What sound truly defines the pulse of a band? It’s often the shimmering, complex voice of the ride cymbal. This often-overlooked piece of metal carries the groove, from subtle jazz whispers to crashing rock accents. But ask any drummer, and they’ll tell you: finding *the* perfect ride is a quest filled with confusion.
The market bombards drummers with choices: thin versus heavy, brilliant versus dark, dry versus washy. How do you cut through the noise to find the cymbal that truly matches your style and the demands of your stage? Choosing wrong means sacrificing clarity, losing stick definition, or drowning out your band. It’s a significant investment that affects every beat you play.
This comprehensive guide cuts through the jargon. We break down the essential characteristics—size, weight, profile, and finish—so you can confidently identify the ride cymbal built for your musical voice. By the end of this article, you will know exactly what to listen for.
Let’s dive deep into the art and science of the ride cymbal and unlock the secret to that perfect, shimmering foundation for your drumming.
Top Ride Cymbal Recommendations
- MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players
- WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: includes one 20" ride cymbal; this ride has a strong "ping" sound and an articulate bell for rhythmic clarity; the underlying sustain (also called wash) has depth and doesn't overpower the rest of the cymbal
- DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones
- Redesigned for 2020 the NEW Planet Z range of cymbals are a great introduction for beginners and intermediate players to the Zildjian world of cymbals
- Proudly made in the USA crafted from Brass the NEW Planet Z cymabls offer bright cutting tones with more control and a focussed sound
- The Planet Z range offers a superior sound qualiy at an entry level price
- The ZP20R 20 Inch Ride cymbal is a bright cutting ride cymbal capable of really cutting through the mix
- 🎶Designed for Beginners — New type 20 inch practice cymbal is designed for beginner and student, unique to this price range, you are definitely worth to try!
- 🎶Great Quality — Cymbal is well built, musicians using a durable stainless steel alloy that maintains its tone while holding up to the brunt of drum sticks.
- 🎶Thicken Durability — The stainless steel material is thickened to ensure durability, making it less likely to break.
- 🎶Can Be Used for — East cymbals are made for new players who are learning their way around the drum set, you can find these to be an outstanding affordable solution to outfit their lesson sets with in a classroom.
- 🎶Designed for Beginners — New type 20 inch practice cymbal is designed for beginner and student, unique to this price range, you are definitely worth to try!
- 🎶Great Quality — Cymbal is well built, musicians using a durable stainless steel alloy that maintains its tone while holding up to the brunt of drum sticks.
- 🎶Thicken Durability — The stainless steel material is thickened to ensure durability, making it less likely to break.
- 🎶Can Be Used for — East cymbals are made for new players who are learning their way around the drum set, you can find these to be an outstanding affordable solution to outfit their lesson sets with in a classroom.
- A versatile model for beginners
- Smartly priced, SBr Brass is in a class of its own
- SBr makes your first step into cymbals an easy one
- MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players
- WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: includes one 20"crash/ride cymbal; this cymbal fills the gap between a ride and crash, where it's not too thin or too thick for either purpose; go from a bright "ping" sound on the top to a wide-open wash (or sustain) when crashing
- DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones
- MAJOR UPGRADE FROM "STOCK" STARTER CYMBALS: these are not those distractingly cheap, flimsy prop cymbals that come with most drum sets; Meinl HCS cymbals have impressive sound and sturdy feel geared toward beginner/intermediate players
- WHY IT MATTERS: playing HCS cymbals will sound more like what you hear in actual songs, making the drums even more fun to play; plus, they aren't going to fall apart, dent, or bend after a few uses like stock cymbals
- WHAT'S IN THE BOX: includes one 18"crash/ride cymbal; this cymbal fills the gap between a ride and crash, where it's not too thin or too thick for either purpose; go from a bright "ping" sound on the top to a wide-open wash (or sustain) when crashing
- DRIVING THE SOUND: made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy for a clean, bright, and crisp tone; substantial thickness with well-formed surface grooves and hammer marks give you a defined sound without clangy or ear-piercing overtones
- Multi-piece Cymbal Set: This cymbal set includes 14-inch Hi-Hats, 16-inch Crash, and 20-inch Ride, providing versatile sounds for all your musical needs. Ideal for jazz, rock, or pop, it suits every style
- Bright, Crisp Sound: Our cymbal pack is made with premium alloy and features grooves and hammer patterns that deliver clear, vibrant tones. The polished finish enhances both feel and look, while minimizing harsh overtones for a smooth performance
- Low Noise Design: With built-in silent pads, these drum cymbals reduce noise, making them ideal for practice or performances in noise-sensitive areas. Enjoy long sessions without the worry of disturbing others or straining your ears
- Durable & Long-lasting: Made with 1 mm thick alloy, these cymbals for drums can take powerful strikes without cracking or warping. Built for heavy use, they’re your long-lasting companion in every jam session or gig
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Ride Cymbal
A ride cymbal is the backbone of your drum kit. It helps keep the beat steady. A great ride cymbal sounds clear and musical. Choosing the right one can change your drumming. This guide helps you pick the best ride cymbal for you.
