10 China Cymbals Compared - Which Is Best For You?

We’re comparing 10 of our favorite china cymbals (in-stock) head to head!
Zildjian K China Cymbal 17"
buydru.ms/K0883
Zildjian A Ultra-Hammered China Cymbal 19"
buydru.ms/A0369
Istanbul Agop Xist Power China Cymbal 18"
buydru.ms/XPWCHB18
Istanbul Agop Turk China Cymbal 20" 1432 grams
buydru.ms/TCH20-1g
Meinl Cymbals Byzance Vintage Matt Garstka 20" Equilibrium China
buydru.ms/B20EQCH
Meinl Byzance Dual China Cymbal 20
buydru.ms/B20DUCH
Paiste 2002 Novo China Type Cymbal 20"
buydru.ms/CY0001062520
Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials China Cymbal 22"
buydru.ms/CY0001142622
Sabian AA Holy Chinese Cymbal 21" Brilliant
buydru.ms/22116CSB
Sabian AA Holy Chinese Cymbal 17"
buydru.ms/21716CS
Kit Used:
Mapex Saturn
Cymbals:
14” Sabian Artisan Hats
20” K Con Medium Thin High
Snare Drum
Canopus One of A Kind Black NOB
www.drumcenternh.com
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#bestchinacymbal #top10chinas #chinacymbalcomparison #chinacymbal #drumcenternh

[@kevinremsen5627]

True story: I see a notification that DCP uploads a new KZbin vid, I drop what I'm doing. No joke.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Kevin. We have a few on the way, so stay tuned!

[@mattbennett9467]

Ha, me too!

[@mickie43768]

@@drumcenternh Do guys have any china symbol for gospel

[@pacificdrumma]

“In our never-ending quest to accommodate everyone” lol I could taste the salt on that one

[@devinftf]

Those New Hampshirites are a surly lot.

[@granitestate8199]

Lmfao

[@danielveness1943]

😂😂

[@dantindley5181]

@@devinftf *new hampshites

[@peterhlinka4789]

Yo over here! No, way over here. In Los Angeles. Can I get a little attenuation on the corn pone in my monitors, please. Seriously, keep doing what you're doing, and I'll keep watching. I don't envy your job one bit.

[@mfxdraws]

why do I keep watching drum gear videos i'm a guitarist lmao

[@parittyolo3629]

lol dude ive got the same thing except im a drummer and watch lots of guitar videos

[@jareddoran6605]

@@parittyolo3629 literally same, except I also watch keyboard gear videos and bass gear videos as well. I even go as far as audio gear, both studio and live. But the only field I have experience in is drums

[@jamisonandrewmanhorvaththe1124]

same comment on every drumming youtube video.

[@mc3monday]

I have played guitar for 35 years and now I also try to play the drums .

[@theonygard5694]

You want to play drums

[@Stanley-rq6vv]

ROCK 0:53 17" Zildjian K China 1:19 19" Zildjian A Ultra-Hammered China 1:44 18" Istanbul Agop Xist Power China 2:10 20" Istanbul Agop Turk China 2:35 20" Meinl Matt Garstka Equilibrium China 3:01 20" Meinl Byzance Dual China 3:26 21" Sabian AA Holy China Brilliant 3:52 17" Sabian AA Holy China Brilliant 4:17 20" Paiste 2002 Novo China 4:43 22" Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials China JAZZ 5:09 17" Zildjian K China 5:40 19" Zildjian A Ultra-Hammered China 6:12 18" Istanbul Agop Xist Power China 6:45 20" Istanbul Agop Turk China 7:18 20" Meinl Matt Garstka Equilibrium China 7:53 20" Meinl Byzance Dual China 8:27 21" Sabian AA Holy China Brilliant 9:00 17" Sabian AA Holy China Brilliant 9:34 20" Paiste 2002 Novo China 10:09 22" Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials China HEAD TO HEAD 10:44 17" Zildjian K China 10:55 19" Zildjian A Ultra-Hammered China 11:08 18" Istanbul Agop Xist Power China 11:21 20" Istanbul Agop Turk China 11:34 20" Meinl Matt Garstka Equilibrium China 11:46 20" Meinl Byzance Dual China 11:58 21" Sabian AA Holy China Brilliant 12:12 17" Sabian AA Holy China Brilliant 12:25 20" Paiste 2002 Novo China 12:37 22" Paiste Formula 602 Modern Essentials China

[@ronniek7748]

Thanks for doing this! Makes it much easier

[@ronniek7748]

I like the 17 inch Zildjian K the best, The Paiste 602, not for me👎

[@Ordinary-drummer]

Wow you have nothing but time eh ?

