AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 19" Orchestral Cymbals for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 19" A Stadium Medium Heavy Marching Cymbals (Pair) ($859). Sabian 19" Artisan Trad. Sym. MH leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 19" A Stadium Medium Heavy Marching Cymbals (Pair)
19" A' Stadium MH · Zildjian
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
You get a pair of 19-inch Medium Heavy cymbals with extra weight for more volume. They were developed with drum corps specialists and are described as projecting into every corner of a stadium. If you want a smooth, bright, cutting sound with zing effects for big outdoor or large-venue playing, this pair suits that job.
Pros
- Medium Heavy weight with extra weight for additional volume
- Specially developed with the world's leading drum corps specialists
- Bright outside and traditional inside finish
Cons
- Pair weighs approx. 4.2 kg, which is heavy to hold for long stretches
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$859 now$859€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight4.525 kg
These Sabian HH Germanic Brill cymbals are a serious step up for orchestral percussion. The dark, powerful tone and exceptional responsiveness make them a perfect choice for film composers and conductors seeking a refined, nuanced sound. They're built to last, but be prepared for the investment and their substantial weight.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, powerful tone ideal for orchestral and film scoring.
- Hand-hammered construction yields complex overtones and responsiveness.
- Germanic bronze alloy provides a unique, warm, and controlled sound.
Cons
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for most percussionists.
- Brilliant finish might be too bright for some orchestral applications.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$779 now$779€698 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight4.6 kg
You get a pair of 19 inch symphonic concert cymbals in the Medium Heavy class. They come with a leather concert handle, so you have a grip ready to go. This suits you if you play in an orchestra or concert band and want a cymbal pair in this size and weight.
Pros
- Medium Heavy weight class gives a sturdy build for orchestral playing
- Comes with a concert handle in leather for a secure grip
- Sold as a pair, so both cymbals come in one set
Cons
- Weighs about 4.6 kg per pair, which can feel heavy over long sessions
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,004 now$1,004€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
You get a pair of 19-inch medium orchestral cymbals with a bright outside and traditional inside finish. They suit professional players who want one pair that handles both quick, articulate passages and long crashes across most concert music. Hand straps come with them, so you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Bright overtones and harmonic sounds combined in one size and weight
- Suitable for both articulate passages and long crashes
- Very good control, feel, and playability
Cons
- Weighs approximately 4.4 kg as a pair, so it is heavy for long stretches of handling
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$948 now$948€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This 19-inch Zildjian K' Klassisch Symph. pair is made for orchestra players and concert halls. You get a Medium Heavy weight that gives you control and expression, from light passages to powerful, resonant sounds. If you play classical repertoire and want a traditional finish with dark, deep bass tones, this one suits you well.
Pros
- Classical K-series design built for orchestra and concert hall use
- Medium Heavy weight gives control and expressiveness across the dynamic range
- Dark, complex and rich bass tones, characteristic of the K (Classical) line
Cons
- Built for orchestral repertoire, so it is not aimed at other styles
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,093 now$1,093€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight4 kg
If you need big, traditional orchestral cymbals, these 19" Zultan Heavy cymbals fit that job. They come from traditional Turkish production and include a handle, so you can start playing right away. Expect a good amount of weight in your hands, so they suit players who are ready for that.
Pros
- Part of the Heritage Series, made in traditional Turkish production
- Heavy weight class, 4 kg per pair
- Comes with a Zultan cymbal handle BG1 included
Cons
- At 4 kg per pair, they are heavy to hold for long sessions
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$744 now$744€666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight5 kg
You get a 19 inch pair of orchestra cymbals in the Medium Heavy weight. The maker says this heavier version gives a clear and focused resonance. It suits you if you play in an orchestra or band and want a heavier pair with a focused ring, and it comes with a protector bag.
Pros
- Medium Heavy weight gives a heavier cymbal pair
- 19 inch size is a standard orchestral cymbal diameter
- Includes a cymbal protector/bag to keep the pair safe
Cons
- Weighs approximately 5.0 kg per pair, which is heavy to hold for long passages
70AudioFu
Index↓ 11.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,763 · Aug 17$1,562 now$1,562€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight5.8 kg
You get a pair of 19" heavy orchestral cymbals made for professional use. Their timbre stays even at every dynamic level, and the mid-focused core gives a balanced attack and sustain. They suit you if you play orchestral music and want a pair built for professional work.
