AudioFuZultan 16" Orchestra medium
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$425€379Check ↗
Catalog
16" Orchestral Cymbals
38 instruments available · See the ranking
Zildjian 16" K Constantinople VintageML
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$1,059€945Check ↗
Zildjian 16" A' Concert Stage
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$649€579Check ↗
Sabian 16" B8X Marching Cymbals
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$369€329Check ↗
Thomann 16" Copper Pl Marching Cymbals
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$44€39Check ↗
Thomann 16" Brass Marching Cymbals
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$77€69Check ↗
Zultan 16" Orchestra Heritage
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$558€498Check ↗
Meinl 16" Bronce Marching Cymbal
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$279€249Check ↗
Sabian 16" Artisan Trad. Sym. ML
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$1,366€1,219Check ↗
Zildjian 16" Planet Z Band
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$164€146Check ↗
Sabian 16" B8X Concert Band
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$380€339Check ↗
Sabian 16" SBR Band
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$241€215Check ↗
Meinl 16" Arena Marching Cymbal
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$369€329Check ↗
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 16" Xist Brilliant
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$470€419Check ↗
Istanbul Agop Marching 16" Xist Brilliant
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$470€419Check ↗
Meinl 16" Symphonic Heavy
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$750€669Check ↗
Meinl 16" Symphonic Medium
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$697€622Check ↗
Meinl 16" Symphonic Thin
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$745€665Check ↗
Meinl 16" Brass Marching Cymbal
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$156€139Check ↗
Paiste 16" Alpha Concert Cymbals
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$498€444Check ↗
Paiste 16" PST5 Band
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$214€191Check ↗
Paiste 16" PST3 Band
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$151€135Check ↗
Istanbul Agop Marching 16"
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$593€529Check ↗
Istanbul Agop Orchestral 16"
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$593€529Check ↗
Istanbul Agop Super Symphonic 16"
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$593€529Check ↗
Zildjian 16" I Family Band
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$308€275Check ↗
Zildjian 16" A' Stadium MH
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$660€589Check ↗
Zildjian 16" K Constantinople VintageMH
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$1,107€988Check ↗
Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel. MH
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$772€689Check ↗
Zildjian 16" Classic Orchestral Sel. ML
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$744€664Check ↗
Sabian 16" Artisan Trad. Sym. MH
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$1,118€998Check ↗
Sabian 16" AA Viennese Medium Natural
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$806€719Check ↗
Zultan 16" Orchestra Dune
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$391€349Check ↗
Meinl 16" B12 Marching Cymbal
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$604€539Check ↗
Zildjian 16" A' Stadium M
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$653€583Check ↗
Zildjian 16" A' Z-mac M
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$660€589Check ↗
Meinl 16" Arena Dark Marching Cymbal
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$377€336Check ↗
Istanbul Agop Orchestral Band 16" MS-X
16" Orchestral Cymbals
$124€111Check ↗
About 16" Orchestral Cymbals
16-inch orchestral cymbals offer a balanced, nuanced sound ideal for classical, film score, and contemporary orchestral percussion. They provide a crucial tonal layer, often bridging the gap between larger crashes and smaller rides. Their versatility allows for both delicate shimmering textures and more assertive, focused accents.
Best for
Orchestral percussionistsfilm composersstudio recordingchamber ensembleseducational settings
What to look for
Weight (thinmediumheavy)overall tone (brightdarkwarm)articulation (stick response)wash (sustain)bell characterlathing (hammering/patterning)
16" Orchestral Cymbals — pros & cons
Pros
- Excellent for subtle dynamic control and nuanced expression.
- Provides a balanced sonic footprint within a larger orchestral context.
- Versatile enough for a wide range of musical styles.
- Generally more affordable than larger orchestral cymbals.
Cons
- Can be easily overwhelmed by louder sections of an orchestra.
- Require precise stick technique for optimal sound.
- Less visually impactful than larger crash cymbals.
- Smaller bell often limits its ride cymbal functionality.
Questions about 16" Orchestral Cymbals
How does the weight of a 16” orchestral cymbal affect its sound?
A thinner cymbal will offer more shimmer and sustain, while a heavier cymbal will have a more focused, controlled sound with less wash.
What is the difference between a 'wash' and 'articulation' in a 16” cymbal?
Wash refers to the cymbal’s sustained ringing; articulation describes the clarity and responsiveness of its stick response.
Why might an orchestral percussionist choose a 16” cymbal over a 14” or 18” size?
The 16” size provides a good balance of projection and clarity, fitting well within the orchestral blend without being overly dominant.