Meinl Cymbals HCS 20” Crash/Ride Cymbal for Drum Set — Made in Germany — Traditional Finish Brass, 2-Year Warranty (HCS20CR)

Let's face it. Drumming is an expensive hobby. Even if you get a basic 3 piece drum kit, it is costly as everything starts adding up.I recently got a new drum set after 30 years without one. I am not a serious drummer. I just drum for fun. the only thing my kit did not have was cymbals, including hi-hats. I was able to get a used crash and ride cymbal from a friend, so all I needed was hi-hats.After much research, and the fact my wife would not be happy if I spent a lot of money on a hobby, I decided to take a chance on these hi-hats.I am beyond happy that I did. I am no drummer as I said, but I have been around drummers since I am about 13 years, being on and off in various bands until my early 30's.These hi hats sound great to me. Sure, you can go out and spend $400 or more on hi-hats, but chances are if you are spending that type of money on hi-hats, these cymbals were not made for you to begin with.For everyone else, who may just play drums as a hobby, or who may just be getting into drums and does not have a huge budget, these are the hi hats to get. I will update this review if they crack before the 2 year warranty has expired, but I have put them through the ringer so far and they sound great, seem plenty sturdy, and are absolutely worth the price and then some.Thank you to Meinl for providing an option for people that is well made and worth the price.

I bought this (Hi Hat) Cymbal Pair at the direction of my husband, Bob Reibel, who saw them and asked me to get them for him for his birthday, so I did.He is very pleased with their sound! Bob told me that right after he came back from serving in WW II, he was fortunate enough to be asked to sit in and play the drums for a wonderful for him period of time with the Famous Guitar Blues Legend and Singer, Big Bill Broonsey, and his group in Chicago!!! He said, " the audience paid them in tips and the house in gin." It's one of my husband's most cherished memories! He even has a wonderfully clear black and white picture of himself sitting at a table with Big Bill and his wife, Rose, and other band members all chatting together and having a fun time! Must have been in the early '40's before I was born. Oh well, my husband says I'm his 'spring chicken,' even though I'm getting older myself now with arthritis in my hands when it's cold outside and some grey hair. It's all relative. As long as I can think straight I'm blessed. Ann Reibel

I recently picked up the Meinl HCS 20” Crash/Ride Cymbal, and I have to say, it's been a solid addition to my kit. As a beginner/intermediate drummer, I was looking for something affordable yet versatile, and this cymbal delivers exactly that.The 20" size provides a nice balance between a ride and crash sound. As a ride cymbal, it has a clear, defined ping with enough wash to get the job done without being overwhelming. It’s not as complex as higher-end cymbals, but it has a nice, smooth tone that's perfect for someone still working on technique and figuring out their sound.As a crash, it responds well with a nice, full crash sound. It’s not super explosive, but it provides a nice shimmer when hit hard. It also seems to have good durability, and the traditional finish gives it a clean, professional look.The fact that it’s made in Germany is a nice touch, as Meinl is a trusted brand in the cymbal world. The 2-year warranty gives me peace of mind, though I don't anticipate needing it anytime soon based on its build quality.All in all, I think this cymbal is a great choice for anyone just starting or in the intermediate phase of their drumming journey. It won’t break the bank, and it covers both crash and ride needs decently well. Definitely recommend it for those looking for quality at a budget-friendly price!

I gave this a a gift.The HCS line of cymbals are a good, affordable choice for folks who are just starting out or for students because they are essentially matched to other HCS line cymbals. I gave a nephew a basic used drum kit fro Christmas a couple years ago, but the cymbals that came with the kit were more suited to being used as an enhanced interrogation technique than practicing or actual playing (riots might ensue). The lucky nephew got a small set of HCS hi-hats & a crash for their birthday the next year, and this crash/ride rounds it out, and the trash can lids can be recycled (if possible, I think the brass content might have been 0.2%)We added this and a stand to his kit this, and now he has all the basics, and because of the factory matching they sound good with the other HCS cymbals. Being a musician is an expensive but valuable proposition regardless of what you play, it's hard to get out the door with a new (non-toy) instrument of decent quality without spending hundreds or even a thousand dollars. No-one wants to make that investment until they're sure they student is truly interested in playing that instrument. Drums are nice, because they can be upgraded piecemeal, unlike a Tuba, Sax, Piano, or guitar (as in body & neck). All of the larger cymbal makers like Paiste, Sabian, Zildjian, etc. all have similar but more pricey entry level options too, the Meinls' seem to be the lowest cost option in my area without going to Cletus and Bob's Recycling and Cymbal Depot.Since Cymbals are large metal disks, Prime shipping was also a factor in the purchase decision.