CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set Review: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Solution for Quiet Practice
There is an inherent conflict in being a drummer: we crave the tactile response of a real acoustic kit, yet we often live in environments—apartments, townhomes, or shared houses—that simply cannot accommodate 110 decibels of crashing bronze. For years, I struggled with this exact problem. I tried everything from rubber mutes that felt like hitting a truck tire to switching to an electronic kit that, while quiet, never quite captured the nuance of my sticking technique. The vibration of a real cymbal, the way the stick rebounds off the edge, and the physical presence of the metal are essential to developing a “proper” touch. When I first heard about the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set, I was skeptical but desperate. I needed a way to practice at 2:00 AM without a noise complaint, and I wasn’t ready to spend $600 on high-end silent cymbals from the big-name manufacturers. Solving this noise issue isn’t just about neighborly courtesy; it’s about being able to practice whenever inspiration strikes, which is crucial for any musician’s growth. Without a quiet solution, you’re relegated to “air drumming” or expensive rehearsal studios, both of which hinder consistent progress.
- LOWER VOLUME & REAL SOUND-The Low Volume Cymbals sound low, bright and crispy, and feel like real cymbals when played, but these are up to 60%-70% quieter than traditional cymbals without losing the...
- GREAT QUALITY-The quiet cymbals are well built, and the edges are polished and smooth, our proprietary modern manufacturing techniques combined with a stainless steel give you a real cymbal feel with...
What to Consider Before Buying a Cymbal Variety Pack
Choosing a cymbal variety pack is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for drummers who need a cohesive sound profile across their entire kit without the trial and error of matching individual cymbals. A well-curated pack ensures that your hi-hats, crashes, and rides speak the same “tonal language,” providing a balanced frequency response that makes your practice or performance feel unified. For those looking specifically at low-volume options, see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how these specialized tools can transform your daily routine from a source of stress into a productive session.
The ideal customer for this type of product is the dedicated student, the apartment-dwelling hobbyist, or the professional drummer who needs a “living room” kit for low-stakes rehearsals. It’s perfect for those who face constant volume restrictions but refuse to give up the feel of metal under their sticks. Conversely, these might not be suitable for heavy metal performers in a live, un-mic’d club setting where sheer volume is the goal, or for orchestral percussionists who require specific, complex overtones that only traditional B20 bronze can provide. If you are a gigging professional playing weddings or small cafe sets, however, these can be a lifesaver.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Low-volume sets often come in standard sizes, but always check the metric equivalents. Some sets, like the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set, might vary slightly from imperial measurements, which can affect how they fit into tight cymbal bags or on specific hardware setups.
- Capacity/Performance: Look for the percentage of volume reduction. Most quality silent cymbals aim for a 60% to 80% reduction. If the cymbals are too quiet, you lose the “real” sound; if they are too loud, you defeat the purpose of the purchase.
- Materials & Durability: Most budget-friendly low-volume cymbals are made of stainless steel. This material is incredibly durable and resistant to cracking, but it has a different tonal “ping” than traditional brass or bronze. Consider if you prefer a brighter, crisper sound or a warmer tone.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Perforated cymbals have thousands of small holes. While this reduces weight and volume, it also means they can collect dust more easily. Consider how easy they are to wipe down and whether the set includes a protective bag for transport.
Once you understand these factors, you can make an informed decision on whether a specific pack fits your playing style and living situation. While the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Excellent Quality: This silent cymbal is made of high-quality alloy material, which is strong and durable, the whole surface is polished, and the surface and edges are smoother.Small holes in the face...
- Package Include: The low volume cymbal set 5 pieces: a pair of 14"hihat, 16"crash, 18"crash, 20"ride cymbal
- Better Material: The cymbal pack is made of more excellent stainless steel material, sophisticated craftsmanship, feedback more vivid sound when subjected to percussion
Unboxing the Black Beauty: First Impressions of the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set
When the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set arrived at my door, the first thing I noticed was the weight. At roughly 5.58 kg for the entire set, it felt substantial—not flimsy like some of the budget brass options I’ve tried in the past. Unboxing them revealed a striking aesthetic; the black polished finish is sleek and modern, a nice departure from the standard silver-colored stainless steel cymbals usually found in this price bracket. The set includes a 14” hi-hat, 16” and 18” crashes, and a 20” ride, though it’s worth noting these are actually metric sizes (35cm, 40cm, 45cm, and 50cm), making them just a hair smaller than standard imperial sizes. This doesn’t affect playability, but it’s a detail an expert eye will notice immediately.