Key Features to Look For
Sound Profile and Stick Definition
The most important feature is how the cymbal sounds. You need good stick definition. This means you can clearly hear each individual hit of the stick. Think of it like separate words instead of one long sound.
- Bell Sound: The bell (the center dome) should be loud and clear for accents.
- Wash: This is the shimmering sound that rings out after a hit. Too much wash can make the cymbal sound muddy.
- Tonal Balance: Does the cymbal sound good across different volumes?
Size and Weight
Ride cymbals usually range from 18 inches to 24 inches. Bigger cymbals produce a louder, deeper sound. Smaller cymbals are quicker and easier to control.
- Weight: Heavier cymbals offer more volume and a clearer stick sound. Lighter cymbals crash easier and have a faster decay (they stop ringing sooner).
Important Materials: What Cymbals Are Made Of
Almost all quality ride cymbals use bronze alloys. The two main types are B8 and B20.
B8 Bronze (Phosphor Bronze)
B8 uses 8% tin and 92% copper. These cymbals sound bright and cutting. They are often louder and cheaper. Many entry-level and rock cymbals use B8.
B20 Bronze (Traditional Bronze)
B20 uses 20% tin and 80% copper. This is the classic cymbal material. B20 cymbals offer complex, rich, and darker tones. They blend well in jazz and studio settings. Most professional rides use B20.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
How a cymbal is made greatly affects its quality. Look closely at how the cymbal is shaped and finished.
Hammering and Lathing
Hammering involves hitting the bronze surface repeatedly. More hammering creates a drier, quicker sound. Lathing is the process of shaving grooves into the cymbal. Heavy lathing removes metal, making the cymbal brighter. A good ride cymbal shows careful, even hammering.
Finish (Surface Treatment)
Some cymbals are left raw (unlathed or unpolished). These sound drier and stick-focused. Shiny, highly lathed cymbals sound more open and washier. The finish is a major factor in the final sound character.
Note: Cheaper cymbals often use less complex manufacturing processes. This reduces tonal complexity and durability.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your musical style should guide your purchase. Different rides fit different needs.
Jazz Drummers
Jazz players often prefer thinner, lighter B20 cymbals, usually 20 or 22 inches. They need a dark, shimmering wash that supports the music without overpowering it. Excellent stick definition is still crucial.
Rock and Pop Drummers
Rock drummers need volume and projection. They usually choose heavier, medium-to-extra-heavy rides, often 22 inches or larger. A strong, clear bell sound helps cut through loud guitars.
Studio/Versatile Players
If you play many styles, look for a medium-weight B20 ride in the 20-inch range. This size offers a good balance of clarity and wash, making it versatile for recording.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ride Cymbals
Q: What is the standard size for a ride cymbal?
A: The most common sizes are 20 inches and 22 inches. They work well for most musical genres.
Q: Should I get a heavy or light ride cymbal?
A: Choose a heavy ride if you play loud styles like rock. Select a light ride if you play quieter styles like jazz or acoustic music.
Q: What does “decay” mean for a cymbal?
A: Decay is how long the cymbal keeps ringing after you hit it. A fast decay means the sound stops quickly.
Q: Are cheaper cymbals okay for beginners?
A: Yes, beginner cymbals are fine for learning. However, you will notice a big sound improvement when you upgrade to B20 bronze later.
Q: How does the hammering affect the sound?
A: More hand hammering creates a more complex, often drier sound that professionals like.
Q: What is the difference between a “ping” and a “wash”?
A: “Ping” refers to the clear stick sound. “Wash” is the sustained, underlying shimmer sound.
Q: Should my ride cymbal match my hi-hats?
A: While matching lines often sound cohesive, it is not required. Focus on the ride sound you personally like best.
Q: Can I use a crash cymbal as a ride?
A: You can, but crash cymbals usually have too much wash and too little stick definition to hold a steady beat well.
Q: Is B20 always better than B8?
A: No. B20 offers more complexity, but B8 offers great brightness and volume, which some drummers prefer for certain music.
Q: How do I clean my ride cymbal?
A: Use a dedicated cymbal cleaner or mild soap and water. Always wipe following the grooves (lathed lines), not across them.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!