Ever looked at the price tag on a cymbal and thought, “What the hell??” You’re not alone. The average cost of a brand new cymbal today is anywhere from $250 to $600 — and a full set can easily blow past $1,200. But WHY?

1. Raw Materials Ain’t Cheap

B20 bronze isn’t just any metal—it’s imported, high-quality, and expensive. With global metal prices going up, you’re already paying top dollar before the cymbal is even shaped.

2. Handmade Hype

“Hand-hammered” sounds cool—and sometimes it is—but it also means higher labor costs. Some brands milk the artisan label while outsourcing mass production. You’re paying for the *idea* of craftsmanship, not always the reality.

3. Branding, Baby

Big names know you’ll pay more just because it’s got a famous logo. You’re not just buying metal—you’re buying status. And they know it.

4. Artist Endorsements

Endorsements don’t come cheap. Guess who helps foot the bill? You do. Every time you buy that hyped-up signature model, you're helping pay for someone else's tour.

5. Inflation & Global Manufacturing Costs

Shipping, materials, tariffs—it’s all gone up. If it’s being handmade in Turkey or even semi-handmade in China, it’s going to reflect in the final price.

So... Are Expensive Cymbals Worth It?

Sometimes, yes. If it sounds like YOU, it’s worth the dough. But don’t get caught up in the hype. Learn the difference between paying for sound and paying for marketing fluff.

What Smash Cymbals Is Doing Differently

We cut the BS. Smash Cymbals delivers high-quality, hand-hammered cymbals without slapping you with celebrity markups or fake exclusivity. You get real bronze, real sound, and real value.