Beginner Cymbals
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Beginner Cymbals
Choosing cymbals for a beginner
Choosing your first cymbals does not need to be complicated. Most beginners need a simple core setup of hi-hats, a crash and a ride, while some starter sets combine the crash and ride into one versatile crash/ride cymbal.
At Graham Russell Drums, we stock beginner cymbal packs alongside individual new and second-hand cymbals, so there are several sensible ways to build a first setup. You can start with an affordable matched pack, spend a little more on cymbals that are less likely to need upgrading, or build your setup gradually by choosing individual cymbals.
The Quick Answer
Starting completely from scratch? A cymbal pack is normally the easiest and most cost-effective route because the main cymbals are supplied together and designed to work as a set.
On the tightest budget? Meinl HCS is our straightforward budget recommendation for getting a complete cymbal setup without spending heavily at the beginning.
Want the strongest overall value? We recommend looking at Istanbul Agop XIST. It costs more than an entry-level pack, but gives a new drummer a much higher-level set of cymbals that they are far less likely to outgrow quickly.
Want to make the budget go further? Do not ignore second-hand cymbals. Buying used can be one of the best ways to move into a better level of cymbal for the same money.
What cymbals does a beginner actually need?
You do not need a huge cymbal setup to start playing. For most beginners, three core sounds cover almost everything needed for lessons, practice and early playing.
Core Cymbal
Hi-Hats
A pair of cymbals operated by the hi-hat pedal. They are used constantly for keeping time and are one of the most important parts of the setup.
Core Cymbal
Crash
Used for accents and louder musical moments. A good beginner crash should open easily without needing to be hit excessively hard.
Core Cymbal
Ride
Normally a larger cymbal used for keeping time with clear stick definition. Some beginner packs use a crash/ride that can cover both jobs.
Keep it simple: splashes, China cymbals, stacks and other effects are useful additions later, but they are not essential for somebody buying their first cymbals.
Cymbal packs or individual cymbals?
There is no wrong way to build a cymbal setup, but packs and individual cymbals suit different situations.
Simplest Route
Buy a cymbal pack if...
- You are starting without any cymbals.
- You want the simplest buying process.
- You want hi-hats, crash and ride designed to work together.
- You want the package saving that often comes from buying several cymbals at once.
- You do not yet have strong preferences about individual cymbal sounds.
More Freedom
Buy cymbals individually if...
- You already own one or two usable cymbals.
- You want to build the setup gradually.
- You prefer choosing the sound of each cymbal separately.
- You are mixing new and second-hand cymbals.
- You want to upgrade one part of an existing beginner setup.
There is no requirement for every cymbal to come from the same brand or series. Many drummers gradually build a mixed setup around the sounds they prefer.
What to look for in beginner cymbals
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Start with the core setup
Hi-hats, a crash and a ride will cover the vast majority of what a beginner needs. Putting the available budget into those core cymbals normally makes more sense than buying several effects straight away.
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Think about how long you want them to last
A very affordable cymbal pack is completely capable of getting somebody started. However, cymbals are different from drums because you cannot tune them or substantially change their basic sound later. Spending more can make sense for somebody who already knows they are committed to playing.
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Choose cymbals that respond easily
A beginner should not have to hit a crash extremely hard to make it open properly. Cymbals that respond comfortably at normal playing volumes make it easier to develop control and dynamics.
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Do not get too caught up in alloy names
You will see terms such as brass, B8 bronze and B20 bronze. Material is useful information, but shape, weight, hammering, lathing and manufacturing all affect the finished result. Use alloy as context rather than judging a cymbal purely by the material in the specification.
Our beginner cymbal recommendations
There is no need to make this section complicated. For a new drummer, we think there are two especially useful routes depending on budget.
Best Budget Route
Meinl HCS
For a drummer who needs a complete cymbal setup at the lowest sensible starting price, Meinl HCS is our budget choice.
The range is designed specifically as an accessible first step into cymbals and makes sense when the overall beginner budget also has to cover drums, hardware, a stool, sticks and other essentials. If the player continues seriously, individual cymbals can be upgraded gradually later.
