The Best Beginner Cymbal Sets Around $300
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2020
- Shopping for your first set of cymbals on a budget? Here are 5 cymbal sets right around the $300 mark! Links to buy these affordable cymbal sets are just below -
Wuhan WUTBSU Western Style 14/16/20" Cymbal Set
buydru.ms/WUTBSU
Sabian B8X Performance Set + 14
buydru.ms/45003X-14
Meinl HCS Bronze Complete Cymbal Set
buydru.ms/HCSB141620
Zildjian I Family Pro Gig Cymbal Pack 14H/16C/18C/20R
buydru.ms/ILHPRO
Paiste PST 3 Universal Cymbal Set 14/18/20 + Free 16
buydru.ms/CY000063US16
Drum Set Used
Yamaha Absolute Hybrid 4pc Drum Set 22/10/12/16 Red Autumn
buydru.ms/AM2F40JRAU
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#cymbalcomparison #zildjian #sabianb8x #bestcymbalsets #cheapcymbals #paistepst3 #wuhancymbals #meinlhcs #drumcenternh
Wuhans will keep most drummers happier for longer, especially if they have any intention of playing with dynamics
Lander Pridgen agree
I have wuhan accents mixed in with my A customs, they're pretty stellar
Wuhans are flippin great. I know they have a reputation for being particularly breakable but in my experience as long as you aren't chopping the living hell out of them all the time (or playing the chinas upside down AND chopping the hell out of them), I get just as much milage from them as I do from any of my other cymbals.
And I dont think there's any contest value wise. They're cheap to begin with... but I bought a used, cracked (pretty big one too) 15" China for $20 and used it for years! Loads of em being sold in local classifieds at similar prices.
100% señor! when i started out with my HCS i got tired of the sounds SOOO fast and i had just started and knew nothing of cymbals!
I got a set for about $160. Still got 'em. Still love em. IMHO, they're great for that vintage jazz sound. But the 16" medium/thin crash, man it is the best 16" crash I've owned. No unwanted after tone, just CRASH!
Let's face it. The Wuhan sounds the best by far. They are the only set featured that are pro level sound. Don't buy low cost big brand name cymbals. They are cheap B8 while the Wuhans are B20
When he named off the brands I instantly knew Wuhan would be at the top
Legendary Paiste 2002 are B8.
The alloy dosent really matter, depends which sound you’re going for, but I agree the Wuhans are the best
@@MadWinter889 never been a fan. Too much high end for me. The only Paiste's I like are the 602's and the tradional's (RIP)
Furthermore, never buy Sabian in any price range.
One of the most important things about this channel is that you guys actually play whatever product you're demonstrating but you aren't grandstanding. I know I'm not the only drummer who appreciates your no bullshit approach to showcasing these products. There is nothing worse than some doofus hourly employee or manager who uses the video to show off his/her supposed chops instead of demonstrating the product. I also sincerely appreciate you all pointing out both the strengths and weaknesses of a product. AND!!!! And, not yapping the entire time! Gahhhh, that makes me want to throw my cellphone across the room. Anyway, speaking of gabbing endlessly...🤣
I’m with you!
For your comparison needs:
2:53 - Wuhan WUTBSU
5:38 - Sabian B8X
8:03 - Meinl HCS Bronze
10:29 - Zildjian I Family
13:04 - Paiste PST 3
legend
You will never beat Wuhan for low priced cymbals that sound and feel fantastic! Comparable to the pro stuff! Durable too, mine have lasted longer than some Zildjian A customs I've had! I swear by them!
i've loved my wuhan cymbals, but i would not call them durable, lol. i've only had two and both cracked faster than any other cymbals ive ever played. they sound incredible, but i'd consider them as cymbals on a consistent replacement plan
I’d second. Wuhans sound great but crack easily. Not nearly as durable as the As. Sorry but if your breaking As you don’t know how to hit a cymbal
@@owensmith2999 Lol, right on man! I assure you I know how to strike a cymbal. 👍 Much better drummers than I, with much better technique than mine have cracked much stronger cymbals than A's or A Customs! Unfortunately it does happen! And when it does, I'd rather have $60 tied up than $300! Just my personal opinion man! I play Meinl HCS on my home kit. Cheap as hell, don't sound great and definitely crack if you're a heavy hitter. But they work! Check out my channel if you wanna hear those! Stay positive buddy! 💯🥁💚👍
I have two Wuhan western style crashes 16 medium-thin,17 thin two years now and they havent cracked.
