Best
AFFORDABLE
ELECTRONIC CYMBAL
Electronic Drum Kits
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Overall: Dual Zone with
Choke and Velocity
Sensitive -
Best Feature: Quiet & Responsive 12" Rubber Pad
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
overall
ELECTRONIC CYMBAL
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Overall: Digital trigger output jack
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Best Feature: The latest in Roland's line of V-Drums digital drum and cymbal triggers
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
ELECTRONIC CYMBALS FOR BEGINNERS
electronic hi-hat
pad/controller
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Overall: Rubber playing surface
-
Best Feature: 2-zone sensors
-
TedScore™: 7/10
I’ve always been fascinated by the evolution of drumming and the emergence of electric drum cymbals. They mark a significant milestone in the progression from acoustic to electronic kits.
I have an electronic drum set, and having electric cymbals with it feels liberating—I don’t have to worry about disturbing my neighbors!
As a professional drummer, I’m using the Roland V-Pad VH-14D Digital Hi-hat Controller, and I can’t emphasize enough how good this investment is. It’s built with sturdy materials, and the features are all I want in a cymbal.
I know choosing a cymbal is not a walk in the park.
You have to consider many factors, such as compatibility with your instrument, the reliability of the brand and model, and the budget that comes with it.
But don’t worry!
In this article, I have listed my top electronic cymbals that you might want to check out.
The playability of electronic drum kits has vastly improved, making them an exciting option for space- and noise-conscious drummers like me.
With electric drum cymbals, I can plug in and lose myself in the music without disturbing the neighbors, and that’s a win in my book!
Types of Electronic Cymbals
Before I show you my electronic cymbal pads recommendations, let’s first discuss the type of electronic cymbals. This will give you ideas on the specific cymbal you need for your beginner setups and professional rigs.
Here are the definitions and purposes of various types of electronic cymbals, including hi-hats, controllers, crashes, rides, and effect cymbals:
Hi-Hat Cymbals and Controllers
Electronic hi-hat cymbals are pads that work with a foot controller to simulate and play the various sounds of an acoustic hi-hat. They allow drummers to produce the distinct open, closed, and foot chick sounds of a hi-hat, essential for keeping time to drum patterns.
Hi-hat controllers are foot pedals that send control signals to an electronic drum module based on the pedal’s position and movement. The controller allows drummers to vary the hi-hat cymbal sound from fully open to fully closed and everything in between, just like an acoustic hi-hat pedal.
Crash and Ride Cymbals
Electronic crash cymbals are pads designed to replicate the sound and response of acoustic crash cymbals when struck. They serve as accent instruments, punctuating parts of music or marking the end of a musical phrase, and they add bright sounds to an electronic drum performance.
Electronic ride cymbals are larger pads that provide the sustained, shimmering sound characteristic of ride cymbals in acoustic drum sets. They are typically used for steady rhythm playing, offering a defined ping sound, and maintaining a constant rhythmic pattern throughout a song.
Effect Cymbals
Effect electronic cymbals are specialized pads that produce a range of unique sounds, such as splashes, china cymbals, or gongs.
They add color, texture, and character to the music, allowing drummers to incorporate creative and distinctive sounds beyond the capabilities of standard cymbals.
Each of these allows drummers to closely copy the sounds and techniques of acoustic cymbals while providing the benefits of volume control, sound variety, and ease of recording that come with electronic drums.
Best Brands of Electronic Drum Cymbals
When I hunt for electronic drum cymbals, I need a blend of performance, playability, versatility, and that natural feel. Luckily, brands like Roland, Yamaha, and Pearl are trustworthy pals who have my back.
roland
Roland has been a big player since the 1970s, and they get what drummers need.
With the sleek Roland CY-5 or the Roland V-Pad VH-14D hi-hat, my playing is layered with velocity-sensitive wizardry and wide-range sensors, which means every tap and crash resonates with precision.
Roland V-Pad VH-14D Digital Hi-hat Controller
high-quality cymbal
FEATURES: The latest in Roland's line of V-Drums
digital drum and cymbal triggers
OTHER INFO: Digital trigger output jack —
compatible only with Roland digital trigger in-equipped sound modules (TD-50/X, TD-27)
- Natural footing, sticking, and choking
- Has a soft and quiet 14-inch rubber playing surface
- Expensive as compared to other cymbals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Roland V-Cymbal CY-5 Electronic Cymbal Controller
Hi-Hat or Splash
FEATURES: 9.5" diameter - 12" playing zone
OTHER INFO: Swing movement for more
drummer-friendly triggering
- Separate bow and edge triggering
- Comes with a stereo 1/4" cable
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
YAMAHa
Yamaha steps up the game with cymbals, making my drumming space feel like an on-stage experience. The USB-A connection cable is a cherry on top. Their pad’s tactile response is as satisfying as an encore chant.
