AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Hanging Cymbals for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Sabian 20" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Suspended Cymbal ($682). Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Medium Crash Traditional gives you the most for the money at $480. Sabian 20" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp. leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 41 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 15, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Sabian 20" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Suspended Cymbal
20" HHX Suspended · Sabian
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
- Weight1.8 kg
This 20-inch cymbal hits fast and stays warm as you play louder. It is built for hanging in an orchestra setting. The sound goes dark and deep before stretching high up. Great for players who want a responsive crash without extra cost.
Pros
- Fast response when lightly played
- Warm and dark sound quality
- Extends upward in volume
Cons
- No material type listed
- No durability details given
82AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$682 now$682€609 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size16"
- Weight1 kg
This 16-inch thin cymbal offers deep, dark tones perfect for traditional orchestral settings. Its vintage musicality makes it a great choice for players seeking rich, old-world sounds. While the price is high and the thin weight might limit durability, it delivers consistent quality for those who prioritize tone over thickness.
Pros
- Delivers deep, dark, and rich symphonic tones
- Features robust vintage musicality for authentic sound
- Thin profile creates a responsive hanging cymbal
Cons
- High price point limits budget-friendly access
- Thin weight may lack durability for heavy use
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$682 now$682€609 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size17"
- Weight1.2 kg
This 17 in Artisan is a beautifully crafted suspended cymbal, perfect for orchestral percussionists or film composers seeking an authentic, vintage sound. It's got a really lovely, complex wash that sits beautifully in an ensemble, and the thinner profile makes it surprisingly responsive. It's an investment piece, but the tonal quality is truly exceptional.
Pros
- The hand-lapped finish delivers a complex, nuanced wash and sustain.
- The bronze alloy produces a dark, warm tone ideal for orchestral and film scoring.
- Relatively thin weight allows for responsive, expressive playing and easy control.
Cons
- The smaller size limits its low-end projection compared to larger suspended cymbals.
- Its vintage-inspired voicing might not suit modern, bright musical styles.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$746 now$746€666 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size18"
- Weight1.4 kg
This 18-inch Artisan Traditional Symphony cymbal is a beautifully crafted piece, evoking the sound of antique European orchestral cymbals. It’s perfect for film composers, orchestral percussionists, and anyone seeking a truly authentic, dark, and resonant suspended cymbal – just be mindful of its delicate nature.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, full tone ideal for orchestral and film scoring
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex overtones and shimmering wash
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a vintage, warm, and resonant character
Cons
- The thin weight makes it potentially fragile with aggressive playing styles
- Limited versatility; not suited for modern, bright, or cutting sounds
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$805 now$805€719 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
- Weight1.5 kg
This 19in Artisan Traditional Symphony cymbal is a beautiful, dark-toned hanging cymbal perfect for orchestral settings or solo percussion needing a vintage vibe. Its thinness provides a gorgeous shimmer, and the hand-hammered lathing adds a real depth of character. It’s a serious investment, but the quality and sound are undeniable.
Pros
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a complex, nuanced wash and stick definition.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a warm, dark tone with excellent projection.
- Thin weight provides responsive articulation and a shimmering decay.
Cons
- The dark timbre limits versatility for brighter, modern orchestral styles.
- Relatively fragile construction demands careful handling and storage.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$883 now$883€789 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
- Weight1.7 kg
This 20in Artisan Traditional Symphony is a beautifully crafted cymbal, designed for nuanced orchestral and film work. The hand-hammering and B20 bronze create a deep, warm, and incredibly musical sound that's a far cry from your bright, modern crash. It’s a top-tier choice for serious percussionists seeking authentic vintage character.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, full tone ideal for orchestral and film scoring
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex overtones and shimmer
- B20 bronze alloy delivers vintage warmth and responsiveness
Cons
- Price point places it firmly in the premium-priced category
- Thin weight can be challenging for less experienced players
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$939 now$939€839 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 cymbal snaps to your stick fast and sounds warm but gets bright when you play hard. It's a solid 18-inch choice for orchestra crashes, though the heavy weight might be tough for some players. Since the metal type isn't listed, you can't tell exactly what it's made of.
