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 toward beginner/intermediate players 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 like stock cymbals WHAT'S IN THE BOX: includes one 16" trash crash cymbal; it sounds like a cross between a china cymbal and a dark crash; hole cut-outs give it its trashy tone, and it's great for accents, cymbal stacking, or heavy fills with its quick sustain DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones CATCH UP QUICK: HCS exceeds expectations because Meinl brings experience crafting cymbals since 1951; we make HCS and other lines in our German factory, and our top-of-the-line professional Byzance cymbals are hand hammered in Turkey from cast B20 bronze ZOOM IN: the surface shimmers and shines under light, which is a bonus if you like your kit to look beautiful; HCS cymbals also feature the same logo treatment as our professional lines, including a small laser engraved logo and serial number OF NOTE: you can find any sound in the seemingly never-ending selection of cymbal types in the HCS line; all essentials in multiple sizes are covered along with effects cymbals that let you expand your sound with variety THE BOTTOM LINE: this is a German made, top-quality entry level cymbal that resembles more high-end models with its crisp, bright tone and musical feel; it has a long lifespan, even for hard hitters, and fits any musical style