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Cymbals: The Complete Buyer's Guide for Drummers

Cymbals: The Complete Buyer's Guide for Drummers

Cymbals are the voice of your drum kit. They define your sound, your style, and your musical identity more than almost any other piece of gear. Yet for many drummers - especially those buying their first upgrade - choosing cymbals can feel overwhelming. So many brands, so many sizes, so many finishes.

This guide cuts through the noise. Whether you're searching for cymbals for sale UK, your first cymbal set, or a specific hi-hat or ride upgrade, we've got you covered at Into Music Store - your specialist cymbal store UK with a physical showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. UK next day delivery is available on most orders, and you're welcome to visit us in store to try cymbals before you buy.

Types of Cymbals Explained

Before diving into brands and models, it's worth understanding what each cymbal type does - because every cymbal on your kit serves a different musical purpose.

Hi-Hat Cymbals

Hi-hats are two cymbals mounted on a stand and operated by a foot pedal. They're the rhythmic backbone of most drumming styles - used for keeping time, adding texture, and driving grooves. Hi-hats come in pairs and are typically 13" to 15" in diameter. The most common size is 14".

Key things to consider when buying hi-hats: weight (lighter = more open and washy; heavier = tighter and more cutting), finish (brilliant finish is brighter; traditional finish is darker and drier), and whether you want a matched pair or a "sloshy" mismatched setup.

Crash Cymbals

Crash cymbals are your accent cymbals - hit hard for explosive accents and musical punctuation. They decay quickly and are typically 14" to 18" in diameter. Most drummers run two crashes of different sizes for tonal variety. Thinner crashes respond faster and are more expressive; heavier crashes are louder and more cutting.

Ride Cymbals

The ride cymbal is your primary timekeeping cymbal for many styles - particularly jazz, rock, and funk. Rides are typically 20" to 22" and are designed to produce a clear, defined stick sound ("ping") with a controlled wash. The bell of the ride produces a bright, cutting tone used for accents and Latin patterns.

Splash Cymbals

Splash cymbals are small, fast-decaying accent cymbals - typically 8" to 12". They add a quick, bright punctuation that sits between a hi-hat accent and a full crash. Popular in fusion, funk, and contemporary styles.

China Cymbals

China cymbals have an upturned bell and flanged edges that produce a trashy, aggressive sound. They're mounted upside down and used for powerful accents in rock, metal, and heavy music. Sizes typically range from 14" to 20".

FX and Effects Cymbals

Effects cymbals cover everything from stacked cymbals and perforated cymbals to unusual shapes and hybrid designs. They add unique textures and sounds that standard cymbals can't produce - popular with creative and contemporary drummers.

Low Volume Cymbals

Low volume cymbals are perforated to reduce volume by up to 80% - making them ideal for practice at home, in flats, or in shared spaces. They feel and respond like regular cymbals but at a fraction of the volume. Browse our low volume cymbals collection.

Cymbal Brands - Which Should You Choose?

The cymbal market is dominated by a handful of world-class brands, each with a distinct character and heritage. Here's what you need to know about the brands we stock at Into Music Store.

Zildjian Cymbals - The World's Oldest Cymbal Maker

Founded in Constantinople in 1623, Zildjian is the oldest cymbal manufacturer in the world and arguably the most famous. Their secret alloy - a blend of copper, tin, and silver - has been the foundation of their sound for four centuries. Browse our full Zildjian cymbals range.

Zildjian's key series include:

  • Zildjian A Series (Avedis) - the classic Zildjian sound. Bright, cutting, and versatile across rock, pop, and funk. The most popular professional cymbal series in the world.
  • Zildjian K Series - darker, drier, and more complex. Hand-hammered in Turkey for a vintage, jazz-influenced character. Favoured by jazz, fusion, and studio drummers.
  • Zildjian K Constantinople - the pinnacle of the K range. Thin, responsive, and extraordinarily musical. The choice of the world's finest jazz drummers.
  • Zildjian S Series - professional tone at a more accessible price. B20 bronze alloy with a bright, cutting character. Excellent value for gigging drummers.
  • Zildjian I Family - the entry-level Zildjian range. B12 alloy with a bright, lively sound. The ideal first upgrade from starter cymbals.
  • Zildjian FX Cymbals - effects and specialty cymbals for creative players.
  • Zildjian L80 Low Volume - the market-leading low volume cymbal range.

Popular Zildjian cymbal sets at Into Music Store:

Meinl Cymbals - German Engineering, Turkish Craftsmanship

Meinl is a German brand that has grown into one of the world's leading cymbal manufacturers, producing cymbals in Turkey using traditional hand-hammering techniques. Their range spans from affordable entry-level options to world-class professional cymbals. Browse our full Meinl cymbals range.

  • Meinl HCS - entry-level brass cymbals. Bright and lively, ideal for beginners and students.
  • Meinl Byzance - the flagship professional range. Hand-hammered B20 bronze with extraordinary depth and complexity. Available in multiple sub-series:

Popular Meinl cymbal sets at Into Music Store:

Istanbul Agop - Handmade in Turkey

Istanbul Agop cymbals are entirely hand-crafted in Istanbul, Turkey, using traditional methods passed down through generations. Each cymbal is unique - hammered and lathed by hand for a warm, complex, and deeply musical character. They are the choice of discerning jazz and world music drummers who want something truly special.

