AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 17" Orchestral Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 17" K Constantinople Suspended Orchestral Cymbal ($1,178). Zultan 17" Orchestra Heritage Heavy gives you the most for the money at $620. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 11 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 17" Orchestral CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 17" K Constantinople Suspended Orchestral Cymbal
17" K Constantinople SS MH · Zildjian
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size17"
- Weight3.5 kg
You get a pair of 17-inch orchestral cymbals in a Medium Heavy weight, made for professional use. Their shimmering lows and dark, expressive overtones suit orchestral music, so this is a good pick if that's your world. Hand straps come with them, so you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Medium Heavy weight suits professional orchestral playing
- Shimmering lows give the cymbal a lively low end
- Warm, dark, and expressive overtones add character to the sound
92AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,178 now$1,178€1,055 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight4.3 kg
You get a pair of 17-inch heavy orchestral cymbals with a traditional finish. They keep an even timbre from soft to loud, with a mid-focused core and a balanced attack and sustain. These suit professional players who want orchestral cymbals with that steady, even character, and hand straps come in the box.
Pros
- Heavy weight class suited to orchestral and concert use
- Even timbre across all dynamic levels, from soft to loud
- Mid-focused core sound with a balanced attack and sustain
Cons
- Each pair weighs approximately 4.3 kg, which is heavy to hold for long passages
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$955 now$955€855 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight3.8 kg
These Istanbul Agop Marching 17s are built for serious volume and clarity on the field. The B20 bronze delivers a really gorgeous, complex shimmer, and the build quality is top-notch. They're ideal for drum corps, parade bands, and large orchestral percussion sections needing a focused, powerful crash.
Pros
- Exceptional projection and volume for marching applications
- Hand-hammered bronze creates a complex, shimmering wash
- Robust lathing and bracing ensure durability under demanding use
Cons
- Limited versatility outside of marching and large orchestral settings
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$658 now$658€589 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight3.2 kg
These are 17 inch concert cymbals from the Istanbul Agop Orchestral series, sold as a pair with hand straps. They suit you if you play in an orchestra or band and want a matched pair of concert cymbals. Keep in mind that the pair weighs about 3.2 kg, so plan for that during long rehearsals or shows.
Pros
- Concert-style orchestral cymbals in the 17 inch size
- Part of the Istanbul Agop Orchestral series
- Sold as a pair, so you get two matched cymbals
Cons
- Each pair weighs approximately 3.2 kg, which can tire you out in long sessions
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$658 now$658€589 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight3.6 kg
You get a pair of 17-inch concert cymbals from the Super Symphonic series, with hand straps included. This pair suits you if you play concert or orchestral percussion and want a full-size set ready to use. Keep the weight in mind, since 3.6 kg for the pair is a lot to hold through a long piece.
Pros
- Super Symphonic series concert cymbals from Istanbul Agop
- 17-inch size is a full concert-cymbal size
- Sold as a pair, so you get both cymbals in one purchase
Cons
- At 3.6 kg per pair, the weight can be tiring over long pieces
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$658 now$658€589 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight4 kg
This is a 17 inch pair of orchestral cymbals from traditional Turkish production, part of the Heritage Series and marked Heavy. It comes with a Zultan BG1 handle, so you can start playing when it arrives. If you want a heavy pair of orchestral cymbals from a classic line, you will likely find this one a good fit.
Pros
- Heavy weight of approximately 4 kg suits players wanting a substantial cymbal
- Traditional Turkish production, a long-standing cymbal-making tradition
- Part of the Heritage Series, a line built around classic orchestral cymbals
Cons
- Weighs approximately 4 kg, which is heavy to hold for long sessions
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$620 now$620€555 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight3.6 kg
You get a 17-inch pair of orchestra cymbals in a medium light weight. They respond quickly to your playing and have a short sustain, so each note fades fast. This pair suits you if you want sensitive, lively playing in an orchestra setting. It comes with a protector bag to help keep it safe when you move it.
Pros
- Medium Light weight gives a lively, sensitive response
- Musically complex tone with a short sustain
- Short sustain keeps each note controlled
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,484 now$1,484€1,329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
These are 17-inch orchestral cymbals made for professional concert work. You get bright overtones and harmonic sounds in one medium size and weight, so they handle both quick passages and long crashes. If you play orchestra or concert music and want a cymbal you can control easily, this one is built for that job.
