Top Cymbal Brands That Sound Like Magic

In the world of percussion, the choice of cymbals can significantly impact the overall sound and performance of a drummer. With an array of options available, selecting the right brand can often be a daunting task for both beginners and seasoned musicians. Renowned brands like Zildjian, Paiste, Sabian, and Meinl have consistently stood out for their innovation, quality, and diverse sound range, catering to various musical styles. If you're eager to explore what these top brands offer and identify the perfect cymbal to elevate your drumming experience, read on below.

Illustration of cymbals

Best brands of cymbals in 2025

Zildjian

The Zildjian brand is renowned for its 400-year legacy in cymbal making, maintaining its position as one of the best producers in the industry. Founded in 1623, Zildjian has a significant market share, estimated to be around 35% of the global cymbal market, with its annual revenue approximating $50 million. The company's enduring success is attributed to its craftsmanship, strong family business ethos, and innovative use of computer-controlled machinery to replicate hand-hammered cymbals. Zildjian's products are synonymous with quality, and the brand has been boosted by notable users such as Ringo Starr. The company remains the oldest continuous family business in the U.S., with its headquarters in Norwell, Massachusetts. For more information, visit their official website.

Sabian

SABIAN, founded in 1982 by Robert Zildjian, is a renowned brand in the cymbal industry, celebrated for its innovation and high-quality products. The company, now led by Andy Zildjian, has been a major player for 40 years, with notable collaborations with artists like Chad Smith and Neil Peart. SABIAN's cymbals, such as the AA and AAX series, are known for their distinct sounds and durability, with the AAX series featuring an exclusive 'Auto-Focus Response' for consistent sound at all volumes. The brand has expanded significantly, producing over 900,000 cymbals annually and maintaining a strong presence in the global market, particularly in North America which accounts for over 39% of the global cymbal market revenue.

Paiste

Paiste is renowned as one of the best producers of cymbals, with a rich history dating back to 1901 when Michail Toomas Paiste founded the company in St. Petersburg, Russia. The brand gained international fame with the introduction of the FORMULA 602 series in 1963, which competed directly with the world standard set by Zildjian. Paiste's 2002 Big Beat series, crafted from CuSn8 Bronze Alloy, is highly acclaimed for its unique hammering pattern and semi-matted finish, offering a warm, deep, and brilliant sound. The company's strategic focus on quality and innovation has made it a leader in the global cymbals market, particularly in regions like North America and Europe, where it holds significant market share. Paiste's commitment to sound development and quality control, as exemplified by collaborations with musicians like Pierre Favre, has solidified its position as a top choice among professional and amateur musicians. For more details about Paiste's innovative cymbal products, visit their official website.

Meinl

Meinl Cymbals is a renowned brand in the global cymbals market, known for its high-quality and versatile cymbals that cater to a wide range of musicians, from students to professionals. The company, which operates its cymbal factory in Germany using 100% renewable energy, offers a diverse collection including the Byzance and HCS series. Meinl Cymbals are popular for their brilliant and clean sound, and the brand is part of a market that is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% from 2023 to 2030. North America, where Meinl Cymbals are highly sought after, accounts for more than 39% of the global revenue in the cymbals market. The brand's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, such as using solar panels and woodchip-pellet heating, adds to its appeal.

Istanbul Agop

Istanbul Agop Cymbals is a renowned producer of high-quality cymbals, known for their unique sound crafted through traditional hand-hammering methods and a proprietary alloy formula, which is a closely guarded secret of the Tomurcuk family. Founded by Agop Tomurcuk in 1980, the company has maintained its legacy of producing hand-made cymbals, with Agop's sons, Arman and Sarkis, continuing the tradition after his death in 1996. Istanbul Agop cymbals are made from a B20 bronze alloy, containing 20% tin, which is highly valued for its musical properties. The company has collaborated with notable drummers to create specialized lines, such as the Alchemy Series, and has expanded its presence globally, including opening an office in Los Angeles in 2004. Istanbul Agop cymbals are endorsed by many prominent drummers across various genres. For more detailed information, you can visit their official website.

Istanbul Mehmet

Istanbul Mehmet is a renowned producer of high-quality, handcrafted cymbals, continuing the centuries-old tradition of Turkish cymbal making. Each cymbal is meticulously crafted by dedicated and skilled cymbal makers, ensuring perfection in every piece. Founded after the split of Istanbul Cymbals in the late 20th century, Istanbul Mehmet has established itself as a leading brand, offering a wide range of cymbals to cater to various musical needs. With a focus on maintaining traditional methods, Istanbul Mehmet cymbals are highly respected for their unique sound and durability. The brand's commitment to quality has made it a favorite among professional drummers worldwide. For more details, visit their official website.

Bosphorus

Bosphorus Cymbals is renowned for its high-quality, artisanally crafted cymbals, produced in the heart of Turkey, a country with a millennia-old tradition of cymbal making dating back to 3000 BC. Unlike mass producers like Zildjian, which manufacture 7 million cymbals annually, Bosphorus produces only about 200-300 cymbals per week, ensuring a unique and personalized sound for each cymbal. The manufacturing process involves a secret ratio of copper to tin, multiple heating and flattening steps, and a manual hammering process to enhance the sound. Bosphorus cymbals are favored by musicians for their distinct sound and affordability compared to major brands. They are particularly popular among those playing rock, funk, soul, and jazz. For more information, visit their official page.

UFIP

UFIP, or Unione Fabbricanti Italiani Piatti, is a renowned Italian company specializing in the production of high-quality cymbals, gongs, and metal percussion instruments. Founded in 1931, UFIP is celebrated for its innovative manufacturing techniques, such as the patented Rotocasting method, which ensures a thicker bell-to-bow ratio and reduces air pockets in the alloy. This technique is pivotal in producing cymbals with a cleaner fundamental tone and a broader frequency range. UFIP cymbals are highly regarded by professional drummers worldwide for their superior sound quality and durability. The company's products have been distributed under various names historically, but since the early 1990s, they have been marketed internationally under the UFIP brand. For more detailed information, visit the UFIP Wikipedia page.

Dream

Dream Cymbals, launched in 2005, stands out as a top producer of cymbals, renowned for their exceptional old-world craftsmanship and unparalleled sound at affordable prices. Distributed in over 14 countries, Dream Cymbals are a favorite among musicians due to their high quality and accessibility. Unlike older, rarer cymbals like the Istanbul K Zildjians, Dream cymbals are more numerous and easier to find, making it more likely for musicians to discover a cymbal that suits their preferences. The brand's commitment to local development, sustainable production, and supporting musicians of all types further enhances its reputation. With the global cymbals market growing, particularly in regions like North America and the Asia-Pacific, Dream Cymbals continue to expand their market presence. For more information, visit the Dream Cymbals About Us page.

Stagg

Stagg is a renowned brand in the cymbals market, known for its high-quality products that cater to both professional and amateur musicians. The brand benefits from the overall growth of the cymbals market, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2031, with North America dominating the market and accounting for over 39% of global revenue. Stagg cymbals are popular among musicians due to their authentic sounds and durability, contributing to the traditional segment's dominance, which commands nearly 79% of the percussion instruments market. The brand's presence is strengthened by the increasing demand for percussion instruments driven by live music events and musical education. As the Asia-Pacific region experiences faster growth with a CAGR of 5.2%, Stagg is well-positioned to expand its market share. Learn more about Stagg cymbals by visiting their official website.