Best Marching Cymbals 2023

No matter how great the rest of your kit is, your drumming will suffer if your cymbals are lackluster. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, marching cymbals are a crucial part of the drum kit and are often overlooked, but finding the right pair to fit your needs can be a challenge.

To help you select the best marching cymbals, we’ve turned to reviews from real Amazon customers who have purchased and used these products for themselves. These best-selling items not only have near-perfect ratings, but they also have countless glowing reviews describing why they’re so great.

best marching cymbals

Top 10 Marching Cymbals (Based on Our Research)

Our Editor’s Best Marching Cymbals Reviews


Meinl 14” Marching Cymbal Pair with Straps – Brass Alloy Traditional Finish – Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (MA-BR-14M)

 Meinl 14” Marching Cymbal Pair with Straps - Brass Alloy Traditional Finish - Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (MA-BR-14M)

Key Features:

  • These marching cymbals weigh about 1670 grams.
  • This is a perfectly matched cymbal pair with a powerful and strong high-end. They are ideal for marching band use.
  • The marching cymbals have a quick response time, meaning they produce a sound quickly when struck. They also have a controlled feel, meaning they are easy to hold and strike.
  • The marching cymbals for a shopper are a tonally matched cymbal pair that is balanced and harmonic.

Read More: Best Sabian Cymbals


Meinl 16” Marching Cymbal Pair with Straps – Brass Alloy Traditional Finish – Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (MA-BR-16M)

 Meinl 16” Marching Cymbal Pair with Straps - Brass Alloy Traditional Finish - Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (MA-BR-16M)

Key Features:

  • This marching cymbal is about 2450g in weight.
  • This is a marching cymbal pair that is perfectly matched and provides a powerful and strong high-end sound.
  • The marching cymbals have a quick response, meaning they produce a sound quickly when struck. They also have a controlled feel, meaning they are easy to control and produce a consistent sound.
  • The marching cymbals for a shopper are a tonally matched cymbal pair that is balanced and harmonic.

Meinl 18” Marching Cymbal Pair with Straps – Brass Alloy Traditional Finish – Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (MA-BR-18M)

 Meinl 18” Marching Cymbal Pair with Straps - Brass Alloy Traditional Finish - Made In Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (MA-BR-18M)

Key Features:

  • This is a pair of marching cymbals that are 18 inches in diameter. They are made of brass and have a shiny finish.
  • The marching cymbals for a shopper include straps. This is helpful for keeping the cymbals in place while marching.
  • This is a pair of marching cymbals that are made of MS63 brass alloy. They have a traditional finish.
  • The marching cymbals have a clear and fast response with a controlled feel. They are made of high-quality materials and are designed to provide a great playing experience.
  • These marching cymbals are bright and full-bodied, providing a great sound for marching bands. They are made of high-quality materials and are built to last.

Read More: Best Zildjian Cymbals


Funny Cymbals Fear The Cymbals Marching Band Player T-Shirt

 Funny Cymbals Fear The Cymbals Marching Band Player T-Shirt

Key Features:

  • This is a set of marching cymbals that have a smiley face design on them. They are made of metal and are meant to be played with drumsticks. They are a fun addition to any marching band.
  • These marching cymbals would make a great gift for anyone involved in a marching band, including students, sponsors, directors, and parents.
  • This product is a pair of marching cymbals that are lightweight and have a classic fit. They also have a double-needle sleeve and bottom hems.

Meinl NINO Marching Cymbal Pair 8″ Nickel Silver

 Meinl NINO Marching Cymbal Pair 8

Key Features:

  • This is a marching cymbal that has a diameter of 8 inches.
  • These marching cymbals are made of a material called FX9. This is a special material that produces a very loud, crisp sound. It is also very durable, so it can withstand the rigors of marching band performances.
  • The marching cymbals come with a leather strap.

Read More: Best Cymbal Cleaners


Percussion Plus PP869 Marching Pair Budget Cymbals, 10-Inch

 Percussion Plus PP869 Marching Pair Budget Cymbals, 10-Inch

Key Features:

  • These marching cymbals are 10 inches in diameter.
  • These marching cymbals come with straps, so you can carry them while you march.
  • These marching cymbals are made from brass, a durable and long-lasting metal that will produce a bright, crisp sound.
  • These marching cymbals are a great value for school orchestras and bands. They are made of high-quality materials and are built to last.

Meinl Cymbals BR4 Marching Cymbal Strap With Pair of Pads Black

 Meinl Cymbals BR4 Marching Cymbal Strap With Pair of Pads Black

Key Features:

  • This means that the customer will receive one marching cymbal.
  • The BR4 marching cymbals from the unnamed company are 14” in diameter and are made of a bronze alloy. They are designed for durability and have a natural finish.
  • These marching cymbals are made in China.
  • The dimensions of the marching cymbals are 9.0L x 50.0W x 5.0H (centimeters).

