Best 16" China Cymbals Under $500 2025

Affordable 16" china cymbals under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Large Venues For Power For Professional For Heavy Music

BRANDS: Zultan Meinl Paiste

Zildjian 16" Oriental China Trash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 16" Oriental China Trash

by Zildjian

Metal Power Heavy Music

Key Feature:

• Substantial visual and sonic presence

✓ PROS

• Excellent projection in large venues
• Professional power and sustain

✗ CONS

• Large size requires significant setup space
• Expensive investment

Zildjian 16" Oriental China Trash16" Oriental China TrashOriental seriesBrilliant finishAuthentic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 133875

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 16" Byzance China Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 16" Byzance China Brilliant

by Meinl

Professional Large Venues Heavy Music

Key Feature:

• Professional power and sustain

✓ PROS

• Excellent projection in large venues
• Great for heavy rock and metal

✗ CONS

• Expensive investment
• May be too much for many musical styles

Meinl 16" Byzance China Brilliant16" China CymbalByzance seriesBrilliant finishAggressiveexotic sound with...

⭐ 4.4/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 225661

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 16" Byzance China Traditional - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 16" Byzance China Traditional

by Meinl

Metal Power Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Large 16-inch size for maximum china impact

✓ PROS

• Large 16-inch size for maximum china impact
• Excellent projection in large venues

✗ CONS

• Very loud and potentially overpowering
• May be too much for many musical styles

Meinl 16" Byzance China TraditionalChina CymbalSeries ByzanceSize 16"ChinaByzance cymbals are made in...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 168709

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 16" Signature Thin China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 16" Signature Thin China

by Paiste

Heavy Music Power Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Great for heavy rock and metal

✓ PROS

• Large 16-inch size for maximum china impact
• Great for heavy rock and metal

✗ CONS

• Large size requires significant setup space
• Expensive investment

Paiste 16" Signature Thin China, 16" Thin ChinaOn its quest to develop the optimal cymbal sound, a special...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 128126

$366

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 16" China Samatya Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 16" China Samatya Series

by Istanbul Mehmet

Power Professional Large Venues

Key Feature:

• Great for heavy rock and metal

✓ PROS

• Excellent projection in large venues
• Large 16-inch size for maximum china impact

✗ CONS

• Large size requires significant setup space
• Can dominate mix if not balanced properly

Istanbul Mehmet 16" China Samatya Series16" ChinaSamatya seriesBrilliant finishModernresponsive cymbalIdeal...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 312221

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 16" AAX China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 16" AAX China

by Sabian

Metal Rock Heavy Music

Key Feature:

• Professional power and sustain

✓ PROS

• Large 16-inch size for maximum china impact
• Great for heavy rock and metal

✗ CONS

• Expensive investment
• Large size requires significant setup space

Sabian 16" AAX ChinaChina CymbalAAX SeriesSize: 16"Brilliant finishRipping attack with a largeround tone yet...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 131357

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 16" Byzance Dual China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 16" Byzance Dual China

by Meinl

Heavy Music Large Venues Metal

Key Feature:

• Excellent projection in large venues

✓ PROS

• Great for heavy rock and metal
• Large 16-inch size for maximum china impact

✗ CONS

• Large size requires significant setup space
• Expensive investment

Meinl 16" Byzance Dual ChinaDual China CymbalSize: 16"Material: B20 BronzeHand-hammeredExtra Dry (natural)...

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 483036

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 16" China Cymbals

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 16" china cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 16" China Cymbals Under $500 2025

Zildjian 16" Oriental China Trash

Meinl 16" Byzance China Brilliant

Meinl 16" Byzance China Traditional

Paiste 16" Signature Thin China

Istanbul Mehmet 16" China Samatya Series

Sabian 16" AAX China

Meinl 16" Byzance Dual China

How to Choose the Best 16" China Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 16" china cymbals?

How much should I spend on 16" china cymbals?

Are expensive 16" china cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 16" china cymbals?

Should I buy 16" china cymbals online or in-store?

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