Best Crash Cymbal For Jazz 2023

There are so many cymbals on the market, how do you know which one is right for you? The best crash cymbal is a must-have for any drummer playing jazz. Whether you’re playing straight up jazz, bebop, contemporary, or drum ‘n’ bass, the crash cymbal is the backbone of the sound. The crash is what brings out the melody in the jazz standard “Sing, Sing, Sing” and it’s the percussive punctuation mark in phrases like “ka-chunk-ka-chunk-ka-chunk” in bop tunes like “A Night in Tunisia.” The best one for you depends on your drumming style, budget, and preference for weight and sound.

Read on for our list of the best crash cymbals for jazz drumming.

Our Editor’s Best Crash Cymbal For Jazz Reviews


Meinl Cymbals B18JETC Byzance 18-Inch Jazz Extra Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

 Meinl Cymbals B18JETC Byzance 18-Inch Jazz Extra Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

Key Features:

  • This cymbal is hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. It has a soft attack with a dark crescendo of undertone mixed with shimmering mid-range frequencies. This gives the cymbal a reactive crash that is brimming with character.

  • The Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Crashes cymbal is a great choice for jazz musicians who want a cymbal with a great feel that can still pack a punch when needed.

  • This crash cymbal is for jazz and has a refined warm sound. It is made from a thin B20 alloy that is hand hammered and lathed to perfection.

  • This crash cymbal for jazz has a fully lathed surface and a dark character, making it ideal for any style where effortless touch and complex tone are desired.

  • This crash cymbal is perfect for jazz drummers who want a versatile and traditional sound. The Meinl Byzance is hand-hammered in Turkey using B20 bronze, and its old-world background gives it a 21st century edge.


Meinl Cymbals B16JETC Byzance 16-Inch Jazz Extra Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

 Meinl Cymbals B16JETC Byzance 16-Inch Jazz Extra Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

Key Features:

  • The Byzance Jazz 16 Extra Thin Crash is a cymbal that is hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. It has a soft attack with a dark crescendo of undertone mixed with shimmering mid-range frequencies to give you a reactive crash brimming with character.

  • The Byzance Jazz Extra Thin Crashes are designed for jazz musicians who need a cymbal with a light touch. These cymbals are made from a thin sheet of metal, which makes them very responsive to changes in dynamics. This means that they can be played very quietly or very loudly without losing their quality of sound.

  • This is a crash cymbal that is thin and hand-hammered. It is made of a B20 alloy and is lathed to perfection. It has a refined, warm sound.

  • TheCrash Cymbal for Jazz is a professional quality cymbal that is perfect for any style of jazz. It has a fully lathed surface that provides an effortless touch and a complex tone.

  • This crash cymbal is for jazz and is hand-hammered in Turkey using cast B20 bronze. It is deeply rooted in traditional cymbal crafting methods, yet its old-world background is dialed-in to 21st century needs.


Meinl Cymbals B20JTC Byzance 20-Inch Jazz Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

 Meinl Cymbals B20JTC Byzance 20-Inch Jazz Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

Key Features:

  • The Byzance Jazz 20 Thin Crash is a hand-hammered cymbal made from cast B20 bronze. It is designed to deliver a soft attack with a dark crescendo of undertone mixed with shimmering mid-range frequencies.

  • The Byzance Jazz Thin Crashes crash cymbal is a great choice for jazz musicians. It has a thin weight that makes it very elastic and able to deliver punch when needed. It can also easily sit back in lower volume settings while maintaining its superb feel.

  • This crash cymbal for jazz has a refined warm sound. It is thin and hand hammered with a smooth response.

  • The crash cymbal for jazz is a great choice for any musician looking for a cymbal with a complex tone and easy playability. The fully lathed surface provides a smooth feel and the dark character of the cymbal gives it a rich sound that is perfect for jazz.

  • This cymbal is perfect for a jazz drummer who wants a versatile, hand-hammered cymbal that is rooted in tradition. The Meinl Byzance cymbal is made from cast B20 bronze and is crafted in Turkey using traditional methods. This cymbal has a deep, rich sound that is perfect for any jazz drummer.


