# What Cymbals Does George Kollias Use? Full Setup

**Band:** Nile | **Brand(s):** Zildjian

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## Direct Answer

George Kollias plays Zildjian cymbals: 14" K Mastersound Hi-Hats, 17" K Custom Dark Crash, 18" K Custom Dark Crash, 21" A Custom Mega Bell Ride, 18" China.

## Cymbal Breakdown

| Piece | Size | Series | Model |
|-------|------|--------|-------|
| Hi-hat | 14" | K Mastersound | Hi-Hats |
| Crash | 17" | K Custom Dark | Crash |
| Crash | 18" | K Custom Dark | Crash |
| Ride | 21" | A Custom | Mega Bell Ride |
| China | 18" | — | China |

Verified roster hardware entry: "Zildjian (14" K Mastersound Hi-Hats, 17" & 18" K Custom Dark Crashes, 21" A Custom Mega Bell Ride, 18" China)." Source: roster gear.cymbals (verified: true; sources on the drummer record).

## Setup Context

- **Hi-hat:** Two cymbals on a stand, played by foot and/or stick — the main timekeeper for tight, fast 16th-note patterns and blast beats.
- **Crash:** A short, explosive accent on strong beats and fills; metal kits often stack several sizes (e.g. 16"/17"/18") for different accent pitches.
- **Ride:** The largest, heaviest cymbal in most setups — carries sustained 16th-note "blast-beat" ride patterns and cuts through a dense mix, with the bell used for sharper accents.
- **China:** An upturned-edge cymbal with a trashy, explosive, dirty accent — a staple for breakdown and chorus hits in metal; sometimes mounted upside down for an even darker tone.

## FAQ

**Q: What cymbals does George Kollias use?**
A: George Kollias plays Zildjian cymbals: 14" K Mastersound Hi-Hats, 17" K Custom Dark Crash, 18" K Custom Dark Crash, 21" A Custom Mega Bell Ride, 18" China.

## More Resources

- [Full cymbal setup page](https://metalforge.io/cymbals/setups/george-kollias)
- [George Kollias's Drummer Profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/george-kollias)
- [Cymbals Guide](https://metalforge.io/llms/cymbals.md)
- [All LLM Resources](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)

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*Last updated: 2026-07-13 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*