AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 21" Orchestral Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Meinl 22" Symphonic Thin Cymbals (Pair) ($1,283). Zultan 22" Orchestra medium gives you the most for the money at $702. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 8 models across 2 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 21" Orchestral CymbalsTop 8
Full detail for the 8 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Meinl 22" Symphonic Thin Cymbals (Pair)
22" Symphonic Thin · Meinl
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size22"
- Weight5.5 kg
You get a 22 inch pair of Symphonic Thin concert cymbals with leather handles included. They are built for orchestral use, so they suit you if you play in a concert band or orchestra. The pair weighs about 5.5 kg, so plan for some effort when you carry and set them up.
Pros
- Symphonic Thin model with a thin profile for concert use
- 22 inch size, a common orchestral cymbal diameter
- Leather handles included, ready to hold right out of the box
Cons
- Weighs approx. 5.5 kg per pair, so it takes effort to carry and set up
92AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,283 now$1,283€1,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size21"
- Weight4 kg
You get a pair of 21-inch orchestral cymbals from traditional Turkish production, in the Heritage Series heavy weight. Each pair weighs about 4 kg and comes with the Zultan BG1 handle, so you are ready to play out of the box. These suit you if you play in an orchestra or band and want a large, heavy pair.
Pros
- Traditional Turkish production gives these cymbals a heritage pedigree
- Heritage Series line built for orchestral use at 21 inches
- Heavy weight rating suits big, heavy-hitting orchestral playing
Cons
- Each pair weighs about 4 kg, which is heavy to hold for long sessions
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$891 now$891€798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
- Weight6 kg
If you play in an orchestra or a concert band, this pair is worth a look. It is a 22 inch medium orchestra cymbal with leather handles already included, so you can start playing as soon as it arrives. At about 6 kg a pair, it is a heavy set, so plan on that when you carry it to rehearsals and shows.
Pros
- Meinl 22 inch size gives a large orchestral cymbal
- Medium rating suits a balanced, all-round orchestral sound
- Leather handles are included, so you can play right away
Cons
- Roughly 6 kg per pair is heavy to hold for long sessions
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,339 now$1,339€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
- Weight7.5 kg
This is a 22 inch pair of Meinl Symphonic concert cymbals in the extra heavy weight class. It comes with a leather handle and weighs about 7.5 kg a pair. You will want this if you play in an orchestra and need a big, heavy pair of orchestral cymbals.
Pros
- Extra heavy weight class gives a dense, heavy build from Meinl's Symphonic line
- Each pair weighs approximately 7.5 kg, a substantial build
- Leather handle included, ready to use out of the box
Cons
- At roughly 7.5 kg per pair, it is heavy to carry and handle
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,339 now$1,339€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
- Weight6.7 kg
You get a 22-inch concert cymbal pair that weighs 6.7 kg, so it sits in the heavy class. It comes with a leather concert handle for holding the cymbals. If you play in an orchestra or concert band and want a heavy pair, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Heavy build at 6.7 kg per pair suits players who want substantial cymbals
- Designed as a concert cymbal for concert and orchestral playing
- Comes with a leather concert handle for a secure grip
Cons
- At 6.7 kg per pair, it is heavy to hold for long sessions
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,395 now$1,395€1,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
These are 22-inch orchestra cymbals in a medium weight, made in Turkey and sold as a pair. They come with a Zultan BG1 handle, so you have what you need to hold them from the start. They suit you if you play in an orchestra or band and want a traditional pair in this size.
Pros
- Made in traditional Turkish production, a long-standing cymbal-making tradition
- Medium weight class, suited to general orchestral use
- Sold as a pair, so both cymbals arrive matched and ready to play
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$702 now$702€629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
If you play in an orchestra or a concert band, you may want a pair of these 22 inch heavy cymbals. They come from traditional Turkish production and include a Zultan BG1 handle, so you have what you need to start playing. Keep in mind they weigh about 6.3 kg as a pair, so plan for that weight during long rehearsals or shows.
Pros
- Traditional Turkish production gives these cymbals a handmade heritage.
- Heavy rating means a substantial cymbal pair with real weight behind it.
