AudioFu Chart · October 2026

Best 19" Crash Cymbals 2026

The top pick is Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal ($219). Zildjian 19" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 105 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: October 19, 2026

105models in this chart
9brands
$404median price
3price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All 19" Crash Cymbals
Price
Skill level
Brand

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal

    19" 900 Color Sound Crash RED · Paiste

    19 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann

    • Size19"

    This 900 Color Sound crash is a solid, reliable workhorse. It's got a warm, full tone that sits nicely in a mix – great for rock, pop, and even some jazz. If you need a dependable crash that won't break the bank and delivers a classic Paiste vibe, this is a fantastic choice.

    Pros

    • B8 bronze delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
    • The RED coloring enhances projection and perceived volume.
    • Universally usable across many musical genres and styles.

    Cons

    • The B8 alloy lacks the shimmering sustain of higher bronze alloys.
    • Coloring can slightly dampen the cymbal's natural overtones.
    83AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand76
    • Lineup100
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$219 now
    $219€195 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  2. Zildjian 19" K Series Sweet Crash Cymbal

    19" K Sweet Crash · Zildjian

    51 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The Zildjian K Sweet Crash is a beautifully voiced cymbal – it’s got that signature K warmth but with a surprising amount of responsiveness. It’s fantastic for players looking for a delicate yet impactful crash, especially suited for jazz, orchestral, and lighter rock styles where a darker, more refined sound is desired.

    Pros

    • Exceptional clarity and warmth for a crash size
    • K Series bronze provides a complex, nuanced shimmer
    • Fast response allows for precise, controlled accents

    Cons

    • Can be a bit too bright for very dark, low-volume settings
    • Price point places it in the premium-priced category
    79AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker77
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$505 now
    $505€449 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  3. Zildjian 19" A Custom Crash Cymbal

    19" A-Custom Crash · Zildjian

    39 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The 19in A-Custom is a versatile crash – it's got that Zildjian sparkle but with a surprisingly warm and musical core. It’s a great all-around choice for gigging musicians and studio players who need a reliable, bright crash that won’t overwhelm a mix. Perfect for rock, pop, and modern genres where a clear, articulate crash is essential.

    Pros

    • Brilliant finish enhances stage presence and light reflection.
    • Fast attack responds instantly, ideal for complex rhythms.
    • Warm, round tone blends well in diverse musical settings.

    Cons

    • Brilliant finish shows fingerprints and requires more cleaning.
    • Sound might be too bright for very dark or heavy musical styles.
    76AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand93
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker77
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$449 now
    $449€399 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  4. Zildjian 19" A Custom Crash Cymbal

    19" Z Custom Crash · Zildjian

    39 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    This Z Custom 19” crash is a powerhouse—really cuts through a dense mix and has a fantastic explosive quality. It’s perfect for rock, metal, and heavier pop styles where you need a cymbal that can really be heard. The slightly lighter weight makes it feel incredibly responsive, too.

    Pros

    • Bright, explosive crash with excellent cut for modern styles.
    • Hammering provides a complex, shimmering overtone series.
    • Slightly lighter weight enhances responsiveness and speed.

    Cons

    • Can be overly bright for quieter, more nuanced musical contexts.
    • Higher price point might deter budget-conscious drummers.
    76AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand93
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker77
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$483 now
    $483€429 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  5. Zildjian 19" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal

    19" A-Series Medium Thin Crash · Zildjian

    24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    This 19' A-Series crash is a real workhorse – versatile enough for a wide range of genres, but shines in rock, pop, and funk. The medium-thin weight gives it a lovely, quick response and a beautiful wash without being overwhelming. It's a solid upgrade for intermediate to advanced players seeking a reliable, premium-priced crash.

    Pros

    • Brilliant finish provides excellent visual appeal and projection.
    • Medium-thin profile delivers a warm, musical, and responsive wash.
    • Avedis hammering creates complex overtones and a shimmering decay.

    Cons

    • Can be somewhat loud for quieter, more nuanced playing styles.
    • Brilliant finish is prone to finger smudging and requires regular cleaning.
    73AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand81
    • Lineup43
    • Price58
    • Specs100
    • Maker77
    ↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $415 · Aug 17$404 now
    $404€359 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  6. Zildjian 19" K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal

    19" K-Custom Dark Crash · Zildjian

    27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    This 19in K-Custom Dark Crash is a fantastic choice for drummers seeking a darker, more nuanced crash. It's perfect for genres like jazz, funk, and alternative rock where you want a controlled, trashy character without excessive sustain – really shines when you need to add subtle accents.

    Pros

    • Bell delivers a surprisingly complex, dark wash of sound.
    • The hammering process creates a uniquely trashy, organic overtone profile.
    • Its quick response makes it exceptionally playable for nuanced dynamics.

