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Best 18" Orchestral Cymbals Under $1,000 2025

Affordable 18" orchestral cymbals under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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" A' Stadium MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Zildjian 18" A' Stadium MH

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Opera House Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
✗ CONS
  • • Requires expert playing technique
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles

Zildjian 18" A' StadiumOrchestral Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"Medium HeavyExtra weight for added volume -...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 237575
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 18" Symphonic Thin - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" Classic Orchestral Sel. ML - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Sabian 18" AA Viennese Medium Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sabian 18" AA Viennese Medium Natural

by Sabian
Large Concert Hall Recording Studio Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Professional recording standard
✓ PROS
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Limited repertoire applications
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring

Sabian AA 18" VienneseOrchestral Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"MediumNatural finishMedium thickness and weight...

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 103616
$945
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" Classic Orchestral Sel. MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Zildjian 18" Classic Orchestral Sel. MH

by Zildjian
Recording Studio Large Concert Hall Grand Symphony
Key Feature:
• Complex harmonic overtones
✓ PROS
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive premium investment
  • • Requires expert playing technique

Zildjian 18" Classic Orchestral Sel.Orchestral Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"Medium HeavyHeavier for more power and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237523
$890
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" A' Z-mac M - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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" A' Stadium M - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Zildjian 18" A' Stadium M

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Grand Symphony Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Requires expert playing technique
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring

Zildjian 18" A' Stadium MOrchestra CymbalsMediumSpecially developed in close cooperation with the...

⭐ 4.9/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237576
$802
Buy at Thomann View Details
Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Meinl 18" Symphonic Medium

by Meinl
Large Concert Hall Opera House Grand Symphony
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
  • • Professional recording standard
✗ CONS
  • • Very expensive premium investment
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Meinl 18" Symphonic MediumConcert CymbalsSize: 18"MediumWeight (pair): approx. 3.5 kgIncl. leather concert...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 241944
$868
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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