Best Overall Value
Istanbul Agop XIST
If the budget allows, Istanbul Agop XIST is where the value becomes particularly interesting. Rather than being a set that is useful only at beginner level, XIST is capable of staying in the setup through lessons, rehearsals, recording and gigging.
The current XIST IXCS set uses B20 bronze and includes the core hi-hats, crash and ride, plus an additional 18" crash and cymbal bag. It costs more up front, but can avoid buying a basic set and replacing the whole setup again relatively quickly.
Should a beginner buy second-hand cymbals?
Absolutely. Cymbals are one of the areas where buying second hand can make particularly good sense, because the same budget may reach a noticeably higher level of cymbal than buying new.
A beginner with a limited budget could choose between a complete new entry-level pack, fewer higher-level used cymbals, or a mixture of new and second-hand cymbals built up gradually.
Buy With Confidence
Every used cymbal is checked by our team
Every second-hand cymbal we buy in is thoroughly checked by the GRD team before it is listed for sale, so you can be confident it is in proper working order.
Cosmetic stick marks, fingerprints, logo wear or other signs of normal use may still be present, but these do not affect the cymbal's performance. Any relevant cosmetic condition is shown or described on the individual product page.
The Cymbal Loft
Browse GRD used cymbals
Our used cymbal stock changes constantly and includes hi-hats, crashes, rides and effects from beginner ranges through to professional and discontinued models.
Buying used can therefore be one of the easiest ways to move into a higher-level cymbal while keeping the overall beginner budget under control.
Can you upgrade cymbals one at a time?
Yes, and for many beginners this is the best long-term approach. If your first kit came with basic cymbals, there is no need to replace the whole set at once.
Start with the cymbal you are least happy with. As your playing develops, you will also become much better at identifying the sounds you actually like, so buying individually later can make more sense than trying to predict your perfect long-term setup on day one.
GRD Tip
Do not feel pressured to replace a usable starter set immediately. Learn on what you have, listen to different cymbals and upgrade gradually when you can hear and feel what you want to change.
Read next
Go deeper with our beginner cymbal guides if you want to compare packs, understand sound and construction, or plan a longer-term setup.
Buyer’s Guide
Best Budget Cymbal Packs for Beginners
Compare affordable starter sets and see where the extra money goes as you move through different price levels.
Brand Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Meinl Cymbals
Explore the Meinl range from affordable HCS cymbals through Classics Custom, Pure Alloy and Byzance.
Beginner cymbal questions
What cymbals does a beginner need?
Most beginners only need hi-hats, a crash and a ride. Some affordable starter setups use one crash/ride cymbal to cover both crash and ride duties.
Is it better to buy a cymbal pack or individual cymbals?
A pack is normally easiest for somebody starting from nothing because the main cymbals are supplied together and designed to work as a set. Buying individually gives you more choice and works particularly well when upgrading an existing setup.
What is the best budget cymbal pack for a beginner?
Our budget starting point is Meinl HCS. It keeps the cost manageable while providing the core cymbal sounds needed for a first setup.
What cymbals are the best value for a beginner?
If the budget allows, we recommend Istanbul Agop XIST for overall value. The initial cost is higher than a basic starter pack, but the cymbals are capable of staying in the setup much further into a drummer’s development.
Is it okay to mix cymbal brands?
Yes. Cymbals do not have to match. Many experienced drummers use different brands and ranges together because they choose each cymbal for its individual sound.
Are second-hand cymbals good for beginners?
Yes. Buying second hand can be an excellent way to access a higher-quality cymbal within a beginner budget. Condition matters much more than cosmetic stick marks, fingerprints or logo wear.
Should I replace the cymbals that came with my beginner drum kit?
Not automatically. Use them while you are learning and upgrade when you can identify what you want to improve. Cymbals can be replaced individually, so there is no need to change the complete set at once.
Still Not Sure?
Ask a drummer
Tell us what cymbals you already have, your budget and the kind of music you play, and one of the team will help you work out the most sensible next step.
