The Best Cymbals for Rock Music
A guide to the best cymbals for playing Rock.
When I was coming up as a young drummer, I would constantly break cymbals! A crack in a cymbal starts so small. It almost looks like an eyelash is sitting on your cymbal, but it is a tiny crack. It will often be on the edge of the cymbal or near the bell.
However, it can be right in the middle depending on your technique. A friend of mine who owned a drum store told me the simple reason I was breaking cymbals. I was using the wrong series! Each brand has a distinct series for various styles, although there is no clear system in place.
If you play the guitar and want a heavy sound, it is easy to know you should buy a 'Distortion' pedal. Different brands of cymbals have names like 'Dry', Dark', and 'Thin', which tell us nothing about what style these cymbals should be used for! I want to let you know the best brands and series if you plan to play Rock music on the drums.
Crash Cymbals
The cymbals below are 15 and 16 inches, which are versatile. When you start using 19-inch cymbals, they can sound a bit too heavy and more suited to Metal.
Zildjian 15' A-Custom Crash see price
Zildjian's A customs series is known for having a 'quick' response. This means the sound happens as soon as you hit it, and it doesn't take too long to give you a response. This is perfect for stating the first beat of the bar in a Rock beat!
These cymbals are also not too thick, which is super important. Thick cymbals tend to break because there is no give. Thin cymbals tend to absorb force better because they move with the impact.
Zultan 15' Rock Beat Crash see price
It is easy to figure out that this cymbal is meant for Rock music because the series is called 'Rock Beat'! It is an entry-level crash cymbal made from B20 Bronze.
Most brands have an entry-level series of crash cymbals made from Bronze. This is because it is a cheaper metal. Hence the price.
Meinl 15' Classics Custom Med. Crash see price
This Meinl crash cymbal is from a 'Medium' series. Medium essentially means it is not too heavy and not too light.
It may be too loud for jazz and not loud enough for metal, but perfect for Rock! This is also made from Bronze, which keeps it inexpensive.
Sabian 16' AAX AAXplosion Crash see price
Sabian's AAX series sounds amazing! I used these for years. They are loud and explosive-sounding, which is perfect for Rock. They still have a sweet undertone and don't sound like 'gong' like some cheaper cymbals do.
This is a premium product which is reflected in the price.
Hi Hats
Hi hats come in a range of sizes. I might use 13-inch hi-hats if I were playing funk or drum n bass. For Rock, I would recommend 14 and 14-inch hats. They deliver a nice long sizzle.
The word classic, when dealing with hi-hats, usually means they give a nice sustain, which is great for Rock music.
Paiste 2002 Classic 14' Sound Edge HH see price
These Paiste hi hats are bright and sound great in the studio or for live gigs.
Zildjian 14' A-Series New Beat Hi-Hat see price
Zildjian's A series is a benchmark for Rock music. These hi-hats have been used for decades on many classic Rock albums. They sound great, open and closed while giving a long sustain.
I've had many pairs of these hi hats over the years and can vouch that they are worth the price tag.
The word 'Brilliant' in cymbal lines means bright or loud. This is a good thing to remember when choosing your cymbals.
Istanbul Agop 14' Xist Hi-Hat Brilliant see price
These Istanbul Agop hi hats are 80% copper and 20% Tin, giving them a slightly heavier sound. They sound crisp when played with the foot and heavy when played with a stick.
Ride cymbals
The most important thing to remember when choosing a Ride cymbal for rock is how long it sustains. If it 'washes out' (loses clarity of individual notes), it will be a difficult cymbal to record in the studio.
In my opinion, 20 and 21-inch Ride cymbals are great for Rock. 18 inches are too small, and 24-inch ride cymbals are too big.
The word 'Power' in cymbal lines usually means loud with a long sustain.
This Paiste Ride is no exception:
Paiste 2002 Classic 20' Power Ride see price
It is hand hammered, which means it is not just made from a machine but by actual cymbal smiths. This high-level craftsmanship is what justifies the higher price tag.
Zildjian 21" Z Custom Mega Bell Ride see price
This Zildjian 'MegaBell' ride has been referred to as 'The heaviest cymbal in the Zildjian catalogue'! It's perfect for both Rock and Metal. It is so loud it doesn't need a microphone in the studio or live.
Paiste 21' 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal see price
I like this Paiste cymbal for Rock because it can be used as a crash or a ride. This is perfect for the studio or live.
Also, if you are struggling with a budget to afford multiple cymbals.
The final piece of advice I will leave you with about choosing the right cymbals for Rock is...listen with your ears, not your eyes! Too many people get swayed by a famous brand name.
Sometimes, a lesser-known brand might have the perfect sound you are looking for!
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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