Those Wuhan cymbals were very surprising, especially given the price!
But the real winner here was Yamaha. Those are some great sounding drums!
I was thinking the same thing
Fact. I have a Yamaha snare, an it sound real good. Wuhan cymbals sound pro level. Very Impressive.
I have a Yamaha birch kit
@@drummerboymilon436 I have an 80s recording custom 6 piece all-birch set, including the snare.
Wuhan & Zildjian
Thats what I was thinking
Man those Wuhans sound really good for that price point! There's subtle complexity in its sound, really shines through with that med-heavy ride!
So much value there!
That’s because they used a brilliant finish B20 alloy wich is what professional cymbals are made of the B20
Was it just me that thought the wuhans sounded fantastic!? The zildjan was great too
Yup just you. Just you and almost every other commenter 🤪
@@TheBeakertube bruh do you even play drums
The Wuhan set does sound great, but the zildjan didn't seem particularly better than any of the others. It's just my own personal preference but that particular zildjan line has a super high pitched artifact in the sustain that doesn't decay as quickly as the overall sound body. I think that would get super annoying to me over time.
Ok I know its off subject but man you guys should put out a "how to tune your drums" tutorial. Those drums sound amazing!! All of the videos I hear the drums, even on less expensive kits, sound killer!
I think they also have good mics
I was thinking the same thing
You produce the best comparison videos, hands down. Thank you
Wow, thank you!
A tornado destroyed evening including my drums and my mix of Sabian AAX and HHX cymbals ,well 3 years later I finally got my dream set of drums, and a full Gibralter rack which didn't leave me much price room to get the same cymbals I lost, so I got the Meinl HCS seris Ultimate Pack for like $400, Fast forward 2 years later and I decided to stay with Meinl and purchased the Brilliant Meinl Classics Custom set for $999 and couldn't be happier!
I liked the way most of them sounded, loved the way the Wuhan set sounds overall but it was the Zildjian ride (specifically the bell) that made me go "ooohhh" when I can finally be in the right environment to have an acoustic set I'd think about getting the Wuhans as a start then Aim to by the Zildjian ride as my first "accessory" so to speak and begin the process of mixing and matching my sounds to my preference. thanks for the video, very insightful.
Best part of this video is the back to back comparison edit. A lot of channels can learn a thing or two from you - even for other instrument demos. Top marks and a like for you from me!
Players today have a great selection of low-end / cheaper cymbals all the way up. Back in the late 80's and early 90's there wasn't nearly the selection. I wish there would have been more options back when I had less money. Funny thing is, now I have more money and I will buy some of the cheaper cymbals if I'm looking for a particular sound. Some good sounds from these lower-end cymbals, especially on the effects side. I mix in a bit of everything these days, but most of my cymbals are still higher-end simply because of the sounds I want. I certainly wouldn't shy away from these lower-end cymbals if I was just starting out or was on a tight budget. Great options.
Wish you could make your own kit with combinations from these kits! Love the Wuhan 20" ride! I'd take the Meinl 14" hi hat , and the Zildjian 16" and 18" crashes as my kit. Also kudos to your mixing skills! I just realized that your panning changed perspectives with the video camera angle changes. Very cool!
I bought the Wuhan's years ago and had no complaints. They've held up well and have gotten me through many gigs. For the price, they're unbeatable.
Thank you so much for the video guide, I think meinl HCS is my favourite ♥️
I know this is about cymbals, but that bass drum is insane
Yamaha will do that to you.
Yes! That kick is KILLER!
@@drumcenternh I'm waiting for the video with name 'Ten 22" bass drums comparison' 😉
And you’ve done it again! A perfect comparison video! Thanks guys. 🥁👍
I like Zildjan best - but the Wuhan has the best price-quality ratio
Nice pfp bruhv
On second listen I kind of Like the Meinl! that is so crazy !
This channel is my new 'what shall I check on YT' channel. Don't even live in the states. Thanks DCP! Keep up the good work.
