Best 14" Crash Cymbals for Studio Recording 2025

Perfect 14" crash cymbals for studio-recording - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Fusion For Pop For Light Rock For Studio Recording For Practice

BRANDS: Paiste Zultan Istanbul Mehmet Masterwork Zildjian Meinl

Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Ray 6 Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Ray 6 Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Jazz Light Rock Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Balanced attack and sustain

✓ PROS

• Classic jazz crash size
• Balanced attack and sustain

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for power playing
• Can sound thin in some applications

Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Ray 6 CrashCrash CymbalSize: 14"X-Ray 6 seriesB20 BronzeBrilliant finishWith 6...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 411609

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Thin Crash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Thin Crash Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Practice Light Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Balanced attack and sustain

✓ PROS

• Classic jazz crash size
• Controlled volume level

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for power playing
• May lack power for heavy music

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Thin Crash Traditional14" Thin Crash Cymbal"Traditional" seriesRegular...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 311612

$207

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 14" HHX Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 14" HHX Thin Crash

by Sabian

Jazz Fusion Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic jazz crash size

✓ PROS

• Classic jazz crash size
• Controlled volume level

✗ CONS

• Can sound thin in some applications
• May lack power for heavy music

Sabian 14" HHX Thin CrashThin Crash CymbalSize: 14"HHX SeriesB20 BronzeFinish: TraditionalThin cymbal with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 476134

$380

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Samatya Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Samatya Series

by Istanbul Mehmet

Pop Jazz Practice

Key Feature:

• Balanced attack and sustain

✓ PROS

• Balanced attack and sustain
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy music
• Can sound thin in some applications

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Samatya SeriesCrash CymbalSize: 14"Brilliant finishModernfast responding...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 480780

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Turk Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Turk Series

by Istanbul Mehmet

Pop Fusion Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Balanced attack and sustain

✓ PROS

• Balanced attack and sustain
• Classic jazz crash size

✗ CONS

• Can sound thin in some applications
• May lack power for heavy music

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Turk Series14" Crash CymbalTurk Seriestight soundThe Turk cymbals are distinguished...

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 311635

$207

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schlagwerk 14" Cajon Crash-Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Schlagwerk 14" Cajon Crash-Ride

by Schlagwerk

Jazz Light Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Balanced attack and sustain

✓ PROS

• Controlled volume level
• Classic jazz crash size

✗ CONS

• Limited projection in loud bands
• May require mic reinforcement live

Schlagwerk 14" Cajon Crash-RideCajon Crash-Ride CymbalSize: 14"Material: B20 bronzeHandmade in TurkeyBrushed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 437225

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 14" Q Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 14" Q Crash

by Zultan

Light Rock Practice Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic jazz crash size

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Classic jazz crash size

✗ CONS

• Can sound thin in some applications
• Limited projection in loud bands

Zultan 14" Q CrashCrashSize: 14"Q-SeriesDark and deepfull sounding crash cymbal with incredible dynamic...

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 268241

$120

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 14" B8X Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 14" B8X Thin Crash

by Sabian

Practice Studio Recording Fusion

Key Feature:

• Classic jazz crash size

✓ PROS

• Classic jazz crash size
• Great for recording applications

✗ CONS

• Limited projection in loud bands
• May lack power for heavy music

Sabian 14" B8X Thin CrashThin CrashSize: 14"B8X SeriesAlloy: B8 bronzeNatural finishHammered bellStronger...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 363267

$149

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork 14" Resonant Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Masterwork 14" Resonant Crash

by Masterwork

Pop Light Rock Practice

Key Feature:

• Great for recording applications

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Controlled volume level

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy music
• May require mic reinforcement live

Masterwork 14" Resonant Crash, 14" CrashThe Resonant Series cymbals are hand-polished, lending them their...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 111702

$149

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Multi-Trash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Multi-Trash

by Meinl

Studio Recording Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for recording applications

✓ PROS

• Classic jazz crash size
• Controlled volume level

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy music
• May require mic reinforcement live

Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Multi-TrashDual Multi-Trash CymbalSize: 14"Material: B20 BronzeExtra Dry (natural) and...

⭐ 5.0/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 483029

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 14" Dark Matter Splatter Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 14" Dark Matter Splatter Crash

by Zultan

Fusion Practice Light Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

• Controlled volume level
• Balanced attack and sustain

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for power playing
• May require mic reinforcement live

Zultan 14" Dark Matter Splatter CrashCrash CymbalSize: 14"Hand-hammeredB20 BronzePerforated cymbal with short...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 474864

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 14" AAX AAXplosion Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 14" AAX AAXplosion Crash

by Sabian

Studio Recording Light Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Balanced attack and sustain

✓ PROS

• Classic jazz crash size
• Balanced attack and sustain

✗ CONS

• May require mic reinforcement live
• Can sound thin in some applications

Sabian 14" AAX AAXplosion Crash14" AAXplosion CrashBrilliant finishClearcleandefined cymbal soundLarge...

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 254896

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 14" A-Custom EFX - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 14" A-Custom EFX

by Zildjian

Studio Recording Light Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for recording applications

✓ PROS

• Controlled volume level
• Great for recording applications

✗ CONS

• Not ideal for power playing
• May require mic reinforcement live

Zildjian 14" A-Custom EFX14" EFX CymbalA Custom seriesBrilliant finishThis special effects crash stands out...

⭐ 5.0/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 248163

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Heavy Crash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Heavy Crash Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Studio Recording Light Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic jazz crash size

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Classic jazz crash size

✗ CONS

• Limited projection in loud bands
• Can sound thin in some applications

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Heavy Crash Traditional14" Heavy Crash"Traditional" seriesRegular finishCrash...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 311533

$207

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 14" PSTX Swiss Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Paiste 14" PSTX Swiss Thin Crash

by Paiste

Studio Recording Light Rock Practice

Key Feature:

• Balanced attack and sustain

✓ PROS

• Classic jazz crash size
• Great for recording applications

✗ CONS

• Limited projection in loud bands
• Can sound thin in some applications

Paiste 14" PSTX Swiss Thin CrashCrash CymbalsSize: 14"PSTX seriesSilk-matte surfaceFastexplosivelight...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

6/10

Value:

10/10

Art. 358711

$97

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 14" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 14" crash cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 14" Crash Cymbals for Studio Recording 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 14" X-Ray 6 Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Thin Crash Traditional

Sabian 14" HHX Thin Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Samatya Series

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Crash Turk Series

Schlagwerk 14" Cajon Crash-Ride

Zultan 14" Q Crash

Sabian 14" B8X Thin Crash

Masterwork 14" Resonant Crash

Meinl 14" Byzance Dual Multi-Trash

Zultan 14" Dark Matter Splatter Crash

Sabian 14" AAX AAXplosion Crash

Zildjian 14" A-Custom EFX

Istanbul Mehmet 14" Heavy Crash Traditional

Paiste 14" PSTX Swiss Thin Crash

How to Choose the Best 14" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 14" crash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 14" crash cymbals?

Are expensive 14" crash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 14" crash cymbals?

Should I buy 14" crash cymbals online or in-store?

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