The Cymbal Safari Begins
Choosing the right cymbal size is essential to crafting your perfect drum sound. Whether you’re a beginner assembling your first kit or a seasoned professional refining your arsenal, understanding cymbal sizes—from the sharp splash to the powerful ride—is the key to unlocking your full potential behind the kit.
At Musicmaker Dublin, we stock a wide range of cymbals designed to suit every style, genre, and budget. This guide breaks down cymbal sizes and how they shape your sound.
Remember, there are no rules.......
Splash Cymbals (6” to 12”)
Splash cymbals are the smallest cymbals in the drummer’s toolkit. Ranging from 6 inches to 12 inches, they deliver fast, bright, and explosive accents. These cymbals provide sharp punctuation for fills, transitions, and creative flourishes.
- 6”–8” Splash: Ultra-quick attack and short decay. Perfect for fast-paced musical styles like punk, ska, and funk.
- 10”–12” Splash: Slightly more depth and sustain while retaining the quick response. Ideal for fusion, jazz, and rock.
Get yourself a Splash Cymbal HERE.
And you can mix the series and the cymbal company as much as you want......
Crash Cymbals (14” to 20”)
Crash cymbals are the primary choice for accenting musical peaks and transitions. Known for their explosive power and tonal variety, crash cymbals come in a range of sizes to suit different playing styles and musical genres.
- 14”–16” Crash: Quick response and bright attack. Ideal for pop, punk, and lighter rock styles.
- 17”–18” Crash: Balanced tone with full projection. A versatile choice for rock, metal, and jazz.
- 19”–20” Crash: Larger crashes offer greater sustain and volume, making them perfect for heavy rock, metal, and live performances.
Get a sweet new Crash Cymbal HERE.
It's physically impossible to have too many ride cymbals.
Ride Cymbals (18” to 24”)
Ride cymbals serve as the foundation of a drummer’s rhythm section, providing a consistent time-keeping sound with a range of tonal possibilities.
- 18”–20” Ride: Crisp stick definition with moderate wash. Excellent for rock, jazz, and studio recording.
- 21”–22” Ride: Increased sustain and bell clarity. Suitable for versatile playing across multiple genres.
- 23”–24” Ride: Full-bodied sound with rich wash and powerful projection. Perfect for large venues and dynamic live performances.
Get a new (or just another) Ride Cymbal HERE
The sweet spot.
Hi-Hat Cymbals (12” to 16”)
Hi-hats are critical for maintaining the groove and adding dynamic expression to your playing. Size impacts response, tone, and volume.
12”–13” Hi-Hat: Tight, bright response. Great for fast, intricate patterns.
14” Hi-Hat: The industry standard for balanced tone and versatility.
15”–16” Hi-Hat: Darker, heavier tone with added volume and sustain. Ideal for rock, blues, and metal.
It's time for some new hats, get them HERE.
Anything is music.
China & Effects Cymbals (16” and Larger)
China cymbals and other effects cymbals offer unique, aggressive tones that stand out in any musical setting.
- 16”–20” China: Bright, trashy tone with quick decay.
- 22” and Larger: Deep, dark, and powerful for dramatic accents in rock, metal, and experimental music.
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Choosing the Right Cymbal Size
Your ideal cymbal size depends on your musical style, playing technique, and personal preference. Here are some quick tips:
- Smaller cymbals (6”–16”) offer quick response and bright tones.
- Mid-size cymbals (17”–20”) provide balance between speed and sustain.
- Larger cymbals (21” and up) deliver full-bodied sound with rich sustain and projection.
At Musicmaker Dublin, our team of experienced drummers can help you test and compare cymbal sizes to find your perfect match.
It's a lovely place.
Final Thoughts
The right cymbal sizes can elevate your sound from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re adding a sharp splash, a versatile crash, or a powerful ride, every cymbal choice shapes your musical identity.
Visit Musicmaker Dublin today to explore our wide selection of cymbals and find the perfect sizes to suit your sound.
Play louder. Play smarter. Play Musicmaker.
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