Best Budget Cymbal Packs For Beginners
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Introduction
Choosing your first cymbal pack can feel overwhelming. Most starter packs include the same essential combination of hi-hats, crash and ride, but the sound, construction and overall value can vary considerably.
For many beginners, buying a complete pack is the simplest option. The cymbals are designed to work together, and you can cover the main sounds needed for lessons, practice and early performances in one purchase.
However, the cheapest pack is not always the best choice. Some players need an affordable setup to get started, while others may benefit from spending more on bronze cymbals that they are less likely to outgrow.
There is also the option of buying second-hand cymbals. This can sometimes give you access to higher-quality models for the same budget, although building a complete setup may take more time and careful selection.
In this guide, we will compare several cymbal packs, with each one chosen for a specific type of buyer. We will begin with the most affordable complete setups before moving through expanded packs, bronze options and more substantial B20 cymbals.
Need Help Choosing Cymbals?
This guide focuses on specific product comparisons and which cymbal pack may provide the best value for your budget.
For a deeper explanation of cymbal types, common sizes, alloys and what to listen for, take a look at our Ultimate Beginners Cymbal Guide.
That guide covers the fundamentals in greater detail. Here, we will concentrate on the practical differences between the packs available and who each option is best suited to.
Paiste 101: Spend as Little as Possible
The Paiste 101 pack is aimed at beginners who need a complete cymbal setup while keeping the initial cost as low as possible.
It provides the essential hi-hat, crash and ride sounds needed for lessons, home practice and learning how each cymbal fits into a basic drum-kit setup.
The 101 range is best suited to a new player who needs something functional and affordable rather than a long-term professional setup. It allows you to begin playing immediately without purchasing each cymbal separately.
As your playing and listening skills develop, you may eventually want a cymbal with greater depth, responsiveness and tonal complexity. However, not every beginner needs to make that investment straight away.
If your main priority is to start playing affordably, the Paiste 101 offers a straightforward entry point from an established cymbal manufacturer.
Best for: Beginners working with the strictest budget.
Main consideration: More likely to be outgrown than the bronze packs featured later in this guide.
Established Starter Cymbal Packs Compared
The Paiste PST3, Sabian SBR, Meinl HCS and Zildjian Planet Z ranges all provide an affordable starting point from an established cymbal manufacturer.
Most standard packs in this category include 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash and a 20" ride. Together, these give a beginner the main cymbal sounds needed for lessons, home practice, rehearsals and early performances.
The hi-hats are normally used for keeping time, the crash adds accents and the ride provides a clear surface for playing repeated patterns. Buying all three as a pack is usually simpler and more affordable than choosing each cymbal separately.
These ranges are generally made from brass, which helps keep them affordable. Brass cymbals usually sound bright and clear, but they may not have the same depth or react as naturally to softer and harder playing as the bronze cymbals featured later in this guide.
That does not make them unsuitable for learning. In our experience at Graham Russell Drums, a straightforward beginner pack can be exactly what a new drummer needs to begin understanding the role of each cymbal.
There is no single winner between these packs. The best choice will depend on your sound preference, preferred brand and whether you plan to expand the setup later.
Paiste PST3
The Paiste PST3 pack delivers a bright, clean sound with plenty of clarity. Each cymbal has a direct response, making the different sounds easy to identify while learning basic grooves and cymbal patterns.
The hi-hats provide a clear sound for keeping time, while the crash gives you a quick accent. The ride offers a defined response that makes it easier to hear whether your strokes are even.
We would recommend PST3 to beginners who want a simple, versatile setup for lessons, home practice and a range of musical styles.
It is also a natural introduction to the Paiste sound, which is often known for its brightness and clean attack.
Best for: A clear and versatile first setup.
Main consideration: Developing players may eventually want more depth and a more responsive feel.
Sabian SBR
The Sabian SBR pack produces a bright, focused sound with a clear attack. This helps the cymbals remain easy to hear during rock, pop and louder practice sessions.
The hi-hats provide a crisp response for keeping time, while the crash produces a quick and direct accent. The ride offers clear stick definition, helping beginners hear the timing and consistency of their strokes.
SBR cymbals provide the essential sounds needed to complete a beginner drum kit without making the choice overly complicated.
