Best Cymbal Sets for Rock 2025

Perfect cymbal sets for rock - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Pop For Complete Setup For Value For Beginner

BRANDS: Meinl Zultan Zildjian Sabian Paiste Istanbul Mehmet Istanbul Agop Millenium Masterwork

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive Set

by Istanbul Agop

Metal Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
• Matched sound characteristics

✗ CONS

• Less flexibility than individual selection
• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive SetSet of CymbalsExclusive Thomann special modelMaterial: B20 bronzeRaw...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612939

$1,022

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs Set

by Masterwork

Pop Complete Setup Rock

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase

✗ CONS

• Quality may be compromised for price
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs SetCymbal SetSet consists of: 14‘’ Hi-Hat16‘’ Crash18‘’ Crash20‘’...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 611380

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set Pro - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set Pro

by Istanbul Agop

Value Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• May include cymbals you don't need
• May not suit specialized musical needs

Istanbul Agop Cymbal Set ProXist SeriesNatural Finishprofessional quality in B20 (80% Copper20" Tin)Set containing...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 621961

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Mike Johnston - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Mike Johnston

by Meinl

Rock Pop Value

Key Feature:

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Matched sound characteristics

✗ CONS

• May include cymbals you don't need
• Quality may be compromised for price

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Mike Johnston, Set of Cymbals, Mike Johnston Artist's Choice Set, Byzance Series, Set...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 582142

$1,704

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Byzance Traditional Complete - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl Byzance Traditional Complete

by Meinl

Pop Beginner Rock

Key Feature:

• Better value than individual cymbals

✓ PROS

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• Quality may be compromised for price

Meinl Byzance Traditional Complete, Set of Cymbals, Byzance Series, Material: B20 Bronze, Hand hammered*Set consisting...

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 582169

$1,374

Buy at Thomann View Details

Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs Set

by Masterwork

Beginner Pop Metal

Key Feature:

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• May not suit specialized musical needs
• Quality may be compromised for price

Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs SetCymbal SetSet consists of: 14‘’ Hi-Hat16‘’ Crash20‘’ RideMaterial: B25...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 611379

$468

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set

by Meinl

Pop Metal Beginner

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set, Set of Cymbals, Material: MS63 brass, Extra quiet - perfect for practicing, Feel like...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 558077

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set

by Zildjian

Beginner Pop Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• Less flexibility than individual selection
• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set, Set of Cymbals, Thomann 70th Anniversary Model, Exclusive "Best of...

⭐ 5.0/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 583060

$1,428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian Stratus Promotional Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian Stratus Promotional Set

by Sabian

Metal Pop Beginner

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• Quality may be compromised for price
• May include cymbals you don't need

Sabian Stratus Promotional Set, Set of Cymbals, Hi-Hats provide a warm, semi-dark sound, Crash cymbals provide a deep...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 591581

$1,077

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1

by Zultan

Metal Pop Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Consistent quality across all pieces

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Consistent quality across all pieces

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1Set of Cymbals25th Anniversary seriesSet consisting of: 14" hi-hat16"...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 612359

$855

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zultan Mellow Professional Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Zultan Mellow Professional Cymbal Set

by Zultan

Complete Setup Pop Metal

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Matched sound characteristics
• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• Quality may be compromised for price

Zultan Mellow Professional Cymbal SetSet of CymbalsMellow SeriesMaterial: B-20 Bronze AlloyReduces the cymbal volume up...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 561635

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set

by Istanbul Agop

Pop Beginner Rock

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Complete cymbal package in one purchase
• Matched sound characteristics

✗ CONS

• May include cymbals you don't need
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal SetCymbal SetXist seriesNatural versionProfessional quality in B20 bronze (80%...

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 621959

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt Garstka - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt Garstka

by Meinl

Rock Value Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Better value than individual cymbals
• Complete cymbal package in one purchase

✗ CONS

• May not suit specialized musical needs
• May include cymbals you don't need

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt GarstkaSet of CymbalsMatt Garstka Artist's Choice SetByzance SeriesSet compiled by...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 582126

$2,088

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl BMIX2 Crash Pack - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl BMIX2 Crash Pack

by Meinl

Rock Pop Metal

Key Feature:

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup

✓ PROS

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup
• Matched sound characteristics

✗ CONS

• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set
• Less flexibility than individual selection

Meinl BMIX2 Crash Pack, Set of Cymbals, Byzance Series, Material: B-20 Bronze, Hand hammered*Set consisting of:*,...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 582362

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus

by Meinl

Value Metal Complete Setup

Key Feature:

• Matched sound characteristics

✓ PROS

• Perfect for complete drum kit setup
• Better value than individual cymbals

✗ CONS

• Quality may be compromised for price
• Upgrade path requires replacing entire set

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus, Set of Cymbals, Byzance Series, Material: B20 Bronze, Hand hammered*Set consisting...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 582156

$1,648

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Cymbal Sets

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 cymbal sets 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.

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TOP

Best Drum Shell Sets

Best Cymbal Sets for Rock 2025

Istanbul Agop Xist Dry Dark Exclusive Set

Masterwork Troy Traditional 4pcs Set

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set Pro

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Mike Johnston

Meinl Byzance Traditional Complete

Masterwork Troy Traditional 3pcs Set

Meinl Practice HCS Cymbal Set

Zildjian Thomann Anniversary Cymbal Set

Sabian Stratus Promotional Set

Zultan 25 Anniversary Cymbal Set 1

Zultan Mellow Professional Cymbal Set

Istanbul Agop Xist Natural Cymbal Set

Meinl Byzance A.Choice Matt Garstka

Meinl BMIX2 Crash Pack

Meinl Byzance Dual Compl. Set Plus

How to Choose the Best Cymbal Sets

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying cymbal sets?

How much should I spend on cymbal sets?

Are expensive cymbal sets worth the investment?

What are the best brands for cymbal sets?

Should I buy cymbal sets online or in-store?

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