Pros
- Fast response for quick musical phrases
- Warm and dark core sound
- Bright upper tones at high volume
Cons
- Heavy weight may strain drummers
- No material composition listed
83AudioFu
Index↓ 7.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$592 · Aug 17$547 now$547€489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size22"
- Weight2.7 kg
This Meinl 22 in suspended is a beautifully voiced cymbal, perfect for orchestral, film scoring, and any situation needing a lush, dark wash. It's a high-end instrument demanding respect and care, but delivers a truly professional sound if you're looking for a nuanced, expressive suspended.
Pros
- Rich, complex overtones characteristic of Meinl’s inSymphonic line.
- Excellent sustain and wash, ideal for orchestral and cinematic scoring.
- Carefully lathed bell provides a focused, shimmering quality.
Cons
- The weight (2.7 kg) can be challenging for less experienced players.
- The sound, while beautiful, leans towards a darker, less bright aesthetic.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$704 now$704€629 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
The 19in HHX Complex is a beautifully voiced suspended cymbal, offering a warm, shimmering wash with a surprisingly articulate bell. It's an excellent choice for solo percussionists, smaller ensembles, or anyone seeking a sophisticated, expressive sound without going full-on massive. The 'trickle-down' tech really shines here – you get a lot of Artisan quality at a more accessible price.
Pros
- Exceptional wash with a dark, complex undertone.
- Raw bell delivers a focused, powerful projection.
- HHX Complex hammering creates nuanced stick definition.
Cons
- Price point places it in a premium-priced category.
- Smaller size limits low-end resonance for larger orchestral settings.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$648 now$648€579 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 20' Istanbul Agop Traditional Crash is a fantastic choice if you're after that classic, slightly dark, and incredibly musical crash sound. It's perfect for jazz, orchestral, and folk musicians looking for a reliable, expressive cymbal with a vintage vibe – it’s a real workhorse.
Pros
- Warm, complex wash with a pronounced, musical bow vibration
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a rich, shimmering overtone series
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a classic, vintage-inspired sound
Cons
- Can be a bit too dark for brighter musical styles like metal
- The medium weight might be challenging for less experienced players
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$480 now$480€429 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
Meinl 20" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$581€519$581€519Check ↗
- 12
Sabian 20" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch.Sabian64Stable$558€498$558€498Check ↗
- 13
Zultan 24" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$558€498$558€498Check ↗
- 14
Sabian 17" HHX Complex SuspendedSabian57Stable$547€489$547€489Check ↗
- 15
Zultan 22" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$497€444$497€444Check ↗
- 16
Zildjian 20" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian57↓ 5.9%$536€479$536€479Check ↗
- 17
Zildjian 19" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian54Stable$547€489$547€489Check ↗
- 18
Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash 20"Istanbul Agop63Stable$480€429$480€429Check ↗
- 19
Zildjian 18" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian56↓ 4.5%$480€429$480€429Check ↗
- 20
Zildjian 17" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.Zildjian54Stable$480€429$480€429Check ↗
- 21
Istanbul Agop 18" Traditional Thin CrashIstanbul Agop88↑ 7.6%$380€339$380€339Check ↗
- 22
Istanbul Agop 16" Traditional Thin CrashIstanbul Agop70↑ 15.1%$308€275$308€275Check ↗
- 23
Sabian 16" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch.Sabian68↓ 8.4%$368€329$368€329Check ↗
- 24
Sabian 18" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch.Sabian68↓ 7.0%$447€399$447€399Check ↗
- 25
Meinl 14" Suspended CymbalMeinl65↓ 7.0%$270€241$270€241Check ↗
- 26
Zultan 18" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$279€249$279€249Check ↗
- 27
Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash 16"Istanbul Agop63Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
- 28
Zultan 19" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
- 29
Istanbul Agop Traditional Pap.Thin Crash 16"Istanbul Agop63Stable$301€269$301€269Check ↗
- 30
Zultan 20" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$324€289$324€289Check ↗
- 31
Istanbul Agop Traditional Pap.Thin Crash 17"Istanbul Agop63Stable$324€289$324€289Check ↗
- 32
Zultan 18" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$334€298$334€298Check ↗
- 33
Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash 18"Istanbul Agop63Stable$368€329$368€329Check ↗
- 34
Istanbul Agop Traditional Pap.Thin Crash 18"Istanbul Agop63Stable$368€329$368€329Check ↗
- 35
Zultan 22" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$373€333$373€333Check ↗
- 36
Zultan 20" Heritage Orchestra Susp.Zultan63Stable$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 37
Zultan 24" Orchestra SuspendedZultan63Stable$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 38
Meinl 17" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$435€389$435€389Check ↗
- 39
Meinl 18" Suspended CymbalMeinl62Stable$469€419$469€419Check ↗
- 40
Meinl 16" Suspended CymbalMeinl60↑ 5.6%$424€379$424€379Check ↗
- 41
Zildjian 18" S Family Suspended MTZildjian59↓ 10.3%$176€157$176€157Check ↗
Hanging Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 41 models we track, not a sample.
