Crash Cymbals Simplified: What Size Should You Get?

"What size crash cymbal should I get?" Is that something you've been asking yourself at any point lately?

It's understandable. I, like TONS of other drummers have been there!

It's easy to get caught up in all the different sized crash cymbals since the range is from 14 inches all the way to 22 (and beyond in some cases).

However, it's really not the most important factor when determining what crash cymbal you should get.

If you already know the exact sound you're looking for, it's easier to pick a size, but this is for those drummers looking for a quick 101 on what else to look at rather than size.

I try to go into as much as possible, but one thing I didn't delve into was different cymbal companies and the 'lines' or 'series' they have.

Companies like Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, and Meinl (to name a few) will usually have sound clips on their website and you can explore EVERYTHING.

Anything from bright to dark, to dry, louder, quieter, washier, etc. is available for you to determine the sound you like. Then, there is also YouTube, which allows us to hear and see these cymbals in action.

This video is not necessarily a cymbal buying guide, but I briefly go over the different characteristics to pay attention to when choosing a crash cymbal.

What size crash cymbal should I get is a pretty popular search phrase I've noticed and I hope to guide you and dispel any confusion with this video.

Thanks again for watching!

More Learning:

The Lord bless y'all! ✝️

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:22 Cymbal characteristics?
1:28 My Crash Cymbal Size Recommendations
3:14 1 - Musical Style: DEEP dive
7:28 2 - Volume and projection
8:09 3 - Personal preference wins

**This video contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link!**

A look at my gear here:

[champi_ann]

Very informative. As a lay person, I never knew cymbals were that complex. Nice!

[marktheman]

Get the ones that blast the hardest! 😆

[sargrunt]

I always recommend that you go to the store and try them out so that you can hear what they sound like. It's also important to note that you will usually find that two cymbals that are the exact same manufacture, size, and thickness can sound a bit different.

[pacificdrumma]

19” Legacy is an all-time crash cymbal

[krusher]

Its funny that you say the 22 "gets out of the way quick" I can still see it crashing seconds after you have hit it! I'm a splash and small crash guy, . A Zildjian paperthin 15" A is my fav.

[Orvulum]

Anything by Sabian or Bosphorus.... just get one of each! 😆