AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 17" Orchestral Cymbals Under $1,000 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. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models across 3 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 8
Full detail for the 8 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"
- Weight3.6 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"
- 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"
- Weight3.8 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"
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗
17" Orchestral Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 8 models we track, not a sample.
Median $658 — half of all 17" orchestral cymbals here cost less.
median of 8 models · 17"–17"
median of 5 models · 3.2 kg–4 kg
How to choose the best 17" orchestral cymbals
Wash
Orchestral cymbals live and die by their wash. We're looking for a smooth, even response across the frequencies, not a harsh or splashy one. A good wash blends beautifully with strings and woodwinds.
Sustain
While you don't want excessive sustain, you need enough to carry a phrase. Too short, and they disappear; too long, and they get muddy. We're judging the decay and how cleanly it fades.
Articulation
How clearly can you hear individual strokes? A good 17" will allow for nuanced dynamics and subtle swells, without sounding muffled or choked. It's about control, not just volume.
Timbre
This is the 'character' of the cymbal. Are we talking warm and mellow, or bright and cutting? Orchestral work generally favors a more controlled, nuanced timbre - avoiding that ice-picky top end.
Durability
Gigs happen. Rehearsals get intense. We're looking for cymbals that can withstand regular use without cracking or developing unwanted stick marks too quickly. It's a trade-off - thinner cymbals are more responsive, but less durable.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need 17" orchestral cymbals but your budget isn't screaming "Ludwig-Van-Beethoven-level-cash." It's a common situation. Finding a good, usable 17" for orchestral work - think delicate shimmers, subtle swells, and a clean wash - without breaking the bank is possible. We're focusing on cymbals under $1000, because let's be real, that's a reasonable limit for a working musician.
At this price point, you're going to be making compromises. Expect thinner gauges, potentially less refined hammering, and maybe a slightly less complex alloy. Don't chase 'brilliance' - that usually means harshness.
Look for controlled sustain and a smooth wash; those are your priorities. Used cymbals are your friend here - you can often snag a higher-end model for a bargain, but inspect them carefully for cracks.
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 8 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 'sheet' cymbal and a hand-hammered one?
Sheet cymbals are machine-formed and generally more affordable. Hand-hammered cymbals have more character and complexity, but cost more. For this budget, a decent sheet cymbal will get the job done.
Are B20 (80% copper, 20% tin) cymbals always better?
Not necessarily. B20 cymbals often have more projection and brightness, which isn't always desirable in orchestral settings. B8 (52% copper, 48% tin) can offer a warmer, more mellow tone, which can be a huge advantage.
Can I use these cymbals for other genres?
Sure, but they're optimized for orchestral work. They might lack the 'cut' needed for a full-on rock band, but they can work in a folk or jazz setting where a more subtle sound is desired.
How do I care for my cymbals?
Regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner is essential. Avoid using harsh chemicals. Proper storage - ideally in a case - will prevent unwanted scratches and dents. Don't beat them to death - they're delicate instruments.
What's the deal with 'lathing'?
Lathing refers to the grooves cut into the cymbal's surface. Deeper lathing tends to create a more complex sound, but can also reduce sustain. In this price range, lathing is often more cosmetic than functional - don't expect it to drastically change the tone.