Yamaha RHH135 Electronic Hi-hat Pad/Controller 13"
FEATURES: 2-zone sensors
OTHER INFO: Rubber playing surface
- Comes with two standard 1/4" output jacks
- A cymbal only for DTX electronic drum kit
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Pearl
Pearl offers me a wallet-friendly whisper of brilliance. Their cymbals might be the ultimate upgrade for a budding drummer’s electronic drum kit without the guilt of peeking at my bank account.
Pearl Puretouch Crash Cymbal - 15-inch - 2-zonee
Pearl eMerge Kit
FEATURES: Brings dual zones of expression and
a dynamic range of sounds to your
hybrid/electronic drum setup
OTHER INFO: Comprised of a multilayer interior
with a soft rubber exterior
- Riding, washing, sticking, and choking feel like the real thing
- Compatible only with Pearl eMerge Kit
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Millenium
What about the Millenium?
They’re the slightly quieter members of the band, but wow, do they pack a punch in the entry-level product! The mounting hardware makes setup a head-banging breeze.
Millenium CC-15X 15" Crash Cymbal Pad
FEATURES: Compatible with most electronic
drum modules
OTHER INFO: Rubberized surface for a
realistic cymbal feel
- Offers a large playing surface similar to that of an acoustic crash cymbal
- Durable construction that withstands regular use
- The rubber surface may not satisfy all drummers
- May not have the same responsiveness as compared to high-level cymbals
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Digital Drum
The Digital Drums Dual Zone Electronic Cymbal Pad with Choke offers a responsive and realistic playing experience. It features dual-zone triggering and a choke function, adding to its versatility for live performances and practice sessions.
Digital Drums Dual Zone Electronic Cymbal Pad with Choke
Drum Kits
electronic cymbals
FEATURES: Quiet & Responsive 12" Rubber Pad
OTHER INFO: Dual Zone with Choke and
Velocity Sensitive
- Includes Jack Cable
- Affordable but with quality
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Electric Drum Cymbals:
My Overall Advice
Electric drum cymbals are a marvel for modern drumming. They merge the convenience of technology with the joy of percussion.
I appreciate its flexibility, which offers a range of sounds and can mimic various cymbal types.
I adore their volume control—it’s a feature that spares my neighbors from the thunderous traditional cymbals. Equipped with headphones, I can drum away at any hour without worry.
Plus, I love its durability. When I get a bit carried away, it means I’m not worried about dents or cracks.
So, for me, these are the brands and models that I think every drummer with e-drums must have:
- Roland V-Pad VH-14D Digital Hi-hat Controller – My number 1 choice!
- Roland V-Cymbal CY-5 Electronic Cymbal Controller
- Yamaha RHH135 Electronic Hi-hat Pad/Controller 13″
- Pearl Puretouch Crash Cymbal – 15-inch – 2-zone
- Millenium CC-15X 15″ Crash Cymbal Pad
- Digital Drums Dual Zone Electronic Cymbal Pad with Choke
These cymbals are compact, and as a result, they are super easy to transport. With electric drum cymbals, my gigs across town are no longer a hassle.
I appreciate how electric drum cymbals are eco-friendly, too. They last longer, reducing the need to harvest materials for new ones. I feel good knowing I’m helping the environment every time I play.
Isn’t that something to smile about?
Hang tight! You won’t want to miss this!
Another thing a drummer with an electronic drum needs is drum amplifiers. If you are looking for one, get ready because this next article was made for you. This is your sign to get one!
Really loved the rundown on the brands. Helped me decide on going with Yamaha for my setup. Cheers for the great info!
In response to the section on Effect Cymbals, while I appreciate the coverage on Roland and Yamaha’s offerings, it’s important to note the advancements that lesser-known companies are making in this space. For instance, companies like Alesis and Behringer are introducing competitive products that deserve recognition. Their contributions are shaping an interesting future for e-drummers, offering more diversity in choices and potentially innovative features not yet seen from the bigger brands.
idk, I’ve tried a bunch from different brands, especially these Millenium and Digital Drum ones, and they don’t always hold up. Roland’s kinda leading the pack, don’t you think? Would love to hear others’ takes on this.
Hey Sam Jowett, just curious, how do electronic hi-hat controllers compare to the real thing? Can you get the same kinda feel?
That’s a good question. In my experience, they’re getting closer, but it’s still not quite the same. The response and feel are pretty close though!