Best 20" Crash Cymbals for Recording 2025

Professional 20" crash cymbals for recording use - perfect sound and reliability

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Orchestral For Cinematic For Progressive Rock For Special Effects For Recording For Art Music

BRANDS: Paiste Meinl Zildjian Zultan Istanbul Agop Istanbul Mehmet Sabian

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Special Effects Orchestral Art Music

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Very limited musical applications

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Traditional Dark SeriesMaterial: B-20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 580603

$461

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Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

by Zildjian

Orchestral Art Music Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Impractical for most drummers

Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"K-SeriesExplosivedark crash cymbal from the...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 572219

$538

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Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Sand Thin C. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Sand Thin C.

by Meinl

Orchestral Progressive Rock Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Exceptional recording characteristics

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Sand Thin C.Crash CymbalSize: 20"Byzance Vintage Sand SeriesBenny Greb Signature...

⭐ 4.9/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 533365

$548

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Istanbul Mehmet 20" John Robinson Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" John Robinson Crash

by Istanbul Mehmet

Progressive Rock Art Music Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Impressive acoustic presence
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Impractical for most drummers

Istanbul Mehmet 20" John Robinson CrashCrash CymbalJohn Robinson Signature seriesSize: 20"Material: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610525

$439

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Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash Traditional

by Istanbul Mehmet

Recording Progressive Rock Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash TraditionalCrash CymbalSize: 20"Traditional seriesFast responding crash with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 542704

$413

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Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Art Music Special Effects Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Requires professional technique

Istanbul Agop 20" Crash CymbalXist Seriespower versionBrilliant Finishprofessional quality in B20 (80% Copper20%...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 621971

$329

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Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash Crash

by Meinl

Progressive Rock Art Music Recording

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash CrashDual Trash CymbalSize: 20"Material: B20 BronzeHand-hammeredExtra Dry...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 483034

$549

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Sabian 20" HHX Complex Aero Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 20" HHX Complex Aero Crash

by Sabian

Recording Cinematic Progressive Rock

Key Feature:

• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✓ PROS

• Impressive acoustic presence
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Can overpower any musical context

Sabian 20" HHX Complex Aero CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Material: B20 BronzeCombination of HH and HHX...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 563135

$626

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Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Natural Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Natural Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Art Music Cinematic Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Very limited musical applications

Istanbul Agop 20" Crash Cymbal, Xist Series, Natural Finish, professional quality in B20 (80% Copper, 20"...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 621980

$329

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Paiste 20" 602 Paperthin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Paiste 20" 602 Paperthin Crash

by Paiste

Orchestral Art Music Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Can overpower any musical context

Paiste 20" 602 Paperthin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Thickness: PaperthinSilvery transparent response with wide...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 483849

$681

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Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Progressive Rock Special Effects Art Music

Key Feature:

• Exceptional recording characteristics

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Impractical for most drummers

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Traditional seriesB20...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 523099

$450

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Zultan 20" Aeon Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 20" Aeon Crash

by Zultan

Art Music Progressive Rock Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Impressive acoustic presence
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Very limited musical applications

Zultan 20" Aeon CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Material: B25 bronze alloy (75% copper25%...

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 540985

$285

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Istanbul Agop 20" Cindy Blackman OM Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Cindy Blackman OM Crash

by Istanbul Agop

Progressive Rock Cinematic Art Music

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Enormous sound with extended sustain
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Can overpower any musical context
• Requires professional technique

Istanbul Agop 20" Cindy Blackman OM CrashCrash CymbalCindy Blackman Santana ModelSize: 20"Dark dry soundFast...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 557689

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Thin Cr. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Thin Cr.

by Meinl

Special Effects Cinematic Art Music

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Thin Cr.Crash CymbalSize: 20"Extra thin HammeredWarmslightly washed-out tone with...

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 558060

$395

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Sabian 20" Stratus Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 20" Stratus Crash

by Sabian

Special Effects Progressive Rock Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✓ PROS

• Unique musical applications
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Very limited musical applications

Sabian 20" Stratus CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Material: B-20 BronzeHigh impact hammeredTraditional finishThin...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 577408

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 20" 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 20" 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 20" Crash Cymbals for Recording 2025

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark Crash

Zildjian 20" K-Series Paper Thin Crash

Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Sand Thin C.

Istanbul Mehmet 20" John Robinson Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash Traditional

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power Crash

Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash Crash

Sabian 20" HHX Complex Aero Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Natural Crash

Paiste 20" 602 Paperthin Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin Crash

Zultan 20" Aeon Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Cindy Blackman OM Crash

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Thin Cr.

Sabian 20" Stratus Crash

How to Choose the Best 20" Crash Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 20" crash cymbals?

How much should I spend on 20" crash cymbals?

Are expensive 20" crash cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 20" crash cymbals?

Should I buy 20" crash cymbals online or in-store?

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