Choosing the right cymbals is more than just matching gear to a genre—it’s about finding your voice behind the kit. While certain styles lean toward specific sounds (bright, cutting crashes for metal; dark, complex tones for jazz), there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. Your cymbals shape the feel and character of your playing, so it’s worth exploring what resonates with you personally. Some drummers swear by vintage warmth, others chase modern shimmer, and some blend both to carve out something unique. Genre can guide you, but your ears and instincts should lead the way. Ultimately, it’s a creative decision that reflects your identity as a player.

Choosing cymbals can be a daunting task, especially if you are purchasing from an online store without hearing them in person. There are so many options! Which series do you pick and which ones can you afford??

If you are having trouble deciding what kind of cymbals to buy, we have broken down a list of our favorite suggested brands based on the genre or style of music and what is most popular.

  • Bright, articulate tone

  • Ideal for cutting through mixes with clarity.

  • Versatile across genres – Used in jazz, rock, metal, pop, and more.

  • Fast response – Great for dynamic accents and crisp crashes.

  • Complex textures – Especially in the K Series, perfect for expressive ride patterns.

  • Precision and musicality – Allows drummers to shape their sound with confidence and character

  • Top 5 Zildjian artists

    • Lars Ulrich (Metallica)

    • Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters)

    • Roni Kaspi (Independent)

    • Stanton Moore (Galactic)

    • Tony Royster Jr. (Jay-Z)

  • Bright, glassy tone – Cuts through mixes with shimmering clarity.

  • Precise articulation – Ideal for clean, defined stick response.

  • Strong projection – Perfect for live settings and studio work.

  • Fast decay, minimal overtones – Keeps the sound tight and controlled.

  • Genre versatility – Especially favored in rock, pop, funk, and fusion.

  • Consistent response – Reliable feel across dynamic playing styles.

  • Polished, professional sound – Stands out in both recordings and performances.

  • Top 5 Paiste artists

    • Danny Carey (Tool)

    • Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden)

    • Josh Freese (Foo Fighters)

    • Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers

    • Matt Chamberlain (LA Studios)

  • Sonic Character & Versatility

  • Known for bold, modern tones across genres

  • Offers both bright brilliance and earthy warmth

  • Series Highlights

  • Byzance: Hand-hammered B20 bronze, ideal for jazz, fusion, and progressive styles

  • Classics Custom & Pure Alloy: Bright, cutting sounds perfect for rock, metal, and pop

  • Artist Concept & Dual: Hybrid finishes and stacked designs for explosive accents and experimental flair

  • Performance Traits

  • Responds with precision and dynamic range

  • Supports both aggressive playing and subtle articulation

  • Top 5 Meinl artists

    • Benny Greb (Independent)

    • Anika Nilles (Independent)

    • Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders)

    • Chris Coleman (Independent)

    • Luke Holland (Independent)

  • Sonic Identity

  • Dynamic range with expressive, musical tone

  • Adapts well across genres from jazz to metal

  • Series Highlights

  • HHX & Artisan: Dark, complex warmth for jazz, fusion, and studio work

  • AAX & AA: Bright, cutting clarity ideal for rock, metal, and pop

  • Performance Traits

  • Responds precisely to both aggressive and subtle playing

  • Balances vintage character with modern punch

  • Top 5 Sabian artists

    • Terry Bozzio (Formally Frank Zappa/Missing Persons)

    • Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)

    • Thomas Haake (Meshuggah)

    • Dave Weckl (Jazz Fusion)

    • Dom Famularo (Professor)