Top Cymbal Brands: Unveiling the Beat Masters

When it comes to selecting the right cymbals, drummers often seek the perfect blend of sound quality, durability, and brand reputation. In a competitive market, several top brands stand out for their superior craftsmanship and diverse range of products tailored to various music styles. From well-known industry leaders to emerging innovators, these brands cater to both professional musicians and enthusiastic beginners alike. Eager to explore the leading names in cymbal manufacturing? Discover our curated list of the best cymbal brands below.

Illustration of cymbal

Best brands of cymbal in 2025

Zildjian

Zildjian, founded in 1623, is one of the most renowned and enduring cymbal manufacturers, boasting a 400-year legacy in craftsmanship and quality. The company, now the oldest continuous family business in the U.S., holds around 35% of the global cymbal market and generates an estimated annual revenue of $50 million. Zildjian's success is attributed to its strong family ethos, innovative techniques, and the iconic brand synonymous with excellence in percussion. The company's cymbals have been used by legendary musicians, including Ringo Starr, and continue to shape the sound of modern music. With a combined market share with Sabian approaching 80%, Zildjian remains a powerhouse in the cymbal industry.

Sabian

Sabian is one of the leading manufacturers of cymbals, established in 1981 by Robert Zildjian in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada. The company is known for its high-quality cymbals, including the Automatic Anvil (AA) and Hand Hammered (HH) lines, which produced 45,000 cymbals in the first year. By 1987, Sabian was exporting 90% of its products and introduced the HHX series in 2001, further enhancing its market presence. Sabian is part of the "big four" cymbal manufacturers, along with Zildjian, Meinl, and Paiste, and it continues to innovate with series like the OMNI, introduced in 2011. The company's global reach and commitment to quality have made it a preferred choice among musicians. For more comprehensive details on Sabian's history and products, visit their Wikipedia page.

Meinl

Meinl Cymbals is renowned as one of the top producers of cymbals, known for their high-quality and diverse range of products. The company, which operates its cymbal factory in Germany using 100% renewable energy, has introduced innovative products such as the Classics Custom Dual series and the Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Cymbals. Meinl's Practice HCS Cymbals are designed to reduce sound by around 15 dB, making them ideal for practice sessions. The brand's commitment to sustainability, including the installation of solar panels and a woodchip-pellet heating system, enhances its market appeal. With a strong presence in the global market, Meinl Cymbals cater to musicians from students to professionals, contributing significantly to the growth of the cymbals market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% from 2023 to 2030. For more information, visit their official website.

Paiste

Paiste is renowned as one of the best cymbal producers, distinguished by its unique alloy production processes and high-quality sound characteristics. Founded by Michail Toomas Paiste in 1901, the company has a rich history, with significant milestones such as the introduction of the FORMULA 602 series in 1963, which marked their entry into the global market with a competitive edge against Zildjian. Paiste's B15 "Signature" Alloy, introduced in 1989, features 15% tin and 85% copper, ensuring greater consistency and a distinct sound. The company operates both German and Swiss factories, with the German factory producing gongs and lower-line cymbals, while the Swiss factory handles higher-end models like the 2002 series. Paiste's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a favorite among professional and amateur musicians alike. For a comprehensive look at their history, visit the Paiste unofficial cymbal production history timeline.

Istanbul Agop

Istanbul Agop Cymbals is a highly respected brand in the music industry, known for its unique and superior sound quality, achieved through traditional hand-crafting methods and a proprietary alloy formula known only to the owners, Arman and Sarkis Tomurcuk. Founded in 1980 by Agop Tomurcuk, the company continues the centuries-old Turkish tradition of cymbal making that dates back to the 16th century. Istanbul Agop cymbals are endorsed by numerous prominent drummers across various genres, including rock, jazz, and heavy metal. The brand also collaborates with notable drummers to design specialized cymbal lines. Additionally, Istanbul Agop offers the Alchemy Cymbals brand, which includes low-cost options for beginners and semi-professionals. For more detailed insights, visit Istanbul Agop Cymbals' Wikipedia page.

