# Best Cymbals for Metal Drumming — MetalForge **Guide URL:** https://metalforge.io/guides/best-cymbals-for-metal ## Who This Guide Is For Metal drummers who want to know which cymbals actually work for heavy music — and why Zildjian, Paiste, Meinl, and Sabian each sound different. Covers the exact cymbal lines used by Lars Ulrich, Mikkey Dee, Mike Mangini, and Igor Cavalera, with clear recommendations across all budget levels. --- ## Why Cymbal Choice Defines Your Metal Sound Cymbals are the most personal gear decision in a metal drummer's setup. Two drummers with identical kits can sound fundamentally different based on cymbal choice alone. The shimmer of Lars Ulrich's Zildjian A Customs is as recognizable as the riff it punctuates. Mikkey Dee's Paiste 2002 explosions are sonic signatures as distinctive as his playing. Metal places unique demands on cymbals. They must cut through dense, downtuned guitar walls without disappearing. Crashes must respond aggressively and choke cleanly. Hi-hats need to handle fast, tight closed patterns and explosive open accents. Everything must survive physical punishment at volume. --- ## Recommended Cymbal Lines for Metal ### 1. Zildjian A Custom — Best Overall - **Alloy:** B20 bronze (brilliant finish) - **Price range:** $180–$450 per cymbal - **Best for:** All metal styles; most versatile choice The Zildjian A Custom is the single most common cymbal on MetalForge's entire roster. The brilliant finish and hand-hammered B20 bronze produces a bright, cutting shimmer that slices through guitar walls without being harsh. Fast attack, clean decay, and consistency across the entire range make it the default choice for metal drummers who want to sound professional. **Who uses it:** - **Lars Ulrich** ([/drummer/lars-ulrich](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)) — A Custom and A series throughout Metallica's career; the benchmark for modern metal cymbal sound - **Joey Jordison** ([/drummer/joey-jordison](https://metalforge.io/drummer/joey-jordison)) — Zildjian endorser across Slipknot's career - **Gene Hoglan** ([/drummer/gene-hoglan](https://metalforge.io/drummer/gene-hoglan)) — Precise, surgical cymbal work requiring consistent quality - **Dave Lombardo** ([/drummer/dave-lombardo](https://metalforge.io/drummer/dave-lombardo)) — Classic thrash cymbal aggression The A Custom Mastersound hi-hats are particularly popular in metal — tight, cutting, minimal wash buildup at high tempos. --- ### 2. Paiste 2002 — Best for Classic Heavy Metal - **Alloy:** CuSn8 Bronze (Paiste proprietary) - **Price range:** $200–$500 per cymbal - **Best for:** Classic heavy metal, power metal, traditional metal The Paiste 2002 defines classic heavy metal cymbal sound. Used on iconic albums throughout the '80s and '90s, the 2002's full-bodied, powerful, slightly dark character is instantly recognizable. Paiste's proprietary CuSn8 alloy creates a tone unlike any competitor — explosive crashes with body that sustains, hi-hats with genuine bite. **Who uses it:** - **Mikkey Dee** ([/drummer/mikkey-dee](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mikkey-dee)) — Paiste endorser throughout Scorpions and Motörhead; the explosive, powerful cymbal tones on classic albums - Neil Peart (Rush) — landmark progressive metal/rock recordings Many engineers specifically request 2002s for traditional metal recordings because the sound is so recognizable and appropriate for the genre. If you want to sound like the classic '80s heavy metal era, this is the line. --- ### 3. Meinl Byzance — Best for Modern/Progressive Metal - **Alloy:** B20 bronze (Traditional, Vintage, Dark variants) - **Price range:** $200–$550 per cymbal - **Best for:** Technical metal, progressive metal, modern extreme metal The Meinl Byzance has become the premiere choice for modern technical and progressive metal. Where Zildjian A Custom cuts with brightness, Byzance offers complex, dark, musical character that adds depth. Hand-hammered B20 bronze with multiple sub-series (Traditional, Vintage, Dark, Jazz) gives drummers many tonal options. **Who uses it:** - **Mike Mangini** ([/drummer/mike-mangini](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mike-mangini)) — Meinl endorser; complex cymbal dynamics for Dream Theater's progressive demands - **Dirk Verbeuren** ([/drummer/dirk-verbeuren](https://metalforge.io/drummer/dirk-verbeuren)) — Megadeth; technical precision in modern thrash - **Brann Dailor** ([/drummer/brann-dailor](https://metalforge.io/drummer/brann-dailor)) — Mastodon; progressive sludge metal character - **Mario Duplantier** ([/drummer/mario-duplantier](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mario-duplantier)) — Gojira; modern extreme metal dynamics The Byzance Traditional crashes are particularly praised for their complex, multi-layered decay that standard lathed cymbals can't replicate. --- ### 4. Sabian AAX — Best Value in B20 for Metal - **Alloy:** B20 bronze (Brilliant or Natural finish) - **Price range:** $150–$400 per cymbal - **Best for:** All-around metal; best price-to-quality ratio The Sabian AAX occupies a versatile middle ground — B20 bronze quality with bright, cutting character similar to Zildjian but at slightly more accessible pricing. The AAX Stage