AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Crotales for Professional 2026
The top pick is Kolberg 2370CRD Crotales c3-c4 ($5,559). Ufip Crotales C5-C6 gives you the most for the money at $1,673. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 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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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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗
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
Tuning Accuracy
This isn't just about being 'in tune'; it's about consistent intonation across the entire series. A few cents out on one note can throw off a whole passage, especially when layering multiple crotales. Professional players need absolute reliability here.
Sustain & Decay
Crotales aren't known for their massive sustain, but the quality of that sustain matters. We're looking for a clean, ringing decay without unwanted overtones or a metallic 'clink.' A shorter, cleaner sustain often translates to better articulation in complex passages.
Action & Playability
The action - the distance from the striking point to the surface - needs to be consistent and comfortable. A sloppy action leads to uneven strikes and a muddy sound. It's a feel thing; some players prefer a lower action for quicker response, others a slightly higher one for more controlled damping.
Harmonic Complexity
Cheap crotales sound thin and brittle. The best sets have a richer harmonic spectrum - a subtle warmth alongside the brightness. That's what gives them character and allows them to blend well with other instruments without sounding harsh or ice-picky.
Material & Construction
Bronze is the standard for a reason - it offers a beautiful, complex tone. However, the alloy composition (and the casting process) significantly impacts the sound. Thicker, heavier crotales generally offer more sustain and projection, but they're also harder to control. It's a trade-off.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're stepping up your crotales game. Forget the toy store versions - those things are glorified chimes. We're talking about instruments that demand precision, offer a nuanced palette of tones, and can actually cut through a dense orchestral mix or add a shimmering highlight to a jazz ensemble. This isn't about making noise; it's about crafting moments with a uniquely beautiful and delicate instrument.
Don't be fooled by flashy finishes or inflated marketing claims. The most expensive crotales aren't always the best for you. Pay close attention to the tuning accuracy - a chromatic set is a must for versatility.
Listen carefully for unwanted overtones; a slightly 'dirty' tone might sound interesting in one context, but will be unusable in others. Solid bronze construction is non-negotiable; anything else is a compromise you probably don't want to make at a professional level.
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 bronze and brass crotales?
Bronze offers a much more complex and nuanced tone - more warmth and overtones. Brass tends to be brighter and harsher, often lacking the richness and sustain needed for professional work. It's a noticeable difference.
Are chromatic crotales essential?
Absolutely. While diatonic sets have their place, a chromatic set unlocks a huge range of possibilities and allows you to play in any key without transposing. It's a fundamental requirement for professional use.
How important is the mallet choice?
Massive. Mallet material (rubber, nylon, felt) dramatically impacts the tone. Softer mallets produce a warmer, more subdued sound, while harder mallets bring out the brightness and attack. Experiment to find what works for your style and the specific crotales.
Can I use crotales in a rock band?
You can, but it takes careful consideration. They're delicate instruments and can easily get lost in a loud mix. Miking is crucial - a small-diaphragm condenser mic placed close is often the best bet. EQ and compression will be your friends.
What's the learning curve like?
Crotales are physically easy to play, but musically demanding. Precise striking is key to avoiding unwanted noise and achieving clean articulation. It takes time and practice to develop the finesse needed for truly expressive playing.
