AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 19" Ride Cymbals for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Agop 19" Signature Mel Lewis Crash/Ride ($490). Zultan 19" Heritage Flat Ride gives you the most for the money at $267. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 11 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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 is a 19-inch crash-ride from Istanbul Agop, made as a Mel Lewis signature model. It has good stick definition, a classic sound with dark overtones, and good crash characteristics. It suits you if you want one cymbal that can both crash and ride.
Pros
- Mel Lewis signature model, linked to his name
- Good stick definition for clear ride patterns
- Classic sound with dark overtones
87AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$490 now$490€439 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 19" A Series Armand Beautiful Baby Ride Cymbal
19" A-Series Armand Ride · Zildjian
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
You get a 19" ride cymbal that was Armand Zildjian's own favourite, so it carries a lot of family history. It is described as brighter and musical with a vintage sound, and it has a three rivet cluster. If you want a classic-style ride with a famous signature, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Armand Zildjian's favourite ride cymbal, tied to the Zildjian family history
- Three rivet cluster gives it a classic, vintage-style build
- Laser engraved Armand Zildjian signature with his phrase "Beautiful, Baby"
86AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$556 now$556€498 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"
This 19 inch medium ride is part of the Sultan series, which blends Traditional and Turk cymbal sounds. You get a dry, dark tone with great stick definition and controlled overtones. It suits you if you want a ride that keeps each stick hit distinct and focused.
Pros
- Sultan series combines the Traditional and Turk cymbal sound traits
- Brilliant qualities of Traditional cymbals with the dry, woody sound of unlathed Turk cymbals
- Great stick definition for clear articulation on every hit
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€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 is a 19-inch jazz ride from the Turk Series. It is lighter and has a lower bell, so you get a darker, faded sound with a dry, compact feel. If you play rock or jazz and want a ride with plenty of low overtones, this one suits that job well.
Pros
- Turk Series jazz ride, built for a dry, compact sound
- Lighter build than standard ride cymbals
- Lower bell for a darker, faded tone
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
You get a 19" crash ride with a small bell and a dark sound with limited overtones. It suits you if you want a cymbal that stays simple and controlled, especially if you like a vintage-style feel. It is a good pick if you prefer a darker voice over a shimmering one.
Pros
- Small bell gives a focused stick sound
- Dark sound with limited overtones keeps things simple and controlled
- Vintage Crash Ride design works as both a crash and a ride
Cons
- Limited overtones may not suit players wanting a loud, shimmering wash
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$412 · Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This 19 inch ride cymbal has rivets and a natural finish. The maker designed it for jazz and describes its sound as full and warm. If you play jazz and want a ride with rivets, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Specially designed for jazz, according to the manufacturer
- Has rivets along the cymbal, adding to its sizzle character
- Comes in a natural finish
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
If you play jazz, this 19 inch ride is built for you. It has rivets for a sizzle effect and a natural finish. Its dark design is meant for jazz, so you may want something else for louder styles.
Pros
- Dark Ride design made for a dry, focused jazz sound
- Has rivets, which add a sizzle character to the ride
- Natural finish on a 19 inch ride cymbal
Cons
- Its size and design suit jazz more than loud rock stages
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€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"
You get a 19 inch medium ride cymbal from the Traditional series. It is fully lathed and follows a classic design that has proven itself over the years, from the first jazz drummers and bebop pioneers to heavy metal and newer styles. If you play many different styles and want a ride that responds clearly to your sticks, this one is a good fit.
Pros
- Fully lathed cymbal built on a classic traditional concept
- Clear stick response for a crisp, responsive ride
- Suitable for all musical styles, from early jazz to heavy metal
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 19" Giant Beat Multi-Functional Cymbal
19" Giant Beat Multi Ride · Paiste
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size19"
This is a 19 inch ride made of CuSn8 bronze, built for soft to loud playing both live and in the studio. You get a layered sound with a dark, glassy shimmer, so it suits you if you want a ride that can sit quietly under a song or ring out when you hit it harder.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, a classic cymbal alloy
- Multi-layered construction gives a full, dark, glassy shimmer
- Works from soft playing up to loud playing
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$378 now$378€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size19"
This is a 19 inch flat ride, handmade the old way from B20 bronze. It has a warm sound with a defined stick attack, so each stick hit comes through clearly. If you play jazz or modern jazz, this one is worth a look, since it is made for that style and has no bell.
Pros
- Made by hand using an old tradition, built for demanding players
- Made from B20 bronze, a cymbal alloy
- Hammered several times with different hammers for a varied surface
60AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$267 now$267€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$329€295$329€295Check ↗
19" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 11 models we track, not a sample.
Median $401 — 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.
