Best 20" Crash Cymbals for Special Effects 2025

Perfect 20" crash cymbals for special-effects - easy to play and learn on

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 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash

by Zildjian

Recording Cinematic Art Music

Key Feature:

• Impressive acoustic presence

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Impractical for most drummers

Zildjian 20" Z Custom CrashCrash CymbalDiameter: 20"Developed for heavy hittersBright sound with explosive...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 589092

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash

by Sabian

Cinematic Orchestral Art Music

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Very limited musical applications
• Requires professional technique

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Strength: HeavyMaterial: B20 bronzeFinish: BrilliantSlightly...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 489483

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR

by Meinl

Orchestral Progressive Rock Cinematic

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Exceptional recording characteristics
• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive specialty cymbal
• Very limited musical applications

Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve CRCrash CymbalSize: 20"Byzance Foundry Reserve SeriesMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 503766

$658

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr.

by Meinl

Special Effects Recording Art Music

Key Feature:

• Unique musical applications

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Unique musical applications

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Can overpower any musical context

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr., Crash Cymbal, Size: 20", Pure Alloy Series, Finish: Traditional,...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581406

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Crash IMC Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Crash IMC Natural

by Istanbul Mehmet

Art Music Progressive Rock Special Effects

Key Feature:

• Professional orchestral standard

✓ PROS

• Professional orchestral standard
• Impressive acoustic presence

✗ CONS

• Requires professional technique
• Can overpower any musical context

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Crash IMC NaturalCrash CymbalSize: 20"Material: B20 bronzeFinish: NaturalHigh-quality...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609355

$281

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom MH Crash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom MH Crash

by Meinl

Art Music Special Effects Orchestral

Key Feature:

• Enormous sound with extended sustain

✓ PROS

• Impressive acoustic presence
• Professional orchestral standard

✗ CONS

• Impractical for most drummers
• Can overpower any musical context

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom MH CrashCrash CymbalSize: 20"Medium HeavyWarmslightly washed-out tone with short...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558057

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 Special Effects 2025

Istanbul Mehmet 20" John Robinson Crash

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Thin Crash Traditional

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Dark Crash

Zildjian 20" Z Custom Crash

Sabian 20" AAX Heavy Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Thin Crash

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Thin Cr.

Sabian 20" HHX Complex Aero Crash

Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Trash Crash

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Power Crash

Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve CR

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Cr.

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Crash IMC Natural

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom MH Crash

Meinl 20" Byzance Vint. Sand Thin C.

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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