Crash has earned a devoted following in metal for its fast, trashy response that cuts without sustaining too long. **Who uses it:** - **Igor Cavalera** ([/drummer/igor-cavalera](https://metalforge.io/drummer/igor-cavalera)) — Sepultura / Cavalera Conspiracy; Sabian user during formative Sepultura era - **Vinnie Paul** (Pantera) — groove metal power cymbal tones - Matt Greiner (August Burns Red) — metalcore applications For drummers who want genuine B20 quality without paying Zildjian or Meinl prices, the AAX is the smart choice. --- ## Budget Picks ### Zildjian S Series (~$80–$200 per cymbal) Zildjian's budget line uses B12 bronze rather than B20 — still genuine bronze, not brass, with real Zildjian character. The S Series is the best entry-level metal cymbal you can buy. The sound is lighter and less complex than A Custom, but the Zildjian DNA is there. Great for players building their first metal setup. ### Paiste PST 7 (~$70–$180 per cymbal) Paiste's budget line uses their CuSn7 alloy. The PST 7 delivers the Paiste character — full, powerful, traditional — at an entry price. If you love the 2002 sound but can't afford it, start here and upgrade later. ### Meinl HCS Bronze (~$50–$120 per cymbal) Meinl's upgraded beginner line with genuine B8 bronze (still better than brass starter cymbals). Good for beginners building their first metal kit. Complete sets available at package pricing. --- ## Cymbal Setup Guide for Metal **Standard metal cymbal setup:** - 14" hi-hats (left side) - 16" crash (over hi-hats or first rack tom) - 18" crash (right side, or between toms and ride) - 20–22" ride (right side) **Common additions:** - China cymbal (inverted, across the kit) for aggressive accents - 19–20" crash for dramatic doom/power metal passages - Second 16" crash for alternating fast accents **Hi-hat sizing:** 14" is the standard for metal — enough volume to cut and fast enough for high-tempo playing. 13" for faster, tighter patterns; 15" for more wash and power. **Crash sizing:** 16" for fast decay and tight accents. 18" for bigger, longer crashes. Don't go above 20" unless you play doom or power metal where dramatic sustain is wanted. --- ## Alloy Guide: B8 vs B20 for Metal **B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin):** The pro standard. Complex, multi-layered tone that cuts through dense guitar sounds while remaining musical. More warmth, depth, and sustain character than B8. Zildjian A Custom, Paiste 2002 (CuSn8 equivalent), Meinl Byzance, Sabian AAX all use high-tin alloys. **B8 bronze (92% copper, 8% tin):** Brighter, louder, less nuanced. Works for metal but lacks the complexity of B20. Common in mid-range lines. Paiste's PST 7 (CuSn7) and similar budget-pro lines. **Brass:** Only for beginner cymbals. Lacks the complexity and character needed for serious metal playing. Replace as soon as budget allows. **For metal: buy B20 (or CuSn7/CuSn8 equivalent) whenever possible.** The sonic difference over B8 is dramatic. --- ## FAQ **What cymbals do metal drummers use?** Most professional metal drummers use Zildjian A Custom (Lars Ulrich, Joey Jordison, Gene Hoglan), Paiste 2002 (Mikkey Dee), Meinl Byzance (Mike Mangini, Dirk Verbeuren), or Sabian AAX (Igor Cavalera). Zildjian A Custom is the most common choice on MetalForge's roster. **Are Zildjian or Paiste better for metal?** Both are excellent with different characters. Zildjian A Custom is brighter and cuts more aggressively through guitar walls — better for modern and extreme metal. Paiste 2002 has more body and weight — better for classic heavy metal where you want cymbal power to define the song's feel. Most drummers choose based on personal preference after trying both. **What size crashes should I use for metal?** 16" and 18" is the standard metal crash pair — 16" for fast, tight accents and 18" for bigger, longer crashes. Some players add a 19-20" for dramatic passages. Smaller crashes (14-16") work better for fast-tempo styles; larger (18-20") for doom and power metal. **What hi-hats are best for metal?** 14" medium-heavy hi-hats are the standard. Zildjian A Custom Mastersound 14" and Paiste 2002 14" are among the most popular. For faster playing, 13" hi-hats provide quicker response. Match your hi-hat weight to your style. **Should I use B8 or B20 cymbals for metal?** B20 bronze is strongly recommended for serious metal playing. B20 produces a more complex, musical frequency range that cuts through dense guitar sounds while remaining tonally interesting. B8 is brighter and louder but lacks the complexity. Budget lines like Zildjian S Series (B12) offer a middle ground. **How do I set up cymbals for metal?** Standard setup: 14" hi-hats left, 16" crash over hi-hats, 18" crash right, 20-22" ride right. Many metal drummers add a China cymbal (inverted) for aggressive accent punctuation. Angle crashes slightly toward you for easy striking. Keep the ride within reach for quick transitions. --- ## Related Guides - [Best Drum Pedals for Death Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-pedals-for-death-metal) - [Best Snare Drums for Thrash Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-snare-drums-for-thrash-metal) - [Best Drum Heads for Metal](https://metalforge.io/guides/best-drum-heads-for-metal)