Zildjian Cymbals article
Zildjian Cymbals for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Zildjian's entry-level range makes it possible to start well without overspending. This guide covers which cymbals to prioritise, which series fit different budgets, and how to set them up correctly.
Starting with Zildjian cymbals as a beginner means making a few practical decisions early that will affect how your kit sounds and how much you spend before you are ready to invest seriously. The good news: Zildjian's range includes genuinely capable entry-level options, and a sensible starter cymbal setup does not need to be expensive.
What Cymbals Do You Actually Need First?
A standard beginner kit needs three cymbals: hi-hats, a crash, and a ride. Some starter kits include a cymbal pack; if yours does not, or if you want to replace the included cymbals, this is the order of priority:
- Hi-hats (14"): used on virtually every beat. This is where you spend the most time and where quality matters most. Even as a beginner, better hi-hats make practice more enjoyable and educational.
- Crash cymbal (16"): for accents and fills. A 16" crash is the most versatile size for a beginner and works in almost every musical context.
- Ride cymbal (20"): for sustained rhythmic patterns in slower or busier passages. Less essential early on — many beginners practise without one for the first few months.
Which Zildjian Cymbals Series to Start With
The Planet Z is the natural first choice for most beginners. It is inexpensive, available as a complete pack, and made to a higher standard than equivalent-price unbranded cymbals. For a beginner who is not yet sure how seriously they will pursue drumming, Planet Z is the right call.
If you are confident about committing to the instrument, the S Series is worth the extra investment. The B12 bronze provides noticeably more tonal character than Planet Z's B8, and you will not outgrow S Series cymbals as quickly. The S Family 14" hi-hats are a solid buy for any beginner who wants a genuine step up.
Recommended Starter Sets
- Budget starter: Planet Z Pack (includes 13" hi-hats, 16" crash, 20" ride) — £80–£120. Everything in one package, consistent quality.
- Intermediate starter: S Series 14" hi-hats + 16" crash + 20" thin ride — £280–£380 total. A setup that will grow with you for several years.
- Single upgrade path: Start with Planet Z hi-hats and add an A Series crash and ride as budget allows. The hi-hats will eventually be replaced, but this spreads the cost over time.
Sizing Considerations for Beginners
Bigger is not always better, particularly early on. A 14" hi-hat is easier to control than a 15". A 16" crash responds faster and with less effort than an 18". A 20" ride is more responsive than a 22". Start with the standard sizes and add larger instruments as your technique develops and your musical context demands them.
Mounting and Basic Care
Mount hi-hats so the bottom cymbal sits flat and the top sits at a slight angle — typically 1–2cm higher at one side than the other, which controls the sound of the closed position. Ride and crash cymbals should be angled toward you at roughly 15–20 degrees so the stick hits the surface squarely rather than glancing. Tilter nuts should be loose enough for the cymbal to swing freely after each hit.
Clean with a dedicated cymbal polish applied with a soft cloth. Do not use car wax, furniture polish, or general-purpose metal cleaners on B20 cymbals — they can remove the factory lacquer and affect the tone.
For a full range breakdown, see the Zildjian cymbals guide. For what to buy specifically, the best picks lists the top options at each price point.
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