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Best 16" Orchestral Cymbals Under $800 2025

Affordable 16" orchestral cymbals under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Symphony For Large Orchestra For Opera For Dramatic Classical For Film Scoring
BRANDS: Zildjian Meinl Istanbul Agop Sabian
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Istanbul Agop Orchestral 16"

by Istanbul Agop
Opera Dramatic Classical Large Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Long sustain capability
✓ PROS
  • • Long sustain capability
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for delicate passages
  • • Heavy and tiring to play

Istanbul Agop Orchestral 16"Concert CymbalsOrchestral SeriesSize: 16"Weight (pair): Approx. 2.9 kgIncludes...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 242044
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 16" A' Stadium M - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Zildjian 16" A' Stadium M

by Zildjian
Dramatic Classical Film Scoring Large Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Long sustain capability
✓ PROS
  • • Powerful orchestral presence
  • • Long sustain capability
✗ CONS
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble
  • • Expensive professional investment

Zildjian 16" A' Stadium MOrchestral CymbalsSize: 16"MediumSpecially designed in close collaboration with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237572
$648
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 16"

by Istanbul Agop
Opera Dramatic Classical Large Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Excellent for dramatic climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for dramatic climaxes
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive professional investment
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble

Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 16"Concert CymbalsSuper Symphonic SeriesSize: 16"Weight (pair): Approx. 3.2...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 242039
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Marching 16" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Istanbul Agop Marching 16"

by Istanbul Agop
Symphony Dramatic Classical Opera
Key Feature:
• Long sustain capability
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for dramatic climaxes
  • • Powerful orchestral presence
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for delicate passages
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble

Istanbul Agop Marching 16", Marching Cymbals, Size: 16", Weight (pair): Approx. 3.5 kg, Includes hand slings,...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 242049
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sabian 16" AA Viennese Medium Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sabian 16" AA Viennese Medium Natural

by Sabian
Dramatic Classical Opera Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Excellent for dramatic climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Professional concert standard
  • • Powerful orchestral presence
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for delicate passages
  • • Heavy and tiring to play

Sabian 16" Viennese Medium NaturalMarching and Orchestral Cymbals (pair)Size: 16"MediumNatural finishMedium...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 191335
$791
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 16" A' Stadium MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Zildjian 16" A' Stadium MH

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Large Orchestra Dramatic Classical
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Professional concert standard
✗ CONS
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble
  • • Heavy and tiring to play

Zildjian 16" A' Stadium MHOrchestral CymbalsSize: 16"Medium Heavy - Extra weight for extra...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 237574
$648
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 16" Symphonic Medium - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Meinl 16" Symphonic Medium

by Meinl
Opera Large Orchestra Symphony
Key Feature:
• Powerful orchestral presence
✓ PROS
  • • Powerful orchestral presence
  • • Professional concert standard
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and tiring to play
  • • Not suitable for delicate passages

Meinl 16" Symphonic MediumConcert CymbalsSize: 16"SymphonicMediumWeight (pair): Approx. 2.5 kgIncludes...

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 264661
$736
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 16" Orchestra Heritage - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Zultan 16" Orchestra Heritage

by Zultan
Symphony Dramatic Classical Opera
Key Feature:
• Long sustain capability
✓ PROS
  • • Professional concert standard
  • • Rich harmonic content
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and tiring to play
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble

Zultan 16" Orchestra HeritageOrchestral CymbalsSize: 16"Heritage SeriesFrom traditional Turkish...

⭐ 4.6/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 575582
$548
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel. ML - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel. ML

by Zildjian
Large Orchestra Opera Symphony
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Long sustain capability
  • • Professional concert standard
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive professional investment
  • • Requires advanced technique

Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel.Orchestra CymbalsSize: 16"Medium LightSpecial cymbals with instant...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 237519
$758
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel. MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel. MH

by Zildjian
Dramatic Classical Film Scoring Symphony
Key Feature:
• Powerful orchestral presence
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent for dramatic climaxes
  • • Long sustain capability
✗ CONS
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble
  • • Expensive professional investment

Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel. MHOrchestral CymbalsSize: 16"Medium heavyHeavier cymbals for more power...

⭐ 5.0/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 237520
$758
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 16" A' Z-mac M - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Zildjian 16" A' Z-mac M

by Zildjian
Dramatic Classical Symphony Large Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Professional concert standard
✓ PROS
  • • Long sustain capability
  • • Excellent for dramatic climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and tiring to play
  • • Requires advanced technique

Zildjian 16" A' Z-mac MOrchestral CymbalsSize: 16"MediumThese versatile cymbals offer the right sound...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237529
$648
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 16" Symphonic Heavy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Meinl 16" Symphonic Heavy

by Meinl
Opera Dramatic Classical Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Rich harmonic content
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Powerful orchestral presence
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for delicate passages
  • • Heavy and tiring to play

Meinl 16" Symphonic HeavyConcert CymbalsSize: 16"SymphonicHeavyWeight (pair): Approx. 3.1 kgIncludes concert...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 264665
$736
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 16" Symphonic Thin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Meinl 16" Symphonic Thin

by Meinl
Large Orchestra Symphony Opera
Key Feature:
• Professional concert standard
✓ PROS
  • • Professional concert standard
  • • Powerful orchestral presence
✗ CONS
  • • Heavy and tiring to play
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble

Meinl 16" Symphonic ThinConcert CymbalsSize: 16"SymphonicThinWeight (pair): Approx. 2.3 kgIncludes concert...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 264657
$736
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 16" B12 Marching Cymbal - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Meinl 16" B12 Marching Cymbal

by Meinl
Large Orchestra Opera Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Long sustain capability
✓ PROS
  • • Rich harmonic content
  • • Excellent for dramatic climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Can easily overpower ensemble
  • • Not suitable for delicate passages

Meinl 16" B12 Marching CymbalMarching CymbalsSize: 16"MediumDarker tonal characterWarm overtones that blend...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 250844
$593
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 16" Orchestral 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" orchestral 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.

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