How to Set Up Drum Cymbals
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To set up drum cymbals, mount each cymbal on its stand, put the hi-hat pair on the hi-hat stand, and place the crash, ride and splash where each is in reach. Check that each cymbal sits level on its felt, moves freely on the stand, and clears the drums and the other cymbals.
Put the hi-hats on the hi-hat stand
The hi-hats come as a pair, a top and a bottom. Set the bottom cymbal on the stand with the bell facing up, then set the top cymbal over it with the bell facing down. Close the clutch on the rod so the top cymbal stays in place, and check that the pair opens and closes when you press the pedal.
Mount the crash and the ride
Put the crash on a cymbal stand to the side you strike from, and put the ride on a stand on the other side. Set each cymbal on the felt with the bell facing up, then tighten the wing nut only until the cymbal stays on the stand. Leave the cymbal free to move on the stand, and angle each one toward you so the edge is in reach.
Add the splash and check the spacing
Put the splash on its own stand or on a mount above the other cymbals. Check that no cymbal touches another cymbal or a drum when you strike it, and move the stands until each cymbal has room to swing. Sit at the kit and check that each cymbal is in reach without stretching across the drums.
Tighten the stands and check each cymbal
Tighten each stand so it does not slip or tilt while you play. Strike each cymbal once and watch how it moves, then loosen the wing nut a little if a cymbal is held stiff against the felt. Wipe each cymbal with a soft dry cloth when dust or marks build up, and store the cymbals flat or on their stands when the kit is not in use.
What you need
Meinl Cymbals HCS Box Set Cymbals
A brass box set with 13 inch hihats, a 14 inch crash and a free 10 inch splash, plus 5A hickory drumsticks and online drum lessons.
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- 2-year warranty stated
Meinl Cymbal Set Box Pack with 14”
A brass box set with 14 inch hihats, a 16 inch crash, a 20 inch ride and a free 10 inch splash, with a 2-year warranty.
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- 2-year warranty stated
SABIAN SBR Cymbal Set
A brass cymbal set with 14 inch hats, a 20 inch ride, a 16 inch crash and a free 10 inch splash, with a two-year warranty.
- Cymbal pack
- Alloy: Brass
- Two-year warranty stated
Zildjian A0230 16" A Medium Thin Crash
A 16 inch bronze medium thin crash cymbal with a one-year warranty, made for gigging and studio drummers.
- Alloy: Bronze
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Cymbals, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Where do the hi-hats go on a drum kit?
On the hi-hat stand, with the bottom cymbal bell up and the top cymbal bell down. The clutch holds the top cymbal on the rod, and the pedal opens and closes the pair.
How tight should the wing nut on a cymbal stand be?
Tighten it only until the cymbal stays on the stand. The cymbal should move freely on the stand, so loosen the wing nut a little if the cymbal is held stiff against the felt.
What cymbals come in a box set?
The Meinl sets here include hihats, a crash and a free splash, and the larger Meinl set adds a ride. The SABIAN set includes hats, a ride, a crash and a free splash, while the Zildjian pick is a single crash cymbal.
Ranked cymbals lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.