We would recommend them to players who want a strong, cutting sound or who already feel drawn towards the wider Sabian range.
Best for: Beginners who want a direct sound with plenty of cut.
Main consideration: Their bright sound may feel less warm than the bronze options covered later.
Meinl HCS
Meinl HCS is one of the largest beginner cymbal ranges. Alongside complete packs, the series includes extra crashes, rides, splashes, china cymbals and other effects.
The standard pack provides the main sounds needed to begin playing, with a bright and controlled response that works well for lessons and regular practice.
The biggest advantage of HCS is the ability to expand gradually. A beginner can start with hi-hats, a crash and a ride, then add more matching cymbals as their playing and interests develop.
From our experience helping new drummers build their first setups, this can be particularly useful for younger players who enjoy adding new sounds to their kit over time.
It also makes it easier to maintain a consistent look and sound without having to replace the original cymbals immediately.
Best for: Beginners who want room to expand their setup.
Main consideration: Adding more cymbals gives you extra sounds, but does not necessarily provide a major step up in sound quality.
Zildjian Planet Z
Planet Z provides the most affordable entry point into the Zildjian range. These cymbals produce a bright, cutting sound with a relatively controlled sustain.
The pack covers the main sounds needed by a beginner and offers a simple introduction to using hi-hats, a crash and a ride within a full drum-kit setup.
Their direct sound makes them suitable for lessons and home practice. The controlled sustain can also stop the cymbals from becoming too overpowering in a smaller room.
We would recommend Planet Z to beginners or parents who want a recognised Zildjian setup without moving immediately into the brand’s more expensive bronze ranges.
It is important to understand that Planet Z is still an entry-level range. It will not offer the same depth or responsiveness as Zildjian’s higher-level cymbals, but it provides a practical place to begin.
Best for: An affordable introduction to Zildjian cymbals.
Main consideration: The Zildjian name does not make Planet Z equal to the brand’s more advanced ranges.
All four ranges are designed for broadly similar players. The main differences are their sound, brand and expandability, rather than a dramatic change in overall quality.
As a team of working drummers, we always recommend hearing cymbals in person where possible. A sound that appeals to one player may not be the first choice for another.
For parents buying without the chance to compare them, there is no fundamentally wrong choice among these established starter ranges. The most important thing is choosing a complete pack that suits the available budget and allows the new drummer to begin playing.
Players who want a larger setup straight away may prefer the Meinl HCS Expanded pack covered in the next section.
Meinl HCS Expanded: Get More Cymbals
The Meinl HCS Expanded pack is designed for beginners who want more cymbal sounds from the beginning rather than the standard three-piece setup.
The pack includes:
- 10" splash
- 14" hi-hats
- 16" crash
- 18" crash
- 20" ride
This gives you two crashes for different accents, along with a smaller splash for short, quick effects. It provides more room to experiment and can make a beginner’s kit feel much more complete.
Like the standard HCS range, these cymbals are made from MS63 brass. They produce a bright, controlled sound that works well for lessons, home practice and learning how different types of cymbals can be used around the kit.
The main reason to choose this pack is variety. The additional crash can be used for a different pitch or placed on the opposite side of the kit, while the splash introduces a shorter effect sound that is not included in most beginner packs.
From our experience at Graham Russell Drums, younger players often enjoy having more cymbals to explore. It can encourage them to experiment with fills, accents and different kit layouts as their playing develops.
It may also suit parents who would rather purchase a complete expanded setup straight away instead of adding individual cymbals at a later date.
However, it is important to understand what the extra investment provides. The HCS Expanded pack gives you more cymbals, but it is not a major step up in material or overall sound quality from the standard HCS range.
If your priority is having a larger and more varied setup, this pack offers excellent flexibility. If you would rather have fewer cymbals with a more responsive and developed sound, it may be worth moving into one of the bronze ranges covered next.
Best for: Beginners who want a larger setup with more sounds to explore.
Main consideration: You are paying for more cymbals rather than a major increase in sound quality.
Zildjian I Family: Enter Bronze Affordably
The Zildjian I Family is a strong option for beginners who are ready to move beyond a basic brass cymbal pack.
These cymbals are made from B8 bronze, which generally gives them a fuller sound and a more responsive feel than the entry-level brass ranges covered earlier.
