Cymbals are an essential part of any drum set. Choosing the right cymbal depends on the music genre and playing style, but there’s always something special about the ‘classic’ models that have remained popular over the years. At Sound House, we offer a wide range of these legendary cymbals. In this 2025 edition, I’ve picked out some must-have classic cymbals for you!
1. Sabian AA Series
Sabian’s AA Series has been one of the most highly regarded lines. The AA Series is known for its powerful attack and rich overtones, creating a dynamic and bold sound. These cymbals are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for genres like rock, metal, jazz, and more.
Popular AA Series Cymbals at Sound House:
SABIAN / AA ROCK CRASH 16" BRILLIANT FINISH
The Sabian AA-PFSET/M is a great starter pack containing a 20" Medium Ride, 16" Medium Crash, and 14" Medium Hi-Hats, making it an excellent choice for drummers looking for a well-rounded set!
2. PLAYTECH PCL Series
The PLAYTECH PCL Series is known for its exceptional cost performance while still maintaining high quality. These cymbals produce a warm, clear tone with a gentle sound, making them a great choice for various music genres.
Popular PCL Series Cymbal:
3. PLAYTECH PCA Series
The PLAYTECH PCA Series is designed with sound projection in mind, offering a bright tone and excellent responsiveness. This series is particularly popular due to its clean and well-balanced sustain, ensuring that it blends seamlessly with vocals and other instruments without overpowering them.
Not only does the PCA Series feature crash cymbals, but its effect cymbals are also highly sought after! Here are some standout models:
PLAYTECH / PCA18MHC Multi hole China 18"
4. Paiste PST5N Series
The Paiste PST5N Series is known for its bright, sharp sound, making it an excellent choice for aggressive music genres like rock and metal. Additionally, their reasonable pricing makes them an attractive option for drummers of all levels. In recent years, the PST5N Series has become one of the most popular cymbal lines at Sound House!
Here are some of the best-selling PST5N Series cymbals:
5. A Zildjian Series
The A Zildjian Series is the most standard and iconic line in Zildjian’s catalog. These cymbals are known for their sharp, clear tone, strong attack, and beautiful sustain. Thanks to their well-balanced sound, they are versatile enough to be used in any genre or setting. You’ll frequently spot them in live venues and studios. Whether it’s rock, pop, jazz, or fusion, the A Zildjian cymbals have earned the trust of drummers worldwide, from professionals to amateurs alike.
Here’s a standout model from the A Zildjian Series:
ZILDJIAN / A ZILDJIAN ROCK CRASH 16"
This concludes our selection of must-have, classic cymbals that suit a variety of musical genres! These models are widely used in live venues and studios, making them essential for any drummer. I’ve also included some affordable options, so if you’re looking to purchase your first cymbals, be sure to check them out!