HYG Cymbal Sizzler Cymbal Chain, Big small 2pcs, Cymbal hiss, Sound effect adjustment Cymbal Chain for Rides, Crashes, Chinas, Drum Kits, Jazz Drums (2108092309)

 HYG Cymbal Sizzler Cymbal Chain, Big small 2pcs, Cymbal hiss, Sound effect adjustment Cymbal Chain for Rides, Crashes, Chinas, Drum Kits, Jazz Drums (2108092309)

Key Features:

  • This is a crash cymbal for jazz that is designed to produce a hissing sound that prolongs the sound of the beat. It is recommended that the chain be equal to or smaller than the radius of the cymbal for best results.

  • This crash cymbal is great for jazz because of its size and applicability. The inner ring is 0.6 inches and the outer ring is 1.37 inches. The thickness is 0.08 inches and the chain length is 12 inches (30 cm). The steel ball is 0.125 inches and 0.177 inches in two sizes.

  • This crash cymbal is designed for jazz, and it is made of two different sized chains. The larger chain is made of 304 stainless steel, which is hard and has a good sound quality. The smaller chain is made of a softer metal, which makes it more elastic and gives it a better sound quality.

  • This is a crash cymbal made of high-quality 304 stainless steel. It is strong and durable, and will not malfunction during a performance.

  • This crash cymbal is designed for ease of use, with a size that is easily adjustable and a quick and simple installation, adjustment, and disassembly process.


Foraineam 14-Inch Crash Cymbal

 Foraineam 14-Inch Crash Cymbal

Key Features:

  • This crash cymbal is designed for jazz drums and is 14 inches in size.

  • This crash cymbal is easy to play and has a bright sound.

  • This crash cymbal is made of brass, which gives it a bright, cutting sound that is perfect for jazz. It has a medium-weight construction, which makes it durable and easy to play.

  • This crash cymbal is perfect for jazz, and can be used for virtually any musical application. It is the perfect size for any musician.

  • The cymbal is versatile and can be used for a variety of genres, including jazz. It has a great sound and is durable.


Meinl Cymbals Heavy Bacon Cymbal Sizzler for Ride, Crash, China and Effects with No Rivets Required — Beaded Chain Topper for Jazz or Any Musical Style (HBAC)

 Meinl Cymbals Heavy Bacon Cymbal Sizzler for Ride, Crash, China and Effects with No Rivets Required — Beaded Chain Topper for Jazz or Any Musical Style (HBAC)

Key Features:

  • This is a crash cymbal that is specifically designed to add a sizzle sound to any ride, crash, or effect cymbal in a set up.

  • This crash cymbal is a heavy version designed for more sizzle effect. It is made with the same specs as the standard cymbal, but with larger diameter steel beads and added weight for enhanced sizzle that has a longer sustain and more volume.

  • This is a 10″ stainless steel crash cymbal with a beaded chain that provides a sizzle sound. It is suitable for use in any setting from jazz and funk to fusion and pop.

  • The Cymbal Bacon is a crash cymbal that has a minimalist design. It has a thin washer that is made to fit on any cymbal stand and may be placed underneath or on top cymbals felts. This simple design allows one to grab the Cymbal Bacon and place on any cymbal throughout performance with no hassle.


Meinl Cymbals B17JMTC Byzance 17-Inch Jazz Medium Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

 Meinl Cymbals B17JMTC Byzance 17-Inch Jazz Medium Thin Crash Cymbal (VIDEO)

Key Features:

  • This is a crash cymbal for jazz that is hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. It delivers a soft attack with a dark crescendo of undertone mixed with shimmering mid-range frequencies to give you a reactive crash brimming with character.

  • The Byzance Jazz Medium Thin Crashes have a medium weight and a thin design. They are able to deliver a punch when needed, but can also sit back in lower volume settings.

  • The crash cymbal for jazz has a refined warm sound. It is thin and hand hammered with a smooth response.

  • This crash cymbal is designed for jazz musicians, but can be used for any style of music. It has a fully lathed surface and a dark character.

  • This crash cymbal is for jazz and is hand hammered into shape in Turkey using cast B20 bronze. Meinl Byzance cymbals are deeply rooted in traditional cymbal crafting methods, yet their old-world background is dialed-in to 21st century needs.


Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals Jazz Series N-CR19 Nostalgia Crash Ride 19-Inch Cymbal

 Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals Jazz Series N-CR19 Nostalgia Crash Ride 19-Inch Cymbal

Key Features:

  • This cymbal is hand crafted in Istanbul, Turkey. It is made of high quality materials and is designed for jazz musicians.

  • This crash cymbal is perfect for jazz, with its vintage character and popular appeal. It has a great ride, with plenty of crash and a bit of ping to it. It’s perfect for any jazz drummer looking to add a bit of flair to their kit.

