Hi-Hat
Two cymbals combined with a hi-hat stand form one of the rhythmic centres of the drum kit. Closed, half-open and open sounds provide different groove and accent possibilities.
Musikhaus Korn Buying Guide
Choosing Cymbals: Combine Crash, Ride, Hi-Hat & Effects Correctly
Cymbals shape the character of a drum kit at least as much as shells and drumheads. Size, weight, alloy and manufacturing influence response, volume, sustain and tonal character. This guide explains which basic cymbal setup makes sense, how crash, ride and hi-hat differ and when splash, China or other effect cymbals can usefully expand your setup.
Cymbal Sets & Individual Cymbals
Sizes & Weights Explained
For Beginners to Professionals
14"
classic starting point for a hi-hat
16–18"
common versatile crash sizes
20–22"
typical range for many ride cymbals
3
basic elements: hi-hat, crash and ride
Choose the Function Before the Series
Which Types of Cymbals Does Your Drum Kit Need?
Do not begin with alloy or finish. First decide which musical task the new cymbal should perform. Once its function is clear, choosing the construction, size and weight becomes much easier.
Crash
Crash cymbals open choruses, complete fills and provide clear musical accents. Size and weight determine how quickly and broadly the cymbal opens.
Ride
A ride is used for continuous patterns, defined stick articulation and prominent bell accents. The balance between ping and wash is particularly important.
Cymbal Set
A coordinated hi-hat, crash and ride from the same series offers a straightforward route to a complete basic cymbal setup.
Splash
Small cymbals for fast, bright accents with comparatively short sustain.
China
A distinctive, trashy effect for breaks, hard accents and modern drum setups.
Effect Cymbals
Bells, perforated cymbals and other specialist shapes provide additional sound colours for an individual setup.
Orchestra Cymbals
Hand cymbals and related instruments for orchestra, ensembles and special percussion applications.
Beginner tip:
a 14-inch hi-hat, a 16- or 18-inch crash and a 20-inch ride
already form a highly versatile basic setup.
Splash, China and other effects can then be added according
to your personal sound preferences.
Classify the Sound Before Buying
Understanding Size, Weight, Material and Manufacturing
Terms such as Thin, Medium, Heavy, Dark or Brilliant describe different aspects of a cymbal. The finished sound always results from several factors working together.
What Does Cymbal Size Change?
Larger cymbals move more material and tend to sound lower and fuller. An 18-inch crash therefore often feels broader than a 16-inch model.
With ride cymbals, 21 or 22 inches provide more surface area for wash and can change the balance between stick definition and the underlying sound bed.
Thin, Medium and Heavy
Thinner cymbals generally respond faster and with a lighter touch.
Heavier cymbals usually require more playing energy, but can offer greater volume, projection and clearer stick definition. The exact behaviour always depends on the individual model.
Bronze Is Not Just Bronze
The cymbal range includes brass, CuSn8 or B8 bronze and B20 bronze among other materials. Aluminium is also used for certain specialist effects.
The alloy name alone is not a quality judgement. Shape, weight, hammering, lathing and production all contribute to the final sound.
Natural, Traditional or Brilliant?
The finish affects appearance and surface treatment and can be part of a model's overall sonic design.
The specific series and individual model are therefore more meaningful for a buying decision than the surface colour alone.
What Do Common Cymbal Terms Mean?
Bright
A comparatively bright and present tonal character.
Dark
A comparatively low, complex tonal character.
Dry
Controlled sound with less expansive wash.
Wash
The broad, rushing sound bed underneath the stick attack.
Ping
Clearly audible stick definition on a ride cymbal.
Trashy
Intentionally rough and dirty effect character.
Fast
Quick response, often combined with a shorter decay.
Projection
The ability of a cymbal to remain audible in a dense band mix.
Direct Comparison
Which Cymbal Type Performs Which Musical Task?
| Cymbal | Typical Sizes | Task | Sound Effect | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi-Hat | 13–15" | Groove, timekeeping, accents | Precise when closed, broader when open | Basic equipment |
| Crash | 16–20" | Choruses, fills, accents | Explosive and fast-opening | Basic equipment |
| Ride | 20–24" | Ride patterns, bell, groove | From defined to broad and washy | Basic equipment |
| Splash | 8–12" | Short accents | Fast, bright, short sustain | Expansion |
| China | 14–20"+ | Hard effects and breaks | Explosive and trashy | Expansion |
| Bell / Effect | Model-dependent | Special sound colours | Bell-like, dry or experimental | Individual |
Consider Volume and Arrangement
Which Cymbals Suit Your Music Style?
Musical styles provide useful orientation, but they are not rigid rules. What matters is how much space the cymbals have in the arrangement and how loud the guitars, bass, PA and rest of the drum kit actually are.
Projection and Definition
Larger or heavier crashes and rides can be useful when the cymbal sound must remain clear against loud guitars.
A defined ride and powerful hi-hat support precise grooves.
Control and Fast Response
Versatile medium-weight cymbals, 16- to 18-inch crashes and a controlled 20-inch ride work in many productions.
