AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 17" Orchestral Cymbals for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 17" K' Symphonic heavy ($955). Zultan 17" Orchestra Heritage Heavy gives you the most for the money at $620. Sabian 17" Artisan Trad. Sym. ML leads the high end. 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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- 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"
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 ↗ -
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 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"
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
Wash
An orchestral 17" needs a beautiful, controlled wash - not a splashy, uncontrolled clang. We're looking for a gradual build, not a sudden spike in volume. A good wash is critical for those slow swells and atmospheric passages.
Stick Definition
While wash is key, you still need to hear the stick clearly. We want articulate stick definition, especially for those delicate, quick hits. Muddy stick sounds are a no-go, especially when you're trying to cut through a full orchestra.
Sustain & Decay
The sustain needs to be long enough to create a full, resonant sound, but the decay needs to be controlled so it doesn't linger and get in the way of the next hit. It's a balancing act - too much of either is a problem.
Overall Tone Color
Orchestral cymbals shouldn't be harsh or piercing. We're aiming for a warm, complex tone with a hint of shimmer, avoiding that ice-picky high-end that just sounds brittle and unpleasant.
Weight & Action
A heavier cymbal will generally have more sustain and a fuller sound, while a lighter cymbal will be more responsive and easier to control. Intermediate players need something balanced - not too heavy to be unwieldy, but not so light it feels flimsy.
Buying guide
So, you're moving beyond the basic crash-ride combo and wanting to flesh out your orchestral cymbal setup? The 17" orchestral is a sweet spot - big enough to project, but still manageable. It's the workhorse for swells, shimmering washes, and those delicate accents that define a good orchestral sound. But wading through the options can be overwhelming; let's cut through the noise and find something that'll actually inspire your playing.
For intermediate players, don't chase the top-tier boutique brands just yet. Those are for the pros who'll mic every nuance. Look for reputable manufacturers - Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste - but consider their entry-level or "medium" lines.
A lot of budget cymbals cut corners on lathing, which leads to a rough action and a shorter lifespan. Also, be wary of cymbals that sound overly bright; that's often a sign of thin metal and a lack of tonal complexity. It's better to spend a little more for something that will last and sound good for years.
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 an orchestral and a crash cymbal?
Orchestral cymbals are typically thinner and designed for a broader, more wash-focused sound. Crash cymbals are generally heavier and designed for a more explosive, impactful sound. Think subtle shimmer versus a dramatic accent.
Are 17" cymbals loud enough for a live orchestra?
Generally, yes, especially if you have a good mic setup. But if you're playing in a huge hall with a massive ensemble, you might want to consider going slightly larger.
Can I use a 17" cymbal as a crash?
You can, but it won't have the same impact as a dedicated crash cymbal. It'll be more subtle, which can be a good thing if you're trying to avoid overpowering the orchestra.
What kind of music are 17" orchestral cymbals best for?
They're versatile! Film scores, classical music, neo-classical, even some progressive rock - anywhere you need those shimmering, atmospheric textures.
I'm on a budget. What's the absolute minimum I should spend?
I'd say $100-150 for a decent 17" orchestral. Anything cheaper and you're likely to get a thin, brittle cymbal that won't hold up to regular gigging.
