Brand
Zildjian is one of the oldest and most respected names in drumming, with a history that stretches back over 400 years. Founded as a family-run cymbal-making craft, Zildjian has become the world’s leading cymbal manufacturer, setting the standard for sound, consistency, and musical expression across generations of drummers.
Zildjian cymbals are used in every style of music, from rock, pop, jazz, metal, and punk through to orchestral, marching, and world percussion. Their ranges cover everything from bright, cutting cymbals for live performance to darker, more complex sounds suited to studio and jazz playing. This breadth makes Zildjian a go-to choice for beginners buying their first cymbals as well as touring professionals and recording artists.
Beyond cymbals, Zildjian also produces drumsticks, mallets, and accessories, supporting drummers across their entire setup. The brand’s longevity, innovation, and close relationship with drummers worldwide have made Zildjian not just a manufacturer, but a cornerstone of modern drumming culture.
Category
Cymbals add accents, timekeeping, colour and dynamics to a drum setup. This category includes hi-hats, rides, crashes, splashes, Chinas and packs, each with different sizes, weights, profiles, alloys, hammering and finishes. Compare stick definition, wash, sustain, response, volume and how the cymbal will blend with the kit and musical style. A cymbal’s sound also depends on mounting and playing technique. Check the exact type and diameter, and remember that cymbal stands, bags and felts may need to be purchased separately.
Splash cymbals are small effects cymbals designed for quick accents, short decay and sharp bursts of colour. Compare diameter, weight, profile, finish, response and how the cymbal will sit beside crashes, rides and other effects. Thin splashes usually open quickly and disappear fast, while heavier versions can provide more attack and projection. Check whether the product is a single cymbal and whether mounting hardware is included. A splash works best as a complementary voice, adding punctuation without replacing the main timekeeping cymbals.
Tags
Splash identifies a small effects cymbal with a quick response and short decay. Compare diameter, weight, projection and the mounting hardware required.