In simple terms, they react more clearly when played softly or loudly. This gives a developing drummer more control over their sound and makes the cymbals better suited to rehearsals, recording and early live performances.
The I Family has a bright, modern sound with clear stick definition. It works particularly well for rock, pop and other styles where the cymbals need to remain clear within the music.
Which I Family Pack?
One of the strengths of the I Family is the choice of different pack sizes.
The Essentials Pack includes 14" hi-hats and an 18" crash/ride. This is the smallest option and covers the main cymbal sounds with only two pieces.
The Essentials Plus Pack includes 13" hi-hats, a 14" crash and an 18" crash/ride, creating a compact three-piece setup with a separate crash.
For a more traditional setup, the Standard Gig Pack contains 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash and a 20" ride. This is likely to be the most familiar choice for beginners who want a complete three-piece configuration.
The Pro Gig Pack adds an 18" crash to the Standard Gig setup. This gives the player two different crash sounds and creates a more complete arrangement for rehearsals and performances.
As a team of working drummers, we would recommend choosing the pack based on how long you expect to keep it. The smaller packs provide an affordable route into bronze, while the Standard and Pro Gig packs offer more conventional setups with greater room to develop.
Compared with the HCS Expanded pack, the I Family may give you fewer cymbals for a similar level of investment. However, the focus here is on a more responsive bronze sound rather than simply getting the largest number of cymbals.
This makes the I Family a particularly good option for a committed beginner who wants cymbals suitable for more than lessons and home practice.
It is still an affordable range within the wider Zildjian catalogue, so it should not be confused with the brand’s professional A or K families. However, it provides a meaningful step up from Planet Z and other entry-level brass packs.
Best for: Beginners who want an affordable first set of bronze cymbals.
Main consideration: Decide whether you would prefer a smaller affordable pack or a more complete setup that can be kept for longer.
- Shop the Zildjian I Family Essentials Pack
- Shop the Zildjian I Family Essentials Plus Pack
- Shop the Zildjian I Family Standard Gig Pack
- Shop the Zildjian I Family Pro Gig Pack
Paiste PST7: Choose the Right Weight
The Paiste PST7 range is a good choice for beginners who want a higher-quality bronze setup without moving straight into the most expensive cymbal ranges.
PST7 cymbals are made from CuSn8 bronze, an alloy Paiste also uses as the basis of its well-known 2002 series. They offer a bright and clear sound, but with more warmth and response than the entry-level brass packs covered earlier.
At Graham Russell Drums, we stock two PST7 packs: the Light Session Pack and the Medium Pack. Both include 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash and a 20" ride, giving you a complete and familiar three-piece setup.
The difference is in the weight and feel of the cymbals. This affects how easily they respond, how much volume they produce and the styles of music they suit.
PST7 Light Session Pack
The PST7 Light Session Pack has a softer, more responsive feel. The cymbals open up easily without needing to be played particularly hard.
The lighter crash produces warm, airy accents, while the hi-hats offer a softer and more controlled response. The ride has a gentle character and can also be used for larger crash accents.
We would recommend this pack for acoustic music, jazz, blues, country and lower-volume pop. It is also a strong option for beginners with a lighter touch who want cymbals that respond clearly to changes in their playing.
Best for: Lighter playing and lower-volume music.
Main consideration: Players who regularly play loud rock or hit particularly hard may prefer the additional weight and projection of the Medium Pack.
PST7 Medium Pack
The PST7 Medium Pack offers a more balanced response that can handle a wider variety of musical styles.
The medium-weight cymbals provide enough sensitivity for controlled playing, while offering more body and projection when played with greater force. This makes the pack suitable for pop, rock, funk, covers and general-purpose playing.
As a team of working drummers, this is the PST7 pack we would generally recommend to someone who is unsure which weight to choose. Its balanced feel makes it easier to move between practice, rehearsals and early live performances.
Best for: A versatile setup that can cover a wide range of music.
Main consideration: Players focused mainly on softer acoustic styles may find the Light Session Pack more responsive.
Both PST7 packs provide a meaningful step up from a basic brass setup. The Light Session Pack prioritises sensitivity and a softer feel, while the Medium Pack provides greater versatility and projection.
