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  4. 10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2024 | Zildjian, Sabian and More
  • 10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2024 | Zildjian, Sabian and More 1
  • 10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2024 | Zildjian, Sabian and More 2
  • 10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2024 | Zildjian, Sabian and More 3
  • 10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2024 | Zildjian, Sabian and More 4
  • 10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2024 | Zildjian, Sabian and More 5

10 Best Cymbal Sets UK 2024 | Zildjian, Sabian and More

Whether you're a new drummer learning the basics or a seasoned pro, getting the right cymbals for your kit is crucial to both the sound you create and the fun you'll have while playing. As there are several brands on the market to choose from, drastically differing in price and their suitability to rock, jazz and other genres, it can be difficult to know what the best set is for your particular style.


We've done the research and found the best cymbal packs online today, from the best budget cymbals to those aimed at professionals looking to expand their kits. We've picked from the top brands on the market, including Zildjian, Meinl, and Sabian, all available from Gear4music and Amazon. 

Last updated 25/03/2024
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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Cymbal Set in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Make Sure the Set Contains the Right Cymbals for Your Setup
  2. Pick a Set With a Weight and Size That Fits With Your Style of Play
  3. Material Affects Cost and Quality, so Pick a Metal Suited to Your Skill Level
1

Look Out for Sets That Contain at Least Hi-Hats, Crashes and a Ride

Look Out for Sets That Contain at Least Hi-Hats, Crashes and a Ride

When looking at cymbal packs, you'll usually want to make sure it contains a hi-hat, a couple of crash cymbals, and a ride in order to have a full set. This can change depending on the style of music you play, but these five cymbals (the hi-hat comprises two cymbals) should be the basis of any drum kit.


Other cymbals to look out for are the smaller splash, the China and the swish. These are more specific to certain genres of music, like jazz or big band, and are often bought individually rather than in a set, but it is not uncommon to find larger sets containing multiple sizes of the same cymbal as well as specific types.


You may also find that some sets will come with additional extras that aren't cymbals, with many aimed at beginners containing drumsticks, workbooks, online lessons and more. These can be a great way of starting your musical journey off with everything you need to take those first steps. 


Just starting out? Find our recommendations for the best drumsticks here.

2

Weight and Size Affects the Sound, so Select a Set That Fits With Your Style of Play

Weight and Size Affects the Sound, so Select a Set That Fits With Your Style of Play

Cymbals come in a variety of weights and sizes, and these differences cause different sounds. Thicker, heavier cymbals have a higher pitch and will resonate more than thinner, lighter cymbals. You won't need to get out the tape measure to check a cymbal's thickness as they're usually described as thin, medium or heavy with either a bright or dark sound.


The diameter of a cymbal can also greatly affect the sound it produces, with larger cymbals having a lower pitch and projection than a smaller cymbal with a similar weight. A cymbal's diameter is measured in inches and dependent on what type of cymbals are included in a pack. Usually, an average set will have a 14" hi-hat, 16/18" crashes and a 20" ride.

3

The Material Determines the Cost and the Quality, so Pick One Suited to Your Skill Level

The Material Determines the Cost and the Quality, so Pick One Suited to Your Skill Level

Drum cymbals are almost always made from copper-based metal alloys, most commonly bronze, brass, and nickel silver. Brass cymbals produce something of a harsher sound, due to their rigid nature, and are often a cheaper option for beginners. Nickel silver is found in both beginner cymbals as well as a few higher-quality options, and bronze cymbals often have the best sound and highest durability.


You may find a certain material has a sound that you fall in love with and there's nothing stopping you from mixing and matching different cymbal types as you get more comfortable with drumming, so it can be worth building a collection of the ones you prefer rather than always sticking to a matching set.


Building a full setup? Check out these must-have drumming accessories.

