Best 20" Orchestral Cymbals Under $800 2026
Alright, so you're building an orchestral setup or need to refresh your existing cymbals, but you're not looking to mortgage the house. 20" orchestral cymbals are the workhorses - the quiet shimmer, the subtle wash - but good ones don't grow on trees. This list focuses on getting you the most usable, musical sound for your money, staying under that $800 mark. Let's cut through the marketing hype and talk about what you'll actually get.
Last updated: April 29, 2026 • Next update: May 6, 2026
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 20" Xist Brilliant
- • Brilliant finish provides excellent projection and clarity for marching applications
- • Xist hammering creates a focused, controlled sound avoiding excessive overtones
- • Turkish B20 bronze offers a warm, complex tonal foundation
- • Robust construction and lathing ensure durability under rigorous marching conditions
- • The brilliant finish can be prone to finger smudging and requires diligent cleaning
- • Limited versatility outside of marching and orchestral settings – not ideal for studio work
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many percussionists
Zultan 20" Orchestra extra heavy
- • Exceptionally thick profile delivers a dark, resonant, and controlled orchestral wash.
- • Turkish production ensures traditional hammering techniques and tonal complexity.
- • Extra heavy weight provides excellent sustain and projection for larger halls.
- • Included Zultan handle (BG1) facilitates comfortable and secure playing.
- • The dark, heavy sound may lack brilliance for lighter orchestral passages.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for student or budget musicians.
- • Limited versatility; primarily suited for orchestral and classical settings.
Istanbul Agop Marching 20" Xist Brilliant
- • Brilliant finish provides exceptional projection and clarity.
- • Hand-hammered lathing enhances sustain and complexity.
- • Xist alloy delivers a focused, cutting sound ideal for marching.
- • Robust construction ensures durability under rigorous marching conditions.
- • The brilliant finish shows fingerprints and handling marks easily.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to more complex cymbal profiles.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
Zultan 20" Orchestra medium
- • Produces a warm, focused wash ideal for classical and film scores.
- • The traditional Turkish hammering creates complex overtones and shimmering highs.
- • Zultan’s unique ZB Bronze alloy delivers a distinct, controlled orchestral sound.
- • Includes a robust Zultan handle (BG1) for safe and easy playing.
- • The medium weight might be a bit heavy for younger or smaller players.
- • Sound is relatively specialized; less versatile for rock or pop styles.
- • Price places them in a premium-priced tier for orchestral cymbals.
Zultan 20" Orchestra heavy
- • Exceptional clarity and sustain characteristic of Turkish B20 bronze.
- • Heavy weight provides a full, resonant wash ideal for orchestral settings.
- • Zultan’s hammering technique creates a complex, shimmering overtone series.
- • Included BG1 handle facilitates precise, controlled playing and reduces fatigue.
- • The weight makes them physically demanding for extended performances.
- • Their focused sound might lack versatility for non-orchestral applications.
- • Premium-priced point puts them out of reach for budget-conscious students.
How to Choose the Best 20" Orchestral Cymbals
Sustain
Orchestral cymbals aren't about crashing; it's about controlled decay. Too short, and they disappear; too long, and they become a muddy mess. We're looking for a balanced sustain that allows for nuanced dynamics.
Articulation
This is how cleanly the cymbal speaks. A blurry articulation can bury you in a larger ensemble, while a crisp one cuts through without being harsh. It's the difference between a whisper and a shout.
Timbre
Forget 'bright' or 'dark' - we're after specific tonal qualities. Do you need a warm, mellow wash for strings? Or a more focused, bell-like tone for woodwinds? The right timbre makes all the difference.
Wash vs. Stick Definition
Orchestral cymbals excel at washes, but you still need some definition for stick hits. Finding the balance is key - too much wash, and it's a sonic blanket; too much stick, and it loses its orchestral character.
Weight & Feel
A heavier cymbal will generally have more sustain and a darker tone, while a lighter cymbal will be more responsive. This impacts the overall 'feel' and how easily you can control it - crucial for subtle dynamic shifts.
Buying Guide
At this price point, expect some trade-offs. Hand-hammered finishes are rare - you'll mostly be looking at machine-lathed cymbals. The metal alloy will likely be a B20 bronze blend, but the exact recipe and hammering (if any) significantly impact the sound. Don't chase the 'big name' - often, their budget lines are just rebrands of perfectly good, more affordable options. Listen closely to recordings and, if possible, try before you buy.
Our Methodology
We didn't just pull numbers from spec sheets. These cymbals went through the wringer - hands-on playing in a rehearsal space, A/B comparisons against industry standards, and recordings in a basic studio setup. We're looking for cymbal character, responsiveness, and how they hold up in a band context, not just how they look in a catalog photo.
