Shopping for the best crash cymbal can be an intimidating prospect. There are hundreds of options, so you might think — how different can they be, right? Well, you would be surprised by the variety in tone, texture, sound, music, and feeling each unique cymbal has.
But there is no need to fear. At the Drum Center of Portsmouth, we know how tricky this decision can be, so we've compiled a breakdown of 10 top-notch crash cymbals. We cover Agop, Sabian, Paiste, and more — you are guaranteed to come across something right up your alley.
Whatever you're looking for, there is something out there, so let's get to it and help you find a new favorite!
Our top picks:
- Best for jazz musicians: Istanbul Agop Signature Crash
- Best for studio recordings: Istanbul Agop Traditional Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
- Best for complex musical crashes: Sabian AAX Thin Crash
- Best volume potential: Sabian HHX Legacy Brilliant Crash Cymbal
- Best all-around option: Meinl Pure Alloy Traditional Medium Crash Cymbal
- Best medium weight: Meinl Byzance Vintage Sand Medium Crash Cymbal
- Best for unmatched transparency: Paiste 602 Modern Essentials Crash Cymbal
- Most clear crashes: Paiste Signature Full Crash Cymbal
- Best for rock and metal: Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal
- Best for washes: Zildjian A Thin Crash Cymbal
1. Istanbul Agop Signature Crash
Hand made in Turkey by expert craftsmen, every Istanbul Agop Signature will have a slightly different sound due to its boutique nature. Known for its dry tone, low pitch, and razor-thinness, this Signature Agop is ideal for jazz musicians seeking a smoky and atmospheric vibe.
This crash cymbal was created from designs found in Agop Tomurcuk's notebook, so every tiny detail comes from a lifetime of dedication to drums' craft. Fun fact: the logo is green because that was Agop's favorite color!
2. Istanbul Agop Traditional Paper Thin Crash Cymbal
Every Turkish cymbal smith leaves their one-of-a-kind mark on an Instanbul Agop Traditional Paper Thin Crash Cymbal. That exclusive razor-thin quality adds to the allure of this warm, splashy cymbal.
This Agop maintains a full sound paired with a quick decay, it grabs your ear then disappears. The quick decay is ideal for studio recordings when you don't want to overwhelm your drums.
3. Sabian AAX Thin Crash
Sabian's AAX Thin Crash is perfect for those seeking thinner, more complex musical crashes. The visible hammering on this crash cymbal comes from a larger, rounder peen. This hammering makes way for dark crashes and deep low sounds at high speeds.
Sabian's innovative hammering solidifies a wider band of frequency, highlighting brighter highs and multiform lows. The small raw bell contributes to the fast response in this AAX Thin Crash and focuses that awesome dark sparkle in your music.
4. Sabian HHX Legacy Brilliant Crash Cymbal
From just the first glimpse of this HHX Legacy Crash Cymbal, you know you're in for something special. The shining finish focuses on the shimmering sound and low-end aspects. No matter how loud or soft or fast you play this Sabian, it stays musical under stress. Drummers will find volume potential here they would never expect.
The HHX difference is a dark crash cymbal that can cut. You will get a bite out of the HHX Legacy while still building heat and playing in those sought-after earthy dusky tones. Never give up dark tones for speed and volume again.
5. Meinl Pure Alloy Traditional Medium Crash Cymbal
A great all-around option for various musical styles and sounds, the Meinl Pure Alloy covers the tonal spectrum. With a fully lathed playing surface and old school crafting, this crash cymbal calls back to traditional drum kits. Expect a medium to long sustain that is reactive to whatever you throw at it, perfect for experimenting in the studio.
The velvety musical midranges, luscious crash, and crisp response make this one of the best crash cymbals for session drummers who might be bouncing around styles every time they play. Once a musician is settled into this Meinl, it can be a drummer's best friend.
6. Meinl Byzance Vintage Sand Medium Crash Cymbal
Drummer extraordinaire Benny Greb always proudly has a Meinl Byzance Vintage Sand Cymbal on his kit, and for a good reason — he helped design it! When such a legend designs an instrument to his specifications, you know you're in for a musical treat.
The Meinl Byzance is medium weight and sand-blasted, giving it a smooth rounded sound without excess sustain or resonance. The crash on this Meinl mimics white-noise, perfect for that hazy jazz sound. It is pitch-matched with dark tones and stands out in a studio setting, blending well with your drums.
7. Paiste 602 Modern Essentials Crash Cymbal
There's no getting around it, the Paiste 602 Modern Crash Cymbal is expensive, but you'll understand why. Paiste's unique heat-treated bronze cymbals offer a sound you can't find from any other manufacturer. Holding on to a darker sound, these crash cymbals stand out due to their unparalleled clarity and bright sparkle.
The transparency on this cymbal is unmatched, thanks to the somewhat detached bell. You will find loud crashes but never a washy musical experience. This cymbal stays always specific.
8. Paiste Signature Full Crash Cymbal
In the 1980s, Paiste patented the alloy of this cymbal because they knew what a great sound they got their hands on. Specifically designed for the recording studio, the Signature Full Crash produces a microphone-friendly, clear sound. The dynamic range of tones allows for quiet, sensitive sounds in one moment and blasts into rich, colorful music the next.
These adaptable crash cymbals also sound great live, the perfect opportunity to show off their power and projection. For over 30 years, the Signature series from Paiste has been a standard for crisp, clear crashes in the midst of loud blasting music, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
9. Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal
The Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash is one of our most requested products. Through an exceptional over-hammering technique, these cymbals have a bright and fast attack followed by a rapid decay. These are slightly thicker, which makes room for a crash loaded with volume. Full of character and nuance, the Zildjian K delivers an all-around great tone.
True to its name, this Zildjian is the best crash cymbal for dark sounds, musical undertones, cool temperatures, and low pitches. If you're after a warm, dark sound, then this is your best bet.
10. Zildjian A Thin Crash Cymbal
You barely have to touch a Zildjian A Thin Crash Cymbal to produce a satisfying sound. These responsive Zildjians with concentric lathing are alive with bright mids and high tonality.
While you won't get a lot of trashiness out of this crash cymbal, its remarkable thinness projects excellent washes and an always shimmering musical response.
Conclusion
Any drummer who is playing in any musical style can find the best crash cymbal for them on this list. Whether you want a rough trashy sound or you're seeking dark smooth jazz, the Drum Center of Portsmouth can help you out.
We know drums at DCP and want to get you perfectly paired with a fresh kit. All our employees are passionate drummers that won't settle until you've found your voice. Rounding out your drum kit means the best crash cymbal you can get, so at DCP, you can keep trying out everything in stock until you're satisfied and ready to make music.
Stop on by our drummer's paradise, give us a call at 603-319-8109, or reach out at info@drumcenternh.com now!