AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Sabian Hanging Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Sabian 18" HHX Suspended Crash Cymbal ($546). Sabian 16" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch. gives you the most for the money at $367. Sabian 20" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp. leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, 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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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"
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 17Aug 17$803 now$803€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 17Aug 17$881 now$881€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 17Aug 17$937 now$937€839 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 hanging cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Hanging Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 41 models we track, not a sample.
Median $680 — 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
Heritage & Design
Sabian's designs often draw from vintage orchestral cymbal models, tweaked for modern use. This isn't just about nostalgia; it's about a specific tonal blueprint - a controlled wash, a dark, resonant character, and a focus on musicality over raw volume. You're getting a legacy of experience in the alloy.
Tone Characteristics
Sabian hanging cymbals generally lean towards a darker, more complex sound than some of their brighter competitors. They have a really interesting, almost vocal quality - not a ping, but a bloom. The sustain is long and even, and the overtone series is rich without being overwhelming, which is crucial for blending in a large ensemble.
Build Quality & Lathing
Sabian's hammering and lathing techniques are consistent. You'll notice a clean, even bell response and a relatively smooth surface, which contributes to that controlled wash. They're built to withstand the constant movement and shifting of a hanging setup - they're not flimsy.
Size Range & Versatility
Sabian offers a wide range of sizes, from the smaller 16" models perfect for subtle accents to the massive 42" and beyond for creating washes that fill a concert hall. This versatility means you can tailor your setup to the specific needs of the project, whether it's a delicate film score or a stadium-sized performance.
Price Point & Value
Sabian hanging cymbals aren't the cheapest on the market, but you're paying for a level of consistency and tonal character that you just won't find in the budget end. That said, there are entry-level models that provide excellent value for the money - it's about finding the right balance for your budget and sonic goals.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're looking into hanging cymbals - smart move. They add this huge, ethereal wash that's just irreplaceable for orchestral percussion, film scoring, or even adding some serious atmosphere to a progressive rock setup. And when it comes to hanging cymbals, Sabian's got a lineage that's hard to beat; their designs have been shaping the sound of countless scores and recordings for decades. Let's dive into what makes their hanging cymbals special and which ones are actually going to get you the vibe you're after.
Don't be swayed by the biggest size - a 42" cymbal doesn't automatically equal a better sound. Consider the room you're playing in and the overall instrumentation. Cheap hanging cymbals often cut corners on hammering, resulting in a dull, lifeless sound and inconsistent response.
Spend a little more for the tonal complexity and the build quality that will last.
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 12 hanging cymbals from the Thomann catalogue (of 41 in the category). 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 Sabian hanging cymbals too dark for a rock band?
It depends. While they aren't your typical crash cymbal, a carefully selected 20" or 22" Sabian hanging cymbal can add a really unique, atmospheric element. Just be mindful of the overall mix - you might need to EQ them to cut through.
How do I hang them properly?
Use proper hanging hardware - sturdy ropes or cables, and secure mounting points. The distance from the mount influences the sound; closer in tightens the sound, further out creates more wash. Experiment!
What's the difference between a Sabian Art Orchestra and a Sabian Classic Performance hanging cymbal?
The Art Orchestra is their premium line, with more complex hammering and a more refined tonal character. The Classic Performance is still excellent, but a bit more focused on versatility and a slightly brighter response.
Can I use these cymbals for other purposes besides hanging?
While designed for hanging, they can be played on a stand, but the sound will be different. You'll lose some of the wash and gain a bit more direct articulation - still usable, just not their intended purpose.
How do I clean Sabian hanging cymbals?
Use a dedicated cymbal cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface and alter the sound. Regular cleaning helps maintain their tone and longevity.
