AudioFu

Best 18" Orchestral Cymbals Under $500 2025

Affordable 18" orchestral cymbals under $500 - 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" S Family Band Pair MH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Zultan 18" Orchestra extra heavy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Zultan 18" Orchestra heavy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Zultan 18" Orchestra medium - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Meinl 18" Bronce Marching Cymbal - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
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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