Best 17" Orchestral Cymbals for Large Symphony 2026
Alright, let's talk 17" orchestral cymbals. When you're sitting behind a kit in a massive symphony hall, those little details in your cymbal sound become HUGE. You need something that cuts through a full orchestra without being brittle or harsh - that's a tall order. Forget about those bright, splashy things you see online marketed to pop drummers; we're after a nuanced, musical response here.
Last updated: April 29, 2026 • Next update: May 6, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Istanbul Agop Marching 17"
Film Orchestra
Opera
Concert Hall
Key Feature:
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
- • Well-balanced weight provides responsiveness and control
CONS
- • Limited versatility outside of marching and large orchestral settings
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment
- • The bright sound might not suit all musical genres
⭐
4.5/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 242050
$648
#2
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Sabian 17" Artisan Trad. Sym. ML
by
Sabian
Opera
Professional Recording
Large Symphony
Key Feature:
These Sabian Artisan Traditionals are a serious upgrade for orchestral percussion. The nuanced tone and quick response are perfect for delicate passages and nuanced dynamics – they really shine in a refined setting. If you're a professional or serious student seeking a premium orchestral cymbal, these are a fantastic choice.
PROS
- • Hand-hammered bronze creates a nuanced, complex sonic palette.
- • Medium-light weight provides exceptional responsiveness and quick decay.
- • Artisan series guarantees meticulous craftsmanship and consistent quality control.
- • Warm, musical tone blends seamlessly within orchestral and chamber settings.
CONS
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many percussionists.
- • Limited versatility; shines primarily in orchestral and classical contexts.
- • Sustain, while controlled, might be too short for some contemporary styles.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 539162
$1,462
#3
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Sabian 17" HHX Synergy Brilliant H
by
Sabian
Opera
Concert Hall
Professional Recording
Key Feature:
These Sabian HHX Synergy Brilliant H cymbals are built for serious orchestral work. The heavy weight and brilliant finish combine for a huge, shimmering sound that cuts through a large ensemble. They’re a premium-priced investment, but if you need that authentic, powerful orchestral tone, these are hard to beat.
PROS
- • Heavy weight delivers a powerful, sustained wash ideal for orchestral swells.
- • Brilliant finish provides clear, bright articulation across the entire cymbal surface.
- • HHX Synergy hammering creates a complex, shimmering overtone series.
- • Hand straps offer secure playing, crucial for precise orchestral passages.
CONS
- • The significant weight may be fatiguing for extended use by some players.
- • Brilliant finish can be susceptible to marking and tarnishing over time.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in orchestral settings, less ideal for rock/pop.
⭐
4.6/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 237440
$1,077
#4
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Zultan 17" Orchestra Heritage
by
Zultan
Professional Recording
Large Symphony
Concert Hall
Key Feature:
These Zultan Heritage cymbals are beautifully crafted for the discerning orchestral percussionist. They offer a gorgeously warm and responsive sound, perfect for adding depth and color to string sections and woodwind ensembles. If you're looking for a traditionally voiced cymbal pair with excellent projection and a refined character, these are a fantastic choice.
PROS
- • B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex wash ideal for orchestral settings.
- • Hammered lathing enhances projection and adds shimmering, nuanced overtones.
- • Turkish hand-hammering provides exceptional responsiveness and dynamic control.
- • Included Zultan handle (BG1) facilitates comfortable and secure playing.
CONS
- • The relatively thin profile limits its suitability for heavier, more aggressive playing.
- • Heritage series finish may require more diligent care to prevent oxidation.
- • While versatile, it excels in orchestral music and may lack aggressive edge for other genres.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 575583
$611
#5
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 17"
Opera
Concert Hall
Large Symphony
Key Feature:
These Istanbul Agop Orchestrals are a serious step up for anyone needing that refined, blended orchestral sound. They're beautifully crafted and project really well, but their character is definitely geared towards classical and concert settings – not your go-to for rock or pop. If you're a principal player or in a professional orchestra, these are worth a serious look.
PROS
- • Exceptional clarity and focused wash ideal for orchestral settings
- • Hand-hammered bronze delivers a warm, complex tonal palette
- • Well-laced hammering creates a shimmering, controlled sustain
- • Robust build quality ensures longevity even with demanding use
CONS
- • Limited versatility outside of primarily orchestral and classical contexts
- • The weight can be tiring for extended performances, especially for smaller players
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many percussionists
⭐
4.9/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 242045
$648
#6
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Zultan 17" Orchestra Heritage Heavy
by
Zultan
Large Symphony
Concert Hall
Film Orchestra
Key Feature:
These Zultan Heritage Heavy 17" cymbals are a serious step up for orchestral percussion. The B20 bronze and traditional Turkish hammering deliver a beautifully nuanced and controlled wash – perfect for section players needing a refined and articulate sound. They’re built to last and project well, making them a solid investment for serious musicians.
