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Best 18" Orchestral Cymbals for Beginner 2025

Perfect 18" orchestral cymbals for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Grand Symphony For Opera House For Large Concert Hall For Film Scoring For Recording Studio
BRANDS: Zildjian Sabian Istanbul Agop
Zildjian 18" K Constantinople ML - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople ML

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Large Concert Hall Grand Symphony
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive premium investment
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople MLOrchestra Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"Medium LightSlightly lighter for a warmer...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 237538
$1,249
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 18" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 18"

by Istanbul Agop
Film Scoring Large Concert Hall Grand Symphony
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive premium investment
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring

Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 18"Concert CymbalSuper Symphonic seriesSize: 18"Shipping quantity: 1...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 242042
$710
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Orchestra extra heavy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Zultan 18" Orchestra extra heavy

by Zultan
Recording Studio Opera House Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Requires expert playing technique
  • • Very expensive premium investment

Zultan 18" Orchestra extra heavyOrchestra CymbalsSize: 18"Extra heavyManufactured with traditional Turkish...

⭐ 5.0/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 466168
$488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sabian 18" HHX Complex Espressivo - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sabian 18" HHX Complex Espressivo

by Sabian
Recording Studio Opera House Grand Symphony
Key Feature:
• Longest sustain of all sizes
✓ PROS
  • • Ultimate orchestral power and presence
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
✗ CONS
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring

Sabian 18" HHX Complex EspressivoOrchestra CymbalSize: 18"HHX Complex Espressivo SeriesMediumFinish:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 515310
$1,176
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18" Xist Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18" Xist Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop
Recording Studio Opera House Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Professional recording standard
✓ PROS
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18" Xist Brilliant, Marching Cymbals, Brilliant, Includes hand straps, Weight: Approx. 3...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 312877
$548
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" K' Symphonic heavy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Zildjian 18" K' Symphonic heavy

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Grand Symphony Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
✗ CONS
  • • Requires expert playing technique
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles

Zildjian 18" K' SymphonicOrchestra cymbalsSize: 18"HeavyEven timbre across all dynamic levelsSound in...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237556
$1,018
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" A Symphonic Viennese Tone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Zildjian 18" A Symphonic Viennese Tone

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Opera House Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Complex harmonic overtones
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
✗ CONS
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Zildjian 18" A Symphonic Viennese ToneOrchestra Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"All-purpose cymbal in the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237516
$758
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Orchestra heavy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Zultan 18" Orchestra heavy

by Zultan
Film Scoring Grand Symphony Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Complex harmonic overtones
✓ PROS
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Limited repertoire applications
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring

Zultan 18" Orchestra heavyOrchestra CymbalsSize: 18"HeavyManufactured with traditional Turkish...

⭐ 4.4/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 466160
$488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Marching 18" Xist Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Istanbul Agop Marching 18" Xist Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop
Recording Studio Large Concert Hall Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring
  • • Requires expert playing technique

Istanbul Agop Marching 18" Xist Brilliant, Marching Cymbals, Brilliant, Includes hand straps, Pair, Weight: 3.8 kg...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 312866
$548
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" A' Z-mac M - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Zildjian 18" A' Z-mac M

by Zildjian
Recording Studio Grand Symphony Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Zildjian 18" A' Z-macOrchestra CymbalSize: 18"MediumMulti-Application Cymbals provide the right sound...

⭐ 4.6/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 237528
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" Classic Orchestral Sel. ML - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Zildjian 18" Classic Orchestral Sel. ML

by Zildjian
Grand Symphony Large Concert Hall Opera House
Key Feature:
• Longest sustain of all sizes
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive premium investment
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Zildjian 18" Classic Orchestral Sel.Orchestral CymbalsSize: 18"Medium LightSpecial cymbals with instant...

⭐ 4.4/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 237522
$890
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zultan 18" Orchestra medium - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Zultan 18" Orchestra medium

by Zultan
Opera House Film Scoring Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive premium investment
  • • Requires expert playing technique

Zultan 18" Orchestra mediumOrchestra CymbalsSize: 18"MediumManufactured with traditional Turkish...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 466167
$488
Buy at Thomann View Details
Paiste 18" Concert/Marching MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Paiste 18" Concert/Marching MH

by Paiste
Film Scoring Grand Symphony Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive premium investment
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Paiste 18" Concert/Marching MHPair of Concert / Marching CymbalsSize: 18"Model: Medium heavyBroadfull and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 375118
$1,154
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" K Constantinople VintageMH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople VintageMH

by Zildjian
Recording Studio Film Scoring Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles
  • • Requires expert playing technique

Zildjian 18" K Constantinople VintageMHOrchestra Cymbals (Pair)Medium HeavySize: 18"Offers more...

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237540
$1,249
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" S Family Band Pair MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Zildjian 18" S Family Band Pair MH

by Zildjian
Recording Studio Film Scoring Opera House
Key Feature:
• Longest sustain of all sizes
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
✗ CONS
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles

Zildjian 18" S Family Band Pair MHOrchestra CymbalSize: 18"S Family Band SeriesMedium heavyFull-bodied crash...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 492687
$380
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 18" Orchestral 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" orchestral 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.

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