Best Zildjian cymbals

Which Zildjian cymbals are best?

If you're looking to complete your drum kit, Zildjian cymbals are an obvious choice. With hundreds of years of cymbal-making experience behind them, Zildjian produces cymbals that meet the needs of all styles of drummers.

Still, you may be wondering which Zildjian cymbals are best and how to choose the right ones for you. If you want a full set of basic cymbals, try the Zildjian K Custom Dark Cymbal Pack

What to know before you buy a Zildjian cymbal

Types of Zildjian cymbals

Your average drum kit uses three types of cymbals: ride, crash and hi-hats. Zildjian makes these three types of cymbals, along with lesser-used offerings, such as splash and China cymbals.

Ride cymbals
Hi-hat cymbals
Splash cymbals

You can also buy packs containing all the basic cymbals you'll need, which is ideal for new drummers. For more information, see the guide to drum cymbal sets at BestReviews.

Dark vs. bright

Zildjian cymbals can be divided into two main tonal qualities: bright or dark. Bright cymbals are the most commonly used option. They're sound, responsive and punchy with a short decay, so they don't usually ring out for too long after a hit. Dark cymbals have drier, warmer and more mellow tones. They're popular in jazz and fusion, though they're versatile and have a place in most types of music, especially when recording in a studio.

What to look for in a quality Zildjian cymbal

Size

Cymbal size depends on the type of cymbal. Ride cymbals usually measure between 20 and 24 inches, for instance, while crash cymbals are generally 14 to 20 inches in diameter. Typically, a larger cymbal is louder with longer sustain and a lower pitch.

Series

Zildjian makes various series or ranges of cymbals. Popular ranges include the A series, which is versatile with a bright, sweet sound and the K series, which is warm, rich and dark.

Hammering

Today, Zildjian cymbals aren't hand-hammered. Instead, they're hammered using a high-tech computer-controlled machine that can accurately recreate hand-hammering.

How much you can expect to spend on a Zildjian cymbal

Basic single Zildjian cymbals start at between $50-$100 but can cost as much as $500-$800, while Zildjian cymbal sets can cost as much as $1,000-$1,500.