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: September 24, 2026
⚡ The best hanging cymbals in 2026 are Sabian 17" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp. (top pick), Meinl 22" Suspended Cymbal for tighter budgets, and Sabian 20" HHX Suspended for pros — selected from 15 options across 4 brands, priced $432–$759, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Sabian 17" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp.
by
Sabian
Size
17"
Weight
1.2 kg
Suspended Effects
Film Scoring
Modern Ensemble
Key Feature:
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.
- • Sabian’s Artisan series guarantees consistent quality and exceptional craftsmanship.
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.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for most percussionists.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 569597
$760
Meinl 22" Suspended Cymbal
by
Meinl
Size
22"
Weight
2.7 kg
Film Scoring
Contemporary Classical
Orchestral
Key Feature:
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.
- • Solid construction ensures durability and consistent voicing over time.
CONS
- • 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.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
2/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 264682
$718
Sabian 20" HHX Suspended
by
Sabian
Size
20"
Weight
1.8 kg
Suspended Effects
Orchestral
Film Scoring
Key Feature:
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
- • Suspended design for orchestra
CONS
- • No material type listed
- • No durability details given
- • Weight not explicitly stated
⭐
4.4/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
4/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539156
$695
Sabian 16" Artisan Trad. Symp. Susp.
by
Sabian
Size
16"
Weight
1 kg
Film Scoring
Orchestral
Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
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
- • Artisan traditional design ensures consistent quality
CONS
- • High price point limits budget-friendly access
- • Thin weight may lack durability for heavy use
- • No material composition details provided in text
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 569599
$695
Meinl 20" Suspended Cymbal
by
Meinl
Size
20"
Weight
2.2 kg
Film Scoring
Contemporary Classical
Orchestral
Key Feature:
This Meinl 20' suspended is a real gem for orchestral percussionists and those seeking a refined, nuanced cymbal sound. It's got a lovely warmth and sustain, perfect for adding depth to string sections or creating atmospheric textures. If you need something versatile and beautifully voiced for a variety of classical settings, this is a solid choice.
PROS
- • 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.
CONS
- • 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.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
2/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 241956
$592
Sabian 20" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch.
by
Sabian
Size
20"
Weight
1.9 kg
Film Scoring
Suspended Effects
Orchestral
Key Feature:
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.
- • Consistent manufacturing ensures reliable performance across multiple cymbals.
CONS
- • 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.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539170
$568
Zultan 24" Heritage Orchestra Susp.
by
Zultan
Size
24"
Weight
1.7 kg
Film Scoring
Suspended Effects
Modern Ensemble
Key Feature:
This Zultan Heritage is a seriously good suspended cymbal, especially if you’re playing in an orchestra or need that classic, warm orchestral shimmer. It's got a beautiful complexity and projection that'll sit really well in a section. A solid choice for students and professionals alike who appreciate a traditional sound.
PROS
- • 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.
CONS
- • 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.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 579731
$568
Sabian 18" HHX Suspended
by
Sabian
Size
18"
Weight
1.3 kg
Modern Ensemble
Suspended Effects
Film Scoring
Key Feature:
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
- • Perfect size for orchestra sections
CONS
- • Heavy weight may strain drummers
- • No material composition listed
- • Limited sound range details provided
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539154
$558
Zultan 22" Heritage Orchestra Susp.
by
Zultan
Size
22"
Weight
1.7 kg
Orchestral
Contemporary Classical
Suspended Effects
Key Feature:
This Zultan Heritage is a beautifully voiced suspended cymbal, perfect for orchestral players and soundtrack composers needing a warm, nuanced wash. It’s a really solid choice if you’re looking for that classic Turkish cymbal sound without the extreme expense of some of the bigger names. It’ll blend beautifully in a large ensemble.
PROS
- • Warm, dark tone ideal for orchestral settings and film scores.
- • Turkish production ensures traditional hammering and lathing techniques.
- • 1.7kg weight offers manageable sustain and responsiveness for most players.
- • B20 bronze alloy delivers a complex, nuanced sonic character.
CONS
- • Limited versatility; not suited for aggressive, modern drumming styles.
- • Heritage series finish can be susceptible to scratching and oxidation.
- • Price point places it above entry-level suspended cymbals.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 579730
$507
Istanbul Agop Traditional Crash Medium 20"
Size
20"
Weight
1.7 kg
Contemporary Classical
Suspended Effects
Modern Ensemble
Key Feature:
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
- • Solid construction ensures durability and consistent performance over time
CONS
- • Can be a bit too dark for brighter musical styles like metal
- • The medium weight might be challenging for less experienced players
- • Limited dynamic range compared to thinner, more modern crash cymbals
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 326748
$490
Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash 20"
Size
20"
Weight
1.6 kg
Contemporary Classical
Suspended Effects
Film Scoring
Key Feature:
This 20-inch Istanbul Agop Trad. Suspended Crash delivers a gorgeous, traditional orchestral sound – really warm and shimmering. It's perfect for film scores, world music, and any situation needing a nuanced, expressive crash. The hand-hammered finish gives it a lovely, organic feel.