How to Choose the Right Cymbals

With so many options available, here's a practical framework for choosing cymbals that suit your playing:

1. Match Your Genre

Different musical styles call for different cymbal characters. Rock and pop drummers typically want bright, cutting cymbals with plenty of volume and projection - the Zildjian A Series or Meinl Classics Custom are strong choices. Jazz and fusion drummers generally prefer darker, drier, more complex cymbals - the Zildjian K Series, Meinl Byzance Jazz, or Istanbul Agop are ideal. Metal drummers need aggressive, fast-responding cymbals that cut through high-gain guitar.

2. Set a Budget

Cymbal quality scales significantly with price. As a rough guide:

  • Entry level (under £150 for a set) - Zildjian Planet Z, Meinl HCS, Stagg AXK. Good for beginners and practice.
  • Mid range (£150-£400 for a set) - Zildjian I Family, Zildjian S Series. Genuine B20 bronze, suitable for gigging.
  • Professional (£400+) - Zildjian A/K, Meinl Byzance, Istanbul Agop. Hand-crafted, studio and touring quality.

3. Buy Individually or as a Set?

Cymbal sets offer excellent value and a matched tonal character across your kit - ideal for beginners and drummers building their first setup. Buying individually gives you more control over tone and size combinations - better for experienced players with specific requirements. Browse our Meinl cymbal box sets and Zildjian packs for great set value.

4. Consider Your Practice Environment

If you practice at home, in a flat, or in a noise-sensitive environment, low volume cymbals are worth serious consideration. The Zildjian L80 range reduces volume by up to 80% while maintaining a realistic playing feel.

Cymbal Sizes - A Quick Reference Guide

Getting the right size is important for both tone and playability. Here's a quick reference:

  • Hi-hats: 13" (tight, cutting), 14" (most popular, versatile), 15" (fuller, heavier)
  • Crash: 14"-16" (fast, bright), 17"-18" (fuller, louder), 19"-20" (large, powerful)
  • Ride: 20" (responsive, versatile), 21"-22" (more wash, bigger sound), 24"+ (orchestral/jazz)
  • Splash: 8"-12" (smaller = faster decay)
  • China: 14"-18" (smaller = trashier and faster)

Buy Cymbals at Into Music Store

Into Music Store is one of the UK's leading specialist drum and cymbal stores, stocking Zildjian, Meinl, Istanbul Agop, and more - online and in our showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Whether you're searching for cymbals for sale near me, a specific model, or expert advice on what to buy, our team of drummers is here to help.

Visit us in store to hear and feel cymbals before you buy - we're one of the few dedicated drum stores near you in the UK where you can try before you commit. UK next day delivery is available on most orders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cymbals

What cymbals should a beginner buy?

For beginners, a cymbal pack or box set offers the best value and a matched tonal character. The Zildjian Planet Z Complete Pack (14" hi-hats, 16" crash, 20" ride) and the Meinl HCS Super Cymbal Set are both excellent starting points. As your playing develops, you can upgrade individual cymbals to suit your style. Shop Zildjian Planet Z and Meinl HCS sets at Into Music Store.

What is the difference between Zildjian A and K cymbals?

Zildjian A Series cymbals are bright, cutting, and versatile - the classic rock and pop cymbal sound. Zildjian K Series cymbals are darker, drier, and more complex - hand-hammered in Turkey for a vintage, jazz-influenced character. A Series suits high-energy playing; K Series suits more nuanced, dynamic styles. Both are professional-grade B20 bronze cymbals.

What size hi-hats should I buy?

14" hi-hats are the most popular size and the best choice for most drummers. They offer a versatile balance of openness and definition that works across rock, pop, funk, and jazz. 13" hi-hats are tighter and more cutting - popular in heavier styles. 15" hi-hats are fuller and heavier - favoured by jazz and fusion players who want a bigger, washer sound.

Are Meinl Byzance cymbals worth the money?

Yes - Meinl Byzance cymbals are widely regarded as some of the finest cymbals available at any price. Hand-hammered B20 bronze with extraordinary depth, complexity, and musicality. They are used by world-class drummers across jazz, rock, and contemporary music. If you're ready to invest in professional cymbals, Byzance is one of the best choices available. Browse the Meinl Byzance range at Into Music Store.

Where can I buy cymbals in the UK?

Into Music Store is a specialist drum store UK stocking a full range of cymbals from Zildjian, Meinl, Istanbul Agop, and more. Shop online with UK next day delivery available, or visit our showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire to try cymbals in person - one of the few dedicated drum stores near you in the UK with a wide cymbal range in stock.

What are low volume cymbals and are they any good?

Low volume cymbals are perforated cymbals that reduce volume by up to 80% while maintaining a realistic playing feel and response. They are ideal for home practice, flat living, and noise-sensitive environments. The Zildjian L80 range is the market leader. They are not a replacement for regular cymbals in a live or studio context, but for practice they are an excellent solution. Browse our low volume cymbals at Into Music Store.

Into Music Store - specialist drum store UK, based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire. Shop cymbals online or visit us in person. UK next day delivery available.

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