I Tried Meinl's Cheapest Cymbals

[@66Samus]

These are the best budget cymbals I've ever tried. What do you guys think? Go to betterhelp.com/66samus for 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help! Ohhh YURRRR

[@ge2719]

i've always liked the way my cheap meinl splashes and chinas sound. theyre all meinl classics i believe. the one thing that impresses me with the meinl is they never seem to lose their brightness. IDK if they put a clear coat on them or something but whatever it is the other brands need to get on that :P

[@Tine608]

I have that stack in my church

[@hilpi75]

I started drumming a few months ago and the Cymbals that came with my used Kit were NOT sex. I bought a Meinl HCS Starter set consisting of 14" High Hats, 16" Crash and 18" Crash/Ride. Paid 157 Euros for the set and am happy with them and would recommend to start with 🤘🤘

[@laurenfazenbaker9777]

I have a set of these on my practice kit. They do the job. I've even had to sub a couple in on gigs where I had other cymbals that were broken, and they sounded fine. They are very durable, but hard to keep clean.

[@jasonvalatkevich1994]

😵🤒🤒😷😷😷🤕🤕🤕

[@meinlcymbals]

Ohhhh YURRRR! Thank you for the review Samus!

[@gustafbstrom]

I second that, very interesting comparison in the end.

[@modsplayr]

Hi, I want these cymbals. Can I get them meinl?

[@shredenvain7]

OMG that bell on that ride is huge!!!!

[@ICR_Producer]

Meinl said Ohh Yuuur! Wow

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

Meinl Throwing down the "Ohhhh YURRRR" Unreal!

[@erikl6988]

YT Drummers need to do more budget reviews

[@scottlowell493]

Especially considering how horrifying prices are now. I remember when a good set of B20 14" hats was $269. Same hats now are $550.

[@joelbuff3254]

It’s nice to see the nicest shit, but I’ll never touch it…. I think everyone is on a budget

[@94Swick]

The hcs hats aren't awful, the small crashes are straight bad. The 18" and up crashes sound more retro like 70's and 80's rock, not too bad, but hcs FX types and trash stuff is pretty solid.

[@jennoscura2381]

​@@94SwickI have the 8 inch splash. I like it. Although I have limited experience with more expensive cymbals. So I can't say how it would compare to a Byzance splash.

[@Hauntedasylum666]

Def agree

[@PHX787]

That Ride is ridiculous. Also I’d keep those stacks on your normal kit! That stacks sounds awesome.

[@WatchingMamut]

Yeah I think using top dollar cymbals for stacks is a burning cash

[@Hardcorepunk87]

I'm absolutely sold on the stacks

[@CrimsonInvasion]

keep those stacks please

[@AB-fh9zh]

It's great!

[@pakdolan]

Your playing is so clean and creativity boundless. You've just earned yourself a new subscriber!

[@66Samus]

my dude, thank you so much!!

[@pakdolan]

@@66Samus yurrrrr 🤘😍🤘

[@Noteven0]

The product ID for their big bell ride cymbal is DD80085

[@pakdolan]

I'd just ask for the pregnant ride.

[@Chaotic.neutral406]

I been using some of this HCS line for over a year. 420% agree. For practice, recording scratch tracks and playing venues that you might not want to bring your +2K worth of Byzance tins to, they work perfect. Just don't expect them to sound or react like B20 mix stuff. Killer for the price point.

[@pearlvision7156]

Yes better than PST5

[@RedToxy-rc7ev]

"For practice, recording scratch tracks and playing venues that you might not want to bring your +2K worth of Byzance" better to use istanbul Mehmets IMC, Centent B20 cymbals and staff like that. I don't know prices in area where you live but in my case it comparable with HCS, so no reason to buy bad cymbals from top brand for price of good cymbals from second line brand.

