As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.
A useful jazz ride needs a defined stick sound, a controllable wash and a bell that does not dominate the band. These current lower-cost and mid-priced rides cover dry, traditional and brighter approaches.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zildjian S Family 20-inch Ride | $170–$210 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Sabian SBr 20-inch Ride | $100–$140 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Meinl HCS Traditional 20-inch Ride | $110–$150 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Paiste PST 7 Light Ride 20-inch | $180–$230 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Istanbul Agop Xist 20-inch Ride | $260–$320 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20-inch Ride | $240–$300 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Zildjian I Family 18-inch Crash Ride | $140–$180 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Sabian Stratus 22-inch Ride | $380–$430 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Zildjian K Sweet 21-inch Ride | $450–$520 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Zildjian S Family 20-inch Ride
A bright, versatile B12-alloy ride with a clear bell and broad projection.
- 20-inch diameter
- B12 alloy construction
- Bright, projecting S Family voice
- Clear bell and cut suit louder ensembles
- More affordable than cast B20 professional lines
- Bright voice is less traditional than a dark jazz ride
Sabian SBr 20-inch Ride
A straightforward brass ride for the smallest budgets and rehearsal setups.
- 20-inch diameter
- Brass construction
- Entry-level SBr series
- Lowest-cost route to a full-size ride
- Straightforward, usable rehearsal cymbal
- Brass construction has less tonal complexity than bronze
Meinl HCS Traditional 20-inch Ride
An entry-level traditional-finish ride with a focused, bright response.
- 20-inch diameter
- MS63 brass alloy
- Traditional finish
- Accessible price for a full-size ride
- Focused bright response works for practice
- Entry-level brass voice can be harsh in a quiet acoustic group
Paiste PST 7 Light Ride 20-inch
A lighter-weight PST 7 ride that suits lower-volume ensemble playing.
- 20-inch diameter
- CuSn8 bronze alloy
- Medium weight and medium volume
- Washy stick sound and soft feel suit acoustic work
- Bronze construction is a step up from brass starters
- Less defined ping than a heavier ride
Istanbul Agop Xist 20-inch Ride
A B20 bronze option with more complex wash than basic brass rides.
- 20-inch diameter
- B20 bronze alloy
- Xist series ride
- B20 bronze offers more complex wash
- A credible step toward a traditional jazz voice
- Costs substantially more than basic budget rides
Meinl Classics Custom Dark 20-inch Ride
A louder, defined ride for players who move between jazz-funk and amplified settings.
- 20-inch diameter
- B12 bronze alloy
- Dark finish and loud projection
- Defined attack works when jazz overlaps amplified music
- Durable contemporary voice
- High-volume design is not ideal for a quiet straight-ahead combo
Zildjian I Family 18-inch Crash Ride
A compact crash-ride for low-cost practice and compact kits.
- 18-inch diameter
- Dual-purpose crash-ride format
- I Family hammered and lathed design
- Covers crash and ride roles on a compact kit
- Good stick definition for a crash-ride
- 18-inch size gives less low-end ride body than a 20-inch
Sabian Stratus 22-inch Ride
A current B20 ride with a refined, lower-volume response.
- 22-inch diameter
- B20 bronze
- Medium-light weight with controlled wash
- Warm undertone and clear bell suit modern jazz
- Large diameter provides broad ride surface
- Price is beyond a strict entry-level budget
Zildjian K Sweet 21-inch Ride
A versatile professional ride with a musical crash edge.
- 21-inch diameter
- Medium-thin weight
- Crashable K Sweet ride design
- Clear bell and clean stick definition
- Crashable edge adds versatility
- Professional price is far above starter rides
Buying tips
- For small acoustic groups, choose a lighter ride before choosing a larger diameter.
- Listen for stick definition at low volume, not only the crash sound in a demo.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.