The hi-hat should reproduce ghost notes and dynamic openings clearly.
Dynamics and Complex Wash
Thinner and dynamically responsive cymbals can be particularly interesting.
The ride is often used more strongly as an independent sound surface and should respond musically even at low volume.
Low-Volume Cymbals
Perforated silent or low-volume cymbals significantly reduce acoustic volume.
They are useful for teaching, home practice and quieter rehearsals when a conventional cymbal set would be too dominant.
Product Group: Cymbal Sets
All Cymbal Sets
Coordinated Sets for a Straightforward Start
A cymbal set is practical when you do not yet own a basic cymbal configuration. Hi-hat, crash and ride come from the same series and are designed to work together sonically.
Paiste Set 101 14" HH / 16" Crash / 20" Ride
Classic three-cymbal basic configuration with hi-hat, crash and ride.
STAGG SXM Silent Cymbal Set
Low-volume set for practice, teaching and quieter rehearsals.
Masterwork Custom Cymbal Set
B20 set with a classic hi-hat, crash and ride configuration.
Paiste PST7 Universal Medium
Versatile medium-weight configuration for different musical styles.
Paiste PST 5 Universal Medium
CuSn8 basic setup for rehearsal, stage and lessons.
Zildjian K-Zildjian Box Set
K-series set with ride, two crashes and hi-hat for a comprehensive professional configuration.
Product Group: Crash
All Crash Cymbals
Crash Cymbals from Fast and Controlled to Broad and Powerful
Masterwork Custom 18" Crash
Hand-hammered B20 character with a warm, dark tonal quality.
Paiste 2002 Crash 18"
Medium-weight CuSn8 crash for present, versatile accents.
Paiste 900 Crash 18"
Versatile 18-inch format with clear response and a full crash accent.
STAGG SENSA EXO Crash 16"
Compact B20 crash for fast accents.
STAGG SENSA EXO Crash 18"
Larger B20 variant with a broader crash character.
Product Groups: Ride & Hi-Hat
Definition, Groove and Dynamic Control
STAGG SENSA EXO Ride 20"
B20 ride for a wide range of dynamic applications.
Zildjian K Sweet Ride 21"
21-inch ride for a complex, musical ride character.
Paiste 900 Ride 20"
Medium-heavy ride with clear stick definition and a warm undertone.
Paiste PST7 Ride 20" Heavy
Heavy ride for stronger definition and powerful projection.
Paiste PST7 Hi-Hat 14"
Classic 14-inch size for versatile timekeeping.
Paiste PST7 Hi-Hat 14" Light
Lighter version for sensitive, dynamic articulation.
Splash, China & Specialist Sounds
Effect Cymbals for a Personal Drum Setup
Once hi-hat, crash and ride are established, effect cymbals can fill specific gaps in your sound. Less is often more: every effect should have a clear musical purpose.
Paiste 900 Color Splash 10" Red
Compact splash for short, fast-response accents.
STAGG SENSA EXO Splash 10"
B20 splash for clear, penetrating effect accents.
Paiste 900 China 14"
Compact China effect with an explosive response.
Paiste PST-X Pure Bell 10"
Bell-like specialist sound for short, clearly defined accents.
Paiste PST7 Effects Set
10-inch splash and 18-inch China as a coordinated effect expansion.
From the Basic Set to Your Own Sound
Build Your Cymbal Setup Step by Step
Choose the Hi-Hat
The hi-hat accompanies a large part of the groove. Check the closed sound, open sound, chick and dynamic behaviour first.
Add the First Crash
16 or 18 inches are versatile sizes. The cymbal should open reliably with your normal playing intensity.
Find the Right Ride
Play the bow, edge and bell. The balance between ping and wash must suit the band's volume and your music style.
Expand with a Clear Purpose
Add a second crash, splash, China or bell afterwards. Every expansion should contribute a clearly audible new sound colour.
Mixing series is absolutely fine:
your drum set does not have to contain cymbals from
only one manufacturer or one series.
What matters is that volume, pitch, sustain and character
work together musically.
Cymbal sets are simply the easiest route to a coordinated foundation.
Protect, Mount and Maintain
Choose Cymbal Hardware and Accessories Correctly
Stable and Ergonomic
Stands must remain stable and allow an ergonomic playing position. Boom stands make it easier to position cymbals over toms without moving the stand base too close.
Avoid Direct Metal Contact
Felts protect the cymbal against direct contact with metal hardware and allow it to move freely on the stand.
Secure and Reproducible Adjustment
The clutch connects the top hi-hat cymbal to the pull rod. A secure adjustment is important for consistent pedal control.
Clean According to the Finish
Fingerprints can be removed carefully. When using cleaners, always check whether the product is suitable for the specific finish, coating and manufacturer recommendations.
Compare Series and Sound Worlds
Cymbal Manufacturers at Musikhaus Korn
Different manufacturers and series offer their own approaches to alloy, hammering, lathing, weight distribution and tonal character.
Paiste
Numerous series covering everything from affordable basic sets to professional crashes, rides, hi-hats and effect cymbals.
Zildjian
Cymbal sets and individual models including K-series rides, crashes and hi-hats.
