Best 18" China Cymbals for Professional 2025

Perfect 18" china cymbals for professional - easy to play and learn on

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

Istanbul Agop 18" Traditional China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 18" Traditional China

by Istanbul Agop

Stadium Professional Large Concert

Key Feature:

• Professional touring quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Potential hearing damage without protection
• Extremely expensive professional tool

Istanbul Agop 18" Taditional ChinaChina CymbalSize: 18"Traditional SeriesB20 AlloyTurnedRich and warm...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579371

$395

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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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual Trash China

by Meinl

Stadium Large Concert Metal

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Professional touring quality
• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual Trash ChinaDual Trash ChinaSize: 18"Extra Dry (natural) and Brilliant finishWith 6...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 533366

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Tr.China Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Tr.China Brilliant

by Meinl

Stadium Professional Extreme

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

• Professional touring quality
• Maximum sustain and character

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 18" Byzance Tr.China BrilliantTrash China CymbalSize: 18"Byzance SeriesBrilliant finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 557698

$438

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Ufip 18" FX Power China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ufip 18" FX Power China

by Ufip

Large Concert Power Extreme

Key Feature:

• Concert hall and stadium projection

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Potential hearing damage without protection
• Extremely expensive professional tool

Ufip 18" FX Power ChinaChinaSize: 18"Material: B20 BronzeBright and trashy with great dynamicsVery suitable...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 424299

$340

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Sabian 18" Stratus China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 18" Stratus China

by Sabian

Power Extreme Stadium

Key Feature:

• Professional touring quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sabian 18" Stratus ChinaChina CymbalSize: 18"Material: B-20 BronzeHigh impact hammeredTraditional...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 577413

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Ham.China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Ham.China

by Meinl

Stadium Professional Metal

Key Feature:

• Maximum sustain and character

✓ PROS

• Professional touring quality
• Concert hall and stadium projection

✗ CONS

• Requires professional setup and handling
• Extremely expensive professional tool

Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Ham.ChinaChina CymbalSize: 18"Pure Alloy SeriesPure alloyTraditional finishExtra...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606875

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Bell China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Bell China

by Istanbul Mehmet

Extreme Power Professional

Key Feature:

• Ultimate china cymbal experience

✓ PROS

• Concert hall and stadium projection
• Professional touring quality

✗ CONS

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

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Bell China, China, Size: 18", Traditional finish, Material: B20 Bronze alloy,...

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 416437

$351

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Zildjian 18" S Series Dark China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" S Series Dark China

by Zildjian

Power Professional Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional touring quality

✓ PROS

• Maximum sustain and character
• Professional touring quality

✗ CONS

• Extremely expensive professional tool
• Requires professional setup and handling

Zildjian 18" S Series Dark ChinaChina CymbalSize: 18"S Series DarkMaterial: B12 bronze alloy (88% copper12%...

⭐ 5.0/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 579872

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 18" Low Volume China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Zildjian 18" Low Volume China

by Zildjian

Metal Power Large Concert

Key Feature:

• Massive 18-inch size for ultimate china impact

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Zildjian 18" Low Volume ChinaLow Volume China CymbalSize: 18"Compared to up to 80% quieter cymbalIdeal for...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 450872

$230

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 18" Byzance Heavy H. China - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 18" Byzance Heavy H. China

by Meinl

Stadium Professional Large Concert

Key Feature:

• Maximum sustain and character

✓ PROS

• Concert hall and stadium projection
• Professional touring quality

✗ CONS

• Potential hearing damage without protection
• Extremely expensive professional tool

Meinl 18" Byzance Heavy H. ChinaChina CymbalSize: 18"Byzance Heavy Hammered seriesFinish: BrilliantMaterial:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 406219

$438

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 for Professional 2025

Istanbul Agop 18" Traditional China

Zildjian 18" K Custom Special Dry China

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual Trash China

Meinl 18" Byzance Tr.China Brilliant

Sabian 18" FRX China

Meinl 18" Byzance Trash China Trad.

Ufip 18" FX Power China

Sabian 18" Stratus China

Meinl 18" Pure Alloy Extra Ham.China

Istanbul Mehmet 18" Black Bell China

Zildjian 18" S Series Dark China

Zildjian 18" Z Custom China brilliant

Zildjian 18" Low Volume China

Meinl 18" Byzance Dual China

Meinl 18" Byzance Heavy H. 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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