Best 18" China Cymbals 2025

Top-rated 18" china cymbals 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $100 Under $200 Under $300 Under $500

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Metal For Large Concert For Professional For Extreme For Stadium For Power

BRANDS: Meinl Zultan Paiste Zildjian Sabian

Zildjian 18" Z Custom China brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" Z Custom China brilliant

by Zildjian

Metal Professional Stadium

Key Feature:

• Maximum sustain and character

✓ PROS

• Ultimate china cymbal experience
• Professional touring quality

✗ CONS

• Very heavy and difficult to transport
• Potential hearing damage without protection

Zildjian 18" Z Custom China brilliantChina CymbalSize: 18"Quick response with loud and explosive cutPerfect...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 589123

$439

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Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash China

by Meinl

Large Concert Professional Metal

Key Feature:

• Concert hall and stadium projection

✓ PROS

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact
• Concert hall and stadium projection

✗ CONS

• Potential hearing damage without protection
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash ChinaDark Trash ChinaSize: 18"Byzance SeriesDark (Natural) modelExtremely...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 557699

$428

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Meinl 18" Byzance China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance China

by Meinl

Professional Extreme Power

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Concert hall and stadium projection
• Professional touring quality

✗ CONS

• Potential hearing damage without protection
• May be too extreme for most applications

Meinl 18" Byzance ChinaChina cymbalSize: 18"Byzance SeriesTraditional designImmediate and direct response...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 167214

$428

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Zildjian 18" Oriental China Trash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 18" Oriental China Trash

by Zildjian

Power Stadium Large Concert

Key Feature:

• Ultimate china cymbal experience

✓ PROS

• Professional touring quality
• Maximum sustain and character

✗ CONS

• May be too extreme for most applications
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Zildjian 18" Oriental China TrashOriental China TrashSize: 18"Oriental seriesBrilliant finishAuthentic...

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 136913

$373

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Sabian 18" FRX China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 18" FRX China

by Sabian

Metal Stadium Power

Key Feature:

• Professional touring quality

✓ PROS

• Maximum sustain and character
• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✗ CONS

• Very heavy and difficult to transport
• Potential hearing damage without protection

Sabian 18" FRX ChinaChina cymbalSize: 18"Material: B20 bronzeFRX Series - Frequency Reduced CymbalsSpecial...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 489464

$600

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Meinl 18" Byzance Trash China Trad. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Trash China Trad.

by Meinl

Professional Metal Large Concert

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Concert hall and stadium projection
• Ultimate china cymbal experience

✗ CONS

• Potential hearing damage without protection
• May be too extreme for most applications

Meinl 18" Byzance Trash China Trad.Trash China CymbalSize: 18"Byzance SeriesTraditional modelMaterial: B-20...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 557697

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance China Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance China Brilliant

by Meinl

Extreme Power Large Concert

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact
• Ultimate china cymbal experience

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive professional tool
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Meinl 18" Byzance China BrilliantChina CymbalByzance SeriesSize: 18"Brilliant finishAggressiveexotic sound...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 221562

$438

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Zildjian 18" K Custom Special Dry China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Zildjian 18" K Custom Special Dry China

by Zildjian

Large Concert Metal Power

Key Feature:

• Maximum sustain and character

✓ PROS

• Concert hall and stadium projection
• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✗ CONS

• Requires professional setup and handling
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Zildjian 18" K Custom Special Dry ChinaTrash China CymbalSize: 18"K Custom SpecialNatural finishDarkdry sound...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 407294

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 18" Rude Novo China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 18" Rude Novo China

by Paiste

Stadium Large Concert Professional

Key Feature:

• Maximum sustain and character

✓ PROS

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact
• Maximum sustain and character

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive professional tool
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Paiste 18" Rude Novo China18" Novo ChinaSound: Brightmetallicfullvery powerfulextremely loudExotic China-type...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 233409

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual China

by Meinl

Professional Power Extreme

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Professional touring quality
• Ultimate china cymbal experience

✗ CONS

• Very heavy and difficult to transport
• Extremely expensive professional tool

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual ChinaDual China cymbalSize: 18"Material: B20 bronzeHand-hammeredExtra Dry (natural)...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 483037

$428

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Ufip 18" FX Fast China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ufip 18" FX Fast China

by Ufip

Extreme Metal Professional

Key Feature:

• Maximum sustain and character

✓ PROS

• Concert hall and stadium projection
• Professional touring quality

✗ CONS

• Potential hearing damage without protection
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Ufip 18" FX Fast ChinaFast ChinaFX seriesSize: 18"The UFIP class series always have something more to offer:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 201952

$318

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Zultan 18" Rock Beat Trash China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Zultan 18" Rock Beat Trash China

by Zultan

Metal Extreme Stadium

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Maximum sustain and character
• Professional touring quality

✗ CONS

• May be too extreme for most applications
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Zultan 18" Rock Beat Trash ChinaTrash China CymbalSize: 18"Rock Beat seriesMaterial: B20 BronzeFullvoluminous...

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 407802

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" China Samatya Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" China Samatya Series

by Istanbul Mehmet

Stadium Professional Extreme

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Concert hall and stadium projection
• Ultimate china cymbal experience

✗ CONS

• May be too extreme for most applications
• Requires professional setup and handling

Istanbul Mehmet 18" China Samatya SeriesChina CymbalSamatya seriesSize: 18"Brilliant finishModern cymbal with...

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 312223

$351

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 20" HHX Dominator Chinese - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 20" HHX Dominator Chinese

by Sabian

Extreme Professional Stadium

Key Feature:

• Professional touring quality

✓ PROS

• Maximum sustain and character
• Concert hall and stadium projection

✗ CONS

• Requires professional setup and handling
• Very heavy and difficult to transport

Sabian 20" HHX Dominator ChineseChina CymbalSize: 20"Developed in honour of Dom FamularoBrilliant...

⭐ 4.5/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595989

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 18" Signature Thin China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 18" Signature Thin China

by Paiste

Large Concert Power Stadium

Key Feature:

• Concert hall and stadium projection

✓ PROS

• Professional touring quality
• Ultimate china cymbal experience

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive professional tool
• May be too extreme for most applications

Paiste 18" Signature Thin China, Paiste Signature Line, 18" Thin ChinaOn the way to an optimal cymbal sound,...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 121508

$488

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 18" China Cymbals

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 18" china cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 18" China Cymbals 2025

Zildjian 18" Z Custom China brilliant

Meinl 18" Byzance Dark Trash China

Meinl 18" Byzance China

Zildjian 18" Oriental China Trash

Sabian 18" FRX China

Meinl 18" Byzance Trash China Trad.

Meinl 18" Byzance China Brilliant

Zildjian 18" K Custom Special Dry China

Paiste 18" Rude Novo China

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual China

Ufip 18" FX Fast China

Zultan 18" Rock Beat Trash China

Istanbul Mehmet 18" China Samatya Series

Sabian 20" HHX Dominator Chinese

Paiste 18" Signature Thin China

How to Choose the Best 18" China Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 18" china cymbals?

How much should I spend on 18" china cymbals?

Are expensive 18" china cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 18" china cymbals?

Should I buy 18" china cymbals online or in-store?

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