[@denisetiawan5423]

@@ronniek7748 yeah exactly.. paiste 602 🖓 But.. 20"meinl matt gartska 👍

[@santzerosantone]

Φ kzbin.info/www/bejne/jam8eWh5jcejj6M 1

[@Uberhawg]

Team Holy China!

[@spinadude]

I have one. AMAZING cymbal.

[@wearingjordans9988]

Sabian rules

[@SockerConny80]

Sabian's masterpiece.

[@shiru-tyan]

Got the 19“, it’s great.

[@triceclark7878]

Team holy China too

[@TheCymbalProject]

The 20" Novo China has an awesome wash ride.

[@gabrielfrench8382]

That Zildjian A Ultra-Hammered sounds just as amazing as it looks... 😮

[@ItsNotSafe2Swim]

That Meinl Dual 20 is my dream China! The Agop Xist is surprisingly good too

[@bradcrouse197]

I have the 18” dual and it’s fantastic.

[@watorimelon_]

my dream one is the equilibrium china, but they're both outstanding cymbals

[@denisetiawan5423]

Exactly

[@jareddoran6605]

My dream is the 20 inch Extra Dry China. It just sounds the way I imagine a good china to sound in my head

[@kyleolin3566]

I like the Istanbul Xist and Paiste 2002. The wash on both of those 👌

[@vanomaden]

Paiste 602 .. amazing cymbal. I remember when I was 16 and sneaked into the local drum shop just to hear this thing. You have to hear it live. Mesmerising. Than I started working at the drum shop ..

[@pfunnk14]

These comparison videos from you guys are literally the best on KZbin. Cheers!

[@drumcenternh]

That means a lot to us. Thanks, pfunk.

[@alienduce6755]

Lars: *heavy breathing*

[@drumtum81]

You know 2secs into this video he's got his hand on the kleenex box

[@STEELFACEJOINTHEFAMILYTODAY]

lololol

[@puredragonn]

*Every modern metal drummer has entered the chat*

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

LOOL hahaha too good

[@cmonguysitsme]

*lip licking intensifies*

[@georgepelekoudis]

The Zildjian Ultra-Hammered on the Jazz demo 😅

[@Rifle56]

"We just don't agree with your opinion".... and then the goofy smile.....that cracked me up. I smashed the LIKE button. I liked the Meinl 20" Equilibrium and the Istanbul Turk 20" the best for either rock or jazz.

[@drumcenternh]

Bless you.

[@a.proctopus]

istanbul xist is proving to be the best professional level cymbal for a mid-level price. the 20" and 22" crashes are spectacular, and this china was definitely in the running of best sounding in this comparison..

[@Ramshackled17]

I agree

[@feathodrums]

Just picked up a 22" Xist Brilliant Crash, love it!

[@CiaoGibson]

I appreciate the time/effort you guys put into these comparison vids. Wonderful! Thx

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you, glad you like them!

[@ehsbe1056]

Didn’t realise how much I’d like those Istanbul’s but listening through blind those are the ones that really caught my ear, the Turk especially is gorgeous

[@garethbrewer595]

I'm Zildjian through and through but they were a major disappointment. Their chinas were completely outclassed in this comparison. Shocked by how good the Istanbuls sound! The Sabian Holy is also sweet. Think I need to broaden my horizon!

[@davidwinthrop7077]

Gareth Brewer I’m a Zildjian man too and agree with you how disappointing they were. That Istanbul Agop Turk is beautiful though! I broadened my horizons a few years backthough and bought a Stagg Traditional 18” for just £60. One of the best chinas I’ve ever played.

[@davidlanier7006]

I was thinking pretty much the same thing. I'm a Zildjian guy but these chinas were not too good.