[@pearlvision7156]

@@RedToxy-rc7ev 👍👍

[@Chaotic.neutral406]

@RedToxy-rc7ev I live over 3hrs from any music stores that sell any drum gear so there's that. I get what I can find when I'm not ordering online. I like the HCS line like I say and it's easy to get ahold of. I'm no brand nerd but I like meinl, so I buy meinl. I don't think they're bad but that's just my opinion. I've never heard the brands you've mentioned in person nor do I know anyone who plays em. Maybe I'll take a look/listen if I ever come across them in the wild.

[@RedToxy-rc7ev]

@@Chaotic.neutral406 maybe not "bad" it depends from price of them in your area. In my - I can buy used byzance instead MCS for example if add a little bit. Or brand new good B20 cymbals as I mentioned before. So it's bad deal from my perspective. Even tho stacks are pretty nice it still priced crazy where I live. I like meinl too but using it more for records or when just impulsively wants to play it for fun on practice sessions, don't want to spend them on gigs. All I want you encouraged by my post - check your options about unknown brands. Sometimes it dirtcheap gold. And buying that staf online - is fun gamble sometime lol. I suffer from absense drum gear stores too.

[@sleepteam]

The expensive cymbals are certainly more expressive and pronounced, but man that is still some good bang for your buck on the budget set.

[@jonbob585]

Or crash for your cash if you will

[@DarthCiliatus]

Used pro cymbals are way a better value than new HCS. However used HCS is awesome if you just need some cheap cymbals for a practice room kit that'll never be gigged.

[@tomjefferson1334]

Been a fan for 15 years man, your playing at this point is seriously jaw dropping clean. Love the content and that your still doing it! Cheers brotha!!!

[@The_KlaVra]

I like all the cymbals except the crashes, everything else sounds very fucking good for beginners/entry level cymbals, specially that big bell ride was FUCKING SICK.

[@andreasvogl330]

I agree, the crashes are not good, but the rest sounds really OK.

[@drum7989]

Yes the crashes are the “weak point” and where you hear the lower quality the most…but the rest of the set is quite good for the price, I wish these types of budget cymbals were available when I was younger..

[@59thfsaviation79]

Same. Those crashed are meh. But everything else is great. My Dad's band needed some cheap cymbals, and about 5 years ago I got some cheap versions of these and they've done great.

[@martinlopez1353]

Totally agreed

[@NickyNicest]

Ya I was impressed with both the rides. But also agree that the crashes sound like ass.

[@scottyoung_Jeed88]

I got a set of HCS for my 1st cymbals, they are not bad at all, definetly the best entry level cymbals, i still will keep the stack on my kit for ages i think haha, oh and also.... SEX?

[@mmiller6873]

I am not even remotely a drummer, however that being said, who couldn't appreciate your content. Your skills never cease to amaze me bro. Well done!!

[@eddiegdrums1646]

Blown away by how decent a few of these sound. Good on Meinl for making such a variety in a beginner line.

[@bmstylee]

If I was still playing as a drummer these would have been great and saved me a ton. My A customs sounded amazing but we're a pile of cash. And if we're honest most of us are playing in bar bands where no one will know if we have $15,000 of gear or 1,500 of gear.

[@Peshyy]

Exactly the cymbal line I've been eyeing for my first set. Great sound for brass cymbals, can't wait to build my set!

[@indrawoody4382]

The bronze one is beautifully blend into the mix, while the brass one is not dissapointing, it's pretty good for a cheap cymbals.

[@BiggestBrad]

The stacks sound fantastic.

[@RedToxy-rc7ev]

This is reason why we see them sometimes in byzance sets lol. Pricy B20 stacks, especially claps stacks - are such huge scam for money.

[@moisesplata461]

That big bell ride is just 🔥🔥🔥

[@madmatt_81]

Man , these sounds really nice, I've heard them earlier, but here in your video , it sounds like a really good deal

[@MrMurUK]

I think this speaks more of Samus's video/audio production rather than the cymbals themselves. They are brass. I've never heard a good brass cymbal in real life.

