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Cymbals come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and materials. From bright and shimmery rides to one-of-a-kind crashes, splashes, and hi hats. Learn what each cymbal type accomplishes and how different features affect your sound.
Sift through the catalog with our filters to find that perfect cymbal.

Cymbals come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and materials. From bright and shimmery rides to one-of-a-kind crashes, splashes, and hi hats....

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Cymbals come in all kinds of different shapes, sizes, and materials. From bright and shimmery rides to one-of-a-kind crashes, splashes, and hi hats. Learn what each cymbal type accomplishes and how different features affect your sound.
Sift through the catalog with our filters to find that perfect cymbal.

READ LESS

More about Cymbals

Zildjian Cymbal Types

Cymbals generally fall into one of the six following categories: Ride, Crash, Hi-hat, Splash, China, or FX. Whether it be maintaining groove or adding accents and dynamics, knowing what each cymbal type does is a great place to start your search. Here is our breakdown of Zildjian's different cymbal types.

  • Ride Cymbals: The ride cymbal is the largest and heaviest cymbal on the drum set. We use it to play “over-riding” patterns within grooves. It has a bigger and darker sound with more stick definition than a crash cymbal. Ride cymbals vary in sizes, but typically range from 19-24”. The most popular sizes fall between 20-22”.
  • Crash Cymbals: The “crash” cymbal – a term coined by Avedis Zildjian III – is a thin and light weight cymbal that creates an explosive bright sound with a quick decay. There are many models of crash cymbals, ranging from thick and heavy to thin and light. The most popular crash cymbals typically range between 16-18”.
  • Hi-Hat Cymbals: Hi-Hats cymbals are the primary timekeeping tool behind the kit. Hi-Hat cymbals come in pairs and are mounted to a foot-controlled stand that is used to push the cymbals together. Zildjian offers a range of diameters that are available to be purchased both together or individually.
  • Splash Cymbals: Splash cymbals range between 4-13" in diameter and make a quick and accented sound. As the name suggest, these cymbals are used to create a splash like sound that is great for articulating notes and adding sonic diversity.
  • China Cymbals: China-type cymbals are a distinct type of crash cymbal known for their unique shape. Designed to create an expressive and explosive sound, Chinas produce a bright and crisp tone.
  • FX Cymbals: “Effects” cymbals are unique and alternative cymbals that offer other distinct sounds. Beyond the basic cymbal types, FX cymbals offer a world of specialty sounds that can help complete your setup. Some popular options include stacks, bells, and trash crashes.
  • Cymbal Packs: Zildjian sells a number of our cymbal types in a pack for a quick and cost-effective purchase option for your drum kit. Cymbal packs are a great option for a new drummer looking for their first set.

The Anatomy of a Cymbal

Cymbals generally fall into one of the six following categories: Ride, Crash, Hi-hat, Splash, China, or FX. Whether it be maintaining groove or adding accents and dynamics, knowing what each cymbal type does is a great place to start your search. Here is our breakdown of Zildjian's different cymbal types.

  • Ride Cymbals: The ride cymbal is the largest and heaviest cymbal on the drum set. We use it to play “over-riding” patterns within grooves. It has a bigger and darker sound with more stick definition than a crash cymbal. Ride cymbals vary in sizes, but typically range from 19-24”. The most popular sizes fall between 20-22”.
  • Crash Cymbals: The “crash” cymbal – a term coined by Avedis Zildjian III – is a thin and light weight cymbal that creates an explosive bright sound with a quick decay. There are many models of crash cymbals, ranging from thick and heavy to thin and light. The most popular crash cymbals typically range between 16-18”.
  • Hi-Hat Cymbals: Hi-Hats cymbals are the primary timekeeping tool behind the kit. Hi-Hat cymbals come in pairs and are mounted to a foot-controlled stand that is used to push the cymbals together. Zildjian offers a range of diameters that are available to be purchased both together or individually.
  • Splash Cymbals: Splash cymbals range between 4-13" in diameter and make a quick and accented sound. As the name suggest, these cymbals are used to create a splash like sound that is great for articulating notes and adding sonic diversity.
  • China Cymbals: China-type cymbals are a distinct type of crash cymbal known for their unique shape. Designed to create an expressive and explosive sound, Chinas produce a bright and crisp tone.
  • FX Cymbals: “Effects” cymbals are unique and alternative cymbals that offer other distinct sounds. Beyond the basic cymbal types, FX cymbals offer a world of specialty sounds that can help complete your setup. Some popular options include stacks, bells, and trash crashes.
  • Cymbal Packs: Zildjian sells a number of our cymbal types in a pack for a quick and cost-effective purchase option for your drum kit. Cymbal packs are a great option for a new drummer looking for their first set.