AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 19" Crash Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal ($218). Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $176. Zildjian 19" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 105 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All 19" Crash CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal
19" 900 Color Sound Crash RED · Paiste
23 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
This is a 19 inch crash from Paiste's 900 Colour Sound series, made from B8 bronze. The maker describes a full sound with a warm undertone, and says it is universally applicable. If you want a red crash with that kind of sound, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made from B8 (2002) bronze, a named alloy
- Full sound with a strong warm undertone, as the maker describes it
- Part of the 900 Colour Sound series
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$218 now$218€195 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 19" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal
19" K Sweet Crash · Zildjian
49 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
You get a 19 inch crash cymbal that responds fast and has a dark, round sound. It suits you if you want a crash that blends in and responds quickly when struck. Listen to it in person if you can, so you know if that sound fits what you play.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's K series, a line known for its dark sound
- Dark and fast responding, so it speaks quickly when struck
- Random hammering gives it a distinct, varied character
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 19" A Custom Crash Cymbal
19" A-Custom Crash · Zildjian
35 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
If you want a 19-inch crash that speaks fast and then fades softly, you may like this one. It is not too thick and not too loud, so it blends into your kit instead of cutting over everything else. It suits drummers who want a crash with a soft, round release for everyday playing.
Pros
- Part of Zildjian's A Custom series, a cymbal line with a brilliant finish
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
- Not too thick and not too loud, so it sits well alongside other cymbals on a kit
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 19" A Custom Crash Cymbal
19" Z Custom Crash · Zildjian
35 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19 inch crash is made for drummers who hit hard. You get a bright sound with an explosive crash and cut, so it can stand out when you play loud. The star pattern hammering gives it a brilliant finish, and it is slightly lighter than the original Z Custom Crashes.
Pros
- Developed for heavy hitters, built to take hard, loud playing
- Bright sound with an explosive crash and cut
- Slightly lighter weight than the original Z Custom Crashes
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal
19" 900 Series Crash · Paiste
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19" crash from Paiste's 900 Series is made of B8 bronze. It has a full sound with a strong, warm undertone, and its special finish gives it a slightly darker look with visible lathing grooves and hammer marks. Because it is described as universally applicable, it is a good pick if you want a crash that can fit many kinds of playing.
Pros
- Made of B8 bronze, a common alloy for cymbals
- Full sound with a strong, warm undertone
- Universally applicable, so it suits many playing styles
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$221 now$221€198 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 19" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal
19" A-Series Medium Thin Crash · Zildjian
23 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
You get a 19 inch Zildjian A-Series crash with a brilliant finish. It is a medium thin crash from the Avedis series, so it suits you if you want a simple accent cymbal for your kit. Check the size and weight against how you play before you buy.
Pros
- Part of the Zildjian A-Series, from the well-known Avedis series
- 19 inch size, a common crash cymbal size
- Medium weight with a thin profile, made for crash accents
73AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$412 · Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This is a 19-inch crash from Sabian's AAX line, made of B20 Bronze with a brilliant finish. Its smaller bell gives it a fast response and a modern sound, and the thin, lighter build adds some depth. It is a good pick for you if you want a quick, modern crash, and it is also a fit for studio recordings.
Pros
- Made from B20 Bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Smaller bell gives a fast responding, modern sound
- Thin version is lighter, which adds some depth to the sound
73AudioFu
Index↓ 2.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$479 · Aug 17$468 now$468€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 19" K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal
19" K-Custom Dark Crash · Zildjian
26 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This is a 19-inch crash from the K-Custom series. It has dry, trashy overtones, reacts fast when you hit it, and the sound fades quickly. If you want a crash that adds a short, edgy accent to your playing, you will likely like it. If you want a long, washy crash, this one is probably not for you.
Pros
- Dry, trashy overtones give it a character unlike a standard crash
- Quick response means it speaks the instant you hit it
- Short sustain keeps the sound from lingering between strokes
Cons
- Short sustain means it won't ring out for long washes
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$501 now$501€449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal
PST7 19" Thin Crash · Paiste
12 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
The PST7 19in Thin Crash is a solid, affordable option for drummers needing a light crash for quieter passages or subtle accents. It’s a dependable workhorse – not a flagship sound – perfect for beginner to intermediate players or those on a budget needing a reliable, bright cymbal.
