Best 18" Orchestral Cymbals for Recording Studio 2026
Perfect 18" orchestral cymbals for recording-studio - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026
#1
⭐
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
#2
⭐
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
#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
⭐
4.8/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Sabian 18" HHX Synergy Brilliant M
by
Sabian
Recording Studio
Large Concert Hall
Opera House
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
- • Professional recording standard
- • Complex harmonic overtones
✗ CONS
- • Extremely heavy and tiring
- • Requires expert playing technique
Sabian 18" HHX Synergy Brilliant MOrchestra CymbalsSize: 18"MediumThese cymbals combine lowmedium and high...
⭐
4.8/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 237432
$1,176
#5
⭐
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
#6
⭐
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
#7
⭐
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
#8
⭐
4.7/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
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
#9
⭐
5.0/5
(10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
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
#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
⭐
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
#12
⭐
5.0/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Sabian 18" Artisan Trad. Sym. ML
by
Sabian
Grand Symphony
Opera House
Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
- • Complex harmonic overtones
- • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
- • Very expensive premium investment
- • Requires expert playing technique
Sabian 18" Artisan Trad. Sym. MLOrchestra cymbalSize: 18"Medium LightThis lighter pair responds with a lively...
⭐
5.0/5
(31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539163
$1,594
#13
⭐
5.0/5
(29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
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
#14
⭐
4.7/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18"
Large Concert Hall
Grand Symphony
Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Complex harmonic overtones
✓ PROS
- • Professional recording standard
- • Longest sustain of all sizes
✗ CONS
- • Extremely heavy and tiring
- • Very expensive premium investment
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18"Concert CymbalsOrchestral seriesSize: 18"Weight: (pair) approx. 3.5 kg*Set...
⭐
4.7/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 242046
$710
#15
⭐
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
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.