PROS
- • Exceptional clarity and sustain for orchestral passages.
- • Turkish hammering produces a complex, nuanced wash of sound.
- • Heavy weight provides excellent projection and cut.
- • Included Zultan handle simplifies setup and reduces fatigue.
CONS
- • Limited versatility outside of orchestral and classical settings.
- • The heavy weight can be challenging for younger or less experienced players.
- • Premium-priced compared to some entry-level orchestral cymbals.
⭐
5.0/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 579735
$611
#7
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 17"
Professional Recording
Large Symphony
Opera
Key Feature:
These Super Symphonic 17s from Istanbul Agop are a fantastic choice for orchestral percussionists or anyone seeking a refined, controlled cymbal sound. They offer a beautiful clarity and sustain, perfect for delicate passages and subtle dynamics—a real step up from entry-level orchestral cymbals.
PROS
- • Exceptional clarity and sustain for orchestral passages.
- • B20 bronze alloy provides a warm, complex tonal palette.
- • Thin-to-medium weight offers responsiveness and ease of playing.
- • Hand-hammered finish contributes to nuanced, shimmering overtones.
CONS
- • Price point places it in a premium-priced category for many players.
- • Limited versatility outside of orchestral and classical settings.
- • Can be overly bright in certain recording environments without careful EQ.
⭐
4.7/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 242040
$648
#8
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Sabian 17" HHX Synergy Brilliant M
by
Sabian
Large Symphony
Opera
Professional Recording
Key Feature:
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.
- • Hand straps provide secure, comfortable playing for extended sessions.
CONS
- • Premium-priced, a significant investment for most players.
- • Brilliant finish may be too bright for some orchestral settings.
- • Limited versatility outside of primarily orchestral applications.
⭐
4.8/5
Expert Rating
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237431
$1,077
How to Choose the Best 17" Orchestral Cymbals
1
Sustain
In a large symphony, your cymbal needs to resonate. A quick 'ping' just won't do. We're looking for a controlled sustain, enough to fill the space without becoming a muddy wash - that 'bloom' is what adds depth to the orchestral texture.
2
Wash vs. Stick Definition
Finding the balance is crucial. You want a wash that supports the orchestral sound but still has enough stick definition to articulate patterns clearly. Too much wash and you're just adding noise; too much stick and it sounds brittle.
3
Timbral Complexity
Cheap cymbals tend to be one-dimensional - bright and metallic. We're after cymbals with a broader tonal spectrum, offering a little warmth, a touch of darkness, and a complexity that blends well with the other instruments. It's about avoiding that 'ice pick' harshness.
4
Dynamic Response
A good 17" cymbal should respond evenly to a wide range of dynamics. You need it to whisper during quiet passages and roar during climaxes without cracking or becoming unmanageable. Consistent articulation is key.
5
Weight & Lathing
Heavier weight generally means more sustain and a darker tone, while lighter weight can offer more responsiveness. The lathing (the groove pattern) affects the cymbal's action and responsiveness - a wider lathing typically produces a more spread-out wash.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the cheapest option. Those budget 17" cymbals often cut corners with the alloy, resulting in a thin, lifeless sound that won't do justice to a symphony. Look for cymbals with a solid, consistent weight and a well-defined pitch. Spending a little more upfront will save you headaches down the line - and your ears will thank you. Listen for that subtle complexity and avoid anything that sounds overly bright or 'pingy'.
Our Methodology
We've spent the last few months putting these cymbals through their paces - everything from quiet rehearsal passages to full-on orchestral swells. The testing wasn't done in an anechoic chamber; we put these through real-world scenarios: large ensemble rehearsals, studio recordings, and even a few smaller chamber orchestra gigs. It's about hearing how they actually perform, not just what the specs say.
Frequently Asked Questions
While you can use a 17" cymbal as a ride, it's typically too thin and lacks the weight for proper stick definition. A crash is designed for a wash and accent, a ride is for a more consistent, bell-forward sound. Using a crash as a ride will quickly damage it.
Generally, B20 is preferred for its richer, more complex tone, but a well-made B85 can be perfectly serviceable and often more affordable. It's about the overall construction and hammering, not just the alloy.
Proper care is essential. Avoid hitting them too hard, especially on the edge. Regularly clean them with a cymbal cleaner to prevent buildup. And never, ever, put them in a dishwasher - seriously.
While you could, it's not ideal. A China cymbal has a unique upturned design that produces a very specific, trashy sound. A flat 17" won't replicate that effect. You'll get a somewhat darker, more controlled crash, but it won't have that characteristic China sizzle.
Focus on sustain and tonal complexity. A cymbal that cuts through the mix and has a warm, musical tone is more valuable than one that's just loud. Don't sacrifice musicality for sheer volume.
