How do they differ from drum-kit cymbals?

Marching and orchestral cymbals are made thicker and stronger to withstand being struck against each other and to project sound powerfully outdoors or in a large hall. They're held by leather hand straps and played as a pair in the hands, not mounted on a stand. Drum-kit cymbals are thinner, have a hole for mounting on a stand and are played with sticks. They're different instruments in design and technique. We'll suggest what you need.

What is a suspended orchestral cymbal?

A suspended cymbal is a single cymbal mounted on a stand, played with soft mallets (sticks with felt or yarn heads). It allows smooth rolls (tremolo), crescendos and a long sustain, often needed in orchestral and cinematic music. Unlike a hand pair, it gives not a sharp clash but a building wave of sound. Such a cymbal is a standard instrument of the symphony orchestra. We'll suggest the cymbal and mallets.

Cymbals for a marching band, school or symphony?

For a marching band, heavier, louder 16–18″ cymbals with powerful projection for the open air are chosen. For schools and learning, more affordable smaller pairs are suitable. For a symphony orchestra, quality orchestral pairs with a rich controlled sound plus a suspended cymbal for rolls and crescendos are taken. The choice depends on the ensemble type and repertoire. We'll suggest cymbals exactly for your orchestra and budget.

Which brands do you offer and where to buy?

Marching and orchestral cymbals from Zildjian (A Marching, Z Marching), Sabian (AA Marching Band), Paiste (orchestral series) and affordable Wuhan for schools; straps, pads and bags — separately. Premium orchestral pairs (French, Viennese, Germanic) — to order. We select by type, size and ensemble. Delivery across Ukraine; pickup in Kyiv (Olzhycha St, 15). Warranty, instalments, Prozorro tenders. Phone +380 (73) 060 01 01.

Marching & orchestral cymbals

Q: What are marching and orchestral cymbals?

These are cymbals meant to be played as a pair in the hands, unlike drum-kit cymbals. Marching (clash) cymbals are used in marching and wind bands — they're held by leather straps and struck against each other. Orchestral cymbals are similar but have a richer, more controlled sound for the symphony orchestra. Separately, there's the suspended cymbal — a single one on a stand, played with mallets. We'll suggest a type for your ensemble and tasks.

Q: What size and weight do you need?

For a marching band, 16–18″ cymbals of medium and heavy weight are chosen — they give a loud, cutting sound for outdoor playing. For a symphony orchestra, pairs of 16–20″ of various weights are taken depending on the repertoire (lighter for delicate parts, heavier for powerful ones). For schools and learning, smaller and more affordable cymbals are suitable. Weight determines volume, projection and character. We'll suggest a size and weight for your ensemble and conditions.

Q: Do you need straps and pads?

Yes, hand cymbals require leather hand straps to hold them by, and protective pads that shield the hands from vibration and provide a comfortable grip. Without them, playing is uncomfortable and unsafe for the hands. Straps and pads are sometimes included, sometimes bought separately. We always clarify the set's contents and will help pick accessories. We'll suggest a full set for hand playing.

Q: How do you play hand cymbals?

Hand cymbals are played with a glancing motion, striking them against each other at a slight angle rather than flat — this avoids an 'air lock' and gives a clean, full sound. Volume and duration are controlled by pressing the cymbals to the body to dampen them. A suspended cymbal is played with mallets, starting with quiet strikes and gradually building a roll. The technique takes practice but gives an expressive result. We'll suggest basic techniques and the needed accessories.

Hand pairs, suspended cymbals, straps and pads — Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste

Marching and orchestral cymbals are meant to be played as a pair in the hands, not on a stand. Marching (clash) — for marching and wind bands, with powerful projection; orchestral — with a richer, controlled sound for the symphony orchestra. Separately, there's the suspended cymbal on a stand, played with mallets — rolls and crescendos. You also need straps and pads. At SoundsGood — Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, Wuhan for orchestras, schools and marching bands. Genuine cymbals with a warranty, delivery across Ukraine.

🥁Marching (clash)
Pair in the hands

🎼Orchestral
Rich sound

🌀Suspended
Mallets, rolls

🧤Straps and pads
Grip and protection

🥁 Popular marching & orchestral cymbals

Zildjian

Premium orchestral pairs (French, Viennese, Germanic weights) — to order. Not sure what to choose? Write your ensemble type and budget — we'll match cymbals.

