If you want to excel at jazz you’ve got to have the right instruments in tow. The drums and toms are great, but you still need the best jazz cymbals if you want to stand out from the rest.
Many drum kits don’t come with cymbals, and the bundled ones are usually of poor quality. Well there’s no need to settle for low quality cymbals as I have chosen five of the best available today.
The following reviews details my findings, what these cymbals can do and feature highlights. In a hurry? Check out the
Contents
- 1 Top 5 Jazz Cymbals: Comparison Chart
- 2 Best Picks of Jazz Cymbals
- 2.1 #1: Sabian SBR2012 SBR Series Pure Brass 20-Inch Ride Cymbal
- 2.2 #2: Meinl Cymbals B20JCR Byzance 20-Inch Jazz Club Flat Ride Cymbal
- 2.3 #3: Zildjian K Custom 20″ Dark Ride Cymbal
- 2.4 #4: Zildjian K Constantinople 22″ Medium Ride Cymbal
- 2.5 #5: Meinl Cymbals B22JMR Byzance 22-Inch Jazz Medium Ride Cymbal
- 3 What Makes for Good Jazz Cymbals?
- 4 How to Choose Jazz Cymbals
- 5 Also keep in mind:
- 6 Things to Consider Before Buying Jazz Cymbals
- 7 Final Verdict
Top 5 Jazz Cymbals: Comparison Chart
Products | Sound | Style | Material | View On Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bright | Jazz, funk, electro | Metal | ||
Dark | Jazz, funk reggae, electro | B20 | ||
Dark | Jazz, world, funk, | B20 | ||
Mid | Jazz, reggae, studio | Bronze | ||
Mid dark | Jazz, funk, world | Bronze |
Best Picks of Jazz Cymbals
#1: Sabian SBR2012 SBR Series Pure Brass 20-Inch Ride Cymbal
If you look for the best budget jazz ride cymbal you’re bound to come across the Sabian SBR2012 as it’s one of the most popular today. These are affordable yet have features that are found in more expensive cymbals.
What makes the SBR2012 ideal for jazz is its focused and clear sound. The cymbals sound bright and crisp due to the way it’s been constructed.
- A versatile model for beginners
- Smartly priced, SBr Brass is in a class of its own
- SBr makes your first step into cymbals an easy one
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The cymbals are made of brass and it’s been built so its sonic properties come out. The cymbals also have this sleek finish that’s pleasing to the eyes.
The Sabian SBR Series were designed to look and sound good, and they certainly succeeded with the SBR2012. These are also some of the most versatile cymbals I have seen, perfect for jazz, fusion and other music genres.
The cymbals’ vintage profile and medium weight add to its functionality. Design wise the lathing is precise and the peen hammering is exceptional.
The hand lathing and high pressure hammering Sabian uses on its more expensive cymbals are applied here too. This leads to faster decay so it’s ideal for wash riding.
The bell’s sound is powerful, lively and clean. While for beginners, these cymbals are powerful, feature packed and easy to use.
- Designed for jazz
- Easy for beginners to use
- High quality brass
- Clean definition
- Tightly concentrated sound
- Finely crafted
- Perfect for wash riding
- For full sound riding
#2: Meinl Cymbals B20JCR Byzance 20-Inch Jazz Club Flat Ride Cymbal
The Byzance cymbals were designed specifically for jazz, so it’s not surprising this cymbal sounds great. As you’d expect from the best china cymbal for jazz, the Byzance are good enough for funk, pop, rock, at the studio or in the club.
The 4 rivets on the cymbals give it a powerful, lengthy sustain, and the hand hammering provides it with a smooth, dark tone reminiscent of classic jazz.
If you play classic jazz, in particular combos and trios, the long sustain will make your cymbal stand out. These cymbals are also versatile enough to be used in fusion, the blues and ballads.
- Hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze alloy — an articulate ride with a soft and controlled wash, the Byzance 20” Jazz Club Ride combines a low tone from extensive hand hammering with a pearly, up front stick definition from its flat profile
- Wolfgang Hafner signature — The Meinl Jazz Club Ride was developed with Wolfgang Hafner who was looking for a flat ride with soft articulation and layers of sizzling low overtones
- Four brass rivets — for a light sizzle effect, four brass rivets are positioned across the cymbal for an even spread of definition, wash and sizzling sustain — the rivets deliver an especially great sound for low volume clubs
- Medium thin weight — this medium thin weight ride provides a great middle ground between dry stick definition and a blossoming, soft sound and warm feel — great for going from blazing fast ride patterns on the top to light crashing toward the side
- Refined warm sound — the clean, yet warm and dark tone of Byzance Jazz cymbals comes from a combination of their thin weight and extensively hand hammered B20 alloy — the surface is fully lathed to perfection to give them a smooth response
- Not only for jazz players — their fully lathed surfaces and dark character are ideal for jazz, but these cymbals are at home in any style where effortless touch and complex tone are “must haves”
- Modern versatility rooted in tradition — hand hammered into shape in Turkey using B20 bronze, Meinl Byzance cymbals are deeply rooted in traditional cymbal crafting methods, yet their old-world background is dialed-in to 21st century needs
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Meinl cymbals are known for their aesthetics and these are no exception. The warm sound of the cymbals is another plus, and the distinct sound of the cymbals makes them suitable for various musical applications.