[@HexYzeE]

don't forget that the player do a lot xD

[@madmatt_81]

@@HexYzeE exactly 😊

[@ben1ben]

@@MrMurUK this.

[@MrMurUK]

@@HexYzeE I disagree when it comes to cymbals. There are good and bad technique when hitting cymbals, but I am not sure it's going to make that much difference to how they sound.

[@codersexpo1580]

When you have played and experienced top of the line cymbals, its really hard to appreciate anything less....BUT...the variety Meinl offers, the quality, sound and aesthetics are NOT going to be matched by any other company at the price point. All of these products are viable in any set configuration. Thank you for your demo and props to Meinl for a great product at a price that is attainable.Samus you just kill me every time I watch your vids. Love ya man...love your skill ...love your humor. Just a joy to watch ya. Peace brother!

[@BruceBonebrake]

Wow, those rides are waaay better than I expected! I wouldn't mind using either of those as my main ride. Unfortunately, these beginner cymbals are susceptible to cracking over time, but I feel like the rides would probably last forever. The back to back comparison at the end is amazing. Such a cool video, thank you!

[@demonicsweaters]

I've had an HCS bell cymbal for over 10 years and it's one of the best sounding bells I've ever had. Had the mega bell ride for a while too, it sounded great.

[@Adlamo]

They sound fine. Maybe just a bit more tinny/high frequencies

[@ironblast5]

That 18 mega bell is a beast i got mine for only $90 and its loud

[@Wishmasters]

5:16 good ol' Puritania

[@jonathanmellqvist2]

Earth.. successfully....erased

[@HighSxn]

The way Samus is ecstatically entertaining all the time is unmatched

[@joelfrechette5986]

This is great! I love when a budget piece of gear punches way above its weight. I've been playing Classics Custom Dark for the past few years and same kind of thing. Great sound for the price. Even in a recording situation. Thanks! Cheers!

[@TheBeetBoi]

Thats what drew me to Meinl. The entry line cymbals sound amazing and are suprisingly durable. I now rock the classic dark + Classics Extreme Metal cymbals but the HCS has a special place in my heart given that it took me so far when i was learning how to drum.

[@hendrixandmitch]

DUDE I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW FAST YOU ARE WITH THAT FUCKING DOUBLE BASS!!!! I COULD PLAY A WHOLE LIFETIME AND NEVER BE ABLE TO CATCH UP TO YOU. I’M GLAD GOD GAVE YOU THE GIFT OF SPEED!

[@Kolibri92]

Great video, I remember when a 16" HCS crash was the biggest update to my cymbal set when I was younger. (to people considering budget options) Compared to HCS, another great budget choice is Zultan Aja series. They might not have all the stack-options, but they have a solid, basic set of cymbals to offer. And I think in the mix they sound great. Pretty durable too. Been using 16", 17" and 18" crashes from that series and they all sound amazing for the prize. Blast and beat, until it is done

[@sergerasklad]

works great with your electronic setup 'cuz bass cymbals are usually quieter than more expensive bronze (jazz papethins or unlathed aside). and of course you are totally right - it's impressive that meinls make a whole set of modern style cymbals in begginers price range

[@williamboyle8918]

Better than my 1st used cymbals on my 1st used kit in 1985. Camber ! Lol. Then I saved up forever for my first new cymbal purchase. 14 inch Rude Hi Hats. Was a great day.

[@pedrocgallardo]

that dual stack groove!! id be smiling just as hard playing on them like that!! that big bell ride got me pretty sold!

[@ImFrantic]

I really like the highs and the release of the more expensive cymbals but I gotta say, the HCS HiHats and stacks are pretty awesome

[@hanifzahirul]

Man, these sound great! The mega bell is insane! I have the 10” splash, and I’m loving it! Probably gonna buy the trash stack, I’m diggin’ the sound.

