10 Reviews: Best Cymbals for Jazz (May 2023)

Zildjian cymbals, initially produced by Kerope Zildjian in Turkey in the nineteenth century, continue to fascinate drummers today with their rich, warm, and expressive tones. Cymbals made with this Zildjian alloy are versatile cymbals that are dark and well suited for a wide variety of musical genres, from jazz to rock. The K Series of cymbals pays tribute to this legacy through the use of elaborate hammering and lathing techniques, in an attempt to capture that iconic sound once again.

The 20″ Paiste Formula 602 Medium Flat Ride Cymbal’s tone is warm, mellow, and crystal-like. Medium range, fairly clean mix. Very balanced and controlled feel. A pearly, woody stick sound paired with a silvery wash. A very sensitive cymbal perfectly suited for soft playing at lower volume level and studio application.

The Zildjian K Custom Special Dry cymbals are the epitome of what dry cymbals should be. These cymbals have a rough, earthy washiness about them that reminds me of a dry cymbal. With vibrant stick definition and minimal overtones, they allow you a lot of control. These traditional cymbals are handcrafted from a single piece of B20 bronze sheet, ensuring high quality. They also have a rough appearance, with a dark, grimy appearance. These beauties sound stunningly dynamic whether you’re in the studio or performing live.

The best purchase I’ve made in a very long time. They sound crazy good, every single cymbal. Normally in a box set, there’s one or two cymbals that majority don’t care for. This isn’t the case. If you’re in the market for a complete set, just click buy now on these dry k’s.

by Amazon Customer

The Meinl Byzance Jazz Monophonic 22″ Ride is one of the few cymbals that has been meticulously handcrafted with a great deal of delicacy. This is a stunning journey that will make jazz cats purr. It has a pleasant, washy tone and deep stick definition, which favors dynamic performers. Each impact has a lasting reverberation that you can definitely hear.

Amazing tone profile. Everything from a gentle touch up to a raging smash has a beautiful and full response. It replaced my Zildjian A Ping Ride and this one is darker, more complex, and considerably more versatile. It's kinda making my other cymbals sound bad....

by J. Gardner

Another of its great-sounding cymbals is the PST 7 light ride. It’s reasonably priced and works nicely with a variety of sounds. As a result, the ride is a perfect investment for beginning drummers who are just getting started with their instrument. The washy yet dynamic vibe of the PST 7 light ride is iconic. It also doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb in the background, giving a quietish, lovely sound. The bell rings out clearly and loudly. Because the crash is so forceful, it’s also great for rock music.

I did listen to this 20 inch ride on Paiste website's sound room before purchasing. This ride sound cymbal sounds even better in person. It has exactly the sound that I was after as makes a good crash cymbal and the bell sound does project nicely while providing sweet soft ride sound.

by Tom C

The cymbals are composed of B20 bronze, which is of the highest grade. These Meinl cymbals have an earthy, rustic design that complements their unusually dry, dark tone. The top hi-hat is light, while the lower hi-hat is medium. It has a beautiful, crisp ton with almost no washiness as a result of this. This is a tight hi-hat that works well in jazz, funk, or techno music.

You have to like Meinl to appreciate Meinl's unusual product line and the way they cater to eclectic and off-beat tastes in percussion.
These hats exemplify their alt-cymbal thinking. Great, dry chick...massive sloshiness...but with very controllable precision at all tempos. Fun, fun, fun to play

by Futureman

The cymbal is composed of conventional B20 cast bronze and has a traditional polish that was achieved by painstaking hand hammering. The smaller, integrated bell is heavily hammered, which helps to keep undesirable overtones from overpowering the song. Any jazz drummer who loves to smash their ride will love this thin, black ride cymbal. If you’re a gigging drummer, go for it.

I've been a Zildjian "A" player for decades but have found new textures and sounds in the "K" line. This ride has a nice old-school wash to it. Would be perfect for jazz or lighter settings. It's a REALLY nice cymbal.

by Jon Hull

The Zildjian K Custom Dark cymbals are one of today’s most popular and ideal all-around cymbals. That’s because they’re at home in a variety of genres, from jazz to funk to even metal. The Zildjian K Custom strikes a balance between all facets of superb cymbal workmanship to provide drummers with everything they need to achieve their desired tone. So, whether you’re performing live or in the studio, they are certain to sound professional.

As a portable church, we bring in different drummers with their own gear. One drastic inconsistency was their cymbals and the tones from them. For worship, we did some research, sought the advice of our drummers (many of which are professional-level musicians). We landed on this solution. For the money and simplicity of a pack for worship in an environment that needs some sound control, these are PERFECT and have greatly benefitted our overall​ sound in worship.

by Kevin

The Zildjian A Custom is the company’s best-selling series, and you’ll understand why once you hear it. Even though they are often utilized in rock music, jazz performers who want that nostalgic hefty ping in their cymbals use them. Each stick strike produces a smooth, nuanced sound with just the right amount of warmth to have you sit back and melt. Every time you play them, you’ll hear a well-balanced tone.

Zildjian A’s are great cymbals. The brilliant finish on these are much easier to eep clean. I bought these for the Worsip Team I drum for. I’ve been a drummer for 43 years and played many different brands and styles of cymbals and it’s true in cymbals that you get what you pay for. These are worth the price!

by Picklednunn

When used as a ride, this massive cymbal must be played lightly or it would overrun the band — its size makes it impossible to manage, and the rivets contribute to its all-encompassing sound. Traditionally placed behind the band’s strongest soloist, it may create a comfortable playing surface for the rest of the band that a drier cymbal would not be able to give.