One of the nice things about the Byzance is their smooth sound that’s just right for jazz. The distinct finish complements the smooth sound, lending itself nicely to intricate, complex music.
The Meinl cymbals also have clear definitions, and the clear, dark sound is something you won’t find in ordinary cymbals. The stick definition is up there and thee wash is excellent. Its dryness is also ideal for jazz, punk and other musical styles.
- Long sustain
- Smooth sound
- Large hammer
- Warm sound
- Very distinct flat ride
- Beautiful design
- Suited for different music genres
- Made from durable materials
#3: Zildjian K Custom 20″ Dark Ride Cymbal
No discussion of the best jazz cymbal will be complete without mentioning Zildjian. With the K Custom model you’ve got an excellent dark cymbal that’s perfect for jazz, fusion, pop and other genres.
One of the most notable features of the K Custom is its rich, full sound. Play the cymbals and you’ll notice that it has a dark, warm sustain and a dry tone.
- Excellent stick definition
- Dry, full-bodied stick sound
- Dark, warm undertones
- Trashy crash qualities
- Delivers dark, trashy sound for accents
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The K Custom is also notable for its fast decay, and its attack is faster compared to a typical Zildjian cymbal. Differences in specs aside, the K Custom still has the same versatile articulations you’d expect from this brand.
The tone and beat are ideal for jazz, and your attacks have greater impact and better definition. What this means is the cymbals provide a clearer, cleaner definition.
Compared to other cymbals the K Custom allows you to generate heavier accents and greater range sound wise. The difference is significant, and even if you’re new to cymbals you’ll notice these have a different sound.
The K Custom cymbals are beautifully designed and should last a long time. When it comes to durability, it is imperative you buy from a quality brand to ensure it lasts, and that’s what you get here.
- Available in 20” and 22” sizes
- Uses standard Zildjian 80/20 copper-tin ratio
- Comes with trashy crash qualities
- Warm, dark undertones
- Full bodied sound
- Dry, stick definition
- Packs power
- Made of durable materials
#4: Zildjian K Constantinople 22″ Medium Ride Cymbal
The Constantinople makes this list of the best beginner jazz cymbals for its impressive design and performance. A lot of thought went into its construction and the result is a cymbal with articulation and more emphasis on the stick.
The Constantinople is notable for its pleasant overtones, dryness and wash. However it also has a warm sound that suits modern and classic jazz.
- Bolder, more emphasized and defined stick sound
- Use for a little more articulation
- Dry ride quality
- Good degree of very pleasing overtones and wash
- Heaviest K Constantinople Ride
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The K Constantinople is hand lathed by the finest artisans using traditional cutting tools. Take a close look at the Constantinople and you’ll see that the impurities have not been taken out, preserving its appearance.
The cymbals are made of the finest brass and subjected to the high specifications set by the company. This provides assurance the cymbals are manufactured according to the highest standards.
The end result is the cymbals have this unmistakable classic sound that you’ll only get from a Constantinople. There are other vintage cymbals yes, but the Constantinople is far more consistent and with better range.
The Constantinople is designed for long term use, and that is evident in the manner in which it has been constructed. The tonal options are good and it’s depth is hard to match.
These cymbals are also noteworthy for being consistent, and it does well in high or low volume. Most cymbals can only do one or the other and that tells you a lot about this product.
Its low fundamental pitch is excellent and it sounds even better for live shows. You can also hear the notes amid the wash.
- Available in different styles
- 8020 copper tin ratio
- Dry wash and pleasant overtones
- Defined stick
- High articulation
- Made from heavy duty materials
- Has a nice warm sound
- Beautiful finish
#5: Meinl Cymbals B22JMR Byzance 22-Inch Jazz Medium Ride Cymbal
The B22JMR cymbals have the typical Meinl built and finish, providing excellent sound and remaining consistent with long term use. The B22JMR cymbals have been designed so that it produces the classic sound jazz musicians need.
- Hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze alloy — an articulate ride with a controlled spread, the Byzance 22” Jazz Medium Ride combines a smokey wash from extensive hand hammering with a higher frequency stick response from its medium weight
- Medium weight — this medium weight ride delivers a mystic, slightly dark sound mixed with medium to higher range undertones — medium weight gives you more definition and stick control with a brighter overall sound compared to thin or medium thin models
- Refined warm sound — the clean, yet warm and dark tone of Byzance Jazz cymbals comes from a combination of their thin weight and extensively hand hammered B20 alloy — the surface is fully lathed to perfection to give them a smooth response
- Not only for jazz players — their fully lathed surfaces and dark character are ideal for jazz, but these cymbals are at home in any style where effortless touch and complex tone are “must haves”
- Modern versatility rooted in tradition — hand hammered into shape in Turkey using B20 bronze, Meinl Byzance cymbals are deeply rooted in traditional cymbal crafting methods, yet their old-world background is dialed-in to 21st century needs
- Manufacturer disclaimer — typographical or grammatical errors found in the bullet point or description text on this product page are a result of this site’s system and are neither the fault of the manufacturer nor marketplace sellers
Last update on 2024-11-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The cymbals sound good on its own, but it also stands out when used in a band, live or recorded. Even with an intricate mix of sounds, the B22JMR still maintains its sharp edge, spread and dark.
Together these elements make the cymbals sound clean, sharp and appropriate for jazz and other types of music.
The Byzance cymbals were made for jazz and it shows in the manner it’s been built. As a ride cymbal, the Byzance delivers on its promise of quality sound.
One of the characteristics of a good cymbal is its quality, and it’s clear that these hammered cymbals are a step above the rest. It can be dark and aggressive but not overly so, giving you more flexibility.
The B22JMR cymbals are suitable for beginners, but these have the power, tone and range to satisfy long time musicians. These aren’t just for beginners as they’re proper cymbals with the consistency you expect from more expensive cymbals. The bottom line is these are high quality cymbals.
Hand hammered
- Has a soft smooth sound
- Dark and warm spread
- Strong tones
- Full body sound
- Made from heavy duty materials
- Beautiful finish
- Designed for jazz
What Makes for Good Jazz Cymbals?
What makes a good jazz cymbals? There are several factors, not least of which is its construction. Are the cymbals well made? More to the point, are the cymbals made with jazz music in mind?
It is hard to emphasize the importance of having quality cymbals. A good cymbal needs to have a crisp, clean sound that’s suitable for jazz. And contrary to what some may believe, the most expensive is not necessarily the right one.
More than than the price, you need to consider the type of music you play and what cymbals are suitable.
How to Choose Jazz Cymbals
The most common types of jazz cymbals are crash, hit hat and ride. Of the three, the ride cymbal is the most important for jazz because majority of the rhythm depends on it.
You also need to make sure the cymbals match the type of jazz you’re playing. Jazz comes in different styles and you have to choose a cymbal that corresponds with the kind of music you want.
Brands manufacture different types of cymbals, some for all purpose, others for jazz and so on. Pick the one that corresponds to your musical style.
Jazz cymbal tones range from very dark to very bright, and it’s not a good idea to mix and match them too much. Take into account your tonal quality and your current cymbal setup.
Another thing you have to remember is that cymbals from different manufacturers will always sound different. Even if they’re both classified as ride and dark, there will be differences when you play.
That’s why it’s important you give the cymbals a try to see how they sound. Do not use earplugs because you might end up playing louder than you need to.
Also keep in mind:
- Don’t get jazz cymbals that are too loud because they will not properly blend in with the other sounds.
- If you want the cymbals to blend in with your upright bass, you’ll want a darker tone.
- If you’re just learning to play jazz, get a ride cymbal that sounds good to your ears first.
Things to Consider Before Buying Jazz Cymbals
Buy only from the brands of jazz cymbals, as that eliminates a lot of the possible problems that you might run into. In addition:
- Cymbal size: they’re measured in diameters, and the bigger the cymbal, the more sustained the tones. The tones are also louder and the pitches deeper. Smaller cymbals have a higher pitch and more of a splash.
- A larger cymbal is ideal for aggressive, loud play, while a small cymbal is ideal for cleaner, lighter tones.
- Test the cymbals. Whether you bought it online or in a retail store, the only way to determine if it’s right is to test it with your drum set.
- Most cymbals are made of brass or bronze. Brass is less expensive and their quality has improved significantly.
- A thin cymbal with low pitch is ideal for jazz.
Final Verdict
Now that we have gotten a good look at the five cymbals, we have to answer the question which is the best? As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I chose these five because of their exceptional sound, quality and range.
Having said that, I have to say the Sabian SBR2012 SBR Series offers the best value for your money. Yes, there are more expensive cymbals, but I can say that the Sabian performs better and has a richer tone.
For those reasons I chose Sabian as he best jazz cymbals.