[@Graey]

I had an oriental China 18 in and loved it from August burns reds messenger album my love for it grew and I got a 12in as well

[@davidwinthrop7077]

Sirtomsalot I still use an 18” Avedis Swish with rivets from the early 1990s that sounds really good. Really thin and has a tiny crack but it’s fast, trashy and musical!

[@EricT43]

Also a Zildjian guy for many years, and I have yet to find a china cymbal they make that I like. It is a glaring weakness in their lineup.

[@davidsuprenant893]

The Turk for me was outstanding. By the way welcome back guys,hope all is well.Cant wait for demos from namm 2020. You picked up some beautiful gear.

[@willymccabe6602]

Agree! That cymbal was phenomenal

[@seppoinnanen5577]

I have the Agop Turk 20" and a Wuhan 20" from the early 80's. For my great surprise Agop wins clearly :)

[@drumdude68]

Agop Turk .. absolutely! It is well mannered with good attack and short decay giving no weird artifacts in the overtones, as it plays to every dynamic you throw at it. As a wine taster might say, " It's arrival is flavorful, yet finishes clean without a lingering pallet."

[@Booskop.]

The more white noise and the less tonal quality - the better. That's my take on a "good" china cymbal. The 2 Istanbuls sounds so much better than the 2 Zildjians before it. The 2 Meinl's were pretty good aswell. First Sabian sounded fine besides a bit of low rumble, second one had too much tonal mid-range. I'm a Paiste man myself, but the Paiste china's are not what I'm looking for in a china cymbal. Far too much tonal quality. It looks like holes get rid of most of the tonal sound and/or rumble in the cymbals, which is great. I missed Wuhan and Stagg cymbals in this comparison to be honest. I had a Stagg Traditional Lion china which was absolutely amazing.

[@HeavyOpera1]

Thanks!! This was one of my requests. Great video.

[@crifox16]

the matt garstka signature sounds like the china on the drum kit sounds of the first keyboard i got when i was 10. also that outro cracked me up. you guys really set the standard for comparison vids!

[@Ngattas0218]

The Sabian Holy 21’ and Istanbul Xist are sounding sweet. Thanks for the comparison.

[@dinospumoni5611]

That Istanbul Agop Turk 20" is gorgeous sounding.

[@jordanyoung8703]

Love this video! Thank you so much! And the Equilibrium China is a dream cymbal for me

[@aaronnoel9139]

Drum center of pourtsmouth can you make video of splash cymbals comprasion

[@drumcenternh]

excellent idea.

[@mellowtron214]

*6 inch splash cymbals* The tastiest around

[@cycle_365]

Great video! I’ve had a 17” K China for about 15 years and this video backed up why I love it so much. The Xist, Byzance Dual and 602 were my next favorites. I was moderately disappointed by the Holy China’s and Equilibrium China - maybe just not my preferred flavor. I would have liked to see the 18” HHX China

[@wuffb]

Great Stuff . . . Thanks for including the Jazz China Selections . . . I LOVE my 15 Zildjian Swish and wish they still made them . . . fortunately, I have two, but dread the day I have to replace them . . . this video helped.

[@herrpauk]

My love, Neil Peart signature Paragon 19". This thing was A-MAZING!

[@chizzadbc]

You guys legit do the best drum/ cymbal review/ comparison videos 👌 no mucking around; just straight into it with great playing

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, we appreciate it!

[@eliobanzer153]

more cymbal comparison videos please! 😄

[@funland108]

Thanks for doing this, it’s a great comparison. Trouble is, I’d like ALL of them!

[@robinjohnson6301]

I like quite a bright, glassy type of china sound that stands out above the other cymbals when using it for accents. I normally use an 18" Zildjian A Custom but out of these, the 17" Holy China is my favourite.

[@ponynose4987]

I have an old Zildjian china boy low 20” that I just love. It’s not a sound I use a lot, but when I need it, it’s nice to know it’s there.

[@lucianisidro]

The Paiste Formula 602 has the broadest, smoothest spread of frequencies out of all of them, without sounding brassy or tinny. A superb cymbal for Jazz or Rock - no contest.