[@RedToxy-rc7ev]

Stacks are nice but don't even touch these crashes lol

[@eyekantspele]

Looking forward to you using the new pearl kit in some of these videos!

[@jakobwest4811]

“Too many years to not have a fuckin stack!” lost it at work haha

[@Stickmorder]

3:32 13" Hi-Hat 3:58 14" Hi-Hat 4:10 8", 10" & 12" Splash 4:37 16" & 18" Crash, 18" Trash Chrash 5:15 12" Thrash Stacks 5:28 14" Thrash Stacks 6:06 18" Big Bell Ride 6:55 22" Ride 7:35 16" & 18" Thash China 8:14 Smack Stack 3 pcs 9:00 Full Mix expensiv Meinls 10:16 Full Meinl HCS

[@datalondojones7969]

You should do an episode with El Estepario Siberiano! That would be sick!

[@lisdexik5484]

I loved these for my kit when I was learning. Bought 4 of them used on GC for pretty cheap, but in the best conditions I could find. Served me well.

[@d.j.cantelli8074]

Not bad at all and for an entry level cymbal very impressive. The biggest difference is the crashes. I wouldn't use those but otherwise totally usable

[@LerockJohn]

Dude you are a very talented, funny musician. You did a great service to aspiring drummers! From Canada, Peace Out!!

[@DHRR88]

I stil have, after 15 years, a 20” HCS ride at use. Everything else has been updated many times to high end, but I just like the way that tide sounds.

[@calvinderouck4223]

High , I've been playing these for 3+ years and verry happy with these. No cracks till now .

[@BigFroppa]

6:17 a vinnie groove?! Nice

[@blakeroque1970]

what song is that groove from?? or is he just messing around

[@MattMcloughlin]

​@@blakeroque1970It's the same groove Vinnie uses in the middle section of Slaughtered!

[@Carlos_Teixeira_Drums]

These are great ! Props to Meinl for givin such variety! I hope they sell loads of these , tbh I do think they will!...they even have a 6" bell cymbal!!! Those stacks will sell well I think and the big bell ride too!

[@drwps.]

man i dont even know the comparison, but i love your free-jam like this!

[@edgemasterrlol]

8:40 was majestic

[@doublebasszealot1686]

Can’t believe I just willingly watched a 13 minute advertisement. In all honesty great review and sick chops especially on that back track! Oh YURR

[@BLOOM604YVR]

That 18” big bell as a second ride on the left would be absolutely perfect. Budget is okay because it’s a heavy sound that isn’t a main ride cymbal. Damn.

[@LarkVsOwl-de3op]

Great cymbals for the price. Sound great for practicing rehearsals, and even recording demos. Got a pair of 15" HCS hihats for a friend and he loves them as an remote pair!

[@Dronanknight]

I love this cymbal! Used it on a record! Great! Sounds like a bell on a ship. 18“ ride.

[@Xargiyt]

The biggest take-away for me was the fact that the hi-hats, the rides, and the stacks sounded so damn good. Time to get some soon I think :o

[@alexloya2847]

I LOVE AA Meinls cymbals!! I usually go back and forth with Zildjian and AA Meinl and used them both on my kit. I had fun having 2 different company cymbals

[@huissie72]

I bought my first set HCS about 15 years ago I think. Since that day I've been enlarging my set with HCS. They are amazing...

[@NotnaCticnaP]

My Aunt bought me this Meinl Cymbal Set in year 2013, until now I still use them and they are still in good condition.

[@percspot872]

Solid for a budget lineup. I just picked up a Meinl 22" ride prototype. Thank you for testing these out. Id rather support a company that is bringing inovation and quality for solid prices over the other two. Yes they have history, but the current products leave much to be desired.

[@63Drums19]

For mid budget I would recommend Meinll Classics Custom Medium. 14" hi hats, 16" and 18" crashes and a 20" ride. All for around $700. I love them. I think the 16" crash is the best I've heard out of any line.

