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Do you struggle to find the perfect ride cymbal for your drum set? You’re not alone. With so many models and brands, it can be hard to know where to start.
But don’t worry, you can learn everything you need to know in our ultimate buyer’s guide. We’ll cover entry-level to specialized and enhanced choices, and show you how to choose the right cymbal for your playing style.
So, let’s get started and find the perfect ride cymbal for you.
Key Takeaways
- Entry-level ride cymbals are commonly used by 99% of drummers and are made of brass alloy with medium thickness for versatility in different genres.
- Affordable ride cymbals for specific genres include thinner and less-tapered cymbals for aspiring jazz drummers, affordable high-end bronze options, ride cymbals with features for classic rock drummers, and unique flat ride cymbals for jazz and funk.
- Hand-hammered ride cymbals offer ultimate sonic complexity but are more expensive due to handcrafting, while unlathed ride cymbals provide ultimate stick response and a vintage look.
- Specialized ride cymbals include crash-ride cymbals for mini drumkits and low-volume rides for silent practice. Chains and rivets can be added to ride cymbals to enhance the wash, with different chain designs and types of rivets offering unique sounds and effects.
Entry-Level Ride Cymbals
If you’re just starting out, entry-level ride cymbals are a great place to start – they’re versatile, affordable, and offer acceptable sound for most genres. Generally, they’ve a medium thickness and diameter of 18 to 22 inches, and are made from brass alloy. They’re versatile, with a good balance of wash and ping, and some of the best options for entry-level riders include Paiste 101, Meinl HCS, and Sabian SBR.
Although entry-level rides are versatile and affordable, they may not be suitable for certain genres such as jazz and funk. For those genres, a thinner, less tapered cymbal with a longer wash may be more suitable.
Ultimately, the best entry level ride cymbals for beginners offer a great compromise between cost and sound.
Affordable Ride Cymbals
Here, we discuss price points and genre-specific options to help you find the best ride cymbal for your setup.
We’ll cover everything from dark rides for jazz drummers to hand-hammered models for sonic complexity.
Price Points
For drummers on a budget, there are a variety of affordable ride cymbals available. Different types of ride cymbal finishes and size have an impact on sound quality.
Brass is the least expensive alloy option, providing a good balance of wash and ping. For jazz and similar styles, thinner and less-tapered cymbals provide a longer wash and richer sound. B20 Bronze is usually expensive, but exceptions exist such as the Millenium B20.
For classic Rock n Roll sound, thicker cymbals with larger bells and increased curvature are suitable. Flat ride cymbals eliminate the bell for a defined stick sound with a strong wash. Hand-hammered models are the most expensive due to their uniqueness. Unlathed models offer minimal wash and increased stick response.
Crash-ride cymbals are a hybrid option for smaller kits. Low-volume rides have tiny holes for silent practice. Chains and rivets can be added to enhance the wash. Different types of rivets have their own unique sound. Consider the type, material, and weight of chains and rivets before making a decision.
Genre-specific
When it comes to finding the right ride cymbal for the sound you’re looking for, budget-friendly options exist for various genres.
Different alloys, such as brass, B8 bronze, and B20 bronze, offer different tones and are available in varying price ranges.
Jazz drummers may want to go for a thinner, less-tapered cymbal with a longer wash and richer sound.
For a classic rock n roll sound, look for a thicker, larger bell, and increased curvature.
For jazz and funk, check out flat rides to eliminate the bell and get a defined stick sound.
Hand-hammered models are pricey but offer a richer and more complex sound.
Unlathed rides are also available for a vintage look and increased stick response.
Crash-ride cymbals are a great hybrid option for drummers looking to minimize kit size, while low-volume rides are perfect for silent practice. (Master the drum track creation with this guide)
Lastly, consider adding chains or rivets to the top of your ride for increased wash.
Specialized Ride Cymbals
If you’re looking for specialized ride cymbals with unique features, you’ll find a great selection of crash-ride, low-volume, and flat ride models available.
These cymbals are designed to suit specific genres and drumming styles, giving you the perfect sound for your kit.
Explore the possibilities today!
