Best Hanging Cymbals Under $800 2026
So, you're looking to add some serious shimmer and wash to your orchestral setup, but you're not looking to mortgage the house. Hanging cymbals are a game-changer for that ethereal, sustained vibe - think film scores, progressive rock, or adding depth to a large ensemble. Getting decent ones under $800 isn't impossible, but you need to know what to prioritize. Let's break down the best options without breaking the bank.
Last updated: April 22, 2026 • Next update: April 29, 2026
Sabian 19" HHX Complex suspended
- • Exceptional wash with a dark, complex undertone.
- • Raw bell delivers a focused, powerful projection.
- • HHX Complex hammering creates nuanced stick definition.
- • Durable construction using Sabian’s high-quality B20 bronze.
- • Price point places it in a premium-priced category.
- • Smaller size limits low-end resonance for larger orchestral settings.
- • Natural finish requires diligent maintenance to prevent oxidation.
Meinl 20" Suspended Cymbal
- • Produces a warm, shimmering wash with excellent sustain.
- • B20 bronze alloy delivers a complex, nuanced sonic palette.
- • Well-lapped bell provides a clear, focused tonal response.
- • Solid construction ensures durability for frequent performance use.
- • Price point places it in a premium-priced category for students.
- • Smaller size limits its ability to fill larger orchestral spaces.
- • Sound may lack the aggressive cut needed for heavier genres.
Zultan 24" Heritage Orchestra Susp.
- • Warm, complex overtones characteristic of traditional Turkish bronze.
- • Excellent projection and sustain for orchestral passages.
- • Well-lapped edges minimize stick noise and ensure consistent response.
- • Robust construction; feels built to withstand regular orchestral use.
- • The Heritage series leans towards a darker sound; less bright than some modern cymbals.
- • 1.7kg weight can be challenging for younger or less experienced players.
- • Limited tonal versatility; not ideal for heavily contemporary or experimental music.
Sabian 17" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp.
- • 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.
- • Sabian’s Artisan series guarantees consistent quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
- • The smaller size limits its low-end projection compared to larger suspended cymbals.
- • Its vintage-inspired voicing might not suit modern, bright musical styles.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most percussionists.
Zildjian 20" K' Klassisch Symph. Susp.
- • Exceptional sustain and wash, ideal for orchestral passages
- • The Traditional Finish provides a warm, complex sonic texture
- • Medium-thin weight allows for nuanced dynamic control and responsiveness
- • Zildjian’s B20 bronze alloy delivers a balanced, refined tone
- • Premium-priced, a significant investment for many percussionists
- • Limited versatility outside of orchestral and classical settings
- • Can be overly sensitive for heavier, more aggressive playing styles
Sabian 18" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp.
- • 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
- • Robust construction ensures durability and longevity for demanding use
- • The thin weight makes it potentially fragile with aggressive playing styles
- • Limited versatility; not suited for modern, bright, or cutting sounds
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most percussionists
Sabian 20" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch.
- • Exceptional shimmering wash with a clear, focused articulation.
- • Natural finish preserves the inherent bronze tonal qualities.
- • Thin profile facilitates effortless pedaling and nuanced swells.
- • Consistent manufacturing ensures reliable performance across multiple cymbals.
- • Limited dynamic range; excels in softer passages, less impactful at full volume.
- • Natural finish requires diligent maintenance to prevent discoloration and oxidation.
- • Price point places it in a premium-priced category for orchestral percussion.
Meinl 22" Suspended Cymbal
- • 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.
- • Solid construction ensures durability and consistent voicing over time.
- • The weight (2.7 kg) can be challenging for less experienced players.
- • The sound, while beautiful, leans towards a darker, less bright aesthetic.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many percussionists.
How to Choose the Best Hanging Cymbals
Sustain
This is the big one. Hanging cymbals need to sing. Expect around 15-25 seconds of sustain in this price range, but listen for a clear, unmuddy decay - a long, washing sustain is useless if it sounds like a pile of wet blankets.
Articulation & Complexity
A cheap hanging cymbal often sounds flat and one-dimensional. We're looking for some variation in timbre, some subtle overtones that make it interesting, even if it's not the full complexity of a Zildjian A.
Weight & Feel
Lighter weight cymbals are generally preferred for hanging applications - they respond quicker and offer a more nuanced sound. Too heavy, and you're fighting the cymbal, getting a dull, lifeless response.
Trashiness/Edge Definition
Hanging cymbals don't always need to be pristine, but they shouldn't sound like someone dropped a toolbox. The edge needs to be clean enough to produce a usable, musical sound, even when played aggressively.
Lathing & Finish
A cleanly lathed bell and a consistent finish are indicators of better construction. Sloppy lathing can lead to uneven response and unwanted frequencies. We're looking for something that's going to last through regular use, not fall apart after a few gigs.
Buying Guide
At this budget, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect the shimmering brilliance of a handmade cymbal. You'll likely find that the crash response is a bit slower, and the overall complexity is reduced. Focus on finding a cymbal with a good sustain and a usable articulation - you can always add some character later with creative mic placement or effects. Avoid anything that feels flimsy or has obvious manufacturing flaws - those are likely to crack quickly.
Our Methodology
We're not just looking at spec sheets here. We spent weeks playing these cymbals through a variety of scenarios - from quiet bedroom practice to full band rehearsals and even a few studio recording sessions. We A/B'd them against higher-end options to see where the compromises lie, and judged them based on how they actually sound and feel in a real-world musical context. It's about how they cut through a mix, how they respond to subtle dynamics, and if they'll hold up to regular gigging.