  • This crash cymbal is designed for jazz drummers, and is made to produce a warm, rich sound. It is made of high-quality materials and is built to last.

  • This is a crash cymbal that is commonly used in jazz music. It is a small and compact size, making it easy to store and transport.


Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals Jazz Series N-C16 Nostalgia Crash 16-Inch Cymbal

 Istanbul Mehmet Cymbals Jazz Series N-C16 Nostalgia Crash 16-Inch Cymbal

Key Features:

  • The Istanbul Agop jazz crash cymbal is hand crafted in Istanbul, Turkey. It is made of B20 bronze and is available in 16″, 18″, and 20″ sizes. This cymbal has a traditional jazz sound with a dark, complex tone. It is perfect for adding accents and color to your jazz sound.

  • This crash cymbal has a low, dark sound character that is full and musical. It is an ideal choice for jazz drummers who want a cymbal that can create a wide range of sounds.

  • This crash cymbal for jazz is characterized by its vintage sound. It is perfect for jazz musicians who want to add a touch of nostalgia to their music.

  • This is a crash cymbal that is specifically designed for jazz drummers. It is made to produce a dark and complex sound that is perfect for jazz music.

  • sizes, the Sabian HHX Evolution Crash Cymbal is a great choice for jazz drummers. It has a dark, warm sound that is perfect for laid-back grooves.

    The Sabian HHX Evolution Crash Cymbal is a great choice for jazz drummers. It has a dark, warm sound that is perfect for laid-back grooves. Available in 16″, 18″” sizes, it is a versatile cymbal that can be used in a variety of settings.


Bosphorus Cymbals A18CR 18-Inch Antique Series Jazz Crash Ride Cymbal

 Bosphorus Cymbals A18CR 18-Inch Antique Series Jazz Crash Ride Cymbal

Key Features:

  • This crash cymbal is handmade and is designed for jazz. It is made of high quality materials and is 100% guaranteed.

  • This is a great cymbal for jazz because it can be used as a ride in low volume settings and as a powerful crash for louder applications.

  • This crash cymbal is perfect for jazz, producing a high pitched ping with warm, dark undertones. It explodes into a rich, complex array of sound that decays quickly afterward, making it perfect for adding accents and punctuating solos.

  • This crash cymbal is for jazz and has a two-year warranty.


Best Crash Cymbal For Jazz Buying Guide

1. Weight: Most intermediate to advanced cymbals will be heavier and have a greater mass than beginner cymbals. The reason for this is that the more mass a cymbal has, the longer it will be able to sustain its sound.

2. Size: As with all instruments, bigger cymbals will have a deeper tone.

3. Finish: The finish on a cymbal can affect the sound and stick response, so it is important to check what finish it is.

4. Tone: The tone of a cymbal is largely down to the alloy it is made from, but also the shape, thickness, and finish of the cymbal.

5. Price: Cymbals come in a huge range of prices, but the most expensive ones tend to have a better sound quality.

6. Quality: It is important to check reviews and see what other people think of the cymbal. The cymbals at the top end of the price range will generally have a better sound, but sometimes the cheaper cymbals can still have a good sound.


Crash Cymbal For Jazz FAQs

1. What is the best size crash cymbal for jazz?

There is no definitive answer to this question since different jazz drummers have different preferences. Some jazz drummers prefer smaller crash cymbals while others prefer larger ones. Ultimately, it is up to the drummer to decide what size crash cymbal works best for them.

2. What is the best brand of crash cymbal for jazz?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best brand of crash cymbal for jazz depends on the specific needs and preferences of the drummer. However, some of the more popular brands of crash cymbals used in jazz settings include Paiste, Sabian, and Zildjian.

3. What is the best weight of crash cymbal for jazz?

The best weight of crash cymbal for jazz is a medium weight.

4. What is the best finish of crash cymbal for jazz?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different jazz drummers may have different preferences. Some common finishes for crash cymbals used in jazz drumming include brilliant (or shiny), traditional (or lathed), and matte (or dull).

5. What is the best place to buy crash cymbals for jazz?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on the specific cymbals you are looking for and your budget. Some good places to check for crash cymbals for jazz would be online retailers such as Amazon or Musician’s Friend, or brick-and-mortar stores such as Guitar Center.


Conclusion

There are many great crash cymbal for jazz on the market. Our list of the best crash cymbal for jazz will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.