Let’s face it – it’s not difficult to differentiate between well made cymbals and models that well…aren’t. Ride cymbals are an integral part of a drummer’s sound selection.
Just like hi-hats, they’re one of the most frequently used parts of the kit. So what are some of the factors that determine the best ride cymbals?
You want it to have an open sound with good sustain and decay, a useful bell, and need it to be durable to stand up to years of use. The alloy that cymbals are made from is a critical aspect for how you want to sound, so that should be a consideration as well. And just like with all cymbals size is a factor in how it sounds too.
We’ve gone over some of our favorite choices when it comes to crash cymbals. So let’s take a look at a few of the best options when it comes to ride cymbals – and why they might be right for you.
Best ride cymbal overall: Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Ride
Ride cymbals are one of the top factors that impact the sound of your drums, and Zildjian is one of the best in the business – and for good reason.
To craft it Zildjian teamed up with fusion drumming virtuoso Akira Jimbo. The hybrid ride from Zildian’s K Custom series responds well to drumming dynamics and has a rich bell sound.
It crashes well with a lathed outer section that provides a pleasant, soft sound. The alloy is cast bronze, giving it great projection with a full and clear sound.
There are also lathed and unlathed portions of it for a greater range of sounds overall. It’s got a loud volume, longer sustain, with a middle pitch and medium dark sound.
20” and 21” medium weight versions are available. It looks every bit as good as it sounds, sporting a traditional finish on the outer portion and a brilliant finish on the inner portion.
If you’re a drummer with high standards for your cymbal selection, this one is pretty much the cream of the crop.
Best ride cymbal for rock: Paiste Signature Reflector Bell Ride 22”
How about a ride cymbal that was created in partnership with one of the greatest metal drummers of all time?
This model from Paiste was created in partnership with Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden. And it’s pretty much a consensus serious contender for the best ride cymbal for rock. Due to its design it has a huge bell sound and a fantastic crash.
At this price point you can expect it sound amazing across the board. At any volume you get pronunciation with an intensity to its wash. It has great dynamic range, the bell is perfect for nuanced accents, and it has all the overtones you could ask for.
It looks as good as it sounds, too. The reflector finish gives it a beautiful sheen to Paiste’s signature bronze alloy. At over $500 it’s not cheap – and its tone is living proof that investing in a high-quality ride cymbal is a good investment for any drummer.
Best ride cymbal for jazz: Meinl 22” Classics Custom Crash/Ride
Jazz drummers are a different breed for sure. And most of them are really selective when it comes to one of the most important cymbals for the style – the ride. The Meinl Classics Custom crash/ride is versatile for sure.
It’s got an ideal sound for jazz that combines an attack that cuts and a mellow sustain. The tonality is a little on the darker side, but it doesn’t lack anything in the upper frequencies.
It’s made from B10 bronze with a higher copper-to-tin ratio that gives a modern sound that’s really durable. You don’t have to bash it to make it cut through the band mix, with a fantastic attack and a decay that simply shimmers.
The dark aesthetic might not be ideal for everyone, and could look a little out of place if you’re pairing it with other brands and types. But the striations are beautiful, so there’s clearly care and quality control throughout the forging process.
And while it’s great for jazz, no matter what style you play it can find a home in your cymbal collection.
Best high end ride cymbal: Sabian Vault Artisan Medium Ride Brilliant
If you’re looking to make a solid investment in a ride cymbal it needs to have a good ring and frequency spread and a brilliance that lets it hang in even the densest mix. This model from Sabian has all that and more.
It’s got ring for days, crispness, and a tightness to it’s frequency output that puts it up there with the best of them. The biggest reason for this is the manufacturing process. Through high density hand hammering the B20 “secret sauce” alloy makes for complex, rich tones.
The Vault Artisan isn’t cheap, but when it comes to high end cymbals you really do get what you pay for. And what you’re paying for with this model is one of the most articulate ride cymbals you can get.
Best mid-priced ride cymbal: Zildjian A Series Medium Ride
Price points are obviously subjective, and this medium weight model from Zildjian isn’t within everyone’s budget. But it comes in three sizes in varying price points to open up your wallet options.
Any drummer is hard-pressed to find better cymbals than Zildjian. It’s made of cast bronze, 80% copper and 20% tin with a little silver thrown in.
The bronze in its DNA is individually poured and then cast. It’s got a classic machine hammered design and lathed with a wider groove. This lets it really sing with a tone that’s got a great frequency range that lets your drumming articulation shine.
This medium ride comes in three sizes, 20”, 22”, and 24”. So no matter how you like the size of your sound or what your budget is you’ll have options. It’s loud, with a pleasing low to mid pitch.
