AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Crotales 2026
The top pick is Ufip Crotales C5-C6 ($1,673). Kolberg 2370CRD Crotales c3-c4 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All CrotalesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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These Ufip Crotales cover the high octave, from C5 to C6, with 13 discs tuned to A=443Hz. They suit you if you play orchestral percussion and need notes in that high range. No stand comes with them, so plan to have one ready before you buy.
Pros
- Covers the high octave, from C5 to C6, in a single set.
- Tuned to A=443Hz, a common pitch standard for orchestral work.
- Comes with 13 discs, giving you a full chromatic set of notes.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,673 now$1,673€1,498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These crotales cover one low octave, from C4 to C5, on 13 discs. They are tuned to A=443Hz, which is a standard orchestral pitch, so they suit orchestral and percussion work. If you need a low set of crotales, this is a good fit, but plan on getting your own stand.
Pros
- Covers one low octave, C4 to C5, across 13 discs
- Tuned to A=443Hz, a standard orchestral pitch
- All 13 discs needed for the octave come with the instrument
Cons
- No stand is included, so you will need to supply one separately
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,953 now$1,953€1,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These crotales are tuned to the high octave at A=440, the standard pitch most players use. They have 13 tones, so you can play melodies on them. If you want a traditional Zildjian set, this one is a good pick.
Pros
- Tuned to high octave A=440, the standard concert pitch
- 13 tones give you a full chromatic range for melodies
- Traditional version, built in the classic Zildjian style
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,677 now$2,677€2,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
These are 13 low octave crotales tuned to A=440, with a traditional finish. If you play orchestral percussion, you get the standard pitch most ensembles use. The holder is not included, so plan to buy one before you play.
Pros
- Set of 13 notes in the low octave
- Tuned to A=440, the standard pitch
- Traditional finish for a classic look
Cons
- Holder is not included, so you need to buy one separately
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,677 now$2,677€2,398 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you play orchestral percussion, this set covers the c4 to c5 range and is tuned to 443 Hz. The stand adjusts in height from about 90 to 120 cm and comes with a mute, so you can set it up for your height and control how long the notes ring. It also includes a heavy crotales mallet and a protective transport cover.
Pros
- Concert model covers the c4 to c5 range
- Tuned to 443 Hz pitch
- Stand includes a mute 2370SD for controlling ring
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,621 now$4,621€4,139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a set of crotales that covers 13 notes from c3 to c4, tuned to 443 Hz. The stand has a mute and adjusts in height, so you can set it to a playing height of about 90 to 120 cm. It suits you if you play orchestral percussion and want a set that comes with a heavy mallet and a transport cover.
Pros
- Covers 13 chromatic tones from c3 to c4
- Tuned to 443 Hz
- Stand includes a mute, the 2370SD
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,559 now$5,559€4,979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you play orchestral percussion, this set gives you thirteen high-octave discs tuned to 443 Hz. It comes with a mounting rail, so you can set it up on a standard cymbal stand without extra hardware. It suits players who need high-octave crotales at this pitch standard.
Pros
- Thirteen discs cover a wide range of pitches in one set
- Tuned to 443 Hz, a common orchestral pitch standard
- Includes a mounting rail that fits standard cymbal stands
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,124 now$3,124€2,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a low octave set of crotales with thirteen discs, tuned to A = 443 Hz. It comes with a holding rail, so you can mount it on a standard cymbal stand. It suits you if you play orchestral percussion and need the lower crotale range at this pitch.
Pros
- Low octave range covers the lower set of crotale tones
- Thirteen discs give a full chromatic set for playing
- Tuned to A = 443 Hz, a historical pitch standard
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,124 now$3,124€2,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a 13-slice crotales set tuned to a high octave, with a holding rail that fits a standard cymbal stand. It suits you if you play orchestral percussion and want a high-pitched set that sits on a stand you already own. Check that the 442 Hz tuning matches the rest of your group before you buy.
Pros
- Set of 13 slices tuned to a high octave range
- Tuned to 442 Hz, a standard reference pitch
- Includes a holding rail that fits a standard cymbal stand
Cons
- Mallets are not included with this set
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,124 now$3,124€2,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a set of 13 crotales that play the low octave, tuned to 442 Hz. The holding rail is included and fits a standard cymbal stand, so setting it up is simple. It suits you if you play orchestral percussion and need the deep, low pitches.
Pros
- Deep low octave gives you the bottom end of the crotales range
- Set of 13 slices covers a full octave of pitches
- Tuned to 442 Hz, a common standard for orchestras
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,124 now$3,124€2,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Crotales by the numbers
Measured across all 10 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,124 — half of all crotales here cost less.
How to choose the best crotales
Material
Traditionally bronze is king - it gives you that rich, complex overtone series and a really beautiful sustain. Cheaper sets often use brass, which tends to be brighter and a bit harsher; it can cut through a mix easily, but lacks the depth. You can often hear the difference immediately.
Tuning Accuracy
This is critical. Even a slightly out-of-tune crotale is jarring. Look for sets that are meticulously tuned, ideally with a certificate of accuracy. If you're serious, invest in a good quality tuner, too.
Action & Response
A good set should respond quickly and evenly to the mallet. A stiff action will kill your dynamics and make it tough to execute those delicate, shimmering passages. The better ones have a lighter, more responsive feel.
Harmonic Content & Tone
The ideal crotale tone isn't just 'bright' or 'warm.' It's a balance of fundamental clarity with a complex overtone series - that's what gives them their character. Listen for a 'fat' shimmer, not an ice-picky harshness. This is where the material makes a huge difference.
Durability & Finish
Crotales are prone to dents and scratches. A good protective finish is essential, especially if you're gigging regularly. Check the mounting hardware too - flimsy mounts will dampen the sustain and make them a pain to set up.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking into crotales? Fantastic. They're not just for super-fancy orchestral gigs - that shimmering, bell-like quality can add a real magic touch to everything from studio recordings to even a well-placed accent in a rock band. But they're also notoriously picky instruments; you need to know what you're getting, or you'll end up with something that sounds brittle and frustrating. Let's break down what makes a good set of crotales tick.
Don't be fooled by cheap sets - they almost always cut corners on material and tuning. While a full orchestral set can be a significant investment, a smaller, well-made set of a few notes can be surprisingly versatile. Prioritize tuning accuracy and a responsive action above all else; those are the things that will make or break your experience.
And seriously, get a good mallet - the right mallet can completely transform the tone.
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 10 crotales 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 crotales and tubular bells?
Crotales are smaller, tuned pairs of bronze discs. Tubular bells are much larger, pitched bells that are struck with a mallet, producing a more resonant, sustained sound. They're different instruments entirely.
What kind of mallets should I use?
Generally, softer mallets (yarn or felt) will give you a warmer, more delicate tone, while harder mallets (plastic or wood) will produce a brighter, more focused sound. Experiment to find what works best for your application.
Are crotales difficult to learn?
They can be tricky! The small size and precise tuning demand accuracy and control. Start with simpler passages and focus on developing a consistent touch.
Can I use crotales in a rock band?
Absolutely! A well-placed shimmer can add a really unique texture. Just be mindful of their volume - they can easily get lost in a loud mix unless mic'd properly.
How do I care for my crotales?
Handle them with care! Avoid dropping them, and clean them gently with a soft cloth. Store them in a padded case to protect them from damage.
