6 Best Bronze Cymbal Packs, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want a complete set with standard sizes Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus It includes 20-inch cymbals and weighs 16.9 pounds for a full setup.
• You need a dedicated ride and hi-hat for existing gear Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack This pack provides a 26-inch ride and 6-inch hi-hats for essential voices.
• You require a full range of hand-hammered cymbals Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set It features a 22-inch cymbal and weighs 19 pounds for acoustic tone.
• You want a compact pack for specific effects Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze The two-piece set weighs only 4.26 pounds and fits 19-inch dimensions.
• You need a balanced range with quick decay Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set It covers 14 to 20-inch sizes and weighs 14.6 pounds for versatility.

Our 6 picks

1 Best overall

Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus

Best for: beginners wanting standard sizes

Color

Bronze (what this guide is about)

Material

Bronze

Included Accessories

90-Day Drumeo Trial

Cymbal Type

Performance

Dimensions

20 × 20 × 2 inches

Weight

16.9 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus Affiliate link

This set includes 14-inch hi-hats, a 20-inch ride, and two thin crashes. It is made of bronze and weighs 16.9 pounds. You get a 90-day Drumeo trial included. The set fits in a 20x20x2 inch box. It suits you if you want a standard bronze configuration with practice resources.

Pros

• Includes 14-inch hi-hats
• Includes 20-inch ride cymbal
• Comes with two thin crashes
• Bronze material construction
• 90-day Drumeo trial included

Cons

• Heavier at 16.9 pounds
• No remote or app control
• Smaller crash count than some sets

Good fit if

• You need a standard bronze set
• You want included practice trials
• You prefer thin crash sounds

Skip if

• You need more than four cymbals
• You require digital connectivity
• You prefer lighter portable sets

Verdict: Sabian B8X Performance Cymbal Set offers a solid bronze configuration with a 90-day Drumeo trial. It fits beginners who want standard sizes and practice support.

2 Best budget

Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze

Best for: Adding specific effects to an existing kit

Color

Bronze (what this guide is about)

Included Cymbals

10" Splash, 18" Chinese

Material

pure Sabian B20 Bronze

Finish

Bronze

Dimensions

19 × 19 × 4 inches

Weight

4.26 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze Affiliate link

The Sabian XSR Effects Pack includes a 10-inch Splash and an 18-inch Chinese cymbal made from pure B20 Bronze. This set weighs 4.26 pounds and measures 19 by 4 by 19 inches. It offers a versatile starter kit for electronic drum setups. The bronze finish provides a distinct sound profile suitable for players seeking specific tonal characteristics in their kit.

Pros

• Constructed from pure Sabian B20 Bronze
• Includes a 10-inch Splash cymbal
• Includes an 18-inch Chinese cymbal
• Compact dimensions of 19 by 4 by 19 inches

Cons

• Limited to only two cymbals in the set
• No mounting hardware or stands included
• Lacks additional effects or crash cymbals

Good fit if

• You need a small, focused set of effects cymbals
• You prefer the sound of B20 Bronze
• You want to add specific tonal colors to your kit

Skip if

• You require a complete cymbal set with crashes and rides
• You need included stands or mounting hardware
• You prefer a larger variety of cymbal sizes

Verdict: Sabian XSR Effects Pack Bronze is a compact, two-piece cymbal set for players who need specific effects. It suits those who value B20 Bronze tone and have existing hardware.

3 Also great

Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack

Best for: drummers needing a dedicated ride and hi-hat

Color

Bronze (what this guide is about)

Included Cymbals

New Beat HiHats, 21" Sweet Ride

Material

Cast Bronze

Target Audience

Drummers

Dimensions

26 × 6 × 26 inches

Weight

1 pounds

View on Amazon: Zildjian A391 A Sweet Ride Bronze Cymbal Pack Affiliate link

This Zildjian pack includes New Beat Hi-Hats and a 21-inch Sweet Ride cymbal. Both are crafted from bronze. The set offers out-of-the-box versatility for drummers. The 21-inch ride produces bright, focused overtones. It generates volume to match your music. This bronze set suits players who want established tones. It is a focused two-piece option for your kit.

Pros

• Includes New Beat Hi-Hats for immediate playability
• Features a 21-inch Sweet Ride cymbal
• Constructed from durable bronze material
• Produces bright, focused overtones

Cons

• Only includes two cymbals, limiting variety
• Does not include crash or china cymbals
• Lacks the four-piece range of other sets

Good fit if

• You already own crash and china cymbals
• You prefer a focused ride and hi-hat setup
• You want proven bronze tones without extra pieces

Skip if

• You need a complete four-cymbal set
• You want a broad range of crash sounds
• You are building a kit from scratch

Verdict: Zildjian A Sweet Ride Bronze Pack provides essential hi-hats and a large ride. It fits drummers who already have crash cymbals and need a reliable ride voice.

4 Best premium

Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set

Best for: acoustic drummers needing a full set

Color

Bronze (what this guide is about)

Material

Cast B20 bronze

Country of Origin

Turkey

Dimensions

22 × 22 × 5 inches

Weight

19 pounds

View on Amazon: Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Cymbal Box Set Affiliate link

This pack includes a 21-inch ride, 20-inch crash, 18-inch thin crash, and 14-inch hi-hats. The cymbals are hand-hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze. The total weight is 19 pounds. The set suits rock, pop, jazz, and fusion styles. You get a signature Mike Johnston ride cymbal for versatile playing.