If you want cymbals that respond naturally and suit your preferred style of music, choosing the correct PST7 weight can be more important than simply choosing the lowest-priced pack.
Istanbul Agop Xist: The Best Starter Cymbal Pack
If your budget stretches far enough, the Istanbul Agop Xist is, in our opinion, the best starter cymbal pack featured in this guide.
That is not simply because it costs more. Xist cymbals are made from professional-grade B20 bronze and offer a level of sound, response and versatility that goes far beyond a conventional beginner range.
At Graham Russell Drums, we are big fans of the Xist series. As a team of working drummers, we consider them some of the best-value B20 cymbals available.
They produce a fuller and more developed sound than the brass and B8 bronze cymbals covered earlier. They also respond naturally to changes in your playing, from quiet strokes through to stronger accents.
For a beginner, this provides much more room to develop. As your control, touch and musical awareness improve, the cymbals will continue to respond rather than becoming something you quickly outgrow.
Why Choose Xist?
Most beginner packs are designed to provide the essential sounds at the lowest possible cost. The Xist range takes a different approach by offering long-term cymbals at a comparatively accessible price.
A committed beginner could use these cymbals for lessons, home practice, rehearsals, recording and live performances without ever needing to replace them. The Xist range is fully capable of remaining part of a drummer’s setup throughout their playing career.
This is the main reason we recommend them so highly. You are paying more initially, but you are buying cymbals that already sit at a professional standard.
For someone who knows they are serious about drumming, that can provide much better value than buying an entry-level pack and replacing the entire setup later.
Which Xist Pack?
GRD stocks Xist packs in both natural and brilliant finishes, with three-piece and four-piece configurations available.
The three-piece packs contain:
- 14" hi-hats
- 16" crash
- 20" ride
- Cymbal case
This traditional setup provides everything needed for lessons, rehearsals, recording and live playing across a wide range of styles.
The four-piece packs add an 18" crash, giving the player two different crash sounds and a more complete setup from the beginning.
Natural or Brilliant?
The natural finish has a balanced and versatile sound, combining warmth with a clear attack. It is an excellent all-round choice for players covering several styles of music.
The brilliant finish has a polished appearance and a slightly brighter, cleaner response. It may suit players who want additional clarity and projection.
Neither finish is automatically better. Where possible, we recommend hearing both and choosing the one that best suits your playing and musical taste.
The Xist pack will not be the right purchase for every beginner. Someone trying drumming for the first time or working with a strict budget may be better served by one of the more affordable packs covered earlier.
However, for a committed beginner whose budget allows it, we believe Xist offers the strongest overall package in this guide. You are getting professional-grade cymbals for only a fraction more than many intermediate packs, with no need to replace them as your playing develops.
Best for: Committed beginners who want the best possible first cymbal setup.
Main consideration: The higher starting cost is most worthwhile for someone who expects to continue playing regularly.
Could Second-Hand Cymbals Offer Better Value?
A new cymbal pack is often the simplest option for a beginner. Everything matches, the essential sounds are covered and the complete setup can be purchased in one go.
However, buying second-hand cymbals can sometimes give you access to much higher-quality models for the same overall budget.
Instead of purchasing a complete entry-level pack, you may be able to build a setup using used intermediate or professional cymbals. These can offer a fuller sound, a more natural response and much greater long-term value.
Quality Over Quantity
A beginner does not necessarily need a large cymbal setup straight away. A good pair of hi-hats, one crash and a ride will comfortably cover lessons, home practice, rehearsals and early performances.
For this reason, it can make sense to buy fewer, better cymbals rather than choosing a larger pack simply because it contains more pieces.
You could begin with the essential cymbals and add another crash or effect cymbal later. This allows you to build your setup gradually without compromising on the quality of the sounds you use most often.
Our Second-Hand Cymbal Section
At Graham Russell Drums, we have a dedicated second-hand cymbal section featuring cymbals from a wide range of manufacturers, series and price levels.
Our stock changes regularly, with everything from affordable beginner models through to professional cymbals that would cost considerably more when purchased new.
Every member of our sales team is a drummer. We can help you compare the available options and put together a setup that suits your music, playing experience and budget.
