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Shipping to USA
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What are the “plates” or cymbals on a drum kit? Cymbals are the acoustic highlight of the set. With crash, china, splash, or effects cymbals you create accents, while the hi-hat or a ride keeps the groove steady.
Cymbals are made in different ways. Some are produced entirely by machine, while others are hand-forged. Many models combine both approaches: for example, machine-lathed blanks that are then hand-hammered.
They use special alloys such as B20 bronze. In theory these alloys would crack on the first hit; turning them into durable cymbals that withstand years of playing requires deep know-how in composition and treatment.
Even within the same type or series, two cymbals can sound different: each piece is unique and has its own tonal nuance compared to an “identical” model. Hand-crafted cymbals usually vary more than machine-made ones, though brands work hard to keep consistency across their lines.
Example: when you try a Zildjian Custom series, you’ll notice subtle differences that highlight each cymbal’s character, while the overall set still sounds clearly related.
Brands like Zildjian, Meinl, Fame, and Paiste offer cymbal sets that are tonally balanced. Everything fits together and there’s often a better price. A typical set includes a hi-hat and a ride plus one (sometimes two) matching crashes.
The most common standard sizes are 14″ for the hi-hat, 20″ for the ride, and 16″/18″ for the crash. Sets with other sizes also exist.
The most common size for a hi-hat is 14″, though smaller or larger pairs exist. To keep them from “sticking,” tilt the bottom cymbal slightly with the tilter so air can escape and no vacuum forms.
In many styles, the ride carries the main pattern. Standard sizes are usually 20″ or 22″. Larger rides are heavier and produce deeper, denser tones (“heavy”).
The bell gives defined accents and projects more than a crash. If you prefer a pure ride sound, choose a flat ride without a bell. Many rides keep a clear “ping” even at higher volume. For a more washy, crash-like effect, try a thinner ride or a crash/ride.
Crash cymbals add accents. Common sizes are 16″, 17″, and 18″, though options range from 13″ up to 20″.
The thinner the cymbal, the quicker the response and the easier it is to play quietly. Thicker cymbals need a stronger hit, offer more brightness, and cut better in loud bands. In small rooms, a thin/smaller crash works well; on larger stages, bigger/heavier models are typically preferred.
Besides rides, hi-hats, and crashes, many drummers expand their palette with china, splash, and effect cymbals.
China cymbals have an inverted edge and often a squared bell; that’s why they’re sometimes mounted “upside down.” They deliver powerful, trashy accents.
Splash cymbals are essentially small crashes (≈12″), thin and super quick—perfect for short, bright accents in jazz, pop, or rock.
With effect cymbals you can create unusual, spacey textures. Example: the Zildjian Spiral Trash, which looks as if it was cut out with a can opener.
Percussion cymbals (often played by hand) appear in the Percussion category.
They’re the acoustic centerpiece of the kit. Crash, hi-hat, ride, china, splash, and effects cymbals add accents, drive, and tonal color.
Mainly bronze (e.g., B20, B8) or brass. The alloy, thickness, hammering, and finish define the sound — from warm and rounded to bright and cutting.
The production process — hammering, lathing, and finishing — introduces natural variations, especially in hand-crafted models.
A balanced setup (e.g., hi-hat + ride + 1–2 crashes) provides a cohesive sound and usually better value — ideal for beginners or upgrading your rig.
Sets offer pre-matched tonal balance and better value; individual cymbals allow full customization for your sound.
Meinl, Zildjian, Paiste, Istanbul Mehmet, Fame, T-Cymbals — hand-hammered B20 lines and wide effect ranges for every style.
Warmer cymbals fit drums with strong midrange; brighter cymbals pair well with livelier kits. Always test in context.
Items marked “in stock” are shipped right away. We’ll notify you of any changes.
Usually 1–3 business days within DE; fragile or bulky shipments may take longer.
Yes — you’ll receive an email with your tracking number once the order ships.
With foam padding and protective separators; often secured individually to prevent transport damage.
Use soft cloths or dedicated cymbal cleaners; avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the alloy or finish.
When cracks, keyholes, or structural damage appear. Small cracks grow fast — inspect regularly and replace in time.
Yes — damping rings, gels, or placement tweaks can change sustain and resonance.
Yes, at MUSIC STORE Cologne you can try out cymbals and sets. Contact us ahead of time so we can prepare your chosen models.
Yes — our team helps both in-store and online with model selection, tonal matching, and combinations.
Often yes; available options are shown during checkout.