[@sand._jesus]

I am in LOVE with that 2nd stack Just Just amazing

[@Hobbym3]

Im a Sabian player and I wish they would expanded their mid range XSR line like Meinls Customn classic line is

[@CNder77]

Ooohhhh yuurrrr. Awesome video as always, your drum skill totally totally amazing! Inspiring every time seeing you play. I admit I’m a weird super railfan that obsesses… Loved that model train show up behind you 6:40 great surprise:) Passenger coach cars, steam engine looks like a Berkshire 2-8-4. Maybe an HO 1.87 or S 1:64 scale.

[@AntonioPerez13]

Sic AF 🔥 🥁 🔥 you and El Estepario are my two most inspirational drummers on KZbin! 🤘🏼

[@ericcarr1648]

I am ready impressed by how good they sound for cheap cymbals! I also wish they were around when I was first starting.

[@lukemarvin1744]

I have the 14 inch hi hats and they’re great. The crashes in this video were disappointing but the 16 inch china and 10 inch splash sounded great

[@Rythym4god]

Not only are you a good drummer, but you are also remarkably good and engaging on camera

[@zimiani]

Back in the day I had zildjian zbt kit and I loved how the ride sound. Seems like the low bugdet rides are always good!

[@seanbdrums]

I've had the 18" Big Bell HCS for a couple of years now, and for that price I remain convinced it's the best budget metal ride to have ever been created 😅

[@Goomie]

Honestly, the stacks from this line are all super worth it. They sound great and can compare to some higher end options. I've had a 14 inch trash stack for years and it's one of my go to options for some flair.

[@iAmSpyNz]

the 12” stack is out of this world, punches wayyyyy above their weight for the price. Love mine, haven’t found much luck with the rest of the models yet

[@DerekFrampton]

I've been using The HCS cymbals for years. THe first gen, and now these.. yes there have been previous "gens". LOVE the MEINL Family! sssssssssssssssssEX!

[@brycewilson1741]

I’ve got an HCS stack of my own, and it sounds great!

[@jeffbridges6110]

Man. You are killer. Loved the Strata Prime video. I'd love to see you do a video on efnote 3x

[@tsdtheskeletondrummer]

Those were the first cymbals I bought for my drum set they’re the best but now I’m a Zildjian guy, great cymbals OHHHHH YURRRR!

[@Emi_Alvarez]

Honesty surprise how bright was that big bell ride, lovely!

[@TarbyRocks]

Jesus your fills are incredible dude, absolutely stellar

[@Jakers80]

Man.. budget cymbals have come a long way since I started playing many, many years (had a long break where I wasn't playing at all due to other things going on at the time, but recently came back into playing again.) ago. I like everything that was used in this video (especially the stacks..) but, if I had to be nitpicky, the crash cymbals sound a little choked off I guess is how I would describe it to my ear... but, for the price, you can't beat the overall product here. Good job Meinl! And good job Samus. I love when people show off things that's aimed at budget or intermediate players by a good player.

[@ryanwiebe1552]

I love how those stacks sound. The byzance obviously sound better but was impressed by how the hcs cymbals sounded in the mix.

[@AnthonyK93]

My kit consists of the HCS and the HCS Bronze cymbals, and for someone who does it as a hobby and doesn’t do live shows or records anything, I love them. Yeah they aren’t the BEST but they’re affordable and don’t sound terrible. I keep my drums in my basement and I had someone play them while I was upstairs and was very surprised at how clean they actually sounded 🤘🏻🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jonnylawless6797]

I been playing for almost 20 years and I would unironically set up my kit with those cymbals. I always liked different cymbals, my stepdad had the Zildjian Titaniums on his set for like five years and those were the coolest cymbals I ever played

[@hendrixandmitch]

YOUR drumming skills are so good man! do you practice every hour of the day? you make it look so easy.