Pros
- Bright, shimmering wash with a quick decay for subtle accents
- CuSn8 bronze provides a warm, responsive feel
- Paiste’s Swiss engineering ensures consistent quality and durability
Cons
- Lacks the sustain and complexity for heavier, more complex musical styles
- Thin profile makes it susceptible to cracking with aggressive playing
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$176 now$176€158 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 19" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash Cymbal
19" XSR Fast Crash · Sabian
21 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
The Sabian XSR Fast Crash is a seriously responsive cymbal – it's quick, bright, and cuts through a mix beautifully. It’s a great choice for drummers needing a fast, articulate crash without a huge commitment to size or volume; perfect for studio work or smaller gigs where a big crash might overwhelm the kit.
Pros
- Bright, articulate wash with a quick, clean decay.
- B20 bronze construction delivers a musical, responsive tone.
- Thin profile enhances sensitivity and ease of playing.
Cons
- Lacks the sustain and depth of heavier, larger crash cymbals.
- Brilliant finish can be prone to finger smudging and patina.
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$345 now$345€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 105 19" crash cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Zildjian 19" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal19" K-Series Paper Thin Crash · Zildjian72Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 12
Sabian 19" HHX Legacy Crash Cymbal19" HHX Legacy Crash · Sabian72Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 13
Sabian 19" HHX Legacy Crash Cymbal19" FRX Crash · Sabian72Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 14
Sabian 19" HHX Evolution Crash Cymbal19" HHX Evolution Crash · Sabian72Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 15
Sabian 19" HHX Complex Thin Crash Cymbal19" HHX Complex Thin Crash · Sabian72Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 16
Sabian 19" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash Cymbal19" HHX plosion Crash · Sabian72Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 17
Paiste 19" RUDE Crash / Ride Cymbal19" Rude Crash/Ride · Paiste71Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 18
Zildjian 19" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal19" A-Series Thin Crash · Zildjian71Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 19
Zildjian 19" K Series Dark Thin Crash Cymbal19" K-Series Dark Crash Thin · Zildjian71Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 20
Zildjian 19" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal19" A-Custom Projection Crash · Zildjian70Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 21
Paiste 19" Masters Dark Crash Cymbal19" Masters Dark Crash · Paiste69Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 22
Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dark CrashMeinl68Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 23
Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat CymbalPaiste68Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 24
Zildjian 19" K Custom Hybrid Crash Cymbal19" K-Custom Hybrid Crash · Zildjian68↓ 1.1%$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 25
Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Dual Crash · Meinl68Stable$508€455$508€455Check ↗
- 26
Paiste 19” Signature Fast Crash Cymbal19" Signature Fast Crash · Paiste68Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 27
Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash · Meinl68Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 28
Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dual Crash Cymbal19" Classics Custom Dual Crash · Meinl67Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 29
Paiste 19" 2002 Extreme Crash Cymbal19" 2002 Extreme Crash · Paiste67Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 30
Paiste 19" Signature Full Crash Cymbal19" Signature Full Crash · Paiste67Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 31
Zildjian 19" K Custom Special Dry Trash Crash Cymbal19" K Custom Special Dry Trash · Zildjian67Stable$524€469$524€469Check ↗
- 32
Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Medium-Thin Crash19" Byzance Med. Thin Crash B. · Meinl67Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 33
Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Medium-Thin Crash19" Byzance Medium Thin Crash · Meinl67Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 34
Paiste 19" Signature Dark Energy Mark I Crash Cymbal19" Signature Dark Energy MKI · Paiste67Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 35
Sabian 19" AA Spotlight Crash Cymbal19" AA Spotlight Crash · Sabian66Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 36
Istanbul Agop 19" Signature Mel Lewis Crash/Ride19" Agop Signature Crash · Istanbul Agop66Stable$490€439$490€439Check ↗
- 37
Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash19" Byzance Extra Thin Crash · Meinl65Stable$508€455$508€455Check ↗
- 38
Sabian 19" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash Cymbal19" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash · Sabian65Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 39
