AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 20" China Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Sabian 20" HHX Zen China Cymbal ($637). Paiste 20" RUDE Novo China Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $402. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 27, 2026
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All 20" China CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size20"
The Zen China is a real statement piece – it’s not your typical crash-china. The inverted bell gives it a really cool, layered sound that cuts through a mix beautifully. It’s perfect for players looking for a unique texture and dynamic range in their percussion arsenal, especially in rock, metal, and progressive styles.
Pros
- Unique inverted bell creates complex wash and focused attack.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a full, warm, and cutting tone.
- Natural finish preserves the bronze's inherent character and resonance.
Cons
- Price point positions it as a premium-priced investment for serious players.
- The aggressive wash might not suit all musical genres or quieter settings.
90AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$637 now$637€569 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash China Cymbal
20" Byzance Trash China Trad. · Meinl
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This 20-inch cymbal packs a hard-hitting trash sound thanks to its B-20 bronze and six holes. The shorter sustain makes it perfect for tight, explosive accents in small drum setups. It suits players who want classic bite without long ringing notes.
Pros
- B-20 bronze gives strong explosive trash sound
- Six holes create shorter, tighter sustain
- Traditional model offers classic bite
Cons
- Short sustain limits long note duration
- No finish type is listed in details
85AudioFu
Index↓ 5.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$587 · Aug 17$558 now$558€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This is a heavy, hand hammered cymbal that sounds very dark and dirty. It hits hard and covers a wide range of frequencies. It is perfect for drummers who want a unique, explosive sound without needing extra controls.
Pros
- Hand hammered B20 bronze alloy construction
- Delivers explosive attack on the drum kit
- Dark and dirty sound character for unique tone
Cons
- Lacks electronic pickup systems for recording
- No adjustable tuning mechanisms included
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Meinl 20" Byzance Dual China Cymbal
20" Byzance Dual China · Meinl
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl Dual China is a beautifully crafted cymbal, offering a really unique blend of dry stick response and explosive crashes. It’s perfect for drummers in rock, pop, and fusion needing a focused, articulate China that cuts through a mix without overwhelming it. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and it's a real step up from entry-level options.
Pros
- The B20 bronze delivers a complex, shimmering wash with excellent projection.
- Dual hammering creates a dynamic contrast; dry stick definition meets explosive crashes.
- The brilliant finish enhances clarity and cut, useful for modern and layered sounds.
Cons
- The dry character might not suit players seeking a very trashy, overtly chaotic China sound.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
84AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$603 now$603€539 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" FX Oriental China Trash Cymbal
20" FX China Trash · Zildjian
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Oriental China Trash is a real statement piece. It's got that aggressive, cutting edge sound perfect for metal, industrial, or anything needing a serious sonic punch. If you're looking for a cymbal that screams, this is it.
Pros
- Bright, trashy sound excels in modern, aggressive genres.
- Quick response allows for precise, controlled crashes and splashes.
- Zildjian’s hammering creates complex overtones and sustain.
Cons
- High-pitched nature can clash with darker, more traditional cymbal setups.
- Relatively thin profile limits its ability to handle heavy playing.
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$435 now$435€389 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash China Cymbal
20" Byzance Dual Trash China · Meinl
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl Dual Trash China is a seriously cool, specialized cymbal. It's perfect for players needing a unique, chaotic wash – think progressive metal, experimental jazz, or anyone wanting to add some real texture. The contrasting finishes give it incredible versatility within that niche, but it's not a general-purpose china.
Pros
- B-20 bronze provides complex overtones and a warm, full fundamental.
- Dual finish creates a dynamic contrast, offering both dry trash and bright shimmer.
- Hand-hammering adds a nuanced, organic feel and responsiveness.
Cons
- The thinness means it's not ideal for heavier hitting or very loud environments.
- The unique sound profile might not be universally appealing; very specialized.
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$558 now$558€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 20" RUDE Novo China Cymbal
20" Rude Novo China · Paiste
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Rude Novo China is a beast – seriously loud and full of character. It's a great choice for rock, metal, and anything needing a powerful, exotic accent. If you want a cymbal that cuts through a dense mix and adds serious energy, this is a solid option.
Pros
- Paiste’s signature bronze alloy delivers a complex, shimmering overtone series.
- The Novo profile provides a quick response and cutting edge for modern music.
- Robust construction ensures it can handle aggressive playing without cracking.
Cons
- The high volume isn’t ideal for quiet studio settings or sensitive ears.
- The metallic character might not suit all genres, like softer jazz or acoustic music.
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$402 now$402€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional China Cymbal
20" Byzance China Traditional · Meinl
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl Byzance China Traditional is a beast – seriously explosive and full of character. It's perfect for rock, metal, and any genre where you need a big, raw, attention-grabbing sound. Just be mindful of its thinness; it's not a cymbal for relentless pounding.
Pros
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex overtones and a shimmering wash.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a dark, rich tone with excellent projection.
- Traditional profile offers a raw, explosive response perfect for dynamic playing.
Cons
- The explosive nature can be overwhelming for quieter, more subtle musical styles.
- The relatively thin weight makes it potentially susceptible to damage from aggressive playing.
80AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$558 · Aug 17$536 now$536€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Brilliant Trash China Cymbal
20" Byzance China Brilliant · Meinl
7 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl Byzance China Brilliant is a real powerhouse—it cuts through a mix with a shimmering, explosive sound. It’s perfect for players in rock, metal, or any genre needing a serious splash and wash. The brilliant finish looks stunning, but be prepared to baby it a bit.
Pros
- Exceptional B20 bronze provides rich, complex overtones.