🧩 Types of cymbal

🥁 Marching (clash)

Thick, strong cymbals played as a pair in the hands on straps. Powerful projection for marching and wind bands outdoors.

🎼 Orchestral

Hand pairs with a richer, warmer and controlled sound — for the symphony orchestra and expressive dynamics in the hall.

🌀 Suspended

A single cymbal on a stand, played with mallets — smooth rolls (tremolo), crescendo and a long sustain in the orchestra.

🧤 Accessories

Leather hand straps, protective pads and bags — essential for a comfortable and safe grip on hand cymbals.

🎯 How to choose cymbals

🔔 Type

Marching (clash) — for outdoors and parades; orchestral — for the hall; suspended — for rolls and crescendos. Decide the purpose.

📏 Size

Marching 16–18″ for projection; orchestral 16–20″ for the repertoire; for schools — smaller and more affordable. Bigger — louder.

⚖️ Weight

Heavier — louder and more cutting for outdoors; lighter — more delicate for quiet orchestral parts. Depends on the repertoire.

🎯 Ensemble

Marching band, wind, symphony orchestra or school ensemble — each with its own type, size and level of cymbals.

🧤 Straps and pads

Hand cymbals need leather straps and pads. Check whether they're included or bought separately.

🛡️ Brand and budget

Genuine Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste; affordable Wuhan for schools. Warranty and a selection for your ensemble and budget.

📊 Cymbals by purpose

Item	Type	Size	Purpose
Marching 16″	Clash, pair	16″	Marching band
Marching 18″ heavy	Clash, pair	18″	Parade, big stage
Orchestral pair	Clash, pair	16–20″	Symphony orchestra
Suspended	Suspended, mallets	16–18″	Rolls, crescendo
Straps and pads	Accessory	—	Grip and protection
Budget pair	Clash, pair	14–16″	School, learning

Not sure what you need? Write the ensemble type, repertoire and budget, and we'll match cymbals and accessories.

🏆 Delivery, warranty and instalments

🛡️

Official warranty

Genuine cymbals with a warranty

🥁

Global brands

Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, Wuhan

🎯

Help choosing

We'll suggest the type, size and accessories

🏛️

Prozorro tenders

Supplies for schools, orchestras and cultural institutions

🚚

Delivery across Ukraine

Nova Poshta; free from ₴4,000

💳

Instalment payments

PrivatBank, monobank — up to 12 payments

❓ Frequently asked questions

What are marching and orchestral cymbals?

Cymbals played as a pair in the hands (clash): marching — for marching and wind bands, orchestral — with a richer sound for the symphony. Separately there's the suspended one on a stand, played with mallets.

How do they differ from kit cymbals?

Marching/orchestral are thicker and stronger, held by straps and played as a pair in the hands for projection. Kit cymbals are thinner, with a hole for a stand, played with sticks. Different instruments.

What is a suspended cymbal?

A single cymbal on a stand, played with mallets — for smooth rolls (tremolo), crescendo and a long sustain in the orchestra. It gives not a sharp clash but a building wave.

What size and weight do you need?

Marching 16–18″ medium-heavy for outdoor projection; orchestral 16–20″ for the repertoire; schools — smaller, more affordable. Weight determines volume and character.

Do you need straps and pads?

Yes — hand cymbals require leather hand straps and protective pads for a comfortable and safe grip. Sometimes included, sometimes separate.

For a marching band, school or symphony?

Marching band — heavier louder 16–18″; school — affordable smaller; symphony — quality orchestral pairs + a suspended one for rolls. We'll suggest by ensemble.

How do you play hand cymbals?

With a glancing motion at an angle (not flat) — avoids an 'air lock'. Volume is controlled by pressing to the body. A suspended one is played with mallets, building up. We'll suggest techniques.

Which brands and where to buy?

Zildjian (A/Z Marching), Sabian (AA Marching Band), Paiste, Wuhan for schools; straps and pads separately. Premium — to order. Delivery across Ukraine; pickup in Kyiv. Phone +380 (73) 060 01 01.