Paiste 19" RUDE Thin Crash Cymbal19" Rude Thin Crash · Paiste64Stable$378€339$378€339Check ↗
- 40
Meinl 19" Pure Alloy Custom Medium Thin Crash Cymbal19" Pure Alloy Custom Crash · Meinl64Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 41
Sabian 19" AAX Heavy Crash Cymbal19" AAX Heavy Crash · Sabian64Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 42
Meinl 19" Byzance Foundry Reserve Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR · Meinl64Stable$586€525$586€525Check ↗
- 43
Sabian 19" Stratus Crash Cymbal19" Stratus Dry Crash · Sabian63↓ 1.5%$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 44
Zildjian 19" K Custom Hybrid Trash Smash Cymbal19" K-Custom Hybr. Trash Smash · Zildjian63Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 45
Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Polyphonic Crash · Meinl63Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 46
Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Crash Cymbal19" 900 Series Heavy Crash · Paiste62Stable$221€198$221€198Check ↗
- 47
Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Crash Cymbal19" 900 Color Heavy Crash BK · Paiste62Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 48
Sabian 19" Stratus Crash Cymbal19" Stratus Crash · Sabian62Stable$408€365$408€365Check ↗
- 49
Paiste 19" Signature Reflector Heavy Full Crash Cymbal19" Reflector Heavy Full Crash · Paiste62Stable$501€449$501€449Check ↗
- 50
Paiste 19" Signature Power Crash Cymbal19" Signature Power Crash · Paiste62Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
19" Crash Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 109 models we track, not a sample.
Median $401 — half of all 19" crash cymbals here cost less.
median of 109 models · 19"–19"
How to choose the best 19" crash cymbals
Weight
Heavier 19" crashes will have more sustain and a darker, more washy tone, good for rock or heavier genres. Lighter ones offer quicker response and more articulation, ideal for jazz or more delicate playing. It's a direct trade-off - you're sacrificing some sustain for responsiveness.
Bell Size & Profile
A larger bell generally produces a louder, more explosive sound with more overtones. The bell's profile (how it tapers down) affects the attack and how quickly those overtones decay; a sharper profile will cut through more.
Hammering
Heavily hammered cymbals tend to have a more complex, trashy sound with a longer sustain, while lightly hammered ones offer a cleaner, more defined tone. Think about what kind of 'color' you want - a little rawness or a more polished sound.
Finish
Brighter finishes (like bright or mirror) reflect more sound and produce a louder, more shimmering tone. Darker finishes (like natural or vintage) absorb sound, resulting in a more controlled, lower-pitched crash. It's all about the sonic character you're after.
Overall Sound Character
This is subjective, but listen for the core tone. Is it a warm, musical crash, or a brittle, icy one? Does it have a fat midrange honk, or a thin, washy sound? Does it articulate clearly, or does it just ring indefinitely?
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a 19" crash? Smart move. It's the Goldilocks size - not too big, not too small - offering a great balance of wash and articulation. They're versatile enough for everything from quiet jazz gigs to cutting through a rock band, but choosing the right one is crucial; a bad 19" crash can just sit there, sounding like nothing. Let's break down what to look for to avoid that disappointment.
A 19" crash is a workhorse cymbal, so don't cheap out too much. The really inexpensive ones often have a thin, tinny sound and zero character. You'll often find the corners are cut with the alloy - it'll sound brittle and lack sustain.
Spending a bit more gets you better alloy, more careful hammering, and a more musical response, which translates to a more enjoyable playing experience and a better sound in a band context.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 109 19" crash cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 19" crashes good for beginners?
Absolutely. The size is forgiving and versatile, making it easier to control than larger crashes. It's a great starting point to develop your crash technique.
Can I use a 19" crash in a loud rock band?
Definitely, but you might want a heavier weight to cut through the mix. Consider pairing it with a larger, louder crash for bigger moments.
What's the difference between a 'rock' and a 'jazz' 19" crash?
Generally, a 'rock' crash will be heavier, brighter, and have a more explosive sound. A 'jazz' crash will be lighter, darker, and more nuanced, with a quicker decay.
I'm hearing a lot of overtones - is that bad?
Overtones aren't inherently bad; they add complexity. However, if they're harsh or uncontrolled, they can muddy the mix. Look for a cymbal with good overtone management or learn to control them with your playing.
Should I buy just one 19" crash, or a pair?
It depends on your style and setup. A pair offers more dynamic range and versatility, but a single one can be plenty if you're on a budget or prefer a more focused sound.