[@ghhdgjjfjjggj]

they sound great!! awesome playing man

[@tokyo4169]

I spent a little more for the bronze set of HCS and honestly I like the ride more than the b20s

[@StillmanLievano]

My first experience with the HCS line or Meinl in general was roughly 14 years ago when I was trying to find a quality budget cymbal set. I had run a couple of Zildjian A Customs up to that point, but as I was around 14 years old at the time, those cymbals were a little too expensive to keep replacing. I bought a HCS box set, which included 14" hats, 16" crash, and a 20" ride. I don't remember exactly what the exact price was, but it was less than $200, the same price for a 16" A Custom crash at the time. While I wasn't the biggest fan of the crash, the hats and especially the ride, were way better than the price would suggest. That started my love for the Meinl brand, and since then, I have never put another brand of cymbals on my kit. There is so much quality and variety across Meinl's entire line up, that you really can't go wrong no matter what budget you might have.

[@speedysamslate]

All of these cymbals sounds awesome! Would love the two primary crashes as accent crashes but as main crashes, they're a little too brilliant for my taste.

[@nick21b1985]

The beat with the Chinas at 7:35 sounded so good. My brain wanted more

[@JohnSumner13]

The larger double stack, the triple stack and the smaller china sound really good!

[@TakeCover]

The 14" stack and the 22" ride sound amazing!

[@luigizanellato2959]

Always dig your drumming Samus, But there was something about these jams that were kickass man! Those cymbals sound great for budget ones too.

[@DakGuy05]

For 15 years I've been playing an HCS ride and played HCS 13" hats until recently and had no complaints at all. Still don't feel the need to upgrade my ride, I did go to 14" MCS hats though.

[@jeffreydheere4737]

The HDS hats and crashes are definitively 'cheaper' sounding - thinner and an odd dissonant tuning. The stacks and some of the splashes are righteously awesome.

[@ryanxj9000]

I'm gonna buy those stacks 100% Thanks for the review!

[@user-np2td3lg7t]

I love this very real and totally not sponsored video

[@TexxasJoker]

I have a few from this line and i absolutely love them,they don't sound quite as good as the Zildjian and Paiste's that i had but definitely worth every penny.

[@robnykulaik7337]

Holy moly those are nice for budget cymbals !! I remember when I was a kid Meinl had these cheap silver cymbals, every time I hit them they would invert!! These look and sound great man!!

[@luigidieb8359]

This was my first cymbal set, never forgot this sound. In brazil they are pretty expensive to his quality

[@timurdavitaya8797]

I've been using the normal HCS ride symbal for almost 5 years now. Paid around 60 euros and i'ts freaking amazing. Really shiny, brillant sound, a lot of drummers complimented me about it, especially the sound.

[@exoticxlj8815]

Thanks for the budget review! While these definitely aren’t “expensive” sounding, they are far from cheap! You could absolutely use those on a touring kit and nobody would think twice. I find the variety to be the biggest attractor, for drummers wanting to expand their collection or try a niche symbol like a stack or China, these are a great path towards expanding a drummers sound without breaking the bank.

[@EmTheMusic]

I’ve been using that mega bell on my kit for about a year now. It’s great, compact, and loud as hell. I use other brands, but in my hardcore band the mega is the go-to. 👌🏻👌🏻

[@Lexi_Chi_5]

the only cymbals in the line that you can really here a quality difference is those crashes. they seem to have a more muted sound, and a quicker decay. all the others, if you close your eyes, sound like decent cymbals. Perfect for beginners! not to mention, since they're brass you can take the crashes and high hats and shape them into a china without breaking the cymbal (it's really easy to do). I did this with my 18" HCS crash ride, and it's still my go to china. I also did the same to a HCS high hat top so I could use the 14" china in stacks

[@wickedwidget3812]

Zildjian has a decent size selection as well but these sound great and a really great brand. Absolutely love it... ❤️

[@adamaubreydcosta9942]

im sooooo happy u decided t get these i was thinking of getting these