In August 2023, at Amazon India, someone listed this Meinl HCS Bronze set (14 hihat, 16 cr and 20 ride) for Rs.15000 (~180 USD) and i grabbed them ASAP. Was feeling so lucky. And 2days later, it even went down further to Rs 11000(~USD130). But didnt grt the chance to grab thar second offer. BEST DEAL EVER.
Wuhan hands down! Let's not forget Wuhan's china's start at 12in and go up to 20in, and sound amazing. Nice job guys 👍
I believe they have a 27 inch actually
@@VICIOUSD3M0N they do, and it's a beast of a cymbal. Incredible sound. I have yet to find a good way to incorporate it into my setup though 😂
I’d definitely play those Wuhans! They sound the best overall I think. And the Meinl set has great sounding hats.
Super helpful! I'm looking to put together my first acoustic kit, and being able to hear all these being played is better than any written review. Thanks!
All of the sets are excellent. Each set had it's standouts. They would all sound great, no matter the stage. I would love to have my favorite pieces combined into a single set. Some of them would be a hard decision for sure. I would call the whole thing a draw in terms of overall sound. It all boils down to a matter of taste and opinion. Some like pork, some like beef, chicken, fish, turtle, whatever, and opinions vary. 🎉 All of those sets are awesome, because their makers fully put their hearts and souls into them. I'm a cherry picker, hahaha 🎉 🎉 🎉
I write from italy.Always the best demonstration video's in all the web.Congratulations.Great job guys.
Thank you very much!
@@drumcenternh It's just the truth.
I appreciate how the stereo image changes when the front and top cameras are being used so it matches where the cymbals are. Cool :)
Glad you like it!
I really like the Wuhans, but there's something about Zildjian rides.. The bells have the sweetest sound.
I love these reviews! They've been very valuable to me while starting out. Thanks! And, happy to purchase from you as much as possible!
btw, do the Wuhans still sound this way or have any elements changed since this review?
They are the same. The sound consistency can vary from cymbal to cymbal, it we can hand pick some for you if you’d like.
The b20 alloy really speaks for itself, it just sounds so much warmer than the others
Warmer? I would say brighter. Almost the opposite of warmth.
@@rsilvers129I had the same impression. Sounds like the wuhans are thinner. So, less meat, but more complex overtones and easier crashability
Wow! I just fell in love. Will go for Meinl HCS141620.
The Wuhan first (which surprised me) and Zildjian second but at this price point they all sounded great! I would have taken the Wuhan and Zildjians for professional cymbals. Thank you DCP for another great video. No one else does drum videos at the level of quality that you do.
My favorites too.
Wow I’m blown away by those Wuhans, I’d take those over a set of Zildjian Z’s
Great video as always, guys!
I think that the Wuhans win hands down!
By far the best alloy B20, the most balanced sound.
I´m a Zildjian kind of drummer, but i have two crashes 17" and 18" by wuhan, that are my favourites for the past 17 years. I also carry my old K Customs 16" and 18" whenever I go to a recording session, but end up almost always using the Wuhans, they´re super dark, low pitched, like no other cymbal i have ever played.
Regarding the other manufacturers, they´re on a different league, not comparable, at this price point.
My point is, don´t let the price tag fool you, the Wuhans are incredible musical instruments. They won´t sound like anything else out there, becouse they sound unique.
Cheers from Brazil!
Zildjian always was my favorite. The I have my Paiste PST 14"crash sounds so good mixed with my Sabians . I like to mix them all for fun not consistency... whuhan does sound pretty dang good.
That wuhan 16 inch crash and the stack both sounded good enough that I always have some nice cymbals and I still might pick those up pleasantly surprised!
I just got back into drumming after about 15 years without a set, and the used set I picked up came with a set of Meinl HCS. I always went with mid-to-high end Zildjian back in the day (A's or K's) and hated the budget stuff like the ZBTs back then, but I was pretty impressed by the sound quality of the HCS and bought a bunch more to round out my set (not like I'm recording or playing live shows). Having options like the trash and bell cymbals in an entry level series is pretty cool and it's nice to see companies have expanded on their budget selections a lot since I last played.
I see the low-end Zildjian and Sabian stuff still sounds like absolute garbage (in my opinion...just....yuck), and the Paiste set feels like a mixed bag, but VERY impressed by the Wuhan stuff, which I'd never really sampled before. Were I not already invested in the Meinl series, I'd consider Wuhan!