PROS
- • Warm, complex wash with a clear, shimmering high-end
- • Hand-hammered traditional finish enhances responsiveness and character
- • Excellent projection and sustain for its relatively smaller size
- • Well-balanced weight contributes to easy handling and controlled swells
CONS
- • Can be a bit too dark for brighter, more contemporary orchestral palettes
- • Traditional finish requires more diligent cleaning to prevent tarnish
- • Limited versatility – excels in orchestral/world music, less ideal for rock/pop
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
3/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 490243
$490
Meinl 18" Suspended Cymbal
by
Meinl
Size
18"
Weight
1.6 kg
Film Scoring
Orchestral
Suspended Effects
Key Feature:
This Meinl 18in suspended is a beautifully voiced cymbal, perfect for film scores, classical recordings, or any situation demanding a refined, understated shimmer. It’s not going to cut through a heavy rock band, but for delicate textures and nuanced swells, it's a real gem. The build quality is top-notch, justifying the investment if you need that specific sound.
PROS
- • Produces a warm, sustained shimmer ideal for orchestral and solo percussion.
- • Meinl's B20 Bronze alloy delivers a complex, nuanced tonal palette.
- • The lathing is expertly done, ensuring consistent and reliable mounting.
- • Excellent projection and clarity, even at lower dynamic levels.
CONS
- • The relatively thin weight limits its ability to produce crashing sounds.
- • The sound, while beautiful, might be too mellow for aggressively modern genres.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many percussionists.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
2/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 241957
$478
Sabian 18" AA Molto Symp. Susp. Orch.
by
Sabian
Size
18"
Weight
1.5 kg
Orchestral
Modern Ensemble
Film Scoring
Key Feature:
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.
- • Well-latted for consistent hanging and reliable performance over time.
CONS
- • Limited dynamic range; not suitable for aggressive, loud crash applications.
- • Thinness makes it susceptible to cracking with mishandling or extreme abuse.
- • The bright tone may clash with darker-sounding orchestral percussion setups.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
4/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 569590
$455
Meinl 17" Suspended Cymbal
by
Meinl
Size
17"
Weight
1.4 kg
Contemporary Classical
Suspended Effects
Orchestral
Key Feature:
This 17 in Meinl suspended is a real gem for orchestral percussion and film scoring. The B20 bronze creates a beautiful, controlled sound that’s incredibly versatile for subtle textures and sweeping cinematic moments. It's a top-tier choice for serious students and seasoned pros alike seeking refined sustain and clarity.
PROS
- • Exceptional clarity and shimmering wash, ideal for orchestral passages
- • Well-latted for consistent, reliable hanging and swinging
- • B20 bronze alloy delivers a complex, nuanced tonal palette
- • Responsive to a wide dynamic range, from subtle whispers to powerful crashes
CONS
- • Price point places it in the premium-priced category for entry-level players
- • Limited suitability for heavier, more aggressive musical styles
- • The medium weight may feel a bit heavy for smaller players or younger students
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
2/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 241958
$444
Meinl 16" Suspended Cymbal
by
Meinl
Size
16"
Weight
1.2 kg
Orchestral
Film Scoring
Modern Ensemble
Key Feature:
This 16 in Meinl suspended is a beautifully voiced cymbal, perfect for film scores, classical music, or any application needing a refined, airy shimmer. It’s not a powerhouse for rock, but its clarity and sustain make it a joy to play for those seeking a sophisticated orchestral tone. A great choice for students and professionals alike.
PROS
- • Produces a warm, sustained shimmer ideal for orchestral and cinematic scoring
- • Meinl’s B20 Bronze alloy delivers a focused, controlled wash of sound
- • Hammered finish adds complexity and subtle overtones to the fundamental tone
- • Well-latted for consistent suspension and a clean, responsive decay
CONS
- • Its smaller size limits low-end response compared to larger suspended cymbals
- • The sound, while beautiful, might be too delicate for heavier, rock-oriented styles
- • Premium-priced, requiring a considered investment for budget-conscious percussionists
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
2/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 241959
$432
Every hanging cymbals that matches
38 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
Hanging Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 38 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $444
from $275 to $695
Size
median 18"
from 16" to 22" · 38 models
Weight
median 1.6 kg
from 0.9 kg to 2.2 kg · 30 models
How to Choose the Best Hanging Cymbals
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 38 hanging cymbals from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hanging cymbals are typically thinner and lighter than standard crashes, designed for a long, sustained wash rather than a quick, explosive crash. The thinner profile allows them to resonate more freely when suspended.
Technically, yes, but you'll likely be disappointed. Regular crashes are often too heavy and lack the sustain needed for a proper hanging effect. They can also be more prone to cracking under the constant stress of suspension.
18-22 inches is a common range. Smaller sizes (18-20") are more responsive and versatile, while larger sizes (20-22") offer a more dramatic, powerful wash. It depends on the sonic space you're trying to fill.
They can be, but be mindful of their fragility. Avoid overly aggressive playing and ensure proper mounting hardware to minimize stress. They're generally better suited for studio work or more controlled environments.
B20 (80% copper, 20% tin) is considered the standard for professional cymbals and offers a richer, more complex sound. B8 (typically with more zinc and other alloys) is cheaper and tends to be brighter and more brittle - expect a shorter sustain and less nuance.