- Sold as a complete pair, so you get two cymbals in one purchase.
Cons
- At about 6.3 kg per pair, they are heavy to hold for long sessions.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$702 now$702€629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
You get a pair of 22 inch extra heavy orchestra cymbals made in Turkey, with a Zultan BG1 handle in the box. The heavy build and large size make these a good pick if you play in an orchestra and want a sturdy pair. Keep in mind the pair weighs about 7 kg, so think about how comfortable that feels during long rehearsals.
Pros
- Traditional Turkish production gives these cymbals a handmade heritage
- Extra heavy build suits big orchestral playing
- Each pair ships with a Zultan BG1 cymbal handle included
Cons
- Pair weighs about 7 kg, which is heavy to hold during long sessions
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$744 now$744€666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
21" Orchestral Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 8 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,283 — half of all 21" orchestral cymbals here cost less.
median of 8 models · 21"–22"
median of 5 models · 4 kg–6.7 kg
How to choose the best 21" orchestral cymbals
Weight
A lighter weight (around 14oz - 16oz) will give you more shimmer and a quicker response, great for delicate passages and quieter dynamics. Heavier (17oz+) will offer more body, sustain, and the ability to cut through a louder ensemble - essential for those big, dramatic moments.
Bell Definition
The bell is where a lot of the cut and character comes from. A sharply defined bell will project better and offer a more focused, cutting tone, while a more mellow bell blends better with the overall wash. Think about the balance you need - a clear bell is crucial for solo passages, but can be harsh if it's the only thing cutting through.
Wash & Sustain
Orchestral cymbals need a good wash to fill out the sound, but too much and it gets muddy. Sustain is important for creating a sense of space and resonance, but too much can create unwanted overtones. Finding the sweet spot is key - it's a balance, and depends on the ensemble's overall sonic profile.
Overall Tone Color
This is subjective, but vital. Are you looking for a warm, dark tone for a romantic piece, or a brighter, more silvery sound for a modern score? Listen for the fundamental pitch - a well-made cymbal will have a clear, focused pitch, not a bunch of ringing overtones that muddy the sound.
Lathing & Finish
A cleanly lathed edge (the edge where the stick hits) contributes to a clearer, more articulate sound. A brighter, more polished finish will enhance the shimmer, while a more matte or aged finish will dampen the high frequencies and create a warmer tone. This affects the cymbal's overall responsiveness and projection.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking at 21-inch orchestral cymbals? Good choice - they're the workhorses of the section. They're versatile enough for everything from delicate classical pieces to film scores needing a touch of shimmer, but nailing the right one can be tricky. Too bright and they're ear-splitting; too dull and they get lost in the mix. Let's break down what you need to know to pick a 21" that'll actually do the job.
Don't chase the hype. A lot of cheaper 21" cymbals will try to mimic the sound of more expensive brands, but they'll cut corners - often with uneven lathing, poor hammering, and a brittle, unpleasant tone. It's worth investing in a cymbal from a reputable maker, even if it means starting with just a few well-chosen pieces.
Listen carefully for unwanted ringing or a muddy, undefined wash - those are red flags.
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 8 21" 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
Are bronze alloy cymbals always better?
Not necessarily. B20 bronze is the standard, but the hammering and lathing process matters more. A well-made B8 bronze cymbal can often outperform a poorly made B20. It's all about the craftsmanship.
I'm on a tight budget - what should I prioritize?
Focus on the fundamental tone and articulation. Don't worry about the prettiest finish or the longest sustain. A cymbal that responds well and doesn't sound harsh is more valuable than a pretty cymbal that's unplayable.
Can I use a 21" as a crash?
Technically, yes, but it's not ideal. It won't have the volume or sustain of a dedicated crash cymbal. It's best used for subtle accents and washes.
What's the difference between a medium and a light 21" cymbal?
Medium weight will be more versatile, offering a balance of projection and responsiveness. Light weight will be more delicate and shimmering, but might lack the power needed for louder sections.
How do I care for my orchestral cymbals?
Keep them clean! Regular wiping with a cymbal cleaner will prevent buildup and maintain their tone. Avoid excessive polishing, which can alter the finish and affect the sound.