Sabian SBR1422 14-Inch SBR Concert Band Hand Cymbals – Pair, Brass, inch

 Sabian SBR1422 14-Inch SBR Concert Band Hand Cymbals - Pair, Brass, inch

Key Features:

  • The SBR cymbals are a great choice for beginners who want the best brass available. These cymbals are hammered and lathed to ensure that they are of the highest quality.
  • If you’re just starting to play the marching cymbals, then these are the perfect ones for you! They’re fun and easy to play, so you can focus on enjoying the music.
  • These are marching cymbals that are 14 inches in size. They are made of brass and are a budget-friendly option for young ensembles.
  • The Sabian 14″ SBR Band cymbals are great-sounding entry-level brass cymbals that are perfect for the shopper who is looking for a quality product without breaking the bank. These cymbals offer a rich, full sound that is perfect for any band or ensemble.
  • The marching cymbals for a shopper are made of pure brass and are designed to produce a superior sound. They are also very durable and will last long.

Read More: Best Finger Cymbals


Meinl NINO Marching Cymbal Pair 7″ Nickel Silver

 Meinl NINO Marching Cymbal Pair 7

Key Features:

  • The marching cymbals are made of FX9 alloy and are designed to produce clear cymbal sounds. They can be played with your hands or drumsticks, making them versatile for different settings.
  • These marching cymbals are sized for easy handling and measure 7″ in diameter. They are made from a bright and resonant material that delivers cymbal sounds easy. The equipped leather straps make them light and comfortable to hold for children.
  • These marching cymbals are made from high-quality FX9 alloy, making them highly durable. They are also coated in a smooth, clear lacquer, making them easy to clean and long-lasting.
  • These cymbals are great for groups because they can be enjoyed by any player, regardless of skill level. They also pair well with any other instrument, making them a great option for a band or orchestra.
  • The Nino Percussion marching cymbals are real instruments, not imitation toys. They are made to inspire, encourage creativity, and develop a host of skills while being fun to play. They are for ages 5 and up.
  • The marching cymbals are made in Germany by the Nino Percussion company. The company is part of the Meinl brand, which is a family-owned musical instrument manufacturing business established in 1951. The company’s designers have deep relationships with the company’s builders to ensure that the cymbals are of the highest quality.

Read More: Best Electronic Cymbals


Retro Marching Band Gifts For Percussion Players – Cymbals T-Shirt

 Retro Marching Band Gifts For Percussion Players - Cymbals T-Shirt

Key Features:

  • The marching cymbals are lightweight and have a classic fit. They have a double-needle sleeve and bottom hem.

Best Marching Cymbals Buying Guide

Before choosing the best marching cymbals you should consider the following options:

Sound Quality

The sound of a marching cymbal is the most important factor. No matter how well-built or affordable a cymbal is, if it doesn’t produce a good sound, it’s not worth buying.

The sound of a marching cymbal is directly related to its size. Typically, the larger the cymbal, the deeper the sound. A larger cymbal also produces a more ‘focused’ sound, meaning it’s easier to hear from a distance.

If you’re marching in an indoor stadium or in a parade, you likely won’t need a focused sound, so a medium-sized cymbal will do the job. If you’re marching outdoors on a football field, you’ll likely want a cymbal with a focused sound.

To get the best sound from your cymbal, you’ll need to experiment with different sizes to find the one that works best with your music, instruments, and sound system.

Durability

A marching cymbal is hit hundreds of times during a performance. If it isn’t built to last, it will break, and you’ll have to stop the performance to fix it.

You might think that a cymbal made of brass would be durable, but that’s not always the case. A cymbal with a thinner disk and smaller bell will flex, and the disk might break.

A cymbal that has a thick disk and a larger bell will give you maximum durability, but it won’t produce the best sound. So, it’s important to find a balance between sound and durability.

To get the best sound and maximum durability, look for a cymbal with a disk thickness of around 2.5 centimeters and a bell diameter between 12 and 15 centimeters.

Cost

Depending on the size of a marching cymbal, the price can range from $100 to $1000. If you need multiple cymbals, you’ll likely have to spend between $1000 and $2000 to get a pair. If you only need one cymbal, expect to spend between $200 and $500.

It’s easy to spend more than you can afford on a cymbal. If you’re working with a limited budget, consider buying a used cymbal or buying one piece at a time.


Marching Cymbals FAQs

1. What are marching cymbals?

Marching cymbals are cymbals that are played while marching.

2. How are marching cymbals different from regular cymbals?

Marching cymbals are usually smaller and have a lower pitch than regular cymbals. They are also played with a different technique, using a more staccato sound.

3. What are the benefits of playing marching cymbals?

Some benefits of playing marching cymbals include developing coordination, developing a sense of rhythm, and improving stick technique.

4. How do I choose the right marching cymbals for my band?

When choosing marching cymbals for your band, there are a few things to consider. First, you will need to decide what size cymbals you need. Marching cymbals come in a variety of sizes, from small to large. Smaller cymbals are easier to carry and play with, but they may not produce the sound you are looking for.

Larger cymbals will produce a louder sound, but they can be more difficult to carry and play. Next, you will need to decide what type of sound you are looking for. Marching cymbals come in a variety of styles, from bright to dark. Bright cymbals will produce a higher-pitched sound, while dark cymbals will produce a lower-pitched sound.

Finally, you will need to decide what material you want your marching cymbals to be made of. Marching cymbals are typically made of bronze, but they can also be made of brass or copper. Each material has its own unique sound, so you will need to experiment to find the material that produces the sound you are looking for.

5. How do I care for my marching cymbals?

You should wash your marching cymbals with soap and water after each use. You can also use mild detergent to clean them.


Conclusion

There are many great marching cymbals on the market. Our list of the best marching cymbals will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.