AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 19" Ride Cymbals for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 19" A Series Armand Beautiful Baby Ride Cymbal ($560). Zultan 19" Heritage Flat Ride gives you the most for the money at $269. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 11 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 19" A Series Armand Beautiful Baby Ride Cymbal
19" A-Series Armand Ride · Zildjian
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This 19in A-Series Armand Ride is a beautifully voiced cymbal, channeling that classic 'Baby Ride' sound. It’s a fantastic choice for players seeking a brighter, more articulate ride – perfect for jazz, lighter rock, or anyone wanting a touch of vintage Zildjian history under their sticks. It provides excellent projection and detail without being overly splashy.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and wash, ideal for nuanced cymbal work.
- The 'Baby Ride' voicing offers a vintage, controlled character.
- Armand Zildjian’s signature adds historical significance and collectibility.
Cons
- The lighter weight might lack sustain for heavier hitters.
- The brighter sound isn't universally appealing; darker tones preferred by some.
86AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$560 now$560€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Agop 19" Signature Mel Lewis Crash / Ride
19" Mel Lewis Sign. Crash-Ride · Istanbul Agop
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This Mel Lewis Sign. Crash-Ride is a beautifully voiced cymbal – a real throwback to classic jazz sounds. It’s got a warm, dark character with a surprising amount of stick definition for a cymbal of its type, making it ideal for jazz, blues, and vintage-inspired styles. It's a great option for drummers who want a versatile and expressive cymbal without needing a separate crash and ride.
Pros
- Warm, dark overtones create a beautifully complex wash.
- Excellent stick definition for a cymbal of this character.
- Versatile crash-ride functionality saves space and money.
Cons
- The thinner profile might not suit heavier hitters.
- Its darker sound isn't ideal for brighter, modern genres.
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$494 now$494€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Sultan Medium Ride Cymbal
19" Medium Ride Sultan Series · Istanbul Mehmet
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
The Istanbul Mehmet Sultan 19' Medium Ride is a beautifully crafted cymbal that delivers a warm, dark, and musical tone. It’s a great choice for drummers seeking a more traditional, controlled sound – perfect for jazz, acoustic, and even softer rock applications where a splashy, bright ride isn't desired.
Pros
- Warm, dark tone blends beautifully across genres.
- Excellent stick definition with surprisingly controlled overtones.
- Hand-hammered construction yields nuanced, complex sound.
Cons
- Can be a bit too dark for brighter, more modern styles.
- The 'dry' nature might lack sustain for some players.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Turk Jazz Ride Cymbal w/ Rivets
19" Jazz Ride Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet
2 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This Istanbul Mehmet Turk Jazz Ride is a beautifully crafted cymbal, perfect for jazz, small ensemble, and studio work. The unlathed design and lower bell create a warm, controlled sound with fantastic stick definition – it's a real gem for drummers seeking a vintage vibe without the vintage price tag.
Pros
- Unlathed construction delivers a uniquely dry, controlled wash, avoiding excessive sustain.
- Lower bell profile creates a warmer, more intimate tone ideal for jazz and quieter settings.
- Turk series bronze alloy provides a complex harmonic spectrum with subtle shimmering undertones.
Cons
- Lighter weight might feel 'washy' for drummers preferring a more powerful, cutting ride.
- Limited versatility; not ideal for heavier genres demanding a brighter, more explosive sound.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This Istanbul Mehmet 19in Vintage Crash Ride is a fantastic option for drummers seeking a warm, articulate ride with a crash-like quality. It's ideal for players in smaller spaces or those who prefer a more intimate, nuanced sound—particularly suited for jazz, fusion, or quieter funk grooves.
Pros
- Hand-hammered Turkish bronze delivers a complex, shimmering wash.
- Small bell provides a focused, articulate chime without overpowering.
- Dark, controlled overtones create a refined, musical response.
Cons
- The thin profile may not hold up to aggressive playing styles.
- Limited wash compared to larger, more traditional ride cymbals.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$415 · Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This Mehmet Legend Sizzle Ride is a beautifully crafted cymbal perfect for jazz and lighter styles. The natural finish and hand-hammering give it a really vintage vibe and a responsive feel, but be aware it's not a powerhouse for big, loud gigs.
Pros
- Warm, complex wash ideal for nuanced jazz phrasing.
- Hand-hammered construction delivers a lively, responsive feel.
- Rivets enhance articulation and add a subtle shimmering sizzle.
Cons
- The sizzle can be a bit much for heavier rock or metal styles.
- Natural finish requires more careful maintenance to prevent oxidation.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This Legend Dark Ride Sizzle is a beautifully crafted cymbal perfect for jazz, small ensemble work, and players seeking a warm, controlled wash. The rivets add a unique sizzle without being overly splashy, offering a refined and expressive ride experience for discerning musicians.
Pros
- Warm, dark tone ideal for jazz and quieter styles.
- Hand-hammered construction provides nuanced, complex overtones.
- Rivets enhance stick definition and sizzle response.
Cons
- Smaller bell may lack projection for louder ensemble settings.
- Dark sound isn't suited for bright, cutting metal genres.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Istanbul Mehmet 19" Traditional Series Medium Ride Cymbal
19" Medium Ride Traditional · Istanbul Mehmet
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This Istanbul Mehmet 19 Medium Ride is a real gem – a beautifully crafted cymbal with a vintage vibe. It’s fantastic for jazz, blues, and classic rock players who want a warm, expressive ride with a shimmering wash and responsive stick definition. The traditional construction really shines through.
