Skip to content 
The Best Beginner Cymbals: A Guide for Aspiring Drummers
Table Of Contents
Best Beginner Cymbals - Overview
Choosing the right cymbals when starting out as a beginner drummer can significantly impact not only your sound, but also your learning experience. This guide will try and help by briefly talking about the history of cymbals and help you understand the pros and cons of the best beginner cymbals available today.
Beginner Cymbals
At a Glance:
- Go with a trusted brand
- You will sacrifice tone quality
- Go for durability and affordability
- When you can afford higher quality buy them!
” Some cheaper or budget cymbals actually sound better than more expensive ones…. it depends on the tone you are looking for.”
Phil Rudd, ACDC.
A Brief History of Cymbals
I know you don’t want a history lesson but I’ll make this really quick 🙂
Cymbals have a rich history dating back thousands of years, originating in ancient Turkey and China, they were used primarily in religious ceremonies and military applications.
Eventually this led to their introduction to Europe and eventually to the world of modern music.
Today, cymbals are a staple in various music genres, from jazz to rock to classical music.
Their evolution has led to a wide range of types and styles, making them an essential element of any drum kit.
See all done…..that wasn’t so bad 🙂
Cymbals have a rich history dating back thousands of years, originating in ancient Turkey and China, they were used primarily in religious ceremonies and military applications.
Eventually this led to their introduction to Europe and eventually to the world of modern music.
Today, cymbals are a staple in various music genres, from jazz to rock to classical music.
Their evolution has led to a wide range of types and styles, making them an essential element of any drum kit.
See all done…..that wasn’t so bad 🙂
What to Look for in Beginner Cymbals
When selecting beginner cymbals, consider these key factors:
1. Durability:
Beginners often hit harder and less precisely, so durable cymbals can withstand heavy “improper” use.
2. Affordability:
Entry-level cymbals should be cost-effective.
3. Sound Quality:
While beginners might not need the best, professional-grade sound, choosing cymbals with good tonal quality can enhance your practice, performances and just make you feel better about the process.
1. Durability:
Beginners often hit harder and less precisely, so durable cymbals can withstand heavy “improper” use.
2. Affordability:
Entry-level cymbals should be cost-effective.
3. Sound Quality:
While beginners might not need the best, professional-grade sound, choosing cymbals with good tonal quality can enhance your practice, performances and just make you feel better about the process.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Stay connected and receive the latest gear updates as well as exclusive offers.
Top Beginner Cymbals
These are in no particular order and you can read our blog on the Best Cymbals on a Budget here.
1. Zildjian Planet Z
Pros:
Durability: Made from nickel-silver alloy, these cymbals are highly durable.
Affordability: One of the most budget-friendly options on the market.
Balanced Sound: Offers a decent sound for various genres, making it versatile for beginners.
Cons:
Limited Tonal Range: While good for practice, they may not satisfy more advanced musical needs.
2. Sabian SBR
Pros:
Quality Craftsmanship: Made from brass, these cymbals offer solid sound quality.
Budget-Friendly: Affordable without compromising too much on quality.
Versatility: Suitable for different styles, from rock to jazz.
Cons:
Brass Material: Although Brass is strong, it is not as sonically rich as bronze, leading to a less complex sound.
Pros:
Quality Craftsmanship: Made from brass, these cymbals offer solid sound quality.
Budget-Friendly: Affordable without compromising too much on quality.
Versatility: Suitable for different styles, from rock to jazz.
Cons:
Brass Material: Although Brass is strong, it is not as sonically rich as bronze, leading to a less complex sound.
3. Meinl HCS
Pros:
Durability: Made from brass alloy, these cymbals can take a beating.
Good Sound Quality: Provides a bright, clear sound that is great for beginners.
Affordability: Reasonably priced for entry-level musicians.
Cons:
Brightness: The sound can be too bright and lacking in depth and tone for some styles of music.
Pros:
Durability: Made from brass alloy, these cymbals can take a beating.
Good Sound Quality: Provides a bright, clear sound that is great for beginners.
Affordability: Reasonably priced for entry-level musicians.
Cons:
Brightness: The sound can be too bright and lacking in depth and tone for some styles of music.
Should I Even Bother Buying Beginner Cymbals?
Pros and Cons of Beginner Cymbals:
Pros:
– Cost-Effective
– Durability
– Good Learning Tool
Cons:
– Sound Quality
– Longevity
– Sound Quality
– Longevity
Summary
Ok let’s sum this all up.
Selecting the best beginner cymbals involves balancing cost, durability and sound quality.
Options like Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR and Meinl HCS offer great starting points for new drummers.
Understanding the history and development of cymbals can also enrich your appreciation for these essential instruments.
As you advance, your needs will evolve and expand, but don’t overthink it, starting is the most important thing and having with the right beginner cymbals can set a solid foundation for your drumming journey.
Selecting the best beginner cymbals involves balancing cost, durability and sound quality.
Options like Zildjian Planet Z, Sabian SBR and Meinl HCS offer great starting points for new drummers.
Understanding the history and development of cymbals can also enrich your appreciation for these essential instruments.
As you advance, your needs will evolve and expand, but don’t overthink it, starting is the most important thing and having with the right beginner cymbals can set a solid foundation for your drumming journey.
Q & A
Q. What cymbals should every drummer have?
Most drum kits consist of high hats, a ride cymbal and at least one crash cymbal. You’ll find the more experience you have, you will likely add more cymbals to create more colour.
Q. Can cheap cymbals sound good?
Absolutely! But this depends on your definition of “good”.
Cymbals come in a wide variety of sounds and styles so you need to determine what you want to hear and therefore what you think sounds good.
In saying that, there is a quality to quality cymbals, budget or not, that is hard to miss.
This is usually down to what the cymbals are made from.
These days even the lower end series of bigger brand cymbals are made well.
Q. How do I choose the right cymbals?
When choosing the right cymbals it is important to do your research.
Reading blogs like these, going into music stores and trying some and listening to your favourite Drummer’s is a good place to start.
Q. What are the 4 cymbals?
The 4 cymbals are usually categorised as high hats, ride cymbals, crash cymbals and affect cymbals like a china or splash cymbal.
Most drum kits consist of high hats, a ride cymbal and at least one crash cymbal. You’ll find the more experience you have, you will likely add more cymbals to create more colour.
Q. Can cheap cymbals sound good?
Absolutely! But this depends on your definition of “good”.
Cymbals come in a wide variety of sounds and styles so you need to determine what you want to hear and therefore what you think sounds good.
In saying that, there is a quality to quality cymbals, budget or not, that is hard to miss.
This is usually down to what the cymbals are made from.
These days even the lower end series of bigger brand cymbals are made well.
Q. How do I choose the right cymbals?
When choosing the right cymbals it is important to do your research.
Reading blogs like these, going into music stores and trying some and listening to your favourite Drummer’s is a good place to start.
Q. What are the 4 cymbals?
The 4 cymbals are usually categorised as high hats, ride cymbals, crash cymbals and affect cymbals like a china or splash cymbal.
Did We Miss Something?
If there is something we have forgotten to mention, please contact us so we can continue to help and serve the wider drumming community.
