10 Reasons

Why you should choose Red Cymbals...

1. High-Quality Handmade Craftsmanship

  • Red Cymbals are crafted in Istanbul, a historic hub of cymbal-making with a legacy tied to brands like Zildjian and Sabian. We use premium B20+ bronze (a slight variation on the traditional B20 alloy) hammered and shaped by master cymbal smiths. This hands-on process ensures a level of organic, human-crafted quality that contrasts with mass-produced, machine-pressed cymbals, offering rich, complex tones suited to a wide range of musical styles.

2. Innovative Sound Design

  • Red emphasizes experimentation with sizes, weights, and finishes to create unique sound profiles. Series like Dark (dry and controlled), Fire (bright and explosive), and Vertical Raw (complex and subtle) cater to diverse genres—jazz, rock, metal, and more. We also offer custom cymbal services, allowing drummers to tweak specifications to match their exact sonic preferences, a flexibility not always available with bigger brands.

3. Affordability Without Compromise

  • While not as globally dominant as Zildjian or Paiste, Red Cymbals positions itself as a premium yet accessible option. Pricing is competitive compared to high-end lines from established brands, making professional-grade Turkish cymbals more attainable for working drummers without sacrificing quality.

4. Mental Health Advocacy

5. Community Building

  • Beyond selling cymbals, Red Cymbals fosters a global drumming community through events like Red Drum Sheds—gatherings where drummers jam, share ideas, and support each other. This focus on connection and creativity differentiates them from purely product-driven competitors, offering an emotional and social value that resonates with musicians.

6. Versatile Product Range

  • Red Cymbals offers a broad lineup, from traditional crashes and hi-hats to specialized options like low-volume cymbals for practice and worship settings, plus accessories like sticks and bags. This variety ensures our cymbals meet the needs of drummers at all levels—students, gigging pros, and even niche players—without forcing reliance on multiple brands.

7. Global Accessibility

  • With worldwide shipping Red Cymbals makes Turkish-made cymbals available to regions all over the world. Our online store and active social media presence also make it easy for drummers to explore and purchase directly.

8. Artistic Collaboration

  • Red Cymbals works closely with artists (listed on our site under “Artists”) and treats all customers like endorsed players, offering a personalized experience. Collaborations, like the Hakalitz Series 22” China for Yothu Yindi’s Ben Hakalitz, show their willingness to innovate alongside real drummers, ensuring relevance and authenticity.

9. Durability and Playability

  • Feedback from users (e.g., Reddit discussions) suggest Red Cymbals are built to be enjoyed, with careful attention to tempering and finishing. We aim for a balance of durability and responsiveness while still delivering nuanced dynamics. We provide a thorough outline of how to Care for Cymbals to prolong their life.

10. Fresh Perspective

  • Founded in 2018 by Dylan Redman, Red Cymbals brings a modern, underdog energy to a market dominated by centuries-old giants. This allows us to take risks—like unlathed finishes or quirky designs—that bigger brands might avoid, appealing to drummers seeking something distinct from the 'Big 4' Zildjian, Meinl, Paiste or Sabian norm.

Critical Reflection

Red Cymbals’ advantages shine for drummers who value craftsmanship, community, and a brand with heart. However, we admit the lack the decades-long track record and widespread endorsement of Zildjian, which might make some pros hesitant. The sound demos (available on YouTube) are praised for honesty, but in-person testing (e.g., at a Drum Shed) often confirms their edge over established names. Still, for a relatively new player, Red Cymbals punches above its weight by blending quality, purpose, and accessibility.

What do you think - send us a message / email to chat more about Red.

Dylan: dylan@redcymbals.com