Istanbul Mehmet

Istanbul Mehmet is renowned as one of the premier producers of high-quality, handmade cymbals, with each cymbal carefully handcrafted to perfection in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey. Founded by Mehmet Tamdeger, who learned his craft from Mikhail Zilcan starting at the age of nine, Istanbul Mehmet cymbals combine traditional Turkish cymbal-making processes with modern production techniques, ensuring professional quality accessible to drummers at all levels. The brand's IMC Bronze Natural cymbals, for example, offer excellent value and construction, featuring a set that includes 14'' Hi-Hats, 16'' and 18'' Crashes, and a 20'' Ride, all made from B20 construction. Since its inception, Istanbul Mehmet has maintained a commitment to the ancient Turkish art of cymbal making, with cymbals first exported to the U.S. in 1984. This dedication to quality and tradition has made Istanbul Mehmet cymbals highly regarded among drummers worldwide.

UFIP

UFIP, or Unione Fabbricanti Italiani Piatti, is a renowned Italian company that has been producing high-quality cymbals, gongs, and metal percussion instruments since 1931. Known for its innovative Rotocasting technique, patented by the Zanchi brothers, UFIP ensures a thicker bell-to-bow ratio and reduced air pockets in the alloy. This method has contributed significantly to UFIP's reputation for crafting darker, richer, and warmer cymbals, such as those in the Natural Series made from B20 bronze alloy. UFIP cymbals are distributed globally, including in the United States by Davitt & Hanser music, and have been sold under various brand names before adopting the UFIP name internationally in the early 1990s. With a strong presence in the global cymbals market, UFIP continues to be a preferred choice among musicians. For more information, you can visit their Wikipedia page.

Turkish Cymbals

Turkish Cymbals, particularly those from Istanbul Agop and Istanbul Mehmet, are highly regarded for their unique sound and traditional hand-crafting methods that date back to the 16th century. These cymbals are made from a proprietary bronze alloy, carefully selected and hammered by master cymbal smiths to produce distinct sonic characteristics. The art of Turkish cymbal making was refined over centuries, with significant developments in the 20th century, including the founding of Istanbul Agop in 1980 by Agop Tomurcuk. The brand is known for its collaboration with notable drummers and its diverse product lines, such as the Alchemy Cymbals series. The global cymbals market, which includes Turkish Cymbals, is expected to grow significantly, with the Asia-Pacific region showing rapid growth driven by increasing music education and Western music influences.

Bosphorus

Bosphorus Cymbals, established in 1996 by master cymbal smiths Hasan Seker, Ibrahim Yakici, and Hasan Ozdemir, is renowned for its high-quality, handmade cymbals. With over 36 years of experience, the founders continue to craft cymbals in their workshop, guiding a strong team of skilled artisans. Bosphorus Cymbals maintains strong relationships with their former employers and respects their teachers who manufactured legendary cymbals of the 60s and 70s. The company is part of a market dominated by North America, which accounts for over 39% of global cymbal revenue, driven by the region's high disposable income and vibrant music industry. Bosphorus Cymbals are highly regarded for their precision and quality, making them a favorite among professional drummers.

Dream Cymbals

Dream Cymbals, established in 2005, is a renowned brand in the global cymbal market, known for its handmade cymbals produced in China's Wuhan region. These cymbals, made from B20 bronze, offer a unique, jazzy sound with long sustain and a wide overtone series, making them a favorite among musicians. The brand's various lines, including the Vintage Bliss, Bliss, Contact, and Energy lines, cater to different musical styles and preferences. Dream Cymbals are appreciated for their affordability and high quality, allowing musicians to find a suitable cymbal without the high cost associated with older, vintage cymbals like the Istanbul made K Zildjians. With their unique sound and craftsmanship, Dream Cymbals continue to grow in popularity, contributing to the global cymbal market's projected 6.20% CAGR from 2023 to 2030.