Pros

• Cast B20 bronze construction
• Hand-hammered in Turkey
• Includes 21-inch signature ride
• Four-piece set with hi-hats

Cons

• Heavy 19-pound total weight
• No application control
• No remote included

Good fit if

• You need a complete four-piece set
• You play rock, pop, or jazz
• You prefer traditional hand-hammered sounds

Skip if

• You want a lighter setup
• You need digital connectivity
• You prefer electronic drum pads

Verdict: Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Pack offers a full range of hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbals for players who want a complete acoustic set. It fits drummers seeking traditional tones for live performance or studio recording.

5 Also great

Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack

Best for: gospel and worship music styles

Color

Bronze (what this guide is about)

Included Cymbals

14" pair, 17", 18", 21"

Dimensions

25 × 5 × 25 inches

Weight

0.32 ounces

View on Amazon: Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack Affiliate link

This pack includes a 14-inch pair, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch cymbals from the A Custom line. The set offers a bright, cutting sound designed to complement gospel music styles. All cymbals are hand-picked and made in the USA. The bronze finish provides a traditional aesthetic. You get a versatile range of sizes for different musical roles. This bundle is ideal for players seeking a specific tonal character.

Pros

• Includes five cymbals: 14-inch pair, 17-inch, 18-inch, and 21-inch
• Hand-picked A Custom cymbals for consistent quality
• Bright, cutting sound profile suited for gospel styles
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Weight listed as 0.32 ounces, which is physically impossible for cymbals
• Specific tonal focus limits versatility for other genres
• No stand or hardware included in the data

Good fit if

• You play gospel or worship music
• You want a bright, cutting sound
• You prefer cymbals made in the USA

Skip if

• You need a complete kit with stands
• You prefer a dark, dark sound
• You are looking for a budget starter set

Verdict: Zildjian A Custom Gospel Cymbal Pack delivers a bright, cutting sound ideal for gospel styles. It suits players who need a USA-made set with a specific tonal focus.

6 Also great

Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set

Best for: Drummers needing a balanced bronze range

Color

Bronze (what this guide is about)

Included Cymbals

14" Hats, 16" Crash, 18" Crash, 20" Ride

Material

Bronze

Dimensions

22.3 × 22.3 × 3 inches

Weight

14.6 pounds

View on Amazon: Sabian Stratus 14/16/18/20 Cymbal Set Affiliate link

The Sabian Stratus set includes 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. Crafted from bronze, these cymbals offer a balanced tone suitable for modern music. The thin crashes provide quick decay, while the ride supports both stick work and crashing. Weighing 14.6 pounds, it is a compact package for drummers needing a versatile bronze collection.

Pros

• Includes 14-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch cymbals
• Constructed from bronze material
• Thin crashes deliver quick decay
• Ride offers balanced stick and crash response

Cons

• Heavier than some lightweight aluminum sets
• No included stands or accessories listed
• Limited to four pieces in the set

Good fit if

• You want a complete bronze cymbal range
• You prefer quick-decay crash tones
• You need a compact 14.6-pound package

Skip if

• You require cymbal stands or bags
• You prefer a single large ride cymbal
• You need more than four cymbals

Verdict: Sabian Stratus 14-20 Bronze Set provides a balanced bronze collection for drummers who value quick decay and versatility in a compact package.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right one

1. Check target audience fit

   Identify your skill level and musical style before buying. Beginners often need standard sizes for practice, while professionals require specific tonal characteristics. The Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus targets beginners with standard dimensions. Gospel drummers might prefer the Zildjian A Custom Gospel Pack for its bright, cutting sound. Match the pack's intended use to your current playing needs to ensure the cymbals support your technique and genre requirements effectively.

2. Review form factor and size

   Cymbal diameter determines the voice and volume. Larger cymbals like the 26-inch ride in the Zildjian A391 pack offer sustained washes. Smaller packs, such as the Sabian XSR Effects Pack, provide compact solutions for adding specific sounds. The Sabian Stratus set offers a balanced range from 14 to 20 inches. Consider your kit's layout and the space available. Choose sizes that complement your existing hardware and fill the sonic gaps in your current setup without overcrowding.

3. Assess included accessories

   Verify what comes in the box beyond the cymbals. Some packs include trial periods or specific mounting hardware. The Sabian B8X Performance Set Plus includes a 90-day Drumeo trial, adding practice value. Most other packs focus solely on the cymbals themselves. Ensure you have compatible stands and felts before purchasing. Missing accessories can delay your setup. Check the product specifications for any included bags, tutorials, or mounting components to avoid extra purchases later.

4. Evaluate connectivity and compatibility

   Ensure the cymbals work with your existing drum kit. Acoustic drummers need packs that fit standard clamps and stands. The Meinl Byzance Mike Johnston Pack is designed for full acoustic setups. Electronic drummers must check if the cymbals trigger correctly on their pads. Most bronze packs are acoustic, so verify compatibility with your trigger modules if used. Incompatible hardware can lead to poor performance. Confirm that the mounting holes and weights suit your current stand configuration for stable playing.

5. Consider upkeep and maintenance

   Bronze cymbals require regular cleaning to maintain tone. Heavier cymbals, like the 19-pound Meinl Byzance set, may need more careful handling. Lighter packs, such as the Zildjian A Custom Gospel Pack, are easier to move but still need protection. Avoid harsh chemicals that damage the bronze finish. Store cymbals in their provided bags when not in use. Regular polishing keeps the bright tones intact. Consider the maintenance effort required for each pack's weight and finish to ensure long-term performance.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best electronic drum sets under 200
• best electronic drum sets under 300
• best bronze patio heaters
• best black electronic drum sets