[@CyrilViXP]

Too much sustain imho

[@Mudge07]

Great demo of blends of quality, lathed and drilled Chinas. I’m drawn to the pitch of 20” range but the xist 18” creates a great envelope of sound. For me the only disappointments were all Paiste, but not their entire range. So often the brand of current cymbal sets leads you to what the next one will be, however this clearly shows that it’s tone, attack and duration which are really your guides.

[@aaronraulston6248]

The Xist and the Gartska are incredible! I was actually surprised by the A Ultra Hammered!

[@isaacchisholm2878]

I love the Meinl Equilibrium! I originally wanted the dual Meinl but after hearing them dude by dude, nothing beats Matt G’s signature China. I have one being shipped to me now.

[@cmadrid]

I got the 19'' Holy China and I love it! But that Meinl equilibrium China sounds amazing! The second Istambul sound very good as well.

[@bacobill]

Zildjian K China 17" hands down to my ears.. perfect blend of wash, tone, and sustain.. This was fun thank you DCP :)

[@DanMarcelino]

I’ve always been a fan of zildjian chinas.. I own 2, 16” and 18” and they are both amazing and cut through any mix musically

[@granitestate8199]

I'm going to have to visit when I start my cymbal shopping. Didn't know you guys existed till last night.

[@willymccabe6602]

man, there were some fantastic sounds in that video. I don't play jazz, but that Istanbul Agop Turk was just stunning. And that's saying something cuz they were ALL really good!!

[@robertomorales6488]

Jazz: Istanbul Agop Turk Rock: Sabian Holly China All around : Paiste ME

[@blake.r3602]

I thought the 602 modern essential sounded best in a jazz situation. I'm a paiste guy myself as well

[@ivancaldrer8587]

Great video DCP !! I'd pick Paiste 2002 cymbals, their sound is just so incredible :)

[@roycox4415]

The entire byzance dual line sounds amazing! Some of the best sounding cymbals out there, especially for slightly less than standard tones

[@juancura8937]

Awesome cymbal demonstration like the crisp sound

[@CJ-Rodriguez18]

Currently own and have the 19in A Ultra hammered, 19in Holy China (traditional), and the K Custom Hybrid China in my setup and I love them all!!! Each are defiantly different in their own way and give off a different flavor for my exact needs. I can never chose between them, recommend them all for rock/Heavy Metal music.

[@aidenallen4655]

Honestly these DCP videos are better than the videos the manufacturers make. I just saw their Ludwig comparison and it’s better than any video I’ve seen on the Ludwig KZbin channel

[@drumcenternh]

Thank, Aiden. That means a lot to us.

[@allmetaliswelcome]

I like the fact that you picked very brand-specific cymbals if that makes sense. Great shootout.

[@christopherrogalski8997]

The irony of this is not lost.

[@AlissonSilva-ox4uz]

Lmao

[@handidrummed]

I love the Agop Turk, and the Meinl Dual is nice, but I love the 602. I just bought one from you guys a few weeks ago.

[@Tomas-qg3ig]

I wish you included the zildjian oriental china, best one for me and used for many professional drummers. That said, thanks for sharing this! very useful for us

[@Histgyph]

IMO that one’s not very good. It’s not very direct.

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

I love these comparison videos.

[@EarlOfMaladyCrescent]

Cool video! I think the one I'm leaning towards, as the winner, is the Paiste 2002 Novo China Cymbal 20". It's got a beautiful tone and seemed to work well for both Rock and Jazz. I don't actually have a Drum kit, but that's probably the China I'd go for, out of these.

[@charlesjames9783]

It was the most musical and versatile to my ears.

[@prestonsteimel1907]

I can't get enough of Ultra Hammered. Beautiful sounding and looking.

[@ibleebinU]

Just something about that Meinl Matt Gartska 20" Equilibrium China { what a mouthful} that does it for me. I knew I shouldn't have watched this. Now I have to get this! Great video we've all come to expect from team DCP!

[@MrRaffy101]

Irl is even better. Highly recommend

[@jeffryseitz9699]

I bought a Paiste 2002 20 inch Novo China cymbal last year. I'm pretty satisfied with it. I use a Paiste PST 5 18 inch China cymbal for practice which sounds just as good as the Novo 2002.

