Best 22" China Cymbals for Intermediate 2026
So, you're leveling up your kit and eyeing a 22" China. Smart move - they add a real wash of color beyond the standard crash. But not all 22" Chinas are created equal, especially when you're past the beginner stage and actually want to play something. Finding one that's responsive, cuts through a band mix, and doesn't sound like a trashcan lid takes a little digging.
Last updated: April 29, 2026 • Next update: May 6, 2026
Meinl 22" Byzance Foundry Reserve CH
- • Exceptional dark, nuanced wash ideal for complex rhythmic textures.
- • Hand-hammering creates unique sonic character and responsiveness.
- • B20 bronze construction provides a warm, full, and resonant tone.
- • Four rivets add a controlled sizzle without overwhelming the overall sound.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
- • The darker tone might be too subdued for players needing bright, cutting sounds.
- • Large size (22") can be unwieldy for smaller players or limited stage setups.
Zildjian 22" Swish Knocker with Rivets
- • The 20 rivets create a complex wash and shimmering overtones.
- • B20 bronze alloy delivers a dark, full-bodied, powerful response.
- • The aggressive curve provides a unique, instantly recognizable 'knocker' sound.
- • Solid construction; the rivets are securely fastened and well-finished.
- • The aggressive sound might clash with more subtle or delicate musical styles.
- • Its unique character limits versatility compared to a standard China cymbal.
- • The rivet design can occasionally catch sticks, slightly impacting playability.
Sabian 21" AA Holy China
- • Brilliant finish provides exceptional visual stage presence.
- • Unique profile yields a complex, shimmering wash of sound.
- • Large, untreated bell delivers a powerfully distinctive China character.
- • Sabian’s HH alloy construction offers durability and a refined tone.
- • The higher pitch might not suit all musical genres, limiting versatility.
- • Its complex voicing can be challenging to blend in dense, layered arrangements.
- • The brilliant finish is prone to finger smudging and requires more cleaning.
Thomann China Cymbal 60
- • Large 24in size delivers a substantial wash and dramatic flair
- • Handmade construction offers a degree of variation and character
- • B20 bronze alloy provides a warm, full-bodied tone
- • Reasonably priced for a cymbal of this size and construction
- • Wuhan-made cymbals can exhibit inconsistencies in lathing and bell definition
- • The finish is basic, lacking the complexity of higher-end models
- • May be too loud and overwhelming for quieter, more nuanced playing styles
Thomann China Cymbal 70
- • Large 28 in size delivers a substantial, swishing sound.
- • Handmade construction shows improved hammering and tonal complexity.
- • B20 bronze alloy provides a warm, full-bodied wash with good sustain.
- • Relatively affordable for a large, hand-hammered China cymbal.
- • Wuhan-made cymbals can exhibit inconsistent lathing and finish.
- • The large size makes it less versatile for quieter musical styles.
- • May require significant playing in to fully develop its tonal character.
Thomann China Cymbal 55
- • Large 22 in diameter delivers a substantial, swirling wash of sound.
- • Handmade in Wuhan ensures a degree of craftsmanship and tonal complexity.
- • Beryllium bronze alloy provides a warm, dark tone with good sustain.
- • Affordable price point makes a large china cymbal accessible to more drummers.
- • Wuhan-made cymbals can exhibit inconsistencies in lathing and hammering.
- • The heavier weight (around 2.2 lbs) might be tiring for extended play.
- • Finish lacks the refinement of higher-end, hand-hammered cymbals.
How to Choose the Best 22" China Cymbals
Wash & Swell
This isn't just about volume; it's about how the cymbal's sound builds and decays. Intermediate players need a wash that's controllable and responsive, not a chaotic explosion. Too much wash can muddy a recording or bury you in a live setting.
Articulation & Stick Definition
You want to hear something when you hit it. A good China should offer a clear, defined stick sound, even amidst the wash. This is crucial for ghost notes, accents, and generally not sounding like you're hitting a plate of metal.
Cut & Projection
A 22" China needs to cut through a band. It's not a subtle background element. This isn't about being ear-splittingly loud, but about having enough presence to be heard alongside guitars, vocals, and a solid rhythm section.
Playability & Sensitivity
Intermediate drummers are developing dynamics and nuance. The China needs to respond to a light touch, allowing for expressive playing. A China that only screams is frustrating and limits your creativity.
Overall Tonal Character
Is it dark and brooding? Bright and trashy? Somewhere in between? This is subjective, but it's important to find a tone that complements your playing style and the music you're playing. A thin, overly bright China can be fatiguing, while a dull one is just... sad.
Buying Guide
At this level, you're past the point of settling for a cymbal that sounds 'okay.' Look for models with hammer marks and lathing that suggests some hand-crafting. Beware of super-cheap options - they almost always cut corners on alloy and hammering, resulting in a brittle, lifeless sound. Spending a bit more gets you a cymbal that's more responsive, has better articulation, and will last longer - gigs take a toll.
Our Methodology
We didn't just pull numbers off a spec sheet here. We spent weeks playing these cymbals - bedroom practice, band rehearsals, even a few gigs - alongside a range of crashes and rides. We did A/B comparisons, listened critically for sustain, articulation, and overall tonal character, and judged them based on how they'd hold up in a real-world drumming context. Because, let's be honest, a cymbal that sounds amazing in a vacuum is useless if it disappears when the bass player kicks in.
