AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Hanging Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Agop 18" Traditional Thin Crash ($378). Istanbul Agop 16" Traditional Thin Crash gives you the most for the money at $307. Sabian 20" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Suspended Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 41 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All Hanging CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size18"
- Weight1.2 kg
This is a thin crash from the Traditional series, made from B20 bronze and hand-hammered. Its sound is dark, deep and soft, so it suits you if you want a gentle, mellow crash rather than a loud, sharp one. It fits well in orchestral or hanging cymbal settings where that softer character is what you need.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a classic cymbal alloy
- Hand-hammered, so each cymbal has its own surface finish
- Part of the Traditional series, a thin crash cymbal
Cons
- Its soft, dark sound may not suit a loud, sharp crash
91AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$378 now$378€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 18" HHX Suspended Crash Cymbal
18" HHX Suspended · Sabian
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size18"
- Weight1.3 kg
This is a fast-responding orchestra crash cymbal with a warm, dark sound that opens up as you play it harder. It suits you if you want an 18-inch crash for orchestral percussion and like a dark tone that gets brighter when you hit it hard. At about 1.3 kg, it is a substantial cymbal to hang and strike.
Pros
- Fast-responding, so it reacts quickly when struck
- Tone opens up and reaches higher as you play it louder
- Warm, dark sound at soft and moderate playing levels
Cons
- Weighs about 1.3 kg, so it is fairly heavy to hang and strike
83AudioFu
Index↓ 7.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$591 · Aug 17$546 now$546€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 20" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Suspended Cymbal
20" HHX Suspended · Sabian
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
- Weight1.8 kg
You get a 20-inch orchestra crash cymbal that responds fast when you hit it. Its sound is warm and dark, and it opens up toward higher notes as you play harder. It suits you if you want a dark, warm crash for orchestral or expressive playing.
Pros
- Fast-responding cymbal that speaks quickly when struck
- Warm, dark sound character as stated by the manufacturer
- Range extends upward as the volume increases
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$680 now$680€609 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size16"
This is a 16-inch thin crash made from B20 bronze and hand-hammered. If you want a dark, deep and soft sound from a hanging cymbal, you may like this one. It suits players who want a gentle crash rather than a loud, sharp one.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a classic cymbal alloy
- Hand-hammered construction
- Dark, deep and soft sound character
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$307 now$307€275 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Medium Crash Traditional
Traditional Crash Medium 20" · Istanbul Agop
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
- Weight1.7 kg
This is a 20-inch medium crash cymbal from the Traditional series, handmade in Turkey. It is made to hang rather than sit on a stand, so you will need a suitable mount. If you want a big, classic crash, this one is a solid pick.
Pros
- Handmade in Turkey, a traditional cymbal-making country
- 20-inch size gives a large, wide cymbal for crashes
- Medium crash weight suits a wide range of playing
Cons
- Built for suspended use, so it needs a stand or mount
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$479 now$479€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size16"
- Weight1 kg
This is a 16-inch orchestra crash cymbal from Sabian's AA Series. It is thin, and it gives a smooth, shimmering sound that stays effective at all volumes. It suits you if you play in an orchestra and want a crash cymbal that is light to handle.
Pros
- 16-inch size from Sabian's AA Series, an orchestra crash cymbal
- Thin build gives a smooth, shimmering sound
- Described as bright and effective at all volumes
68AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$401 · Aug 17$367 now$367€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size18"
- Weight1.5 kg
This is an 18 inch orchestra crash cymbal from Sabian's AA Series. It is thin and gives a smooth, shimmering sound that stays bright at every volume. It suits you if you play in an orchestra and want a crash that shimmers rather than hits hard.
Pros
- AA Series cymbal from Sabian, a well-known cymbal maker
- Thin build gives a smooth, shimmering sound
- Sound stays bright and effective at all volumes
Cons
- Heavier than some crash cymbals, at about 1.5 kg
68AudioFu
Index↓ 7.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$479 · Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
- Weight1.9 kg
This is a 20-inch orchestra crash cymbal with a natural finish. You get a thin, soft, shimmering sound that the maker describes as bright and effective at all volumes. It suits you if you play orchestral or concert percussion and want a crash that works in both quiet and loud passages.
Pros
- Natural finish gives the cymbal an unpainted, traditional look
- Thin construction gives a soft, shimmering sound
- Described as bright and effective at all volumes, so it works in quiet and loud passages
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$556 now$556€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size16"
- Weight1 kg
You get a 16 inch suspended cymbal from Sabian's Artisan Traditional Symphonic Series. Its maker describes the sound as deep, dark and rich, with a strong vintage feel. It suits you if you want an old world style cymbal for symphonic or orchestral playing.