[@sixthseparatist]

That first Sabian 21" China is absolutely fucking amazing. I have a mix of Zildjian and Sabian on my kit, but I was really impressed by the Istanbul cymbals. Also that Meinl Byzance 20" sounded so insanely killer. That and the 21" Holy Chinese are the ones I came away wanting from all of these.

[@joeyjackson3117]

Wow just looked at the zildjian a custom it looks so good nice demonstration of all cymbals you guys are awesome I’ve ordered some sabians from y’all and the shipping was so fast keep it up DCP

[@drumcenternh]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@joeyjackson3117]

Drum Center of Portsmouth no problem keep it up

[@kevingomez8735]

19” Paragon Neil Peart China is Awesome

[@loko306]

Really loved the Sabians!!

[@gldi8hr]

You guys could make an edit where the drummers plays the same groove and fills for each cymbals but between the different cymbals the groove is constant. Meinhl does that and it actually gets super dynamic❗️👏

[@serpentstudios7768]

That Dual china is my favourite out of all! It's just what I'm looking for.

[@relevantinformation6655]

Thanks for the Jazz take - really gives us a more definitive listen 👍

[@davidsherley2652]

Great video Adam - you’ve got me thinking.

[@Palestina.non.grata86]

For me, that 2OO2 Novo China sells me everytime. However, they all sound good, even the ones that I didn't think would sound good for jazz, did sound good for jazz so very impressed!

[@martinlaporte2112]

Hands down, the 2 Paistes are the best. For Jazz and Rock. I use a Paiste 18" RUDE china that is the best chine i've ever heard.

[@paisteuser06]

Own one myself. Bought it brand new maybe 15 years ago and still looks fresh out of the plastic bag it came in.

[@danielmorales6151]

Finally thanks!! Do a series with every 16” 17” 18” 19” 20 “ 22 “ 24”

[@bacobill]

Good idea Dan :)

[@paulrevelli]

I've had a 20" Wuhan for a number of years that'll either tear your head off or lull you to sleep. It can go from slashing to a very subtle gong-like sound. It's perfect at any volume, and with the rivets I added it covers a lot of ground musically. The other one I have is a Zildjian 16" China Trash because it was the closest thing I could find to the sound Charlie Watts gets. Thanks for another great video.

[@6393dude]

I love my 20in wuhan too. Other china cymbals just don't sound the same

[@TxDrumChannel]

I still own a LP RanCan China I bought back in 87. Still playing, best China I've had. The Meinl Byzance & Istanbul get close to the sound. Great Video, I see a few I prefer Paiste 602 Modern Essentials and on the other end of the spectrum the Agop Xist Power China.

[@Alex-it4zn]

Just got my Ultra Hammered from you guys. Thank you!

[@Stixster1]

Favourites would be the Istanbul Xist and the Zildjian A ultra-hammered. They were all pretty decent though. Great vid.

[@Philipp.of.Swabia]

Team Meinl and Sabian but those zildjians sounded sick

[@mybrotherjames8579]

My favorite china I’ve owned was a 20” paiste visions. Loud and trashy like a big china should be, but with a relatively quick decay thanks to the visions coating. I do wish you guys had put the 12” wuhan in there. 😄

[@damienmcginley6079]

Zildjian K - both categories. I thought it came through pretty well with the "Rock" examples, but then when I heard it played a bit softer with the Jazz feel... hands down my favorite and probably my next cymbal.

[@domokornmusic]

21” Holy China is the best China for me, hands down. I got to play one as my main Chinese cymbal with the indoor drumline I was a part of and that thing RIPS. Love it!

[@attekarppinen5083]

I'm a Sabian guy, but those Istanbuls sounded great. Nothing sounded terrible, not even Paistes, which I'm not generally a fan of.

