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Best 18" Orchestral Cymbals Under $800 2025

Affordable 18" orchestral cymbals under $800 - 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
Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 18" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 18"

by Istanbul Agop
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Paiste 18" Alpha Concert/Marching - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Paiste 18" Alpha Concert/Marching

by Paiste
Opera House Large Concert Hall Recording Studio
Key Feature:
• Complex harmonic overtones
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
  • • Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Requires expert playing technique
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles

Paiste 18" Alpha Concert/MarchingOrchestra CymbalsSize: 18"Alpha concert / marching cymbalsWeight (pair):...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 249761
$604
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" A' Concert Stage - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Zildjian 18" A' Concert Stage

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Grand Symphony Large Concert Hall
Key Feature:
• Longest sustain of all sizes
✓ PROS
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
  • • Longest sustain of all sizes
✗ CONS
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles

Zildjian 18" A' Concert StageOrchestra Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"Perfect blend of fastresponsive harmonics...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 237584
$758
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" A Symphonic Germanic Tone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Zildjian 18" A Symphonic Germanic Tone

by Zildjian
Film Scoring Grand Symphony Opera House
Key Feature:
• Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
✓ PROS
  • • Professional recording standard
  • • Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✗ CONS
  • • Limited repertoire applications
  • • Extremely heavy and tiring

Zildjian 18" A Symphonic Germanic ToneOrchestral Cymbals (Pair)Size: 18"Medium/HeavyTraditional FinishGenre:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 237517
$758
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18" Xist Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18" Xist Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Marching 18" Xist Brilliant - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Istanbul Agop Marching 18" Xist Brilliant

by Istanbul Agop
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18" - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Istanbul Agop Orchestral 18"

by Istanbul Agop
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" A Symphonic Viennese Tone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Zildjian 18" A Symphonic French Tone - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Zildjian 18" A Symphonic French Tone

by Zildjian
Grand Symphony Opera House Film Scoring
Key Feature:
• Ultimate orchestral power and presence
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for massive orchestral climaxes
  • • Complex harmonic overtones
✗ CONS
  • • Easily overpowers most ensembles
  • • Limited repertoire applications

Zildjian 18" A Symphonic French ToneOrchestra CymbalSize: 18"Medium/ThinTraditional finishGenre:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 200177
$758
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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