Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
Don't miss these
More
  • NAMM 2026: as it happened
  • Best NAMM tech gear
  • Joni's Woodstock
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Drums
  2. Cymbals

7 best cymbal models in the world today

News
By Rhythm published 11 December 2014

Rhythm readers poll results crown the best metals of 2014

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

UFiP Natural series

UFiP Natural series

The Rhythm Best of drums 2014 polls have received over 34,000 votes, and we're now ready to roll out the winners. The nominees were what we considered to be the drummers and gear that have excelled in 2014. Here, we present the best of the best cymbals that have been released this year, kicking off with the UFiP Natural series.

We say: This versatile range features something for a staggering array of tastes, but it's the dark Natural cymbals that particularly caught our attention.

Read the review

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Bosphorus Master Vintage

Bosphorus Master Vintage

We say: Dark, complex tones. Fine hand-hammered build. Excellent playability. These unique cymbals truly deserve the appellation 'Master Vintage'.

Read the review

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Dream Ignition cymbals

Dream Ignition cymbals

We say: Dream cymbals have always been superb value for money but this selection represents a new high water mark. The quality of the sound on offer for the money is nothing less than sensational.

Read the review

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Paiste PST5 cymbals

Paiste PST5 cymbals

We say: Newly updated, now lighter and more sparkling, for those moving up from starter cymbals to their first proper bronze cymbals Paiste’s PST5s offer a truly great deal and inspiring sound.

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure ride cymbals

Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure ride cymbals

We say: A little off the beaten track but no less superb for it, these rides are as rich in tone and colour as their appearances. They're not cheap, but instruments with this much character justify the outlay.

Read the review

BUY: Meinl Byzance Vintage Pure Ride Cymbals currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Sabian 2014 Cymbal Vote winners

Sabian 2014 Cymbal Vote winners

We say: Another top collection as voted for by everyday drummers worldwide. Iso and Raw Bell crashes are bright and colourful, the X-Plosion ride and Freq Hats multi-purpose, warm and musical. Winners all.

Read the review

BUY: Sabian 2014 Cymbal Vote Winners currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music
US: Full Compass

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
Zildjian K Kerope cymbals

Zildjian K Kerope cymbals

We say: Dark and mysterious, malleable and full of complex, bittersweet character, the Kerope set achieves Zildjian's own vintage brief beautifully, recalling a classic era increasingly desired by the modern player.

Read the review

BUY: Zildjian K Kerope Cymbals currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music
US: Full Compass

Each month Rhythm Magazine features expert reviews of the latest drum gear - just like the products listed in this poll - alongside the very best video drum tuition, practical tips and tricks and exclusive interviews, all designed to make you a better, more versatile player.

Rhythm is available in print and digitally (or as a handy bundle combining both). Check out the latest amazing Rhythm subscription deals where you can save up to 59%.

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
Rhythm
Latest in Cymbals
Zultan Alaris cymbals
“Deliver a light, open sound with exceptional stick definition and a gentle, airy wash: Zultan unveil new ALARIS cymbal range
 
 
Alesis Nitro Ultimater
Alesis's new 9-piece Nitro Ultimate electronic drum kit is its new flagship, and the hi-hat is the star
 
 
Zultan FX cymbals
“A versatile tool for sharp, modern accents and cutting effects”: Zultan add to their effects cymbal range
 
 
Zultan Raw Clap Clap
“Offers a very useful solution for clap emulation without needing to use electronics”: Zultan Raw SlapClap review
 
 
Zultan 25 series
“A versatile set with dry and dark tonal qualities”: Zultan 25 Series Cymbals review
 
 
Zultan Z series update
“A versatile set but these cymbals excel in a rock and metal context”: Zultan Z Series review
 
 
Latest in News
Gary Clark Jr plays his signature Cobra Burst ES-355 live onstage.
Gary Clark Jr channels the King of the Blues for limited edition Gibson Custom Shop collab
 
 
Pitbull
“Know you’re about to have the time of your lives”: Pitbull fans will attempt to break a world record in July
 
 
Nile Rodgers and John Mayer
How the gift of a divisive Rolling Stones album scuppered the chance of a collaboration between Nile Rodgers and John Mayer
 
 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Michael Stipe attends Netflix's "Goodbye June" New York screening at Whitby Hotel on December 08, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Augello/Getty Images)
Michael Stipe returns to Springfield to sing a rewritten version of one of REM's biggest hits
 
 
PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 15: Raye performs live on stage at Accor Arena on February 15, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
Producer Mike Sabath on starting Raye’s “outrageous” second studio album at an Airbnb
 
 
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 16: Billy Steinberg performs onstage at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 42nd Annual Induction and Awards at The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel - Shubert Alley on June 16, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame)
Tributes paid to Billy Steinberg, one of the defining songwriters of the '80s and '90s, who has died
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...