The polished edges were surprisingly smooth. One of the biggest risks with off-brand perforated cymbals is rough or sharp edges that can chew up your drumsticks in minutes. We found that the manufacturing quality on this CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set is quite high, with clean drill holes and a consistent finish across all five pieces. To see if the aesthetic matches your current setup, you can check the latest price and availability online. The inclusion of a free cymbal bag was a professional touch that immediately added value, making it clear that this set is intended for more than just staying stationary in a bedroom.
Key Benefits
- Incredible value for a 5-piece set compared to major name brands.
- The black finish offers a unique aesthetic and slightly dampened sustain.
- Durability is top-notch; 10-20% thicker than many competitors.
- Impressive 60-70% volume reduction while maintaining a “crispy” feel.
Drawbacks
- The bell on the ride cymbal is relatively flat and lacks a traditional “cutting” sound.
- Metric sizing means they are slightly smaller than advertised imperial inches.
The Sound Signature: Realism vs. Decibel Reduction
The most critical aspect of any low-volume gear is how it sounds. After spending dozens of hours behind the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set, I can confidently say that these cymbals strike a masterful balance. We found that the volume reduction is exactly as advertised—around 60% to 70% quieter than my standard B20 crashes. This means I can play with full velocity, practicing my “moeller technique” or heavy rimshots, without reaching the threshold that would irritate a neighbor through a shared wall. The sound isn’t “dead,” but rather “focused.” There is a shorter sustain, which is actually a benefit for practice as it allows you to hear the articulation of every single stroke.
The hi-hats are the standout in this pack. They possess a “crispy” and responsive “chick” sound that is often lost in cheaper silent cymbals. When playing them half-open, they don’t wash out into a muddy mess of white noise; instead, you get a controlled sizzle. The crashes have a bright attack that decays quickly. While they lack the complex, dark overtones of a high-end jazz cymbal, they provide enough musicality to make practicing fun. For drummers who are transitioning from an electronic kit, the difference is night and day. You finally get that physical resistance and “give” that rubber pads simply cannot replicate. If you’re curious about how they compare to your current setup, read more about the sound profiles and user experiences to see if they align with your needs.
One interesting observation we made during testing was the impact of the black paint. As some users have suggested, the coating seems to add a tiny bit of mass and dampening to the stainless steel. This results in a slightly “warmer” sound compared to the raw silver stainless steel versions of these cymbals. It cuts out some of the harsh, high-frequency “tinny” sounds that plague many budget low-volume options. While the ride cymbal’s bell is a bit underwhelming in terms of volume and “ping,” the bow of the ride provides a clear, articulate stick definition that is perfect for jazz patterns or fast rock beats. It’s a specialized tool that performs its primary job—silence—with surprising grace.
Durability and Build: Stainless Steel Strength
When we talk about durability, the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set claims to be 10% to 20% thicker than other silent cymbals on the market. In my hands, this claim holds water. Many low-volume cymbals feel like they might bend if you lean on them too hard, but these have a rigid, professional feel. This thickness is a double-edged sword: it makes the cymbals slightly louder than the absolute quietest options (like mesh or plastic mutes), but it ensures they will last for years of heavy practice. I’ve hit these with 5B sticks for several weeks, and there isn’t a single sign of warping or “keyholing” at the center hole. This is a feature that really sets it apart for heavy hitters who are afraid of breaking delicate practice gear.
The stainless steel material choice is smart for this price point. Unlike brass, which can sound “cheap” and dent easily, stainless steel maintains its structural integrity and provides a much more consistent rebound. The polishing on the edges is another highlight. In cheaper sets, you often see burrs or rough spots from the drilling process. Here, every hole is clean. This prevents the “sawing” effect where the cymbal’s holes act like a grater on your sticks. I noticed significantly less wood shaving accumulation on my rug after using these compared to other budget-tier silent cymbals I’ve tested in the past.
Practical Application: Beyond the Bedroom
While advertised for practice, I found that the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set has a life beyond the bedroom. We experimented with these in a small acoustic “coffee shop” rehearsal setting and the results were impressive. When paired with “hot rods” or brushes, these cymbals allow a drummer to play with much more dynamics without overpowering an acoustic guitar or a singer. They are “melodic and versatile,” as one user noted, and I agree. The volume is low enough that you don’t need earplugs, which actually helps with the overall “ear-to-hand” connection during a session. You can hear the nuances of the music much better when the cymbals aren’t creating a wall of high-frequency noise.
Furthermore, for home recording, these are a “secret weapon.” If you use low-volume drum heads (like mesh heads) but find that electronic cymbal triggers sound fake, you can mic these up. Because they are 60-70% quieter, you can crank the gain on your overhead mics without worrying about the cymbals bleeding into every other drum mic. They provide a “real” metal sound that fits perfectly into a demo mix. To see how other drummers are using these in their home studios, you can explore the latest user galleries and reviews. The included bag makes transporting them to these small-scale gigs or rehearsals a breeze, providing a level of portability that is often overlooked in practice-focused sets.