And its blended balance rounds everything out to make for a very nice combination of tonal qualities.
Best budget ride cymbal: Meinl HCS Ride
Meinl cymbals seem to fly a little under the radar for some reason. They’re not as well-known as companies like Zildjian, Paiste, and Sabian. And that’s a shame. But for less than or around $100 (depending on the size you like) you can add a quality ride to your set with the Meinl HCS.
With a medium weight forged from MS63 brass you get a big, warm sound, great accent, and a solid bell. As for its sound specifics it provides a low to medium volume level, brightness, and sustain. This makes it balanced overall, which may or may not be what you’re looking for.
The 18”, 20”, and 22” size options make it a great choice for recording and live use. It’s definitely priced for beginners, but even seasoned kit veterans can find it useful. And it works really well for a variety of genres and drumming styles.
Best light ride cymbal: Zildjian K Light Ride
Light rides are some of the most versatile styles you can add to your cymbal setup. The K Series model has a thin weight and balanced sounds with complex overtones.
It’s got an easy stick sound that’s great for jazz, and the kind of wash and full crash that’s great for rock and metal. The cast bronze finish features a random hammer pattern that lends a sound that’s full, with good body.
With multiple sizes (20″, 22″, and 24″) it fits easily into your existing setup, and the thin weight takes a little bit of the burden from your cymbal bag when setting up and tearing down your kit.
Best low volume ride cymbal: Zildjian L80
If you’re looking for a low volume ride, why not consider Zildjian first? This 20″ ride cymbal is great for smaller gigs or recording sessions where you have volume limitations.
It’s a full-size cymbal, but it’s designed to have less projection. This doesn’t mean it’s inferior. It uses a unique crafting pattern and a proprietary alloy in an interesting matte finish to provide a classic, balanced sound that’s up to 80% quieter than standard cymbals.
Best ride cymbal for beginners: Kasza Cymbals Heavy Rock Ride
A lot of beginner drum kits only come with shells, so novice drummers are left to build out their cymbal selection as they’re learning more about the instrument.
This means that every cymbal needs to complement their playing style, sound, and how the kit interacts overall. When it comes to ride cymbals for beginners, this 22″ from Kasza is an affordable option that doesn’t sound cheap.
It’s hand-hammered and made from B20 cast bronze with a 80% copper and 20% tin alloy. And don’t worry if you don’t play rock, it’s all about drumming dynamics. It cuts through a mix, but it does have a dark sound that won’t suit every drummer.
What to look for when choosing a ride cymbal
Size and Diameter
The size of a ride cymbal typically ranges from 18 to 24 inches. Size and diamater play a crucial role in tone, volume, and projection. Larger cymbals generally produce deeper, and fuller tones with more sustain.
On the other hand, smaller rides offer quicker articulation and are better suited for faster, intricate playing styles such as in rock or fusion.
When choosing a ride cymbal, consider the type of music you play and the environment. You’ll generally want larger cymbals for playing live and smaller ones for the recording studio.
Alloy Composition
Most ride cymbals are made from either B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin) or B8 bronze (92% copper, 8% tin). Each offers distinct characteristics. B20 cymbals have a warmer, more complex tone. B8 cymbals are brighter and more cutting.
Some manufacturers also offer unique alloy combinations for specialized sounds. Understanding the material composition will help you choose a cymbal that matches the tonal qualities you’re seeking.
For more information on cymbal alloys check out our deep dive into them.
Bell Size and Sound
The bell is a crucial element of a ride cymbal’s design. Bell size and shape impact volume and tonal clarity. Larger bells produce louder, more pronounced tones with a bright cut and good sustain. Smaller bells are more subtle.
If you play music that relies on clear bell accents, such as Latin or funk, prioritize a ride cymbal with a prominent bell sound.
FAQ
What is the best size ride cymbal?
This is entirely up to the preference of the drummer. Smaller cymbals tend to sound better in the recording studio, while larger cymbals can be better for live as they have more projection and volume.
What is the most popular Zildjian ride cymbal?
For the most part you’ll see their A or K series in the setups of many drummers who prefer the brand. They’re well-made, and have great balance in attack, sustain, decay, and wash.
Is Meinl better than Zildjian
Anything by Zildjian is a sure thing. Meinl isn’t as well-known but their products provide all of the quality in sound and build that Zildjian’s do.
What is the difference between a bell and a ride cymbal?
All rides have a bell, but they come in different sizes. A larger bell increases the “crash factor” of the ride cymbal. This is why some are referred to as crash/ride cymbals.
