# What Cymbals Does Lars Ulrich Use? Full Setup

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

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## Direct Answer

Lars Ulrich plays Zildjian cymbals: 14" A Custom Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16" A Custom Rock Crash, 17" A Custom Rock Crash, 18" A Custom Rock Crash, 20" Z Custom China, 22" A Custom Ride.

## Cymbal Breakdown

| Piece | Size | Series | Model |
|-------|------|--------|-------|
| Hi-hat | 14" | A Custom | Dyno Beat Hi-Hats |
| Crash | 16" | A Custom | Rock Crash |
| Crash | 17" | A Custom | Rock Crash |
| Crash | 18" | A Custom | Rock Crash |
| China | 20" | Z Custom | China |
| Ride | 22" | A Custom | Ride |

Verified roster hardware entry: "Zildjian A Custom Series (14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16", 17" & 18" Rock Crashes, 20" Z Custom China, 22" Ride)." 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.
- **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.
- **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.

## FAQ

**Q: What cymbals does Lars Ulrich use?**
A: Lars Ulrich plays Zildjian cymbals: 14" A Custom Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16" A Custom Rock Crash, 17" A Custom Rock Crash, 18" A Custom Rock Crash, 20" Z Custom China, 22" A Custom Ride.

## More Resources

- [Full cymbal setup page](https://metalforge.io/cymbals/setups/lars-ulrich)
- [Lars Ulrich's Drummer Profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)
- [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)*