AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 17" Orchestral Cymbals for Professional 2026
The top pick is Sabian 17" Artisan Trad. Sym. ML ($1,484). 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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- 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 ↗ -
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"
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"
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"
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"
- 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 ↗
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
A pro needs a balance. Too much wash and you're just adding noise; too much stick definition and you lose the essential blending quality. We're looking for cymbals that articulate clearly without sacrificing the orchestral wash.
Sustain and Decay
Length matters. Too short and you lose impact, too long and you're battling muddy frequencies. We evaluate sustain relative to the overall tonal character - a darker cymbal can get away with more sustain than a bright one.
Dynamic Range
Can it whisper and roar? Orchestral playing demands a massive dynamic range, and a cymbal that collapses under pressure is useless. We test for responsiveness across a wide range of mallet and stick strikes.
Timbral Complexity
A flat, one-dimensional tone won't cut it. We're looking for cymbals with a nuanced timbral palette - a hint of bell-like character, a touch of darkness, a subtle complexity that adds depth and interest.
Lathing and Hammering
This is where the magic happens. The lathing pattern and hammering technique directly influence the cymbal's response, sustain, and overall voicing. We look for evidence of skilled craftsmanship and intentional design choices.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 17" orchestral cymbals. You're not a student anymore; you're playing with a legit orchestra, recording soundtracks, or laying down some serious session work. You need a 17" that's going to deliver nuanced articulation, cut through a dense mix without being brittle, and handle the dynamic range of a full score. This isn't about flashy shimmer; it's about reliability, response, and a tone that doesn't fatigue you after a three-hour performance.
Don't chase the latest hype. 17" orchestral cymbals are about subtlety, and a lot of manufacturers try to manufacture that subtlety. Be wary of overly bright, thin cymbals - they'll sound great in a bedroom but fall apart in a full orchestral setting. Spend your money on consistent weight and lathing, not on flashy finishes.
A slightly darker, more complex tone is almost always preferable to a brittle, cutting sound.
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 hand-hammered cymbals always better?
Not necessarily. Machine-lathing can produce very consistent results, and a well-lathiated machine cymbal can often outperform a poorly-hammered hand cymbal. It's about the skill of the craftsman, not the method itself.
What's the difference between a 'medium' and 'medium-thin' 17"?
It's subtle, but significant. 'Medium' will have more weight and sustain, offering more power and a fuller wash. 'Medium-thin' will be more responsive and articulate, but with less overall volume and a quicker decay.
I'm recording a soundtrack; should I prioritize a brighter cymbal?
Generally no. Brightness tends to get accentuated in a mix. Focus on a balanced tone with good articulation - you can always add brightness in post-production. It's much harder to remove unwanted harshness.
How important is the bell?
The bell on a 17" should be a subtle accent, not a dominant feature. A well-defined bell adds clarity and a touch of shimmer, but a harsh or overly resonant bell will just create unwanted frequencies. Listen for a bell that complements the overall tone.
Can I use a 17" as my primary crash?
It's possible, but not ideal. A 17" is designed for a more nuanced role. Using it as your main crash will leave you wanting more volume and a more explosive sound. Reserve it for moments that require a more refined and controlled crash.