Pros
- Part of Sabian's Artisan Traditional Symphonic Series
- Built with a premium "old world" sound in mind
- Described as thin, which suits its traditional character
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$680 now$680€609 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight1.2 kg
You get a 17-inch Sabian suspended cymbal from the Artisan Traditional Symphonic Series. It is thin and has a premium old world sound with a deep, dark and rich voice. If you want a classic, vintage-style suspended cymbal, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Part of the Artisan Traditional Symphonic Series
- Premium old world sound from a Sabian cymbal
- Robust vintage musicality that suits a classic feel
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$744 now$744€666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 41 hanging cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Sabian 18" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp.Sabian64Stable$803€719$803€719Check ↗
- 12
Sabian 19" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp.Sabian64Stable$881€789$881€789Check ↗
- 13
Sabian 20" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp.Sabian64Stable$937€839$937€839Check ↗
- 14
Zultan 18" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 15
Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash 16"Istanbul Agop63Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 16
Zultan 19" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 17
Istanbul Agop Traditional Pap.Thin Crash 16"Istanbul Agop63Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 18
Zultan 20" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 19
Istanbul Agop Traditional Pap.Thin Crash 17"Istanbul Agop63Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 20
Zultan 18" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$333€298$333€298Check ↗
- 21
Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash 18"Istanbul Agop63Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 22
Istanbul Agop Traditional Pap.Thin Crash 18"Istanbul Agop63Stable$367€329$367€329Check ↗
- 23
Zultan 22" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$372€333$372€333Check ↗
- 24
Zultan 20" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 25
Zultan 24" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 26
Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash 20"Istanbul Agop63Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 27
Zultan 22" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$496€444$496€444Check ↗
- 28
Zultan 24" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 29
Meinl 14" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$269€241$269€241Check ↗
- 30
Meinl 16" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 31
Meinl 17" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 32
Meinl 18" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$468€419$468€419Check ↗
- 33
Meinl 20" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 34
Meinl 22" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$702€629$702€629Check ↗
- 35
Sabian 17" HHX Complex SuspendedSabian57Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 36
Sabian 19" HHX Complex suspendedSabian57Stable$646€579$646€579Check ↗
- 37
Zildjian 18" S Family Suspended MTZildjian55↓ 2.6%$171€153$171€153Check ↗
- 38
Zildjian 17" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian54Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 39
Zildjian 18" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian54Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 40
Zildjian 20" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian54Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 41
Zildjian 19" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian54Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
Hanging Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 41 models we track, not a sample.
Median $468 — half of all hanging cymbals here cost less.
median of 41 models · 16"–22"
median of 33 models · 0.9 kg–2.2 kg
How to choose the best hanging cymbals
Size & Weight
Larger sizes (24"+) generally offer a broader wash and longer sustain, ideal for cinematic swells or adding ambience. Heavier weights provide more low-end thump and projection, crucial for cutting through a loud ensemble, while lighter weights tend to be more responsive and articulate. Finding the right balance depends on your specific application.
Bell Profile
A wider, more open bell creates a more diffused, shimmering sound. A smaller, more focused bell delivers a more defined, "pingy" attack. This drastically affects how the cymbal sits in a mix - a wide bell can easily get muddy if not controlled.
Lathing & Hammering
Consistent lathing (the grooves hammered into the cymbal) is key for even response across the cymbal's surface. Heavier hammering generally creates a darker, more complex tone with more overtones, while lighter hammering results in a brighter, more focused sound. It's a sonic signature, really.
Metal Alloy
B20 bronze is the standard, offering a balance of warmth, projection, and complexity. B8 bronze is a more budget-friendly option, often brighter and more focused, but generally lacking the depth and complexity of B20. It's a trade-off - you get a cheaper cymbal, but you lose some sonic character.
Sustain & Decay
Hanging cymbals are all about the wash and the decay. A longer sustain allows for those drawn-out swells and shimmering textures, while a quicker decay keeps things controlled and prevents the cymbal from overwhelming the other instruments. Consider how it will interact with your timpani or other low-frequency elements.
Buying guide
So you're looking into hanging cymbals? Smart move. They're a game-changer for orchestral percussion, film scores, and even adding a unique shimmer to your rock or jazz kit. But finding the right ones isn't just about grabbing the biggest crash you can find - it's about understanding their role and how they interact with your other instruments, both in the studio and on stage.
Don't chase the loudest cymbal - chase the cymbal that fits your sonic palette. Cheaper cymbals often cut corners on hammering and lathing, resulting in uneven response and a harsh, metallic sound. Invest in a few well-chosen cymbals rather than a whole rack of mediocre ones.
And seriously, try before you buy - a cymbal's character is hard to convey in words.
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 41 hanging 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 crash and a ride cymbal when used as a hanging cymbal?
Essentially, it's about intended voicing. Crashes are designed for a quick, explosive sound and shimmering wash. Rides are built for a more sustained, defined tone with a clear bell. Either can work as a hanging cymbal, but the resulting sound will be dramatically different.
How high should I hang them?
Generally, 3-5 feet off the ground is a good starting point. Higher hanging allows for more air movement and a longer decay, but also makes them more difficult to access and control. Experiment to find what works best for your space and playing style.
Are there specific mounting systems I should consider?
Absolutely. You want something that allows the cymbal to vibrate freely without damping the sound. Simple rope suspension is classic, but there are also more sophisticated mounting systems that offer better adjustability and stability. Avoid anything that clamps or restricts the cymbal's movement.
Can I use any cymbal as a hanging cymbal?
Technically, yes, but not all cymbals are created equal. Thin-line crashes will likely be overly bright and brittle. Heavier, more complex cymbals generally work best for the intended effect, offering a richer, more nuanced sound.
I'm on a budget - what's the best way to get started?
Focus on a few key sizes (e.g., 20", 24", and 32") and prioritize B20 bronze if possible. Used cymbals are a great option - you can often find high-quality instruments at a significant discount. Just be sure to inspect them carefully for cracks or keyholing.
