# What Cymbals Does Nicko McBrain Use? Full Setup

**Band:** Iron Maiden | **Brand(s):** Paiste

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## Direct Answer

Nicko McBrain plays Paiste cymbals: 14" 2002 & Signature Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 16" 2002 & Signature Power Crash, 18" 2002 & Signature Power Crash, 22" 2002 & Signature Power Ride, 20" 2002 & Signature China.

## Cymbal Breakdown

| Piece | Size | Series | Model |
|-------|------|--------|-------|
| Hi-hat | 14" | 2002 & Signature | Sound Edge Hi-Hats |
| Crash | 16" | 2002 & Signature | Power Crash |
| Crash | 18" | 2002 & Signature | Power Crash |
| Ride | 22" | 2002 & Signature | Power Ride |
| China | 20" | 2002 & Signature | China |

Verified roster hardware entry: "Paiste 2002 & Signature Series (14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Power Crashes, 22" Power Ride, 20" 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 Nicko McBrain use?**
A: Nicko McBrain plays Paiste cymbals: 14" 2002 & Signature Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 16" 2002 & Signature Power Crash, 18" 2002 & Signature Power Crash, 22" 2002 & Signature Power Ride, 20" 2002 & Signature China.

## More Resources

- [Full cymbal setup page](https://metalforge.io/cymbals/setups/nicko-mcbrain)
- [Nicko McBrain's Drummer Profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/nicko-mcbrain)
- [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)*