Looking for a cymbal pack under $500? You’re not the only one. Great cymbals can cost a lot, but there are plenty of good ones in this range. You’ll save money by buying a set of cymbals together, and packs are convenient if you’re setting up a new kit or replacing old cymbals. They also will match each other’s sound, which many drummers are looking for, especially in your base cymbal package of hi-hat, crash, and ride.
It’s easy to get discouraged trying to find the right cymbals at the right price, and conflicting reviews can confuse, especially if you’re new to drumming. Here they are, our choices for The Best Cymbal Sets Under $500. Remember, everyone’s style and needs are different, so choose what’s right for you – there is no absolute best for everyone. Most of these sets are bronze, but there is one brass set here with a lot of cymbals. If this is a stretch, check out the steals in our picks for cymbal sets under $300, and if you can stretch for a little more cash, there are some nice deals for under $1000 too.
Paiste PST7 Cymbal Pack
If you’re looking for versatile cymbals that sound almost as good as those at twice the price, the PST7 are great picks. Paiste describes the PST7 as “Bright, traditional, airy, clean with warmth, clarity and tonal definition.” If you want to hear how they sound, you can check out the PST7 series in this video The PST7s are great cymbals, and are based on the same alloy as the much more expensive 2002 series.
A fantastic set of cymbals for this price. You can play pretty much any style with them, and they will last you a long time with a great sound.
Paiste PST8 Reflector Rock Set
Paiste describes the PST8 as “Bright, clean, full, focused, cutting and energetic with clarity, warmth, and tonal definition.” The Reflector Rock set is aimed squarely at rock drummers and you can watch a nice demo here. These sound great for the price, and are made with the same alloy as much more expensive Paiste cymbals. A great rock sound for beginners or experienced drummers.
Solid rock cymbals from a great company. PST8s have some power and energy to add to and cut through rock music. A great intermediate level cymbal pack.
Wuhan WUTBSU Western Style Cymbal Set with Cymbal Bag
Many drummers are unaware of this brand or think they only make effects cymbals, but Wuhan hand-hammers even these budget packs, which is something you rarely get at this price point. If you’re willing to step out of the name-brand game from the more well-known cymbal makers, you just might find yourself loving these cymbals like so many other drummers. Check out the reviews on this set or do a quick video search, and you might be surprised.
If you haven't heard of this brand or line before, you might be very surprised to see them here, but these cymbals are no joke. Hand hammered cymbals at this price are rare.
Sabian Cymbal Variety Package
A great set of starter cymbals from Sabian in this pack of B8X. Great for home setups, practice, and light gigging, these cymbals sound good in many styles but are probably best suited for rock drummers. The B8X series is a favorite among many drummers for delivering quality at a low price. You can mix and match them with a lot of other cymbals and they’ll hold up well.
If you want to save a little money over the PST7 or PST8 packs, Sabian may have the answer for you in this popular B8X series. A favorite among many drummers for value at a lower price.
Meinl Ultimate Box Set Pack
If you’re newer to drumming and looking to buy several cymbals all at once for a great price, The Meinl Ultimate Box Set Pack of their brass HCS cymbals will give you a solid beginning cymbal set way beyond what most packs include. In this set, you’ll get 14″ hihats, a 20″ ride, 14″, 16” and 18” crashes, a 14″ china, 8″ bell, 10″ splash, and a 16″ trash crash. That’s a nine-piece cymbal set for under $500!
A huge set of brass cymbals for a totally reasonable price. If you're a casual or beginning drummer who wants more than the standard hi-hat, crash, and ride pack, this set delivers.