[@Shablagoo7861]

Me also a Sabian guy, felt the paiste comment down my spine lol. I have only met one Sabian dominant drummer who actually uses the paistes mixed in and it always bothered me. I think Sabian dudes are also the most likely to admit when a cymbal from anyone else is good lol the meinottryingtostartawarhere and zilch guys are generally pretty proud to put in nicely lol

[@bigmandrums4346]

​@@Shablagoo7861 I love both paiste and sabian I use the AAX xcellorator hats

[@stefanaleksic4113]

Paiste masters 22" swish :-) I love sound of istanbul and novo china! More videos please.

[@Davey-Jones]

The Turk & Byzance were definitely unique and interesting. I have the odd Zildjian and Sabian in my set up but the majority are Paiste 2002s, signitures & Rude sound edges. I'd loved to have heard a Signiture example in this line up.

[@Popcorn-vo7ng]

The Istanbul Agop Xist Power China is my favorite sounding cymbal, love that tone of it!!!! 🤤🤤🤤

[@mojostudio]

The old school Paiste with the large blue lettering will always be the best for rock. I love them and am lucky enough to have one, you can hear it on things like Korn's first album.

[@mgdrummer77]

I was pleasantly surprised by the Istanbul Turk china, I'm thinking that would record really well. The Paiste ME china sounds a lot like the Sound Creation "New Dimensions" dark china. Glad to see/hear that sound is readily available, they just need to finally release a 20" version. Paiste needs so bring back the 2002 Novo in the 22" size. I had the 20" as shown in the video and I liked it a lot, just wished it was a bit lower in pitch.

[@dylanshapiro3292]

Paiste signature heavy china… super clean and concentrated, not very washy, cuts though everything. After using zildjian for a long time I decided to switch, but that K china sounds great!

[@oblivionwalker8613]

All of the chinas were great! The Xist was my favorite but it sounds a lot like my Alchemy so I'm a little biased :) Kick tone is fantastic btw!

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

My favorite one - with a real special dark characteristic - is the Zildjian A ultra hammered, followed by the Meinl Byzance dual china........stay well people!

[@camodrums]

I'm selling my brand new 21" A ultra hammered if you're interested. I just switched to paiste, and I'm clearing out all of my Zildjian A customs now.

[@Stixster1]

The Istanbul Black Bell Fourway Stax 15" china also deserves a mention. Sounds so much bigger than its size. My fave china.

[@walpurgisnacht9234]

The Sabian 17 inch sounds so crisp to me. I love it! So many Chinas sound gongy to me. But that one hits the sweet spot!

[@anthonyvenedicto518]

Personally as a metal drummer and a zildjian addict. I love the 19 A ultra hammered china because it is very powerful, bright, and cutting without having a huge wash and being too overpowering. So I would honestly go for that one if I was looking for something to stand out from the guitars and vocals especially in stadiums or open air festivals

[@ZaThrint]

The Soultone Custom Brilliant china is definitely another solid one. China cymbals tend to sound a little more "gongy" in person as compared to recordings, but the Soultone china sounds like a recorded one

[@Helamanh69]

Awesome comparison

[@biodigitaljazz1]

Sounds like I would like the K very much but a little larger, however I'd probably like the ultra hammered more in person!

[@CrowT]

Been using a Zildjian 16" Oriental china trash for a long time. Really like these too. 🤘

[@ajb-drums]

You guys are doing a great job.

[@R4v3NDrvmZ]

Amazing video, I really like it!!! I missed Wuhan cymbals and of course 19” Paragon by Sabian!!!!

[@arunmohan9424]

I'm an Istanbul cymbals guy personally but I really loved the sound of Matt Garstka's Meinl Equilibrium China there... It sounded the best of the lot IMO!... For both rock and jazz... Well rounded China sound! 👌🏽 P. S. Istanbul Mehmet China Cymbals are pretty good too!...

[@mellowtron214]

I’m going Meinl and Istanbul. That dual China is probably my favorite. I actually listened without watching the video, so the branding would bias my opinion, and my ear followed my bias anyways. I do like the Sabina China’s as well. But Meinl and Istanbul came out on top in think.

[@justgoofingoff]

I had a Dave Weckl HHX Evolution Series china, I loved that thing...

[@toynazi]

Ive had to Chad Smith holy Chinas for years now that I swap back and forth. Love them but I need a few more.

[@coconut6431]

Yay! A new video!

[@drumcenternh]

we feel the same way.