    Cons

    • The 'trashy' sound isn't universally appealing; lacks bright shimmer.
    • Price point places it in a premium-priced category for a crash.
    73AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand84
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker77
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$505 now
    $505€449 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  7. Zildjian 19" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal

    19" K-Series Paper Thin Crash · Zildjian

    25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    This 19in K-Series Paper Thin crash is a real beauty – it’s got that gorgeous, dark Zildjian shimmer but with a super-fast decay. It’s perfect for players seeking a sensitive, expressive crash for genres like jazz, acoustic, and quieter rock where a quick, controlled crash is key.

    Pros

    • Exceptional dark, shimmering wash with a rapid decay.
    • The paper-thin profile offers a remarkably responsive, sensitive feel.
    • Zildjian’s three-stage hammering delivers complex overtones.

    Cons

    • Paper-thin construction makes it fragile and prone to cracking.
    • Limited projection; not ideal for very loud, high-energy situations.
    72AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand82
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker77
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$517 now
    $517€459 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  8. Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal

    19" 900 Series Crash · Paiste

    19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    The Paiste 900 Series 19' crash is a solid, reliable workhorse. It’s a great all-around cymbal – not the flashiest, but it delivers a full, warm sound that sits well in a mix. Ideal for gigging musicians needing a dependable crash without a premium-priced tag.

    Pros

    • B8 bronze offers a warm, musical fundamental tone.
    • The slightly darker finish enhances the lathing details.
    • Versatile enough for various genres, from rock to jazz.

    Cons

    • B8 bronze isn’t as complex sounding as higher bronze alloys.
    • The sustain, while present, isn’t exceptionally long.
    71AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand76
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$223 now
    $223€198 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  9. Sabian 19" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash Cymbal

    19" XSR Fast Crash · Sabian

    20 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.
    71AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand77
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker88
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$348 now
    $348€309 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

  10. Zildjian 19" A Series Medium Thin Crash Cymbal

    19" A-Series Thin Crash · Zildjian

    24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Size19"

    This is a super thin crash built for speed, not power. The B20 alloy gives you a brilliant, cutting sound that snaps right to your hand. It's ideal for players who need to cut through a loud band, but heavy hitters will find it too light and short-lived.

    Pros

    • Extremely thin B20 alloy body for quick response
    • Brilliant finish adds a sharp, cutting edge
    • Fast attack perfect for cutting through a mix

    Cons

    • Very thin may lack body for heavy hitters
    • Not suitable for drummers playing with force
    71AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand81
    • Lineup43
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker77
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$393 now
    $393€349 at Thomann · in stock
    Check 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.