That kit though!! 🔥🔥😍 Wuhans sound great
The Wuhan cymbals were the standout. For the price , they sound incredible.
Great vid 👍
My favorite Ride is the Wuhan. It just has the sweetest bell sound. Favorite Hi-hat is the Zildjian i. Crash is something I had a hard time with, but I'd probably go with the Zildjian there as well.
This is a fantastic video. I wish I had seen this much sooner. What would be the next bracket for someone at a more intermediate level?
the wuhan hats are phenomenal. so crisp and the feel is amazing.
Those hats could compete with the big boys for sure!
Nice job - (and playing)
some big surprises in there!
I'd love for you to demo the Z i-family mastersound hats (just ordered from you guys) along with that 14 trash (top hat)crash and the 17"/18" ex pack -
Man, there are some cool sounding cymbals for cheap right now! 🤘❤💥
Even though I am a Paiste Fan, but in this Beginner-Sets-Comparison, I prefer clearly the Zildjan set,
but the second one are the Wuhans.Thank you very, very much for this nice Vid !!!
Thanks for watching!
@Michael Bruhi BULLSEYE,MY FELLOW DRUMMER!! I've played just about every cymbal brand there is,over my 40 years of playing drums.. And the (Zildjians) in just about every category (from beginner to professional!!) The Zildjians Brands always,"to me anyway." Always Come out on top🤟🤘🤙🤟!! And ive always liked the top brand Sabians at a good REPECTFUL 2OND!!!
I got the Zildjian set too at #1 and am a Paiste guy(whenever i can afford it) :)
I like the I-Series for the price, but the Wuhan are on the level of the A-Custom Series.
First, Thankyou for making this video and helping us make the best choice for our taste.
And yes they all sound pretty decent. I use to hv a set of Zildjian bst and they didnt deliver like the new i series. So yes gr8 time to buy cymbals👍
This Yamaha kit seems fabulous! Like every time with beginner kits the crashes sound not nice, short and metallic. But the rest is very good! Wuhan are brillant!
Remarkable how similar they all sound. The Wuhan’s get my vote though, especially the hi hats. Best effect pie had to be the cheap ozone crash. I just picked up a 20” HHX Evolution ozone and I love the thing.
Wuhan Splashes (not shown in video) , Meinl Hi Hats, Ride and Crashes I’m not sure. Great video again DCP team!. Thanks!.
I really only liked the wuhan and the zildjian were ok. I have the wuhan and think they sound great. Nice bright shimmery attack with some warmer undertones.
Great, great, informative and helpful!!!
Got to say, this is one of Shane´s best performances so far, very tasty fills and grooves. Not saying he is not good though, don´t get me wrong.
Wuhan are perfect for Punk, Hardcore, Metal Drummers who are on a budget but want a great sounding cymbal set 🤙
I think the Wuhan set sounds the best, and it's a b20 cymbal at a killer price.
Your drum chops have gotten better 🤘
Ive toured and recorded with Wuhans and have always gotten tons of compliments from recording engineers, other drummers, and worship leaders. For the money, you absolutely can’t beat them.
Love the videos. Got to visit the shop today and it was incredible. Everyone working there greeted me and were extremely friendly. You guys are great!
Great video!! I have 2 MEINL HCS crashes. I thought they all sounded good for that price range and I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. To put it in perspective I just purchased a PAISTE 24 inch Big Beat I think it was around 465.00. Does it sound like a 465.00 cymbal? Off course it does. Shanes favorite hats the 602 Modern essentials are 620.00. Do they sound that good? Of course they do. The bottom line here is to have fun drumming and get what ever you can afford and have fun. I think this video was really good at showing lower priced cymbal packs that really did sound amazing to me at least. Great video Shane keep up the good work at DCP my man. Thank you!!
Great approach to the demo!
If I may comment on the mixing, it might help to have a lower level from kick, snare and toms, just to save ear fatigue. I’m listening at a loud volume with closed headphones on purpose so I can hear detail in the cymbal sounds, but the SPL of the drums (especially that kick) is killing me. (I guess those drums just sounded too good to resist, eh?)
