Every part of a drum set is essential, and the same hold for ride cymbals. Ride cymbals are those round, metal frames mounted on a drum set and spread some few distances away from your hands. While they are as important as any other drum pieces, finding a cymbal that works to expectation can be like looking for a needle in hay stack.
So we are going to look into some of the things to consider when choosing your ride cymbal. In this article, we are going to focus on ride cymbal for Jazz genre.
What are the Best Jazz Ride Cymbals to Buy?
2) Sabian SBR2012 SBR 20-inch series Pure Brass
- Nice hammered and lathed design
- Brass material construction
- Bright and focused tone
- Shrieking sound effect
- Light voice construction
1) Meinl 2-inch HCS Traditional Ride Cymbal Finish
- Beautiful and functional
- Clear and defined ping sound
- Bright and useful sound
- Warm tone
3) Zildjian ZBT 22-Inch Ride Cymbal
- Offers a medium-high tone
- High quality
- Durable
- Powerfully high-pitch and bright sound
- Made in the USA
Ride cymbals are not the same in quality
Yes, this is one of the few things you must have at the back of your mind; that ride cymbal comes in different qualities. While some ride cymbals are famous for being durable and highly functional, some are just as flimsy as they can be. A ride cymbal that features B10 or B12 alloy bronze construction can never be as durable and functional as one designed from B20 alloy bronze construction. So you have to think about this aspect when shopping for your ride cymbal.
Some ride cymbal brands are a mile better than others
While a brand name may not necessarily be a yardstick in measuring quality and efficiency, the fact remains that some companies perform better than others in what they produce. There is a reason why people are gunning for cymbals that bears the trademarks of Meinl, Zildjian, Sabian, Pearl, and more. With such brands, the stakes are high, and the quality is different. So, you may want to consider the name of the brand why shopping for your ride cymbal.
Nevertheless, bear in mind that the best brand in the market can also produce a product that doesn’t work or meet your needs.
Ride cymbals perform differently
Lastly, you must understand that all ride cymbals don’t offer the same performance. There are cymbals created to give full, bright and high-pitch sound, while some others are designed to give a darker tone. Cymbals perform according to the way they are forged, hammered are sliced. So, think about that as you shop for a compatible cymbal.
15 Best Jazz Ride Cymbal Reviews and the Best Ride Cymbal Brands for Jazz
1) Meinl 2-inch HCS Traditional Ride Cymbal Finish
Armed with two years manufacturer warranty, the Meinl HCS ride cymbal is another high-end quality product. This ride cymbal is not only beautiful but also work effectively. It measured 20-inches in size, with the Meinl brand name carefully crested on its brass surface.
The cymbal creates a clear and defined ping sound that resonates with a cutting bell to deliver an overall bright and useful sound. For drummers that love to play anything, from rock to pop, this is the kind of cymbal that can spice up the beat and enhance perfect rendition.
The cymbal is specifically designed for beginners and student players. We love the fact that it can maintain its tone while sustaining the brunt of the drum sticks striking it. The size is ideal for professional and beginners players, and the warm tone it produces is versatile for a wide range of musical style application.
You can’t go wrong investing in this Meinl cymbal model.
2) Sabian SBR2012 SBR 20-inch series Pure Brass
For the beginner drummer, this is the versatile cymbal that will bring out the encouragement to continue practicing.
The cymbal featured a nice hammered and lathed design. It is a ride cymbal that features brass material construction. By its brass design, this cymbal produces a bright and focused tone and is virtually perfect for lively genres of music. However, it might not be too suitable for orchestral music rendition.
Again, you are not going to have the large volume of a large cymbal, considering that this was design to provide a shrieking sound effect; thanks to its light voice construction.
As for the weight, this cymbal is a bit heavy, but the better part of it is the one year warranty that accompanies it.
With the bright, rich tone at your call, you will find this ride cymbal an excellent choice.
3) Zildjian ZBT 22-Inch Ride Cymbal
Are you a student drummer or a beginner? The Zildjian ZBT is the perfect cymbal you need to hone more of your drumming skills.
The ZBT is a 22-inch cymbal that offers a medium-high tone backed with a clean, precise definition that function like a charm in any drum setup.
A closer look at the cymbal also reveals it to be among the largest ride cymbals from the Zildjian ZBT series.
The cymbal boasts high value in performance and versatility.
The materials used in making the ZBT are of a high quality, durable and precisely hammered to render powerfully high-pitch and bright sound. It is perfect for rock, jazz and pop musical beat rendition.
4) Zildjian Planet Z 20-inch Ride Cymbal
The Planet Z cymbal is a 20-inch cymbal that is specifically made to meet the need of the beginner drummer. The cymbal renders a bright and responsive sound that is perfect for any practice session. It is also suitable for achieving excellent performance as well.
You can use it to play many types of songs, and considering its practicality as a beginner instrument; we can say it is the type of cymbal that is made to receive different kinds of beating.
