What cymbals does John Otto use?

John Otto of Limp Bizkit plays a full Zildjian A and A Custom Series setup — hi-hats, multiple crashes, a ride, and a china — established in the band's earliest years and confirmed as his current setup through the 2021 comeback album "Still Sucks." The A Custom crashes add fast decay for the syncopated, hip-hop-influenced accents his groove-first playing demands.

What cymbals does Joey Jordison use?

Joey Jordison built one of nu-metal's most aggressive cymbal setups around Paiste RUDE and 2002 Power Crashes (16"-19") during Slipknot's Iowa era, pairing them with RUDE Wild Hi-Hats and a 20" RUDE Wild China. The raw, unlathed construction delivers the explosive, trashy attack that defined Slipknot's most brutal live performances.

Zildjian A Custom vs Paiste RUDE — which is better for nu-metal?

Both work at the highest level of nu-metal — John Otto uses Zildjian A/A Custom for controlled, syncopated groove tone, while Joey Jordison uses Paiste RUDE for a raw, explosive, aggressive attack. Zildjian A/A Custom suits groove-first, melodic nu-metal; Paiste RUDE suits breakdown-heavy, theatrical nu-metal.

What china cymbal is best for nu-metal?

An 18"-20" china is nu-metal's standard breakdown-punctuation cymbal. Joey Jordison's 20" Paiste RUDE Wild China delivers a raw, unlathed explosion for maximum breakdown chaos, while a Zildjian A Custom China (paired with John Otto's A/A Custom setup) offers a more controlled, articulate alternative.

Do I need expensive cymbals to play nu-metal?

No — start with a budget line from the same family as your target sound: Zildjian ZBT approximates the A/A Custom family's brightness, while Meinl HCS gives you a genuinely playable, breakdown-friendly setup, both at a fraction of the professional price. Upgrade once your technique and budget catch up.