Pros
- Heavy weight suits a strong, projecting orchestral sound
- Even timbre stays consistent across all dynamic levels
- Balanced attack and sustain with a mid-focused core sound
Cons
- Pair weighs approx. 5.8 kg, which can feel heavy over long passages
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
These are 19-inch orchestra cymbals from Sabian's HHX Complex Espressivo Series, with a Natural finish and medium strength. They are built with trickle-down technology from the HHX, Legacy and Artisan lines, and use a mix of HH and HHX hammering with a rough bell. If you need a pair of orchestral cymbals, you will find them a good fit, and the loops come with them.
Pros
- Made with trickle-down technology from the HHX, Legacy and Artisan lines
- Combines HH and HHX hammering for a mix of two hammering styles
- Features a rough bell as part of its construction
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,283 now$1,283€1,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
These are 19 inch Sabian orchestra cymbals, sold as a pair with loops included. They combine low, medium and high partials, so you get a wide range from one set. If you play in an orchestra or concert band and want a cymbal that feels easy to handle, you should take a close look at this pair.
Pros
- Combines low, medium and high partials for a wide range of sound
- Described as having a smooth, robust and musical response
- Plays with absolute ease, according to the manufacturer
Cons
- Each pair weighs approx. 4.4 kg, so it is not light for long sessions
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,283 now$1,283€1,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 19" orchestral cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
19" Orchestral Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 13 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,004 — half of all 19" orchestral cymbals here cost less.
median of 13 models · 19"–19"
median of 6 models · 4 kg–5 kg
How to choose the best 19" orchestral cymbals
Sustain & Wash
Intermediate players need enough sustain to fill out the sound without getting muddy. Too short and you're just hitting metal; too long and it's a sonic blob. We're looking for a balanced response, something that sings without lingering forever.
Articulation & Stick Definition
You're past the point of just banging on things. The ability to clearly articulate different strokes - a crisp tap versus a full crash - is crucial. The cymbal's action needs to respond well to subtle changes in dynamics.
Overall Tone & Complexity
That bright, thin "ping" doesn't cut it anymore. You need some tonal complexity - a bit of warmth, a touch of darkness - something that sits well in an orchestral context. It shouldn't be overly bright or ice-picky; a more nuanced, layered tone is what we're after.
Durability & Latency
Gigs happen. These cymbals need to survive a few bumps and scrapes without cracking or developing a bunch of unwanted stick marks that kill the sound. A little bit of hammering and lathing helps with that, but there's a limit to what you can expect at this price point.
Projection & Cut
Orchestral percussion needs to be heard, but not dominate. The 19" size needs to project well enough to cut through the strings and woodwinds without being harsh or overpowering - a delicate balance.
Buying guide
So, you're leveling up your orchestral percussion game and looking at 19" cymbals? Smart move. That size is a sweet spot - big enough for a decent wash and sustain, but manageable for nuanced articulation. It's the workhorse size for a lot of players, but finding one that doesn't sound like a tin can or cost a fortune can be tricky, especially when you're not a complete beginner anymore.
At the intermediate level, you're looking for a balance between affordability and quality. Don't fall for the super-cheap, thin cymbals - they'll sound brittle and lifeless. Be wary of cymbals claiming "hand-hammered" quality if they're priced way below market; it's often a marketing gimmick.
Paying a little extra for a cymbal with a decent lathing pattern and a bit more weight will make a noticeable difference in the tone and responsiveness.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 13 19" orchestral cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a medium and light 19" orchestral cymbal?
Generally, a medium cymbal will have more sustain and a darker, warmer tone, while a light cymbal will be brighter and more responsive. As an intermediate player, a medium is usually a safer bet - more forgiving and easier to control.
Can I use a 19" as my only crash cymbal?
It's possible, but not ideal. A 19" can be a decent crash, but it won't have the explosive power of a larger crash. You'll likely need to hit it harder, which can lead to unwanted noise and potential damage.
What's the best way to care for my new 19" cymbal?
Regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner is essential. Avoid using harsh chemicals. And for the love of all that is holy, use a felt strip when playing to protect the bell!
I'm hearing a lot of 'ping' - is that bad?
Excessive 'ping' usually indicates a thin, cheap cymbal. While a little high-frequency content is good, too much makes the cymbal sound harsh and brittle. You want warmth and complexity, not just a metallic ring.
Should I buy a pack or individual cymbals?
Packs can be more cost-effective, but you're often sacrificing quality. Individual cymbals let you choose exactly what you want and ensure you're getting a cymbal that sounds good. For intermediate players, individual selection is almost always worth the investment.