The body of the cymbal features a new alloy nickel-silver material design, which is responsible for the expression and performance it renders. No matter the music style you want to play or wherever you want to go, this cymbal will inevitably accompany you and allow you to discover your ability.
The cymbal is available in splash, hi-hat, ride, China and band cymbals categories.
5) Meinl Cymbal B20JCR Byzance 20-Inch Ride Cymbal
For the ardent jazz music lovers and drummer lords, this is the ride cymbal you need to compliment your playing style.
Measuring 20-inches in size, the Meinl B20JCR is one of the most durable and excellent ride cymbals available. The surface of the cymbal is easily distinctive, with a flat ride construction. There are big hammer marks across the surface that enable the cymbal to provide a warm, dark sound.
While the sound you derived is smooth, soft and reassuring, its ability to hold a long and sizzling sustain makes it an excellent choice for the jazz music lover.
One thing you will find later on with this cymbal is that it starts to generate its symbiotic sound from its previous extra dry rendition.
6) Zildjian K Constantinople 22” Medium Ride Cymbal
The Constantinople happens to be one of Avedis Zildjian greatest achievements to date. It features some of the best craftsmanship, further cementing Zildjian as one of the best brands in the market.
Looking at this cymbal, you will discover that it is designed to meet the needs of the professional drummer. The cymbal length measures 22-inch in size. Its versatility ensures it delivers top quality performance in comparison to others of its kind in the same category.
The good thing is that this cymbal can fit any drum setup. The average, the thin texture, and the cluster hammering constitute some of the high-quality features introduced into this model.
So, if you are a drummer searching for something to deliver a jazz style play, this is the cymbal for you.
But let your wallet knows that it doesn’t come cheap.
7) Zildjian Kerope 20″ Ride Cymbal
The Zildjian Kerope is just another excellent instrumental complimentary cymbal from Avedis Zildjian. This time, the design is, even more, wider, measuring 20-inch in size. Designed to be a ride cymbal, the Kerope provide a warm, dark and complex sound, with an unbeatable wash.
If you are looking for a cymbal to compliment the retro beats of the 1950s and 60s, Kerope is what you need. You will not get a bell strike from this model, so if you need that, just get yourself another cymbal. But for the ride sound, you can place your money on this product. You will be surprised that when you crash mid-phrase, this cymbal doesn’t even lose it ride tone.
The better part is that, unlike some other cymbals out there, the Kerope doesn’t have problems with escaping overtones. Its sonic and aesthetic qualities are replicated by the proprietary patina and gram weight design.
8) Zildjian K-custom 20-Inch Dark Ride Cymbal
Avedis Zildjian returns with yet another superior quality cymbal. There is a difference between a crash ride cymbal and a ride cymbal. The tapered thickness and its uniformity is the primary difference between the two categories of cymbals.
The Zildjian K-custom cymbal is a 20-inch cymbal with crash sound rendition. It is the perfect cymbal for drummers who want to play live jazz. It has beautiful dark tones with enormous power so that when you play it, it hits precisely like a crash!
You will also like the overtime, which resonates well across the combo without losing its bearing regarding the undertones. If you are in search of a beginner or professional crash cymbal, get this Zildjian K-Custom cymbal.
9) Zildjian 19″ Armand Beautiful Baby Ride
The look of a cymbal can evoke confidence and allow a drummer to play more comfortably. The Armand cymbal by Avedis Zildjian is a truly elegant cymbal with a reassuring appearance.
The cymbal features 3 laser engraved Armand Zildjian signature and rivet clusters that leaves a traditional and beautiful finish.
It produces a bright and extremely musical vintage sound that spice up your drumming rendition. The frame of the cymbal features a copper-tin measuring 19-inch diameter, with a ratio of 80/20.
The cymbal has the nickname of “Beautiful baby,” and from the look of things, this is a beautiful piece of equipment. You will get not only a bright sound but also a nice feel while jamming with your drum sticks.
10) Sabian 22-inch HHX Manhattan Jazz Ride Cymbal
For a drummer that really wants to dig in, the Sabian 22-inch ride cymbal is a nice option. Weighing less than 6 pounds, this cymbal features a subtle but simmering blend of dark tone. The HHX Manhattan measures 22 inches in size, which delivers a large volume for the player.
The Sabian HHX enables the drummer to achieve a dark, simmering sound. It is the ideal cymbal for people who want to play the best of jazz beats. Thanks to its agitated bite and ability to project tone; the HHX series delivers much effective performance compared to others.
The difference between the HHX series and other cymbals is that, while other cymbals may generate a dark tone, the Sabian HHX takes it a step further by generating more simmering heat and more musical rendition—the type the average and professional drummer wants to hear and project. The HHX projection will make your sound to be heard distinctively with its innovative design.
11) Meinl 20-inch Ride Cymbal CC20DAR
While people can argue that dark cymbals are restricted to some beat renditions only, it doesn’t mean that they don’t deliver the quality they are expected to produce, especially at such affordable prices.
