AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 19" Ride Cymbals for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Paiste 19" Giant Beat Multi-Functional Cymbal ($378). Zildjian 19" A Series Armand Beautiful Baby Ride Cymbal leads the high end. 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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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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- Size19"
The Xist Dry Dark Ride is a seriously well-made cymbal. It’s got that warm, controlled character that's perfect for jazz, funk, and even softer rock applications. If you want a ride that's articulate and cuts through without being overly splashy, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- B20 bronze delivers a complex, warm, and controlled wash.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced stick definition and responsiveness.
- Dry character cuts through dense mixes without being brittle.
Cons
- The 'dry' nature limits its suitability for brighter, more shimmering styles.
- Smaller bell provides less projection compared to larger ride cymbals.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$329 now$329€295 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.
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 vs. Stick Definition
Intermediate players are starting to appreciate the subtleties of cymbal response. You want a ride that has a defined stick sound - a 'ping' - but also enough wash to create atmosphere. Too much wash and it's muddy; too little and it's brittle and lifeless.
Bell Response
The bell is your weapon for accents and cutting through the mix. A responsive bell shouldn't feel stiff or require a ton of effort to get a clear, bright sound. It's about finding a bell that compliments the overall character of the ride.
Sustain and Decay
A 19" ride shouldn't just ring forever; it should have a controlled decay. You want enough sustain to create a feeling of fullness, but not so much that it clashes with other instruments. Too much sustain, especially in a recording, can get messy fast.
Feel and Playability
This is subjective, but crucial. Does the cymbal feel responsive to your touch? Does it encourage you to play more musically? A heavier ride can feel sluggish, while a too-light ride might feel flimsy. It's about finding a weight and action that feels natural and inspiring.
Overall Tone Color
Forget 'bright' or 'dark' - we're talking about the specific sonic qualities. Are we getting a warm, full tone with a subtle shimmer, or a more cutting, trashy sound with a focused attack? This dictates its suitability for different genres - a dry, articulate ride is great for funk, while a shimmering ride is better for post-rock.
Buying guide
So, you're stepping up your drumming game and looking at a 19" ride - smart move. It's the sweet spot for a lot of players, offering a good balance between wash and stick definition. But not every 19" ride is created equal, especially when you're past the beginner stage and starting to really dial in your sound. Let's break down what you need to look for to get a ride that'll serve you well, both in the rehearsal space and on stage.
Don't chase the cheapest option; you'll almost always regret it. Budget rides often cut corners on lathing and hammering, leading to uneven response and a dull tone. Spend a little more for a ride with a consistent feel and a clear voice.
Pay attention to the hammering pattern - a well-hammered cymbal will have more complexity and character. And seriously, try before you buy if possible - a cymbal that sounds amazing online might feel terrible in your hands.
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
What's the difference between a medium and a thin 19" ride?
A medium ride will generally have more weight and a more focused stick definition, good for cutting through a loud band. A thin ride will be lighter, more responsive, and have a longer, more washy sustain - ideal for quieter genres or a more subtle feel.
Can I use a 19" ride in a metal band?
It depends. A heavier, brighter 19" ride with a well-defined bell can work, but you might need to layer it with crashes for those big moments. A thinner ride will likely get lost in the mix.
What does 'lathing' refer to?
Lathing is the raised edge of the cymbal. A wider, more carefully worked lathing contributes to the cymbal's overall tone and sustain. Cheap cymbals often have poorly defined lathing, leading to a less resonant and more 'dead' sound.
I'm struggling to get a good sound in a rehearsal space. What should I look for?
Focus on a ride with good stick definition and a responsive bell. You need something that can cut through the other instruments without getting buried. A slightly brighter, more articulate tone will help.
Are B-stock rides a good deal?
They can be, but inspect them carefully. B-stock usually means a cosmetic imperfection - a small scratch or discoloration. Make sure the imperfection doesn't affect the cymbal's sound or playability. Don't buy one if it's cracked!