Masterwork
Hand-hammered Turkish cymbals including B20 crashes, rides and coordinated sets.
STAGG
Cymbals ranging from SENSA B20 models to low-volume practice sets.
Protect Sound and Material
Common Mistakes When Buying and Mounting Cymbals
Buying by Diameter Alone
Two 18-inch crashes can respond completely differently because of weight, alloy and manufacturing.
Choosing Cymbals That Are Too Heavy for Quiet Music
A heavy crash can require considerably more energy before it opens fully. Weight should suit your normal playing intensity.
Mounting Cymbals Too Tightly
A cymbal must be able to move on the stand. Tightening the wing nut too firmly restricts movement and places unnecessary stress on the material.
Allowing Metal-to-Metal Contact
A plastic sleeve and suitable felts prevent the centre hole from working directly against the threaded metal part of the cymbal stand.
Insisting on a Single Series
Different series and brands can work extremely well together. The overall balance of volume and tonal character is what matters.
Buying Effects Before the Basics
A good hi-hat, suitable crash and musical ride generally have a greater influence on everyday playing than a third specialist effect cymbal.
Frequently Asked Questions Before Buying
Answers About Drum Cymbals
Which Cymbals Does a Beginner Drummer Need?
A hi-hat, crash and ride provide a highly versatile
basic setup.
A common starting point is approximately a 14-inch hi-hat,
a 16- or 18-inch crash and a 20-inch ride.
A complete cymbal set makes the initial selection easier.
Is a 16- or 18-Inch Crash More Versatile?
A 16-inch crash often responds more quickly and feels
more compact.
An 18-inch crash generally provides a lower and broader sound.
Many drummers eventually combine both sizes to obtain
two clearly different crash voices.
Which Ride Size Should I Choose?
20 inches is a common all-round starting point.
21- and 22-inch rides offer more surface area
and can develop a broader sound.
Even more important than size is the balance between
stick definition, wash, bell and volume.
What Is the Difference Between Thin and Heavy?
Thinner cymbals generally respond faster and require
less playing energy.
Heavy models have more mass and are frequently designed
for greater projection, volume and clear definition.
The exact tuning varies from one series to another.
Is B20 Bronze Automatically Better Than B8?
No. B20 and B8 or CuSn8 are different alloys
with different sonic possibilities.
Manufacturing, profile, weight, hammering and lathing
also have a major influence on the finished cymbal.
Can I Mix Cymbals from Different Brands?
Yes. There is no technical requirement for all cymbals
to come from one series or manufacturer.
Many individual setups are created by deliberately
combining different tonal characters.
Volume and tonal colour should work together musically.
When Is a Cymbal Set Worth Buying?
A cymbal set is particularly useful for your first
complete setup.
Several coordinated basic cymbals are supplied together,
so you do not need to combine every model individually.
The set can easily be expanded later with individual cymbals.
What Does a Second Crash Cymbal Add?
Two crashes with different sizes or tuning provide
different accent colours.
For example, a 16-inch crash can produce a shorter,
higher accent while an 18-inch crash can sound broader
and lower.
When Do I Need a Splash or China?
Add one when your basic setup is missing a specific
sound colour.
A splash is suitable for fast, short accents.
A China provides a significantly rougher and more explosive
effect for breaks and special musical highlights.
How Can I Help Prevent Cymbal Cracks?
Cymbals should not be mounted rigidly.
Use suitable sleeves and felts, position the playing surface
ergonomically and avoid repeatedly striking the cymbal edge
vertically with maximum force.
A slightly glancing stroke can reduce unnecessary stress.
The Complete Sound Matters
Still Unsure About Size, Weight or Cymbal Series?
The Musikhaus Korn team can help you combine hi-hat, crash, ride and effect cymbals together with suitable hardware.
Particularly with individual cymbals, it is worth considering more than technical specifications. The goal is a complete cymbal sound that works with your drum kit, playing technique and band.
- Which musical task should the cymbal perform?
- Does its size fit the available space and desired pitch range?
- Does the weight suit your normal playing intensity?
- Does the cymbal respond easily enough?
- Does its volume match the other cymbals?
- Does the ride provide the required balance of ping and wash?
- Does the new cymbal add a genuinely new sound colour?
Function, Sound and Playing Feel Belong Together
Choosing Cymbals: Crash, Ride & Hi-Hat
When choosing drum cymbals, begin with their musical function. Hi-hat, crash and ride form the foundation of a traditional drum setup. Splash, China and other effect cymbals can then provide additional sound colours. Cymbal sets are particularly practical when a complete basic configuration is required and the individual components should already be coordinated.
Size and weight significantly influence playing behaviour. Smaller or lighter cymbals can respond more quickly, while larger and heavier models often develop more sound volume or projection. Alloy is another element, but it is not the only deciding factor: profile, hammering, lathing, thickness and manufacturing also shape the finished instrument.
The best cymbal choice therefore does not result from a single technical specification. It comes from the combination of music style, band volume, playing technique and desired tonal character. A well-chosen basic setup can later be expanded gradually to create your own individual cymbal sound.
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