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10 Best Cymbal Sets in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Zildjian

A Series Cymbal SetA391

Zildjian A Series Cymbal Set 1

£665.00

High Mid

A Bright and Versatile Set That’s Been Popular for Generations

2

Sabian

HHX Complex Promotional Cymbal Set

Sabian HHX Complex Promotional Cymbal Set 1

£799.00

High Mid

A Professional Series With a Crisp Vintage Sound

3

Meinl

HCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack

Meinl HCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack 1

£87.50

Low

A Simple Set With Added Extras for Beginners

4

Zildjian

Planet Z Cymbal Pack

Zildjian Planet Z Cymbal Pack 1

£155.00

Low Mid

A Great Introduction to the World’s Leading Cymbal Brand

5

Meinl

Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Set

Meinl Classics Custom Dark Cymbal Set  1

£474.00

High Mid

Aggressive and Loud Sounds Make This Set Truly Unique

6

Zildjian

S Family Series Performer Cymbal Box Set

Zildjian S Family Series Performer Cymbal Box Set 1

£455.78

High Mid

Different Weights Creates a Bold Range of Sounds

7

Sabian

Sabian B8X Performance Cymbal Set

Sabian Sabian B8X Performance Cymbal Set 1

£181.50

Low Mid

A Solid First Performance Set

8

Sabian

SBR Promotional SetSBR5003G

Sabian SBR Promotional Set 1

£186.00

Low Mid

A Bright and Powerful Budget Option With an Extra Splash

9

Meinl

HCS Bronze Expanded Set

Meinl HCS Bronze Expanded Set 1

£380.00

Mid

One for Those Looking for a Trashy Sound

10

Meinl

HCS Complete Cymbal Set

Meinl HCS Complete Cymbal Set 1

£138.00

Low Mid

The Perfect First Full-Sized Set for Beginners

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

ZildjianA Series Cymbal SetA391

A Series Cymbal Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
A Series Cymbal Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
A Series Cymbal Set 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
A Series Cymbal Set 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£665.00
High Mid
Reference price
£665.00
High Mid

A Bright and Versatile Set That’s Been Popular for Generations

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.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

SabianHHX Complex Promotional Cymbal Set

HHX Complex Promotional Cymbal Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
HHX Complex Promotional Cymbal Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£799.00
High Mid

A Professional Series With a Crisp Vintage Sound

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.

No.3

MeinlHCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack

HCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
HCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
HCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
HCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£87.50
Low
Reference price
£87.50
Low

A Simple Set With Added Extras for Beginners

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.

No.4

ZildjianPlanet Z Cymbal Pack

Planet Z Cymbal Pack 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planet Z Cymbal Pack 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Planet Z Cymbal Pack 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£155.00
Low Mid

A Great Introduction to the World’s Leading Cymbal Brand

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.

No.5

MeinlClassics Custom Dark Cymbal Set

Reference price
£474.00
High Mid

Aggressive and Loud Sounds Make This Set Truly Unique

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!

No.6

ZildjianS Family Series Performer Cymbal Box Set

S Family Series Performer Cymbal Box Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
S Family Series Performer Cymbal Box Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
S Family Series Performer Cymbal Box Set 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
S Family Series Performer Cymbal Box Set 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£455.78
High Mid

Different Weights Creates a Bold Range of Sounds

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. 

No.7

SabianSabian B8X Performance Cymbal Set

Sabian B8X Performance Cymbal Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Sabian B8X Performance Cymbal Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£181.50
Low Mid

A Solid First Performance Set

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.

No.8

SabianSBR Promotional SetSBR5003G

SBR Promotional Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
SBR Promotional Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
SBR Promotional Set 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
SBR Promotional Set 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£186.00
Low Mid

A Bright and Powerful Budget Option With an Extra Splash

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.

No.9

MeinlHCS Bronze Expanded Set

Reference price
£380.00
Mid

One for Those Looking for a Trashy Sound

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.

No.10

MeinlHCS Complete Cymbal Set

HCS Complete Cymbal Set 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
HCS Complete Cymbal Set 2
Source:amazon.co.uk
HCS Complete Cymbal Set 3
Source:amazon.co.uk
HCS Complete Cymbal Set 4
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£138.00
Low Mid

The Perfect First Full-Sized Set for Beginners

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.

Top 5 Cymbal Sets

No. 1: ZildjianA Series Cymbal SetA391

No. 2: SabianHHX Complex Promotional Cymbal Set

No. 3: MeinlHCS Series Cymbal Starter Set Box Pack

No. 4: ZildjianPlanet Z Cymbal Pack

No. 5: MeinlClassics Custom Dark Cymbal Set

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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