Got the meinl Hcs ultimate 9 piece for $400 love it. Twice to three times as many pieces as these kits for $100 extra or less and they sound jus as good if not better then the others no brainer
I just bought the Wuhan 13 inch western hihats and they are the best sounding hi hats I have ever had. Believe it or not.
Those Wuhans sound great
My preference after keen listening to the sound of the 5 cybals set: I select Sabian B8X as first, Wuhan WUTBSU as second and Zildjian I Series Pro Gig as Third. The sound of that Sabian B8X cymbals is so amazing. The sound of B8X Ride is what amazes me the most. I just love to hear the sound of that Sabian B8X cymbals set. Wuhan WUTBSU is my second choice. The Wuhan Ride also sounds perfect !
The consensus seems to be Wuhan and I don’t disagree. Although I thought their ride was quiet. Try the Wuhan 10” splash it’s freaking awesome, hands down best. The Zildjians were second. Great review Shane and the DCP crew!
I started off with the Paiste PST 3 and 5 cymbals. Now I use Paiste 2002, Gaint beat,Alpha,and big beat cymbals.
Winner, finally a man that knows cymbals!😎
Actually really like the Zildjians for the money, and the fact you get an extra crash. Although i think if I were a beginner i would save just a little more for the S series.
oh my sweet god i dont have any choice to admit you guys are the best.. im waiting for the beat cymbal pro pack!😇 you should make a summer camp.. i would ask my wife to send me there for the vacations 😂 peace from Quebec✌️
The Wuhan pack looks and sounds beautiful. I think those are what I'm going with, and I'll get them from DCP for bringing them to my attention. Thanks Shane.
I agree with the consensus for the to contender here, the Wuhans come out on top, but they're also the most expensive. Next in line are the Meinl HCS - which is lucky for me since these came with a kit I just bought :-) So I'm good for now, but will look into maybe expanding the kit with some Wuhans...
Love the Meinl 12” trash splash. What an expressive and fun cymbal. :)
Wuhan! I've been loving them for years!
Yep great vid wuhan hands down can you do one on professional standard and cost cheers
Great video guys, thanks a lot👍
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you sooooooooooooooooooi much for this video !!!! I have been waiting for this video !!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed ur playing style as thr best groove.. u have grt control and ur reflexes are spot on.. i really enjoyef your playing but i m confused which cymbaks to buy 🤪
Awesome video! Could you do a meinl hcs (brass) vs paiste pst 3? I think a lot of people would love to hear that one! Those two companies make great brass cymbals for the money.
wuhan alllllll the way. i have expensive taste but i’ll always have some wuhans and old sabian xs20’s on hand for a practice setup that sounds pretty damn good
Thanks for this video. I’ve been trying to evaluate and compare all those models and having a hard time. This really helps.
In this video, the Wuhan Hats and 16” crash are called “Thin.” In other videos their weight isn’t mentioned, even though the medium heavy designation for the ride is made. The sound of the cymbals in this video kind of makes me think these are thinner than the ones Ive seen in other videos, but some of that difference might be down to the recordings.
This begets the question: do the hats and crashes come in more than one weight? And if so, what’s the designation for the kit packs that include the different weights?
Thanks!
I'm usually a Paiste guy but in this case I'm digging the Zildjian,Meinl, & Wuhan most....
Thanks! Very helpful.
My suggestions to all beginners.
Ranked:
Wuhan, Paiste, Zildjian, Sabian, Meinl.
Honestly the first two are the only ones I’d go for in this price range. I play Zildjian K’s, A’s and S’s but the i series also has a great sound but when you stack it up to the Paiste or Wuhan brands it can’t compete. Another reason I put wuhan at the top is the versatility and expandability. I had a wuhan stack and a wuhan holy china and I kept replacing them because they sound so good. They are super cheap as well, the holy china was only like 30 bucks and their 10” splash only about 20. Don’t let the numbers fool you, the company is ancient and makes quality stuff. Also uses B20 bronze for the actual cymbal packs (most of em) though the cheaper ones are made of congruently cheaper materials.