Median $469 — 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
Responsiveness
Advanced players need immediate response to subtle mallet strokes and finger rolls. A sluggish cymbal will kill your phrasing and make it impossible to create delicate textures - look for a light action and a quick decay.
Tonal Complexity
Forget that one-dimensional 'ping.' We're talking about cymbals with a wide spectrum of overtones, a dark core with a shimmering wash, and a dynamic response that allows you to coax out different colors depending on your playing. That 'fat midrange honk' is a sign of good complexity.
Sustain & Decay
You want a cymbal that sings, but not forever. Controlled sustain is key for layering and creating rhythmic patterns. Too much sustain becomes a muddy mess, especially in a recording situation. The decay should be musical, not abrupt.
Articulation & Dynamics
Can the cymbal handle a whisper-quiet ghost note as well as a full-throated swell? A good hanging cymbal should offer a wide dynamic range and allow you to articulate specific frequencies, not just produce a wall of sound.
Durability & Lathe Work
These cymbals take a beating. Look for consistent lathing and a robust build - sloppy edges will quickly warp and create unwanted overtones. The bell response is crucial for adding tonal variety, so make sure it's well-defined and doesn't just clang.
Buying guide
So, you're past the crash-and-ride phase and looking for hanging cymbals that actually respond to your nuanced playing? It's not just about shimmer anymore; you need something that breathes, that can go from a whisper to a controlled roar without sounding like a garbage can lid. Let's be honest, most entry-level hangs just don't cut it when you're trying to create complex textures or blend with a full orchestra - they're often too clangy and lack any real musicality. This is about finding instruments that expand your sonic palette, not limit it.
Don't fall for the hype - a lot of 'artisan' cymbals out there are just overpriced, poorly made clangfests. Pay attention to the weight; lighter cymbals are generally more responsive, but too light and they'll be brittle. A good cymbal will have a complex wash and a dark core, but it needs to respond - feel it out before you buy.
And remember, the finish isn't everything; a raw, unlathed cymbal can be just as expressive as a polished one, sometimes even more so.
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 'hanging cymbal' and a 'wind chime'?
Wind chimes are tuned to specific notes and are designed to be struck by the wind. Hanging cymbals are designed to be played by hand or mallet and offer a much wider range of tonal possibilities - they're instruments, not decorations.
Are larger hanging cymbals always better?
Not necessarily. Larger cymbals have more sustain, but they can also be harder to control and can quickly become overwhelming in a mix. It's about finding the right size for your playing style and the context you're using them in.
What kind of mallets should I use?
Experiment! Soft rubber mallets will bring out the darker tones and allow for quieter playing. Softer felt mallets are great for a really delicate sound. Harder nylon or acrylic mallets will give you more attack and projection.
Can I use these cymbals in a recording?
Absolutely. In fact, they're fantastic for adding unique textures and atmospheres to recordings. Just be mindful of the room acoustics and use mics strategically to capture the full sonic range.
I'm on a budget. What should I look for?
Focus on responsiveness and tonal complexity over flashy finishes. A well-made, smaller cymbal will outperform a larger, poorly-made one. Don't be afraid to consider raw, unlathed options - they often offer great value.





