10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2023 | Zildjian, Sabian and More

If you're a fan of music, odds are you've heard the Zildjian A Series on many an album. Simply put, they've been one of the most popular cymbals used by generations of musicians so if you're serious about drumming, this is the set to invest in.

Producing bright and focused tones at any volume, the A Series are considered one of the most versatile cymbals in the world. Suitable for almost any musical genre, these are perfect for both the studio and the stage.

The Sabian HHX Complex are widely considered by the drumming community to be one of the best cymbals Sabian has ever made. Made from the highest quality B20 bronze, these have a crisp vintage sound that works in most situations.

Like other premium cymbals, these are for professional musicians and work particularly well in the studio where the crisp, bright sounds are able to shine through on any recording. If you're investing in a quality recording setup, these are well worth the price of admission.

The Meinl HSC Series is designed for beginners and students looking for an inexpensive set of cymbals made from a durable brass alloy. If you're looking for the best cymbals on a budget, you won't be disappointed with the HCS series.

As well as the cymbals themselves, this box pack also comes with a pair of drumsticks, a two-year warranty, and a number of free online lessons from acclaimed instructor Mike Johnston to start you off on your musical journey.

Zildjian Planet Z cymbals are an entry-level set that makes a worthwhile upgrade from stock or non-brand cymbals that may come with a beginner drum kit. These have a bright, cutting sound with minimal sustain.

Many beginner sets are slightly smaller than standard, so picking up the Planet Z is a good way of getting used to the feel of higher-quality cymbals. Zildjian is known for quality, so if you're after durability on a budget, you can't go wrong here.

If it wasn't obvious from the distinct design, the Classic Custom Dark cymbals are a unique set that have undergone a special finishing process resulting in rich, dark and warm tones. The visually striking effect also looks fantastic on stage.

These cymbals are incredibly loud, cutting above guitar frequencies so you won't have to exhaust yourself playing to be heard live. Once you've made the jump from a beginner/intermediate set to a series like this, you'll never go back!

The S Family Series is something of an outlier on our list as it is the only set to feature Zildjian's B12 bronze alloy as well as a variety of weights. Here, medium-thin crashes are paired with medium-heavy hi-hats. 

This creates a wide range of tones, varying from brilliantly bright sustain to deeper, full-bodied responses. Some may find this range versatile and impressive while others may feel it's something of a mixed bag, liking some of the sounds but not others. 

One of the biggest joys of playing the drums is playing to an audience. Those new to the instrument may need to upgrade to a set suited to live shows when first taking that step into performing as practice cymbals won't cut it on stage.

The Sabian B8X Performance Cymbals are a solid first choice for that first musical project, not breaking the bank while being suitable for the stage. As a budget option, they may not sound as good as the higher quality sets, but you can't expect them to at half the price.

Sabian's SBR Promotional set is a bright and punchy budget option for those looking to be a little more experimental with their style. It includes a 10" splash rather than two crashes, so it's perfect for those looking for that cymbal in particular.

Getting a splash cymbal at this price point is great for those in the market for one, but sacrificing a crash for it means you'll likely have to invest in an 18" one anyway. Still, if you're looking for a punchy set with a splash, this is great value.

The Meinl HCS Bronze Expanded Set may share a name with their budget, beginner-friendly offering, but they are a distinct jump up in terms of sound quality as they're made from the B8 bronze alloy.

While it does feature a 16" trash crash not often found in similar sets, the jump in price from more budget-friendly starter packs doesn't quite reflect the jump in sound quality. If you're after a trashy sound, this fits the bill, but these aren't a particularly versatile set.

The HCS Complete Cymbal Set is an excellent choice for beginners looking for their first, full-sized, complete set while working on a budget. If you're building a drum kit for the first time, these make a solid addition while keeping the overall cost down.

In terms of sound quality, however, these will not win any awards, so it may be worth considering investing a little more depending on your needs. If you're after something for the practice room, these are still a solid choice though.