Top 5 Cymbals of 2020

Are you looking for an exciting new cymbal sound for your drum set but don’t want to spend hundreds of euros on it? Then the 10″ Meinl HCS Bronze Hi-Hat could be the perfect solution. Like the other models in the series, this instrument, made of B8 bronze, is characterised by a bright but very musical sound spectrum. 

Due to its compact size, you can position it as a second hi-hat anywhere in your set, but it can also be played as the main hi-hat when you’re playing styles such as drum ‘n’ bass or hip-hop. And of course, the individual cymbals can also be used as stack partners for your existing cymbals. The whole thing costs less than 100 euros. Bang for your buck! 

Sabian’s HHX Complex cymbals are certainly among the best sounding new premium cymbals of last year. The B20 instruments are handcrafted in Canada and produce warm and musical sounds for almost all kinds of music. This is ensured by the combined hammering, which uses the well-known HHX hammer style as well as the one from luxury cymbals of the Artisan series. 

The Promo Cymbal Set hits the hearts of many drummers with 16- and 18-inch crashes as well as a 20-inch ride and a 14-inch hi-hat. All included cymbals are “ear-selected” by the Sabian group and offer exceptional value. For this price you can get the ride and the hi-hats separately.

The times when you had to spend a lot of money on handmade cymbals made of high-quality B20 bronze seem to have finally come to an end. Zultan, the brand managed by Thomann specialists and produced in Turkey, proves this once again with a brand new cymbal set called Impulz.  

By just listening, the cymbals can hardly be distinguished from much more expensive instruments. The hi-hats deliver precise stick attack in closed mode and warm, well-rounded sounds in open mode. The ride and crash cymbal are also very assertive without shrill overtones. So if you‘re looking for a cymbal set that‘s much more fun than many other beginner sets, you should definitely try these new cymbals.

You love your cymbals dark and trashy? Then the Xist Dry Dark Cymbals from Istanbul Agop might be the right choice for you. All models of the series have a raw surface and the hammered profiles of some models are striking. Also, the unusually-shaped flat ride stands out from most other rides available on the market. 

We especially like the fact that the cymbals are not as expensive as many similarly designed competitor models. As part of the mid-range series, all instruments remain within a moderate price range. We also find the large selection of products and the fact that there are also unusual models and sizes very fair to the customer. Speaking of unusual: the line has just been expanded to include a powerful 22 cm crash cymbal.

If you’re looking for good sounding, affordable cymbals that will stand the test of time, especially in louder styles, and can also take a beating, you’ll almost inevitably end up with the I Family series. Like the legendary K or Constantinople series, the cymbals are made in the USA. The alloy used is B8 bronze, an alloy consisting of 92% copper and 8% tin. 

Tonally, all models tend to be in the higher range, which gives them a clear presence and pressure when the guitarists around them really turn up the heat. Zildjian’s pre-selected cymbal sets are also particularly attractive, and a wide selection of individually available cymbals makes them easy to expand.