Even though I’m a Meinl guy I have to say that the Wuhan cymbals really took me by surprise, it had the most natural sound to my ears, almost to what cymbals are supposed to sound like, another option for affordable cymbals would be Dream Cymbals! Great video overall
The difference between Wuhan and other cymbals in this video is HUGE! Here in Europe, Turkish cymbals are really affordable, and there are so many Turkish brands. They don't make entry level cymbals, but only professional hand-hammered b20 alloy cymbals. Istanbul Mehmet, Istanbul Agop, Anatolian, Impression, Bosphorus, Diril, Murat Diril, Symrna, Turkish, Amedia... the choice is huge, and the quality is the same as the Big 4 (Zildjian/Paiste/Sabian/Meinl), but at a much lower price. The entire Meinl Byzance series are hand hammered in Turkey, I believe in Diril factory. I haven't had a chance to try Dream cymbals, but based on the videos, they sound great.
I have all Meinls. I got the HCS Bronze Soundwave Hi Hats 14", 16 and 14 crashes. Classics Custom Dark 18 crash and 8 splash. Classics Custom 12 trash splash and 8 splash. Generation X 16 filter china. Gotta say, HCSB sound damn good for their price and alloy.
Pretty impressed with the Wuhans coming from a staunch vintage Zildjian guy, gonna stick with the Zildjian tho overall...Thanks!!!
Same thoughts on the Wuhan Set, especially on the PST3!
Thank you 🙏 for the comparison video. I am a new subscriber, one of my favorite channels. I am a Z fan, the i pack is a really good looking, sound and value. ☯️☯️☯️☯️☯️
Awesome! Thank you!
Drum Center of Portsmouth Great 👍 job, you guys.
The Zildjians sounded great to me, but I always love their stuff. The Wuhans sounded killer too. Such a great cymbal for the money. Very musical. The brass Paistes didn't do it for me, but I'm always biased against brass starter cymbals. I had a set of brass Camber cymbals on my first beginner set and when I upgraded to pro Zildjians the difference was so clear. I would always choose b8 bronze over brass any day because it just sounds better and more musical. Brass does it's one thing okay, but bronze gives you so much more options. I would always budget in the bronze, you'll appreciate them later. And always go for the set that has at least one crash and a ride , and not just one crash/ride in addition to hats. I get the the budget thing, but I feel it is crucial for the beginning drummer to have the two separate to learn the difference. Plus most starter crash/rides don't sound enough like either and you get a less usable cymbal.
I agree, usually the crash/ride is too gongy as a crash, yet too washy for a ride.
listening on a real high end hifi setup, I felt the Wuhan were by far the smoothest and most versatile, the Paiste were the next as far as consistant sound, they matched up very well as a set.
Wuhans are pretty sweet cymbals. Cant be beat at that price point.
I have the 16 i great video pls do more👍🏾!
Wuhan sounds professional and pleasant! I used to have Paiste 802 wich are semi-pro and still they sounded dreary.
Get the Wuhans. B20 bronze set for that price is amazing! I am a meinl fan and is planning to switch all my cymbals out to meinls, but it’s expensive. But the hogher class meinl cymbald could honestly compare with the wuhans.
Zildjian I all the way, surprisingly musical and not too high pitched to be in B8 bronze alloy
In this situation comparison the zildjian’s are best but all choose sounds great 🥁
The Sabian B8X are the best by far especially if you get the rock crashes instead of the thin crashes because they have more sustain, power and attack to them and are darker sounding and for a drummer with a budget like me they are well worth the money-highly recommend! Also great comparison vid- u guise do the best around👍
I thought they sounded terrible
Wuhan set sounds great I think I'm going to get them for my students
I was originally stuck between the i's and the HCS's. Played them in store, the i's sound better to me in person. But after seeing the comments and listening again like 50 times, I think I'm going to get me a set of those Wuhans. That'll save me buying another crash stand right now too. Only issue is where to find the Wuhan. Right now (July '21), Sweetwater is the only place I can find, and they're at $300.00.
Really good video, Wuhan's best for me, but the cast bronze instead of pressed sheet bronze is probably what leads then to their stigma of quick breaking cymbals.... They really are quite nice though. Zildjian's I reckon are second, but I'm biased towards that sort of sound over other brands' sounds.
I went way cheaper and purchased the Chaos Rech series pack for my 6yo son. Hi Hats are a little tinny but honestly nothing wrong with the splashes, crashes or ride.