AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 17" Orchestral Cymbals for Advanced 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
Top 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"
- 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 Synergy Brilliant M cymbals are a serious step up for the discerning orchestral percussionist. The combination of clarity, shimmering overtones, and a beautifully finished surface make them incredibly responsive and musical – perfect for achieving a refined, professional sound in a concert setting. They’re built to last, but the price reflects that level of quality.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and sustain for orchestral work.
- HHX Synergy hammering creates complex, shimmering overtones.
- Brilliant finish offers a refined, modern aesthetic.
Cons
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for most players.
- Brilliant finish may be too bright for some orchestral settings.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,093 now$1,093€979 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"
- 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"
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 ↗
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
Wash vs. Stick Definition
Advanced players need that sweet spot - enough wash for swells and atmospheric textures, but clear stick definition for intricate patterns. Too much wash and you're just adding noise; too much definition and you lose the orchestral feel.
Sustain & Decay
It's not just about how long the cymbal rings, but the character of that sustain. A quick, glassy decay can sound thin, while a long, lingering sustain can muddy the mix. We're looking for a controlled decay that complements the ensemble.
Dynamic Range
Can the cymbal whisper when you need it to, and roar when the moment calls for it? A limited dynamic range will force you to compensate, and that's tiring. We're looking for a cymbal that responds to subtle nuances.
Timbral Complexity
Orchestral playing demands a wide palette of sounds. A flat, one-dimensional tone won't cut it. We want to hear those overtones, those subtle shifts in timbre as you change your playing technique.
Lathing & Hammering
The lathing (how the cymbal is cut from the sheet) and hammering patterns fundamentally shape the sound. Hand-hammered cymbals generally offer more complexity, but require a more delicate touch to fully unlock their potential. Machine-lathing can be more consistent but sometimes lacks character.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're past the beginner crash-and-ride phase and actually want to play some orchestral percussion. The 17" orchestral cymbal is a weird size - not quite a crash, not quite a ride - but a crucial link in the chain for nuanced dynamics and complex patterns. Finding one that responds to your touch and cuts through an orchestra without sounding brittle takes some digging. This isn't about shiny marketing; it's about cymbals that work for serious players.
Don't chase the "brightest" or "loudest" cymbal. Those are beginner traps. Listen for complexity and responsiveness.
Cheaper 17" orchestral cymbals often thin out quickly and lack that crucial low-midrange warmth, so be prepared to replace them sooner. Paying more gets you better hammering, more consistent lathing, and a more nuanced sound, but it also means a steeper learning curve - you need to earn that tone.
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
What's the difference between a 16" and a 17" orchestral?
The 17" offers a slightly richer, more complex sound and a bit more sustain. It's a good step up from the 16" when you're starting to really dial in your orchestral technique.
Are heavier 17" cymbals better?
Not necessarily. Heavier cymbals can offer more volume, but they also require more force to articulate. It's about finding the weight that allows you to control the dynamics and nuances you need.
I'm on a tight budget. What should I look for?
Focus on a cymbal with decent articulation, even if the sustain isn't amazing. A muddy, undefined cymbal will just get lost in the mix. Consider a B-stock option to save some cash.
Can I use a 17" as a ride cymbal?
It's possible, but it won't have the bell definition of a dedicated ride. It's more of a hybrid - useful for subtle patterns and lighter grooves, but not ideal for a driving rock beat.
How do I care for my orchestral cymbals?
Keep them clean! Use a good cymbal cleaner regularly, and avoid hitting them too hard. Proper care extends their life and preserves their tone.
