AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Sabian Hanging Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Sabian 18" HHX Suspended Crash Cymbal ($547). Sabian 16" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch. gives you the most for the money at $368. Sabian 20" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp. leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, 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 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 ↗ -
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 Molto Symp is a beautifully crafted orchestral suspended cymbal. Its shimmering, delicate sound is perfect for film scores, classical recordings, and situations where subtlety is key; it’s not a powerhouse crash, but a refined, expressive tool for the discerning percussionist.
Pros
- Exceptional shimmering sustain ideal for delicate orchestral passages
- Thin profile provides a responsive, articulate wash of sound
- Sabian’s AA bronze delivers a bright, controlled overtone series
Cons
- Limited dynamic range; struggles with heavier, more aggressive playing
- AA bronze can be prone to cracking with improper handling or mounting
68AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$402 · Aug 14$368 now$368€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size18"
- Weight1.5 kg
This Molto Symp is a beautifully crafted hanging cymbal, perfect for orchestral percussionists needing a delicate shimmer. Its thin profile and bright tone really cut through the ensemble, offering a refined and controlled sound – just what you want for those subtle orchestral moments.
Pros
- Exceptional shimmering sustain ideal for delicate orchestral passages.
- Thin profile allows for nuanced dynamics and expressive swells.
- AA bronze alloy delivers a bright, focused, and clean sonic signature.
Cons
- Limited dynamic range; not suitable for aggressive, loud crash applications.
- Thinness makes it susceptible to cracking with mishandling or extreme abuse.
68AudioFu
Index↓ 7.0%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$480 · Aug 14$447 now$447€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
- Weight1.9 kg
This Molto Symp is a beautiful, delicate hanging cymbal – perfect for orchestral settings and film scores where you need a shimmering, ethereal wash. It’s not a powerhouse crash, but its refined sound and responsiveness make it a truly special addition to any percussionist’s arsenal. If you're looking for a refined, sensitive orchestral sound, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Exceptional shimmering wash with a clear, focused articulation.
- Natural finish preserves the inherent bronze tonal qualities.
- Thin profile facilitates effortless pedaling and nuanced swells.
Cons
- Limited dynamic range; excels in softer passages, less impactful at full volume.
- Natural finish requires diligent maintenance to prevent discoloration and oxidation.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$558 now$558€498 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 ↗
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 $682 — 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.