Pros
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex overtones and shimmering wash
- B20 bronze alloy delivers warm, dark, and musical tones
- Well-balanced stick response for clear articulation and controlled dynamics
Cons
- The medium weight might feel slightly heavy for some players
- Lathing can be susceptible to minor imperfections and inconsistencies
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$404 now$404€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 19" Giant Beat Multi-Functional Cymbal
19" Giant Beat Multi Ride · Paiste
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This Paiste Giant Beat Multi Ride is a seriously versatile option, perfect for drummers wanting a full, shimmering ride that works well in both studio and live settings. Its warm bronze tone and layered voicing give it a unique character, sitting nicely between a traditional ride and a crash. It’s a great choice for players looking for a professional-grade ride without venturing into the ultra-expensive realm.
Pros
- CuSn8 bronze provides a warm, complex, and resonant tone.
- The 'multi-layered' voicing offers a shimmering wash without being overly splashy.
- Regular finish balances brilliance with a touch of darkness for versatility.
Cons
- The relatively thin weight might not suit players who prefer heavier rides.
- The 'multi' voicing can occasionally feel slightly unfocused at higher volumes.
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$381 now$381€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This Zultan Heritage Flat Ride is a serious contender for jazz and modern players seeking a warm, controlled sound. The hand-hammering gives it a really nice, responsive feel, and the flat profile keeps things musical without getting overly splashy. It’s a well-made, thoughtfully designed cymbal that offers a lot of character for the price.
Pros
- Warm, complex tone ideal for nuanced jazz playing
- Hand-hammered finish creates organic, responsive feel
- B20 bronze delivers rich, full-bodied sustain
Cons
- Lacks the projection needed for louder, more aggressive styles
- Hammered finish might require more frequent cleaning
60AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$280 · Aug 17$269 now$269€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 11 19" ride cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Istanbul Agop 19" Xist Dry Dark RideIstanbul Agop60Stable$332€295$332€295Check ↗
19" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
Median $404 — half of all 19" ride cymbals here cost less.
median of 11 models · 19"–19"
How to choose the best 19" ride cymbals
Wash & Stick Definition
Advanced players need a ride that isn't just wash or stick. The best 19" rides offer a complex interplay - a defined stick sound that doesn't get swallowed by the wash, but also allows for shimmering overtones and a controllable swell. It's about finding that sweet spot where you can play quietly and get a lot of character, or lay down a powerful groove.
Bell Response
A truly articulate bell isn't just loud; it's musical. We're looking for a bell with a clear, cutting pitch, a quick decay, and the ability to produce a range of tones depending on your attack. A muddy or undefined bell is a dead giveaway of a lower-quality cymbal.
Dynamic Range
Can the cymbal respond to a whisper or a thunderous crash? A 19" ride should offer a wide dynamic range, allowing you to control the volume and intensity of your playing. This is especially crucial for recording, where subtle nuances can make or break a track.
Sustain & Decay
While a long sustain can be nice, it's the character of the decay that matters. Does it ring freely, or does it choke out quickly? A controlled decay is essential for complex rhythms and avoiding a cluttered mix. Too much sustain just gets muddy.
Overall Complexity
This isn't about a simple 'bright' or 'dark' cymbal. We're looking for complexity - a mix of overtones, undertones, and sonic textures that inspire creativity and allow for a wide range of expressive possibilities. It's the little details that elevate a ride from good to exceptional.
Buying guide
So, you're past the 14" crash and the basic 18" ride phase. You're looking for something with real nuance, a 19" ride that can handle complex patterns and still cut through a loud band. It's not just about wash or stick definition; it's about the relationship between those things, the ability to coax out a shimmering bell tone or a dark, almost choked response. This isn't beginner territory - we're talking about cymbals that demand something from you, and reward you with something incredible in return.
Don't chase trends. A 19" ride is an investment, so listen to demos carefully, but more importantly, try to play it yourself if possible. Cheaper options often sacrifice hammering and lathing - that's where the real character comes from.
Be wary of overly bright, ice-picky cymbals; that harshness doesn't age well, and it's rarely flattering in a live setting. Ultimately, the best 19" ride is the one that feels right in your hands and inspires you to play.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 11 19" ride cymbals from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are 19" rides better for all genres?
Not necessarily. They excel in rock, jazz, and fusion where you need a balance of stick definition and wash, but might be overkill for simpler styles. Consider your playing style and the band's overall sound.
What's the difference between B8 and B20 bronze?
B8 is a bronze alloy, generally more affordable, but often lacking the complexity and tonal depth of B20 bronze (which is 80% copper, 20% tin). B20 will generally have more overtones and a more nuanced response.
I'm struggling to make my 19" ride cut through the mix. What am I doing wrong?
It's likely a combination of factors: your technique, the cymbals themselves, and the overall mix. Try varying your stick angle and attack, and make sure your ride isn't buried in the EQ. A heavier stick can also help.
Can I use a 19" ride as a crash?
You can, but it won't have the explosive, immediate response of a dedicated crash. It'll be a more controlled, shimmering crash. It's a trade-off - you get versatility, but lose some of the crash's impact.
I'm hearing a lot of unwanted overtones. How do I control them?
That's often a sign of a complex cymbal - they're not always "bad". Try mutes or dampening, but be careful not to kill the character. Sometimes, it's just about learning to play with the overtones, rather than against them.
