When it comes to selecting the best cymbals for metal and rock music, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. These options usually coincide with the best cymbals for rock music, meaning that you have plenty to research before investing in one particular product.
For your convenience, we will be listing and discussing four of the best rock cymbals and best metal cymbals that we could find. It is important that you determine exactly what you are looking for before purchasing anything.
So let's take a look at what you need to know about metal and rock cymbals, then move on to our favorite options to get you started.
Why You Need the Right Cymbals for Metal & Rock
Both metal and rock are very loud genres of music. As drummers, the equipment used during performances needs to be adjusted for this loud volume and sound.
With this being said, choosing the best cymbals for metal is very important.
You will need cymbals that are loud, bright, and cutting, allowing them to still be heard over the other instruments. Because of this, various music companies have released specific cymbals that are designed to be used in these intense environments.
What Makes a Good Cymbal for Metal and Rock Music?
Many drummers disagree when it comes to naming the best cymbal on the market. This is because all musicians have different styles and tastes.
While one drummer may believe that a ride cymbal offers the best sound, another may prefer hi hats. Also, one musician may use 14" hi hats, while another could make use of 15'' options.
However, there are a few key features to look out for that determine whether or not a cymbal will suit metal and rock music.
Materials
For starters, you will need to carefully consider which material the cymbal is made out of. The material plays a massive role in terms of the sound produced.
A popular material that is often used by cymbal manufacturers is bronze. The Paiste 2002 set makes use of B8 bronze and happens to be one of the best options on the market.
B20 is another reliable metal. The Sabian AAX range makes use of this material and is known for its great sound.
Thickness
The thickness of the cymbal also drastically affects the sound produced.
The thicker the cymbal, the muddier the sound will be. For this reason, 14" hi hats are often very thin in order to achieve that bright and shocking tone.
Since metal music is so loud, you should look for thinner cymbals that will produce a louder, more distinctive sound.
Size
Finally, the size of the cymbal also plays a major role in the sound. For example, 14" hi hats produce slightly less volume than 15'' options.
If you want a louder cymbal, you should opt for a larger option.
How to Choose the Best Cymbals for Metal
To choose the perfect cymbal, you will first need to think about what sound you want to achieve. There are a number of factors that you will need to consider when looking for the best crash cymbals for metal music.
Decide on Type of Cymbal
For starters, there are different types of cymbals on the market.
Crash cymbals are generally used for metal or rock music, because they produce a very bright and distinctive sound. On the other hand, the ride cymbal is a standard sounding product that is included in most drum kits.
Many metal/rock drummers enjoy using hi hats. In short, this is a combination of two cymbals and a foot pedal. The most common and popular option is 14" hi hats.
The best cymbal for hard rock has to be hand-hammered options. These options offer much more distortion than the ride cymbal. They also have a much thicker sound when compared to hi hats.
China cymbals are also a great option for metal and hard rock artists. A few of the best sounding china cymbals include the Premium Sabian 19” AA Holy, the Meinl 18” Classics Custom Dark, and the Sabian AAX.
As we will mention below, there are a number of quality cymbals for you to consider, including the Paiste 2002, Zildjian A and K Custom sets, as well as the Sabian AAX cymbals.
Each of these options sound great when accompanied by other hard rock and metal instruments.
The Best Cymbals for Metal - A Complete Review With Comparisons
We have already discussed a few great cymbals that you should consider if you are a metal or rock drummer.
To make things a little easier for you, we will go into more depth below. There are various cymbals out there for you to choose from.
The options listed below are simply a few of the most popular and commonly used products, and they are a great place to get started in your search.
1. Meinl Classics Custom Dark
This metal cymbal is known for its distinctive sound and look.
Meinl is one of the best drumming manufacturers out there, making this a reliable choice. Also, this option is specifically designed to be used for rock and metal music.
Review
These cymbals are used by some of the best metal and rock artists in the world, including Brann Dailor and Alex Rüdinger.
These drummers swear by the clarity, sound, and tone produced by the Custom Dark.
This option also offers great projection and articulation.
On top of the solid construction, you will receive a wide range of cymbals in the pack, including 14" hi hats and 16'' crash cymbals.
The sound produced by this option is bright and cutting, meeting the needs of many metal and rock artists.
Pros
Cons
Zildjian cymbals are definitely some of the best in the world. Designed specifically for rock and metal music, this option is known for its bright and cutting sound.
However, it is important to note that the A Custom is slightly more expensive when compared to other options on the list.
Review
These cymbals offer a versatile sound that suits both rock and metal music.
The package includes a wide variety of cymbals.
If you are looking for impressive volume, this product may be perfect for you. Since they have a little more weight, they have great projection and articulation.
They are also made out of high-quality materials and offer a very bright tone. These cymbals are well-made, and they are used by many of the best drummers in the world.
However, they are pricey when compared to other options mentioned on the list.
Pros
Cons
This cymbal set is one of the top cymbals for drummers who are on a budget.
Made from B8 bronze, you will notice a very bright and distinctive tone when using this option. However, the crashes are slightly muted when compared to other options on the list.
Review
The Sabian B8X cymbals are very reasonably priced.
They are made from high-quality B8 bronze and are used by thousands of professional drummers all over the world.
You can pick up various sizes and shapes, making the cymbal versatile. Also, they are specifically designed to be used by rock and metal drummers.
These cymbals are often compared to the Paiste 2002's.
Pros
Cons
This set of Zildjian cymbals are known for their bright and cutting tone.
The i Series is perfect for metal and rock drummers. You can also choose from a range of cymbals, adding versatility to your music.
Review
This cymbal can be purchased at an affordable price and has excellent craftsmanship.
If you are searching for a reasonably priced set of cymbals, this package may be perfect for you.
Designed to be used by metal and rock drummers, these cymbals offer a great tone. They are known for their high pitch and bright feel.
However, the cymbals lack power in the volume department. This is due to the fact that the cymbals are thinner than some other options.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
If you are searching for a new set of the best cymbals for metal and rock music, there are various options for you to choose from.
Above, we mentioned four great products that are used by some of the best drummers in the world.
These options are known for their bright and cutting tone, making them perfect for these specific genres.
It is important that you decide exactly what you are looking for in a product before settling on one option.