  1. 11
    Zildjian 19" K Series Dark Thin Crash Cymbal19" K-Series Dark Crash Thin · Zildjian
    Index 71Stable
    71
    Stable$505€449
    $505€449Check ↗
  2. 12
    Sabian 19" HHX Legacy Crash Cymbal19" HHX Legacy Crash · Sabian
    Index 71Stable
    71
    Stable$573€509
    $573€509Check ↗
  3. 13
    Sabian 19" HHX Legacy Crash Cymbal19" FRX Crash · Sabian
    Index 71Stable
    71
    Stable$584€519
    $584€519Check ↗
  4. 14
    Sabian 19" HHX Evolution Crash Cymbal19" HHX Evolution Crash · Sabian
    Index 71Stable
    71
    Stable$584€519
    $584€519Check ↗
  5. 15
    Sabian 19" HHX Complex Thin Crash Cymbal19" HHX Complex Thin Crash · Sabian
    Index 71Stable
    71
    Stable$595€529
    $595€529Check ↗
  6. 16
    Sabian 19" AAX X-Plosion Fast Crash Cymbal19" HHX plosion Crash · Sabian
    Index 71Stable
    71
    Stable$595€529
    $595€529Check ↗
  7. 17
    Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash CymbalPST7 19" Thin Crash · Paiste · 2 finishes
    Index 70Stable
    70
    Stable$178€158
    $178€158Check ↗
  8. 18
    Paiste 19" RUDE Crash / Ride Cymbal19" Rude Crash/Ride · Paiste
    Index 70Stable
    70
    Stable$381€339
    $381€339Check ↗
  9. 19
    Sabian 19" AAX Thin Crash Cymbal19" AAX Thin Crash · Sabian
    Index 70Stable
    70
    Stable$483€429
    $483€429Check ↗
  10. 20
    Zildjian 19" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal19" A-Custom Projection Crash · Zildjian
    Index 69Stable
    69
    Stable$472€419
    $472€419Check ↗
  11. 21
    Zildjian 19" K Custom Hybrid Crash Cymbal19" K-Custom Hybrid Crash · Zildjian
    Index 69↓ 1.1%
    69
    ↓ 1.1%$500€444
    $500€444Check ↗
  12. 22
    Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Dual Crash · Meinl
    Index 68Stable
    68
    Stable$512€455
    $512€455Check ↗
  13. 23
    Paiste 19" Masters Dark Crash Cymbal19" Masters Dark Crash · Paiste
    Index 68Stable
    68
    Stable$539€479
    $539€479Check ↗
  14. 24
    Paiste 19” Signature Fast Crash Cymbal19" Signature Fast Crash · Paiste
    Index 68Stable
    68
    Stable$539€479
    $539€479Check ↗
  15. 25
    Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Dual Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Extra Dry T. Crash · Meinl
    Index 68Stable
    68
    Stable$550€489
    $550€489Check ↗
  16. 26
    Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dual Crash Cymbal19" Classics Custom Dual Crash · Meinl
    Index 67Stable
    67
    Stable$269€239
    $269€239Check ↗
  17. 27
    Paiste 19" 2002 Black Big Beat CymbalPaiste
    Index 67Stable
    67
    Stable$393€349
    $393€349Check ↗
  18. 28
    Meinl 19" Classics Custom Dark CrashMeinl
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$246€219
    $246€219Check ↗
  19. 29
    Paiste 19" 2002 Extreme Crash Cymbal19" 2002 Extreme Crash · Paiste
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$381€339
    $381€339Check ↗
  20. 30
    Sabian 19" AA Spotlight Crash Cymbal19" AA Spotlight Crash · Sabian
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$472€419
    $472€419Check ↗
  21. 31
    Paiste 19" Signature Full Crash Cymbal19" Signature Full Crash · Paiste
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$517€459
    $517€459Check ↗
  22. 32
    Zildjian 19" K Custom Special Dry Trash Crash Cymbal19" K Custom Special Dry Trash · Zildjian
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$528€469
    $528€469Check ↗
  23. 33
    Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Medium-Thin Crash19" Byzance Med. Thin Crash B. · Meinl
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$539€479
    $539€479Check ↗
  24. 34
    Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Medium-Thin Crash19" Byzance Medium Thin Crash · Meinl
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$539€479
    $539€479Check ↗
  25. 35
    Paiste 19" Signature Dark Energy Mark I Crash Cymbal19" Signature Dark Energy MKI · Paiste
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$562€499
    $562€499Check ↗
  26. 36
    Sabian 19" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash Cymbal19" HHX Complex O-Zone Crash · Sabian
    Index 66Stable
    66
    Stable$607€539
    $607€539Check ↗
  27. 37
    Istanbul Agop 19" Signature Mel Lewis Crash/Ride19" Agop Signature Crash · Istanbul Agop
    Index 65Stable
    65
    Stable$494€439
    $494€439Check ↗
  28. 38
    Meinl 19" Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash19" Byzance Extra Thin Crash · Meinl
    Index 65Stable
    65
    Stable$512€455
    $512€455Check ↗
  29. 39
    Sabian 19" AAX Heavy Crash Cymbal19" AAX Heavy Crash · Sabian
    Index 64Stable
    64
    Stable$472€419
    $472€419Check ↗
  30. 40
    Meinl 19" Byzance Foundry Reserve Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR · Meinl
    Index 64Stable
    64
    Stable$591€525
    $591€525Check ↗
  31. 41
    Paiste 19" RUDE Thin Crash Cymbal19" Rude Thin Crash · Paiste
    Index 63Stable
    63
    Stable$381€339
    $381€339Check ↗
  32. 42
    Meinl 19" Pure Alloy Custom Medium Thin Crash Cymbal19" Pure Alloy Custom Crash · Meinl
    Index 63Stable
    63
    Stable$415€369
    $415€369Check ↗
  33. 43
    Paiste 19" Signature Reflector Heavy Full Crash Cymbal19" Reflector Heavy Full Crash · Paiste
    Index 63Stable
    63
    Stable$505€449
    $505€449Check ↗
  34. 44
    Paiste 19" Signature Power Crash Cymbal19" Signature Power Crash · Paiste
    Index 63Stable
    63
    Stable$550€489
    $550€489Check ↗
  35. 45
    Sabian 19" Stratus Crash Cymbal19" Stratus Crash · Sabian
    Index 62Stable
    62
    Stable$411€365
    $411€365Check ↗
  36. 46
    Sabian 19" Stratus Crash Cymbal19" Stratus Dry Crash · Sabian
    Index 62Stable
    62
    Stable$444€395
    $444€395Check ↗
  37. 47
    Zildjian 19" K Custom Hybrid Trash Smash Cymbal19" K-Custom Hybr. Trash Smash · Zildjian
    Index 62Stable
    62
    Stable$505€449
    $505€449Check ↗
  38. 48
    Meinl 19" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Crash Cymbal19" Byzance Polyphonic Crash · Meinl
    Index 62Stable
    62
    Stable$539€479
    $539€479Check ↗
  39. 49
    Istanbul Agop 19" Xist Brilliant Crash19" Xist Crash Brilliant · Istanbul Agop
    Index 61Stable
    61
    Stable$332€295
    $332€295Check ↗
  40. 50
    Meinl 19" Classics Custom Extreme Metal Crash19" Classics Extreme Crash · Meinl
    Index 60Stable
    60
    Stable$253€225
    $253€225Check ↗

19" Crash Cymbals by the numbers

Measured across all 109 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $404 — half of all 19" crash cymbals here cost less.

2
2
29
20
23
32
1
<$150$150–200$200–300$300–400$400–500$500–750$750+
Size19"

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.

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#1 · AudioFu Index 83Paiste 19" Color Sound 900 Series Crash Cymbal · $219€195
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