When I was searching for best ride cymbals to improve my performance and make my work easier, I wanted something that offered both quality and value. After exploring various options, I found a few standout choices that deliver impressive features and reliability. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, these products offer a seamless experience tailored to your needs.
Product OverviewAfter testing several options, I discovered that not all best ride cymbals are created equal. I focused on key aspects like performance, durability, and ease of use. Some models stood out for their superior build quality, while others offered advanced features that made a real difference. Finding the right balance between these factors helped me choose the best fit for my specific requirements.
Performance and UsabilityUsing best ride cymbals firsthand gave me a clear understanding of what works best in real-life scenarios. Some products excelled in precision and efficiency, while others impressed me with their ergonomic design. Whether I needed something lightweight for on-the-go use or a more robust option for heavy-duty tasks, I found choices that met my expectations.
The 5 best ride cymbals:
- Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Ride Cymbal
- Ride Cymbal
- Meinl Ride Cymbal
- Sabian SBr Ride
- Avedis Zildjian Company Zildjian
Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Ride Cymbal
Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Ride Cymbal (ZP20R)
Ride Cymbal
Ride Cymbal, 20 inches Ride Cymbal (Gold)
My Experience with the Ride Cymbal
I recently got my hands on a Ride Cymbal, and I have to say, it was a delightful experience getting to know it. As a 20-inch cymbal, I found it to be just the right size. It's true to its size and works perfectly for me, given that I'm a beginner. Being a starter in the drumming world, this cymbal seems to cater to my needs effectively.
A Good Starter Companion
What I particularly like about this Ride Cymbal is its tone. It's oh-so-nice, merging beautifully with my practice sessions. For a cymbal of this size, it has decent sustain, which is a bonus. While I might not be part of a world tour yet, this is perfect for my basement kit. It fits well with simple music, providing a light and crisp splash sound that stands out in a unique way.
Perfect for Practice
In my opinion, this cymbal shines when used for practicing. I've even used it as a standalone instrument, and it worked brilliantly. Its lightweight nature makes it easy for even kids to handle. Both my kids love having a go at it during our little band sessions at home, and the sound it produces adds an exciting layer to our music.
Considerations for Advanced Use
It's true that this cymbal might not be the best fit for more severe or intense gigging situations. I haven't pushed it to its limits, so to speak, like banging it with all my might. I do get the sense that it might not withstand a serious beating. So, while space on stage at an energetic rock concert isn’t its calling, it definitely settles well into a practice space, adding a quality sound without the heavy price tag.
Value for Money
Overall, I find the Ride Cymbal to be a worthy addition to any budding drummer's kit. With the process of building a drum kit often being quite costly, having an affordable yet reliable piece like this cymbal really helps. It's compact, dynamic in sound, and an ideal fit for simple, everyday music practice. So, for those like me who are just starting their drumming journey or need a gentle touch to amp up their routine, this Ride Cymbal surely brings value and joy.
Meinl Ride Cymbal
Meinl 20" Ride Cymbal - HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set, Made in Germany, 2-YEAR WARRANTY (HCS20R)
My Journey with the Meinl 20" Ride Cymbal
When I first set my eyes on the Meinl 20" Ride Cymbal, I was buzzing with excitement. I recently started my drumming journey, and after watching a few video lessons, I realized I wanted a sizeable and impressive ride cymbal to enhance my set. The Meinl cymbal caught my eye with its shiny HCS Traditional Finish, and I knew I had to give it a try.
Even though I'm new to drumming, as soon as the cymbal arrived, I could tell it stood out. The delivery was quicker than I expected, and right out of the box, it looked solid and promising. It felt heavy and sturdy in my hands, which to my inexperienced self suggested durability.
The real fun began when I placed the cymbal on my stand and started exploring its sounds. As a novice, my exploration was pretty basic, mostly playing different 8th and 16th note patterns. But that was enough to discover the cymbal's rich sound range. The ride cymbal sound I was seeking came alive beautifully when I hit certain spots—one about an inch and a half in from the rim and another neat spot near the bell's edge. These quickly became my 'sweet spots'. In other places, it surprisingly offered a more gong-like sound, which I didn’t anticipate but grew to appreciate for its unique tone.
One thing I noticed, though, was the bell. It didn't quite ring as distinctly as I'd hoped. Instead, it produced more of a 'thud' than a clear bell sound. To be honest, this didn’t bother me much. I figured it might be due to my stand setup, but after making adjustments with no luck, I embraced it for what it was. It’s something that might matter more to those who need a pronounced bell sound, but for me, it wasn't a dealbreaker at all.
Overall, I am thrilled with the Meinl 20" Ride Cymbal for its reasonable price and the depth it adds to my music. It's a delight to play, giving me both the traditional ride sounds I wanted and a quirky gong tone I never knew I needed. With time, I am sure I will uncover more nuances in this cymbal as my drumming skills improve. I can't help but feel like this cymbal was a great choice and an exciting addition to my drumming setup. It sure does feel like a formidable piece of equipment that will stand by me as I grow as a drummer. For now, I tell myself to play it with care and find the sweet spots—because that's where the magic happens!
Sabian SBr Ride
Sabian 20" SBr Ride
My Experience with the Sabian SBr Ride
As someone who embraced the world of music many years ago, taking up drums again after decades has been a thrilling adventure. The Sabian 20" SBr Ride cymbal became a cherished part of my journey. It caught my attention because it offers incredible value for the price. When I played it for the first time, I was impressed by the warm, rich tone emanating from its high-quality brass construction. This cymbal quickly became a favorite of mine, reminiscent of the excitement I felt back when I began my musical journey in the 1960s.
However, stepping into drumming after such a long hiatus presented its challenges. Initially, I felt the cymbal lacked a certain 'character' when I played it. I suspected that after 50 years, my hands had forgotten a few things, and my ears might not be as tuned as they used to be. But I remained hopeful and open to the idea that this initial impression might change as I got more accustomed to playing once again.
Enhancing My Drumming Experience
Determined to fully appreciate the Sabian SBr Ride cymbal, I decided to try something new. I added a Pro Mark S22 sizzler chain to the cymbal, making a huge difference in its sound. This simple addition brought out the full potential of the cymbal, enhancing its rich sound and adding a delightful sizzle to the performance. In doing so, I could give this cymbal a solid five-star rating. It made me feel proficient in drumming again, breathing new life into each session.
The process wasn't entirely straightforward; I did need to clip a couple of beads from the chain to prevent it from hanging over the cymbal's edge. But this minor adjustment was a small price to pay for the improvement I got in return. The sizzler chain was an inexpensive investment that transformed my drumming experience and enhanced the overall effect of my musical endeavors.
Rediscovering the Joy of Drumming
Reflecting on my experiences with the Sabian SBr Ride, I am grateful for its ability to rekindle the joy of drumming for me. The initially perceived 'lack of character' was more about my readjustment to the instrument rather than the cymbal itself. With the added sizzler, the cymbal sang with a beautiful, vibrant tone I couldn't have expected. This small tweak made a world of difference, making each practice session truly fulfilling.
For anyone revisiting the world of drumming or starting fresh, the Sabian SBr Ride cymbal is a fantastic choice. It embraces both nostalgic warmth and contemporary innovation, ready to accompany musicians of all ages and skill levels.
Investing in the right best ride cymbals can make all the difference in performance and creativity. After thorough testing, I found that the best choices strike a perfect balance between quality, functionality, and affordability. No matter your level of experience, having a reliable product can truly elevate your results.