The Meinl CC20DAR ride cymbal is a typical example of a dark cymbal with excellent quality. The dark color is not the making of the cymbal’s metal itself, but it’s the color that’s used on it, which only a few knows. The dark color gives it a clearer sound, which is famous with classic cymbals. It features a unique hammering that also has a wide space. The additional lathing evens out the tones when producing a powerful response.
If you are a drummer that need an argyle cymbal while echoing its darkness when receiving hits, the Meinl CC20DAR cymbal is the answer.
In a nutshell, this cymbal one of the most responsive ride cymbal you can get in the market. It can also pass as a medium tone crash as well.
12) Meinl 2-inch medium Ride Cymbal (CC20MR-B)
From whatsoever angle you look at this ride cymbal from Meinl, you will end up seeing a very bright and beautiful model with a superior shiny finish.
Considering that this model was made in Germany, you can expect its quality to last. Meinl is not just a brand, but a reputable one for that matter. Their cymbals represent some of the best models in the market, and this particular one is one of such.
The Meinl CC20MR-B is tagged as the best cymbal for metal drumming. The qualities of the feature it carries are noteworthy. The hugeness of the bell gives you that pingy sound you need when playing
It is the ideal cymbal for drummers who love to play rock or pop music.
The cymbal also features a classic reflective shine that you can maintain with ease. Meinl incorporates its pressure point technology to create an excellent shape out of the best and most durable B10 bronze alloy material.
This cymbal is worth every ounce of your investment.
13) Meinl 21-Inch Medium Ride Cymbal (C21MR)
Let’s face it; Meinl is also a king when it comes to creating musical cymbals for drums. The C21MR cymbal is the model that delivers a precise balance between size and feel. It features durable bronze metal material construction that responds handsomely to hits.
Once you hit the cymbal, it generates a clear pingy sound that makes the 21-inch elegant finish cymbal even more beautiful. The pitch and sustains level is well defined and suitable for producing that exciting sound that will benefit the beginner or student player.
Apart from the fine response, the Meinl 21-inch ride cymbal also provide a nice shimmering rendition of washy sound when hit on the edge. By this capability, the cymbal becomes even more versatile and functional.
You can enjoy the best in a full, warm sound for many musical style applications using this cymbal.
14) Stagg CS-RJ20 20-Inch Classic Jazz Ride Cymbal
Featuring the best of B20 alloy, the Stagg CS-RJ20 is another classic jazz cymbal for drummers who love to play jazz beats. This cymbal has a nice sound profile that is similar to some of the best brands in the market.
The Stagg CS-RJ20 measures 20-inches in size, which is not only ideal for beginners but also suitable for professionals who are looking for something more portable but excellent in quality and rendition of sound.
The Stagg CS-RJ20 weighs in the range of 5 pounds, which is good for the jazz sound it is expected to project. The B20 alloy material construction signifies it is designed to meet the needs of funky music style lovers. Although the bell isn’t as large as some of its competitors, the bell’s ability to deliver functional tones makes it a great choice to consider.
15) Meinl Cymbal B24BADAR Byzance Jazz Big Apple Dark Cymbal
Here is a Jazz cymbal for the ardent jazz music lovers. With this Meinl cymbal, you can create that old, jazz beat and play along with the rest of the music. The Big Apple ride is a cymbal that defines the very best of historic jazz. The jazz cymbal is specially created to relive the history of old school jazz while delivering a rich, dark timbre.
Looking at the surface of the heavy brass body, the Meinl Big Apple ride features spot-like dot designs that contribute to the dark intonation it generates. You will get to enjoy the fast dark wash flow and earthly lows that function side-by-side with delicate sticks definition.
The manufacturer also includes a small bell together with a distinguishable large flow that create a full and reliable bodied sound for versatile performance.
Choosing the Best Jazz Ride Cymbals
Buying a ride cymbal is a necessary investment you must make if you wish to play and enjoy the best of your musical beat rendition. As a drummer, you will only get the best out of your stage musical set, provided a cymbal is among them.
2) Sabian SBR2012 SBR 20-inch series Pure Brass
- Nice hammered and lathed design
- Brass material construction
- Bright and focused tone
- Shrieking sound effect
- Light voice construction
1) Meinl 2-inch HCS Traditional Ride Cymbal Finish
- Beautiful and functional
- Clear and defined ping sound
- Bright and useful sound
- Warm tone
3) Zildjian ZBT 22-Inch Ride Cymbal
- Offers a medium-high tone
- High quality
- Durable
- Powerfully high-pitch and bright sound
- Made in the USA
The best cymbal will offer you the ability to play precisely according to the style of music you want. While there is a cymbal for everyone—whether beginner, student or professional—your ride cymbal deliver the purpose why you are using it. That is what the above cymbals represent. They provide according to the specifications they were made. So, whereever or whenever you want to practice or play as a student/beginner or professional, there is a ride cymbal for you.
So, take your time with your research, together with our reviews, see what real-time customers are saying about the product. After that, just grab yours and enjoy!