- Hand-hammering creates a uniquely responsive and expressive wash.
- Brilliant finish offers a bright, cutting edge for modern styles.
Cons
- Brilliant finish shows marks easily, requiring diligent care.
- Can be overly bright for softer, more nuanced musical contexts.
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$536 now$536€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Vintage Matt Garstka Signature Equilibrium China…
20" Byzance Vintage China · Meinl
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl Byzance Vintage China is a beautifully voiced cymbal, perfect for drummers seeking a nuanced, expressive China sound. Matt Garstka's signature touch really shines through, offering a unique blend of depth and responsiveness—ideal for jazz, world music, and progressive styles where subtle textures are key.
Pros
- Hammering creates uniquely complex, long decay.
- Thin material yields a surprisingly responsive wash.
- Sand-blasted finish delivers a warm, muted brilliance.
Cons
- Price places it in the premium-priced cymbal category.
- Limited versatility; excels in specific musical contexts.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$603 now$603€539 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 23 20" china cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Sabian 20" HHX Dominator Chinese Cymbal20" HHX Dominator Chinese · Sabian71Stable$637€569$637€569Check ↗
- 12
Zildjian 20" Z Custom China brilliantZildjian63↓ 3.4%$480€429$480€429Check ↗
- 13
Paiste 2002 Classic 20" ChinaPaiste62Stable$402€359$402€359Check ↗
- 14
Paiste 2002 Classic 20" Novo ChinaPaiste62Stable$413€369$413€369Check ↗
- 15
Sabian 20" Paragon ChinaSabian62Stable$603€539$603€539Check ↗
- 16
Sabian 20" HHX China BrilliantSabian62Stable$637€569$637€569Check ↗
- 17
Zildjian 21" A-Serie Ultra Hammer ChinaZildjian61Stable$480€429$480€429Check ↗
- 18
Masterwork 20" Custom ChinaMasterwork60↓ 4.2%$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 19
Paiste 20" RUDE Wild China Cymbal20" Rude Wild China · Paiste59Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 20
Thomann China Cymbal 50cmThomann58Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 21
Zultan 20" Rock Beat ChinaZultan58Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 22
Ufip 20" FX Power ChinaUfip58Stable$431€385$431€385Check ↗
- 23
Istanbul Mehmet 20" Turk China Cymbal20" China Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet55Stable$514€459$514€459Check ↗
20" China Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 23 models we track, not a sample.
Median $514 — half of all 20" china cymbals here cost less.
median of 23 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" china cymbals
Weight
A heavier cymbal (around 16-18oz) will generally have more sustain and a more defined wash, great for cutting through a loud band mix. Lighter cymbals (14-16oz) will be more responsive and easier to control for quieter dynamics, but can get lost in a full band. It's a trade-off - heavier means more volume, lighter means more nuance.
Bell Size & Profile
A larger bell means more 'ping' and a more pronounced attack. A thicker bell tends to be more focused, while a thinner bell will have a more diffuse, washy attack. This impacts how it cuts through the mix - a bigger, thicker bell will be more assertive.
Hammering/Lathing
The hammering pattern affects the cymbal's overall complexity and character. Heavier hammering creates a more trashy, complex sound with lots of overtones. Lighter hammering preserves more of the raw metal tone, resulting in a cleaner, more fundamental wash. The lathing (the grooves hammered into the surface) impacts the cymbal's articulation and response.
Metal Alloy
B20 bronze is standard, but the exact blend of tin and other metals significantly impacts the tone. Higher tin content generally produces a brighter, more shimmering sound. Lower tin content results in a darker, more mellow tone. This isn't always advertised, so listen carefully.
Timbre/Character
This is the subjective stuff - that 'voice' of the cymbal. Are you after a trashy, aggressive sound for heavier music, or a more refined, musical wash for jazz or quieter styles? Don't chase trends; find a cymbal that complements your existing kit and playing style.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a 20" China cymbal. It's a sweet spot - big enough to get some serious wash and sizzle, but not so massive you're fighting to control it on stage. They're a workhorse for accents, crashes, and those swirling cymbal swells you hear in a million recordings, but finding the right one can be a frustrating search. Let's break down what to listen for and what you're actually getting for your money.
A 20" China is a pretty common size, so there's a lot of variation in quality. Cheap cymbals often cut corners with thinner metal, uneven hammering, and a generally sloppy manufacturing process - they'll sound brittle and lifeless. Paying a bit more for a cymbal from a reputable maker usually means better metal, more consistent hammering, and a more musical response.
Don't be afraid to shop used; you can often find high-end cymbals at a discount.
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 23 20" china 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
What's the difference between a China and a Chinese?
Historically, 'Chinese' cymbals were straight-sided, while 'China' cymbals have the upturned edge. The terms are often used interchangeably now, especially by less experienced manufacturers, so listen carefully to the sound, not the name.
Can I use a 20" China as a crash?
Sure, but it won't have the same projection or wash as a dedicated crash. It'll be more focused and trashy. It can work well if you like that kind of sound, but don't expect it to replace a good crash entirely.
I'm a beginner - what should I look for?
Focus on playability and responsiveness. A lighter weight cymbal will be easier to control. Don't worry too much about fancy hammering patterns - just find something that sounds good and feels comfortable under your stick.
Are all B20 cymbals the same?
Absolutely not. The exact alloy composition varies between manufacturers, and even within a manufacturer's product line. That's why listening is so important - don't rely on just the label.
How do I care for my China cymbal?
Keep it clean! Regular wiping with a cymbal cleaner will prevent buildup and preserve the tone. Avoid hitting it too hard, especially if it's a thinner cymbal - they're more prone to cracking.
