Paiste vs Zildjian:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Zildjian had more branded searches than Paiste among cymbal brands in New Zealand. Zildjian had about 240 branded searches, while Paiste had 70. Zildjian made up 42.1% of all cymbal brand searches we track, and Paiste accounted for 12.3%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about cymbal brands, both Paiste and Zildjian appeared in all five answers. Zildjian was mentioned before Paiste in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Zildjian, about 3 searches for every 1 for Paiste
Who does AI mention more?
Both are mentioned in every answer we collected.
Who does AI recommend more?
Zildjian, named ahead of Paiste in every answer
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Top cymbal brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, both Paiste and Zildjian showed up in all five answers. Zildjian was listed before Paiste in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
- Zildjian1st
Sabian2nd
Paiste3rd
Meinl4th- Istanbul Agop5th
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Zildjian5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Meinl5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Paiste5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
- Sabian4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Istanbul Agop3 of 5Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about cymbal brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which cymbal brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best cymbal brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best cymbal brand in New Zealand for drum kit upgrade?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best cymbal brands”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“hi hat cymbals”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Is Paiste or Zildjian more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Paiste and Zildjian by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all five cymbal brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Zildjian, Paiste. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Zildjian | Sabian | Istanbul Agop | Meinl | Paiste |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 40.4% | 25% | 7.7% | 15.4% | 11.5% |
| Nov 2025 | 43.6% | 21.8% | 9.1% | 12.7% | 12.7% |
| Dec 2025 | 45.7% | 22.9% | 5.7% | 12.9% | 12.9% |
| Jan 2026 | 44.4% | 16.7% | 9.3% | 14.8% | 14.8% |
| Feb 2026 | 46.2% | 23.1% | 7.7% | 13.5% | 9.6% |
| Mar 2026 | 48.1% | 14.8% | 13% | 13% | 11.1% |
| Apr 2026 | 50% | 18.3% | 6.7% | 15% | 10% |
| May 2026 | 42.6% | 16.4% | 14.8% | 13.1% | 13.1% |
| Jun 2026 | 42.4% | 18.2% | 13.6% | 12.1% | 13.6% |
| Jul 2026 | 48.3% | 17.2% | 12.1% | 10.3% | 12.1% |
| Aug 2026 | 50% | 15.7% | 12.9% | 11.4% | 10% |
| Sep 2026 | 42.1% | 21.1% | 12.3% | 12.3% | 12.3% |
How has the Paiste and Zildjian comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Zildjian was ahead of Paiste in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Paiste’s share of searches among cymbal brands in New Zealand moved from 11.5% to 12.3%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 60 to 70.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Zildjian’s share of searches among cymbal brands in New Zealand moved from 40.4% to 42.1%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 210 to 240.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand cymbal brands in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Paiste gained share of searches among cymbal brands in New Zealand, from 10% to 12.3%.
In September 2026, Zildjian lost share of searches among cymbal brands in New Zealand, from 50% to 42.1%.
How are branded searches counted?
4 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Paiste’s and Zildjian’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
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