Best 18" Orchestral Cymbals for Film Scoring 2026
Perfect 18" orchestral cymbals for film-scoring - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Istanbul Agop Marching 18" Xist Brilliant
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
#2
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 18"
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
#3
⭐
4.6/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
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
#4
⭐
4.6/5
(5 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
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
#5
⭐
4.6/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Sabian 18" Artisan Trad. Sym. MH
by
Sabian
Large Concert Hall
Recording Studio
Opera House
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
- • Longest sustain of all sizes
- • Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✗ CONS
- • Limited repertoire applications
- • Extremely heavy and tiring
Sabian 18" Artisan Trad. Sym. MHOrchestra CymbalSize: 18"Medium HeavyThis heavier version provides a clear...
⭐
4.6/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 539157
$1,594
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Paiste 18" Line Symphonic Orchestra M
by
Paiste
Opera House
Film Scoring
Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Longest sustain of all sizes
✓ PROS
- • Longest sustain of all sizes
- • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
- • Very expensive premium investment
- • Requires expert playing technique
Paiste 18" Line Symphonic Orchestra MSymphonic Orchestra Cymbal PairSize: 18"Line seriesMedium...
⭐
4.5/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 193429
$1,154
#7
⭐
4.5/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Zildjian 18" K' Symphonic Light
by
Zildjian
Large Concert Hall
Grand Symphony
Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Professional recording standard
✓ PROS
- • Complex harmonic overtones
- • Longest sustain of all sizes
✗ CONS
- • Very expensive premium investment
- • Extremely heavy and tiring
Zildjian 18" K' Symphonic LightOrchestra Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"Medium heavyEven timbre across all...
⭐
4.5/5
(38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 237550
$1,098
#8
⭐
4.9/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Meinl 18" Symphonic Thin
by
Meinl
Film Scoring
Recording Studio
Grand Symphony
Key Feature:
• Professional recording standard
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
- • Complex harmonic overtones
✗ CONS
- • Requires expert playing technique
- • Extremely heavy and tiring
Meinl 18" Symphonic ThinConcert CymbalsSize: 18"SymphonicThinWeight (pair): approx. 2.9 kgIncl. leather...
⭐
4.9/5
(51 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 241939
$868
#9
⭐
4.7/5
(5 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
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
#10
⭐
4.7/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Zildjian 18" K Constantinople VintageML
by
Zildjian
Opera House
Large Concert Hall
Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Longest sustain of all sizes
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
- • Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✗ CONS
- • Limited repertoire applications
- • Very expensive premium investment
Zildjian 18" K' Constantinople VintageOrchestra Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"Medium LightDarkfull sound in a...
⭐
4.7/5
(39 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237543
$1,249
#11
⭐
5.0/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
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
#12
⭐
4.4/5
(25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
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
#13
⭐
4.7/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18" Xist Brilliant
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
#14
⭐
4.4/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
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
#15
⭐
4.6/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Meinl 18" Bronce Marching Cymbal
by
Meinl
Recording Studio
Opera House
Grand Symphony
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
- • Longest sustain of all sizes
- • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
- • Easily overpowers most ensembles
- • Limited repertoire applications
Meinl 18" Bronce Marching CymbalMarching CymbalSize: 18"Material: B12 bronze alloyFull soundPowerful...
⭐
4.6/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 570797
$329
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.
