drummers that stand by Stagg cymbals and frequently use them for every show, practice, or recording session.

Stagg cymbals offer a diverse range of sounds to suit different musical preferences. From bright and dynamic tones in the SH series to dark and warm sounds in the Genghis series, there is a Stagg cymbal out there for all drummers.

When it comes to durability, Stagg cymbals are built to withstand the demands of regular drumming crafted with precision and using high-quality materials.

Our recommended Stagg cymbals: 

• Stagg 8” SH China Cymbal – Durable design makes for a great cymbal to gig or tour with
• Stagg Genghis Dual 18″ Medium Crash – Dark, warm tones 
• Stagg SXM Silent Practice Cymbal Set – Low-volume cymbals for home practice sessions and quiet rehearsals

9. UFIP Cymbals

Founded in 1931 in Pistoia, Italy, UFIP are known for their meticulous, premium craftsmanship and innovation.

Unlike most cymbal brands that use rolling and pressing techniques, UFIP developed a patented method known as Rotocasting which involves centrifuge-casting molten B20 bronze – an alloy of 80% copper and 20% tin – into spinning moulds. The force pushes impurities to the edge, resulting in cleaner, denser metal that has enhanced durability and tonal consistency.

Each cymbal is hand-finished by dedicated craftspeople who shape, temper, and hammer the metal using traditional tools. Plus, the bell is naturally thicker, contributing to a more dynamic sound profile.

After manufacturing, cymbals are left to rest for two months before a final inspection and sound test. This detailed process ensures each UFIP cymbal meets high acoustic standards and develops its tone over time.

Our recommended UFIP cymbals:

• UFIP Tiger Series 22″ Ride – Sheet bronze construction and a hand-hammered finish
• UFIP Supernova Series 14″ Hi Hat – Tight, punchy articulation and bright tones
• UFIP Tiger Series 16″ China – Quick response and an explosive attack