Best 18" Orchestral Cymbals Under $500 2026
Affordable 18" orchestral cymbals under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
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
#2
⭐
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
#3
⭐
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
#4
⭐
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
#5
⭐
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
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.
