AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 12" Orchestral Cymbals Under $100 2026
The top pick is Thomann 12" B20 Marching Cymbals ($66). Thomann 12" Copper Pl Marching Cymbals gives you the most for the money at $21. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size12"
- Weight1.3 kg
These are 12-inch marching crash cymbals made from B20 Bronze. They come with straps and felt pads, so you can get set up right away. They suit you if you need a pair for marching or crash parts and want everything in one box.
Pros
- Made from B20 Bronze, a common alloy for cymbals
- 12-inch size suits marching and crash use
- Comes with straps for easy holding
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- Size12"
These are 12 inch copper cymbals made for marching and orchestral use. You get a pair with a lacquer finish and loops, so you can start playing right away. They suit you if you need a simple, affordable pair for a marching band or orchestra.
Pros
- Made of copper, a metal used for this type of cymbal
- Lacquer finish on the copper surface
- Sold as a pair, so you get two cymbals in one package
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- Size13"
You get a pair of 13 inch copper cymbals with a lacquer finish, and they come with loops for holding them. They are made for both marching and orchestral playing, so they suit a marching band or an orchestra. Check the listed weight before you buy, since it looks unusually high.
Pros
- Made of copper for a metal cymbal build
- Lacquer finish on the cymbals
- Loops included for holding the cymbals
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- Size12"
These are 12 inch brass cymbals made for marching and orchestral use. You get a pair, and loops are already included, so you can start playing right away. They suit you if you need a basic, ready-to-use pair for a marching band or orchestra.
Pros
- Made of brass, a metal used for many marching and orchestral cymbals
- Comes in a 12 inch size, a common size for crashing
- Loops are included, so the pair is ready to play
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- Size13"
These are 13 inch brass cymbals, sold as a pair. They are made for marching and orchestral use, and loops come with them, so you can hold them as soon as you open the box. If you need a pair for a marching band or an orchestra, these are a simple, budget-friendly choice to look at.
Pros
- Sold as a pair, so you get two cymbals in one purchase
- Made of brass, a metal used for cymbals
- Sized at 13 inches for marching and orchestral use
12" Orchestral Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 5 models we track, not a sample.
median of 5 models · 12"–13"
How to choose the best 12" orchestral cymbals
Sustain
At this price point, don't expect long, shimmering sustain. Most will have a shorter decay, which can be good for tighter orchestral passages but limits their versatility. Listen for a clean decay, not a choked-off one.
Articulation
You need to hear the nuances of the music. Look for cymbals that respond well to lighter strokes and allow for subtle dynamic changes. Muffled or overly dark sounds can really kill articulation.
Overall Tone
Most under-$100 cymbals lean towards a brighter, more defined sound. They won't have that complex, vintage wash you find on higher-end models, but they should avoid being overly harsh or 'ice-picky'.
Durability/Lathing
Budget cymbals are often thinner and more prone to cracking. Check the lathing - sloppy edges are a sign of rushed manufacturing and can lead to unwanted overtones and premature failure.
Versatility
Orchestral cymbals need to be relatively clean and controlled. While you might want a little shimmer, avoid anything too splashy or aggressively loud, as they'll be less useful across different musical contexts.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need 12" orchestral cymbals for your gig or student ensemble, and you're trying to keep it under a hundred bucks? It's doable, but you gotta know what you're getting into. You're not gonna find Zildjian A quality here, but there are definitely some decent-sounding, reliable options that won't break the bank. Let's break down the best ones in that budget, so you don't end up with a pile of clang and frustration.
Realistically, at this price, you're trading off complexity and refinement for affordability. Don't expect a ton of tonal nuance or a perfectly hammered finish. Look for cymbals that are consistently made - a set of four should sound relatively similar.
If you're serious about the sound, consider buying individual cymbals and mixing brands to find a tone you like, even if it means slightly exceeding your budget.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 5 12" orchestral cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are these cymbals good for recording?
They can be, but you'll likely need to EQ to tame any harshness or unwanted frequencies. A good de-esser can also help. Don't expect them to sound like a professional studio cymbal, though.
Will these cymbals cut through a rock band mix?
Probably not on their own. They're designed for orchestral settings where they need to be controlled. You'll need to hit them harder and might still struggle to be heard without some mic trickery.
What's the difference between a 'medium' and 'bright' orchestral cymbal?
Generally, 'medium' is a bit more balanced and versatile, while 'bright' will have more high-frequency content - be careful, it can easily sound brittle if it's not done well.
Are these cymbals prone to cracking?
Yes, more so than higher-quality cymbals. Handle them with care, avoid hitting them too hard, and store them properly to minimize the risk.
Can I expect a hammered finish?
Unlikely. Most budget orchestral cymbals have a machine-hammered or even a cast finish, which is less complex and refined than a hand-hammered cymbal. It's a cost-saving measure.