Pros
- Bright outside and traditional inside finish for a blend of overtones and harmonics
- Suits both articulate passages and long crashes in one size and weight
- Very good control, feel, and playability for professional players
58AudioFu
Index↓ 2.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$801 · Aug 17$780 now$780€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
You get a 17 inch orchestra cymbal made for concert halls. It has dark, complex bass tones and an extended dynamic range, so it can handle soft passages and powerful, resonant ones. It suits orchestral percussionists who want control and expression in their classical repertoire.
Pros
- Classical K series cymbal built for concert hall orchestral playing
- Dark, complex and rich bass tones, as its K Classical character describes
- Unrivalled control and expressiveness for repertoire from light passages to powerful sounds
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$959 now$959€859 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
You get a pair of 17-inch orchestral cymbals from Zultan's Heritage Series, made in Turkey using traditional methods. The pair includes the Zultan BG1 cymbal handle, so you have what you need to start playing. These suit you if you are looking for a full-size orchestral pair from a line with a traditional Turkish background.
Pros
- Made in Turkey using traditional production methods
- Part of the Zultan Heritage Series line
- Sized at 17 inches, a full orchestral cymbal size
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$620 now$620€555 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 11 17" orchestral cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
17" Orchestral Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
Median $780 — half of all 17" orchestral cymbals here cost less.
median of 11 models · 17"–17"
median of 7 models · 3.2 kg–4 kg
How to choose the best 17" orchestral cymbals
Weight
Lighter weights (around 700g-850g) will have a quicker response and more shimmering wash, good for delicate passages. Heavier weights (850g+) offer more sustain and a more defined stick attack, better for louder passages or when needing to cut through a dense mix. It's a balance, and the 'best' weight depends on your ensemble's overall sound.
Bell Size & Shape
A larger, more open bell produces a more prominent, darker tone. Smaller bells are brighter and more focused. The bell's shape - a gradual slope versus a more abrupt edge - affects how the sound projects. A wider bell can get muddy quickly if not controlled.
Lathing
Hand-lathing generally results in a more complex, nuanced sound with more overtones. Machine-lathing is more consistent but can sound a bit sterile. The quality of the lathing is critical for articulation; you want to hear what you're hitting, not just a generic 'ping'.
Hammering
Hammering darkens the tone and reduces sustain, adding complexity and a 'vintage' character. The hammering pattern affects the cymbal's response and overall sonic texture. Too much hammering can choke the cymbal's projection - it's a fine line.
Overall Timbre
This is subjective, but listen for a balanced sound. You want clarity without harshness, sustain without muddiness, and a responsive action. Does it blend well with the rest of the orchestra, or does it stick out like a sore thumb? The goal is to enhance, not dominate.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at 17" orchestral cymbals? Smart move. They're the workhorses of the section, sitting right in that sweet spot for clarity and wash - not as cutting as a 16" but with more presence than a 14". Getting the right 17" can make or break your balance with the strings and woodwinds, so let's break down what to listen for. This isn't just about shimmer, it's about musicality.
Don't be fooled by the 'hand-hammered' label alone - cheap cymbals will often have rushed, uneven hammering that just makes them sound dull. Spend a little more for a cymbal that's been properly lathed and hammered. Ultimately, listen to as many as you can - a 17" might look like a 17", but the sonic differences can be huge.
It's about finding that sweet spot for your ensemble's needs.
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 11 17" 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 17" cymbals suitable for solo percussion?
They can be, but they're generally better suited for orchestral settings. Their balanced tone is less impactful for solo work where you want more extreme colors.
What's the difference between a 17" orchestral and a 17" crash?
Orchestral cymbals are generally thinner and more responsive, designed for nuanced playing. Crash cymbals are heavier and louder, built for powerful accents.
Can I use a 17" cymbal as a substitute for a 16" or 18"?
It's a compromise. It won't perfectly replicate the characteristics of either, but it can work in a pinch. Just be aware of the tonal differences - it'll sit somewhere in between.
What's the best way to care for my 17" orchestral cymbals?
Regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner and proper storage (using a felt protector) will extend their lifespan. Avoid hitting them too hard - these aren't built for heavy rock beats.
I'm on a tight budget - what corners are they really cutting?
Cheap 17" cymbals often use thinner, lower-quality alloys that lack complexity and sustain. The hammering is often inconsistent, and the lathing is minimal, resulting in a dull, lifeless sound. You're better off saving up for a better cymbal.