Crash-Ride Cymbals
If you’re looking to minimize your drumkit’s size, a crash-ride cymbal is the perfect choice. It combines the sound of a ride cymbal with the versatility of a crash cymbal.
Crash-ride cymbals are designed to be used either as a crash or a ride depending on how they’re struck. Maintenance of crash-ride cymbals is the same as with regular rides, including cleaning and polishing.
When playing crash-ride cymbals, it’s important to use different techniques to explore the different sounds they can produce. For example, using a light touch will result in a shorter crash sound, while a harder stroke will produce a bigger ride sound. Experimenting with different techniques is the key to getting the most out of your crash-ride cymbal.
With proper maintenance and the right techniques, you can enjoy the unique sound of a crash-ride cymbal for years to come.
Low-Volume Rides
Building on the versatility of crash-ride cymbals, low-volume rides are an innovative solution for drummers who need to practice in areas with volume restrictions. They look, feel, and sound like real cymbals, but with reduced volume. These rides have tiny holes drilled into them to lower the volume, allowing for silent practice.
Volume reduction is achieved without sacrificing the desired sound of the ride cymbal, so drummers don’t have to compromise their sound. Low-volume rides come in a variety of sizes and designs, so drummers can choose one that fits their playing style and needs. They can also be a great option for drummers who want to try something different.
With a low-volume ride, drummers can practice without worrying about disturbing those around them.
Unique Flat Rides
For drummers looking to explore more specialized ride cymbals, flat rides offer a unique sound that eliminates the bell for a defined stick sound with a strong wash. These unconventional rides come in different sizes and are made from materials such as Bosphorus Black Pearl and Istanbul Mehmet Traditional.
Zildjian K Light Flat is another great option for jazz and funk genres. The sound is perfect for those looking for a strong stick response and more complexity. The lack of the bell also helps to create a vintage look.
Unlathed rides provide minimal wash and increased stick response, and they’re a great choice for drummers seeking a unique sound.
Flat rides are a great option for those looking to experiment with different cymbal sounds and explore their sonic potential.
Enhancing the Wash
Adding chains or rivets to a ride cymbal can increase the wash and create a unique sound. Different chain designs, such as those made of small metal links or larger, differently-shaped links, can provide different results.
Types of rivets include dome rivets, flat rivets, and cluster rivets. Each type of rivet produces a distinct sound and offers a more permanent solution than chains. Installing chains is relatively easy, while installing rivets requires drilling and should only be done by experienced drummers or with guidance.
Chains and rivets offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your preferences and playing style before making a decision.
Different Chain and Rivet Options
Continuing to enhance the wash of ride cymbals, adding chains and rivets can provide a unique sound and response. Different chain designs are available, ranging from small metal links to larger and differently shaped links. The design of the chain affects the sound and response of the cymbal, so experimenting with different chain designs can help you find the desired wash and sizzle.
When it comes to rivets, you have the option of dome rivets, flat rivets, and cluster rivets, each with a unique sound and effect on the cymbal. It’s important to consider the pros and cons of chains and rivets before choosing one for your ride cymbal.
Chains offer an easy installation process and can be removed, while rivets provide a more permanent solution but require drilling holes.
Pros and Cons
Comparing the pros and cons of chains and rivets can help you decide which one is right for your ride cymbal.
Chains offer a relatively easy installation process and can be removed without permanent modifications to the cymbal. They provide a versatile sound and can be adjusted or replaced easily.
Rivets, on the other hand, offer a more permanent solution for extended wash but require drilling holes in the cymbal. They provide a unique sound and can create a shimmering effect.
Ultimately, it’s important to consider your preferences, playing style, and willingness to modify your cymbal when choosing an alternative option.
Conclusion
No matter your playing style, there’s a ride cymbal out there for you. With the right information, you can find the perfect one for your setup. From entry-level models to specialized and enhanced options, you can’t go wrong.
Try out different chain and rivet designs to find the sound you’re looking for and get the most out of your ride cymbal.
With this guide, you now know the basics of ride cymbals and what to look for when shopping. So, go out there and find the cymbal of your dreams and get ready to rock out!
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!