What Other Users Are Saying
The general sentiment from the drumming community regarding the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set is one of pleasant surprise. Many users entered the purchase with low expectations due to the “off-brand” nature of the product but left as advocates. One drummer noted that they “love these black cymbals so much they bought a second set,” emphasizing that the tone is well-matched across the different sizes. Another user, who recently moved into a townhome, mentioned that these cymbals allowed them to keep their acoustic kit alive, noting that the black paint actually helps reduce sustain and ring—a crucial factor for those in tight living quarters.
However, it’s not all universal praise. Some users pointed out that they “are not as quiet as expected” and warned against playing them in the middle of the night if your walls are particularly thin. Another common critique involves the sizing; as we mentioned earlier, a few users were surprised to find the cymbals are metric and therefore a fraction of an inch smaller than standard imperial sizes. One user specifically mentioned, “the hats are 35cm… which comes out a bit smaller.” Despite these minor grievances, the consensus is that the value-for-money ratio is unbeatable. Most drummers agree that paying four times as much for a big-name brand doesn’t necessarily yield a four-times-better sound, making these an “incredible value” for the vast majority of players.
How the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set Compares to Alternatives
When shopping for a cymbal pack, it’s important to know whether you need a dedicated “silent” set or a traditional “entry-level” set. Here is how our main product stacks up against some popular alternatives.
1. Zildjian Planet Z Complete 14/16/20-inch Cymbal Set
- The Zildjian Planet Z Complete Pack is a superb entry level cymbal pack which makes a great upgrade to beginner or student set of cymbals
- This box set of Planet Z cymbals include the standard sizes in one convenient package a pair of full-size 14" Hi-Hats a 16" Crash and a full-sized 20" Ride cymbal
The Zildjian Planet Z set is a traditional brass cymbal pack. Unlike the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set, these are NOT low-volume. They are designed for beginners who need a full-volume, “real” cymbal sound for garage bands or loud practice. If your primary goal is noise reduction, the Planet Z set will be way too loud for an apartment. However, if you are looking for that classic Zildjian brand name and need cymbals that can cut through a loud guitar amp, these are a better choice. They offer a more traditional “wash” and a much more pronounced bell sound on the ride, but they lack the “quiet practice” utility of our main review subject.
2. Meinl HCS1418+14C Cymbal Set
- MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared...
- WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses...
The Meinl HCS series is widely considered the gold standard for “budget” brass cymbals. They have a warmer, more musical tone than the Planet Z series and are very durable. However, much like the Zildjians, these are full-volume cymbals. Comparing them to the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set is like comparing a sports car to an electric commuter car—they serve entirely different purposes. You would choose the Meinl HCS if you were playing your first live gigs and needed reliable, “standard” sounding cymbals. But for late-night apartment drills, the Meinl HCS would likely result in an angry knock on the door from your neighbors.
3. Meinl Percussion Cymbal Set Box Pack with Hihats, Crash, Splash, Sticks & Lessons
- MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared...
- WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses...
This Meinl pack is a “complete starter kit” that even includes sticks and lessons. It’s an incredible value for a brand-new drummer who has nothing. It includes a smaller 13″ hi-hat and a 14″ crash, plus a splash. Again, these are made of brass and are designed for standard volume play. The main advantage here is the “bundle” aspect. However, if you already have sticks and a kit and your specific problem is volume, this pack won’t help you. The CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set remains the superior choice for the specific niche of “quiet, realistic-feeling practice” that allows you to play for hours without ear fatigue.
Final Verdict: Is the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set Worth It?
After a deep dive into the performance, build quality, and user feedback, the CYMBALS Low Volume 4-Piece Cymbal Set stands out as one of the best investments a modern drummer can make for their home setup. Its primary strength lies in its balance of price and performance. You get a full 5-piece set (including the hi-hat pair) for a fraction of what you’d pay for “name brand” silent cymbals, without a significant sacrifice in durability or feel. The stainless steel construction is robust, the black finish is aesthetically pleasing and tonally beneficial, and the 60-70% volume reduction is the “sweet spot” for maintaining musicality while keeping the peace.
We recommend this set to any drummer who is currently using rubber mutes or who is frustrated by the lack of “feel” on an electronic kit. While the ride cymbal bell is a bit flat and the metric sizing is a quirk to keep in mind, these are minor trade-offs for the incredible value provided. If you want to take your home practice to the next level and finally play with the dynamics and touch of a real kit, this is the way to do it. Don’t let volume restrictions hold back your drumming progress any longer; grab your set today and start practicing whenever you want.
Last update on 2026-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API