Where possible, we always recommend hearing cymbals before buying. This gives you the opportunity to compare their sound and find cymbals that work well together, even when they come from different brands or ranges.
Buying Second-Hand with Confidence
Buying privately can involve some uncertainty, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the signs of cymbal damage.
Every second-hand cymbal sold by Graham Russell Drums is carefully inspected before it is accepted into stock. We do not buy cymbals with cracks, keyholing or other structural damage.
Normal signs of use, such as stick marks, fingerprints or changes to the finish, may still be present. These are usually cosmetic and do not prevent the cymbal from sounding or performing as intended.
This gives beginners and parents the opportunity to explore second-hand cymbals with confidence, while still benefiting from the savings available when buying used.
New Pack or Second-Hand?
A new pack remains the easiest option if you want a complete matched setup without searching for each cymbal individually.
Second-hand may be the better route if your priority is getting the highest possible quality from your available budget.
In our experience, a carefully selected second-hand setup can offer exceptional value. It may also give a committed beginner access to cymbals they can continue using throughout their playing career.
Best for: Buyers looking for the highest possible cymbal quality within their budget.
Main consideration: Stock changes regularly, and building the ideal setup may take more careful selection than buying a complete new pack.
Which Cymbal Pack Should You Choose?
The best cymbal pack will depend on your budget, commitment and priorities. There is no single option that will suit every beginner.
- Choose the Paiste 101 if your main priority is spending as little as possible while getting the essential cymbal sounds.
- Choose PST3, SBR, HCS or Planet Z if you want a reliable first pack from an established cymbal manufacturer.
- Choose the Meinl HCS Expanded if you want two crashes, a splash and more sounds to explore straight away.
- Choose the Zildjian I Family if you want to enter the world of bronze cymbals at an accessible level.
- Choose Paiste PST7 if you want a versatile bronze cymbal pack that suits your playing style. The Light Session Pack is more responsive at lower volumes, while the Medium Pack offers greater projection and is the stronger all-round choice for pop, rock, funk and general playing.
- Choose Istanbul Agop Xist if you want the best overall starter pack and cymbals you should never need to replace.
- Explore our second-hand cymbals if you want to obtain the highest possible quality within your available budget.
Where possible, we recommend hearing cymbals before making your decision. Sound is personal, and the pack that suits one drummer may not be the first choice for another.
Do You Need a Cymbal Case?
Some cymbal packs include a bag or case, while others do not. Check what is supplied before ordering, particularly if the cymbals will be travelling to lessons, rehearsals or gigs.
For a padded soft case, we regularly recommend the Tama Powerpad and Protection Racket ranges. Both provide practical protection while remaining easy to carry.
In our experience, it is often worth choosing a 22" cymbal case even when your largest cymbal is 20". A 20" case can become tight once several cymbals and dividers are inside, while the extra room makes loading and unloading much easier.
For maximum protection, particularly when your cymbals are being transported regularly or stored alongside other equipment, a rigid Hardcase 22" Cymbal Case is the strongest option.
- Shop Tama Powerpad cymbal bags
- Shop Protection Racket cymbal cases
- Shop Hardcase cymbal cases
- Browse all cymbal cases
GRD Final Thoughts
A beginner cymbal pack should provide the sounds needed to start playing, but that does not mean every beginner needs the same setup.
For someone working with a strict budget, an entry-level brass pack can provide everything required for lessons and home practice. Spending more on bronze can offer a fuller sound, a more responsive feel and cymbals that are likely to remain useful for longer.
If your budget allows, the Istanbul Agop Xist packs are our strongest overall recommendation. They provide professional-grade B20 cymbals at an unusually accessible price and are fully capable of remaining part of your setup throughout your playing career.
However, buying the most expensive pack is not automatically the correct decision. The best choice is the one that suits your current budget, playing goals and level of commitment.
Our dedicated second-hand cymbal section is also worth exploring. A carefully selected used setup can provide exceptional value and may allow your budget to reach cymbals from a much higher-level range.
Every member of the Graham Russell Drums sales team is a drummer. Whether you are buying your first cymbals, helping a child begin playing or looking for a setup that will last, we can help you compare the available options.
Visit us in store to hear cymbals in our dedicated Cymbal Loft, or explore our new and second-hand cymbal ranges online.
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