AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 20" Ride Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal ($517). Meinl 20" HCS Ride gives you the most for the money at $118. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 140 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
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All 20" Ride CymbalsTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" K-Custom Medium Ride · Zildjian
80 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This 20' K-Custom Medium Ride is a real beauty – it's got that signature Zildjian shimmer but with a surprising warmth and clarity. It's ideal for players seeking a versatile ride that cuts through a mix while still maintaining a musical, organic feel; particularly suited for modern worship, pop, and rock genres where a full, expressive ride is desired.
Pros
- Exceptional shimmering wash with a defined, musical stick response.
- The K-Custom alloy provides a uniquely warm and complex tonal palette.
- Well-laced hammering creates a lively, responsive feel under the stick.
Cons
- Can be a bit loud for quieter, more intimate settings.
- The K-Custom sound isn’t a universal fit – some prefer a drier tone.
82AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$539 · Aug 17$517 now$517€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" A-Series Medium Ride · Zildjian
80 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This A Series Medium Ride is a solid choice for drummers needing a dependable, all-purpose cymbal. It's got a clean, bright sound that cuts through a mix, and the build quality is excellent for the price. Perfect for gigging musicians or students looking for a versatile and reliable ride without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Bright, clear stick definition for articulate playing.
- Zildjian's A series alloy delivers a balanced, musical tone.
- Well-latted construction ensures consistent wash and stick response.
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end Zildjian rides.
- The medium weight might feel heavy for smaller players.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$426 now$426€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" A-Custom Ride · Zildjian
80 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Zildjian A-Custom 20' ride is a fantastic choice for players seeking a clear, articulate ride cymbal with plenty of volume. It's especially well-suited for jazz, fusion, and contemporary styles where precise stick definition and a focused sound are crucial – not ideal if you’re looking for a super-washy, vintage vibe.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and stick definition for precise playing.
- Large volume reserve allows for dynamic range in any setting.
- Brilliant finish enhances projection and visual appeal.
Cons
- Can be overly bright for drummers preferring darker, washier sounds.
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for many drummers.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$472 now$472€419 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" K-Series Ride · Zildjian
80 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Zildjian K Custom 20in Ride is a classic for a reason – it's got that warm, shimmering quality that just feels incredible under the stick. It’s perfect for jazz, fusion, and rock players seeking a sophisticated, nuanced ride sound. A true workhorse for any kit.
Pros
- Warm, complex wash provides a beautiful foundation for grooves.
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a shimmering, musical edge.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a full, resonant, and controlled tone.
Cons
- Can be a bit dark for brighter, more modern playing styles.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$539 now$539€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" K-Custom Custom Ride · Zildjian
80 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Zildjian K-Custom Custom Ride is a workhorse for modern and classic rock, funk, and even some jazz. Its bright, cutting bell and shimmering wash cut through dense mixes, while the dark overtones add warmth. It's a premium-priced option that delivers a professional-grade sound and feel.
Pros
- Brilliant finish enhances shimmer and projection across the cymbal surface
- The bell delivers a powerful, cutting stick definition, excellent for accents
- K-Custom alloy provides a complex wash of dark overtones without muddiness
Cons
- The bright character might be too aggressive for very subtle, nuanced playing styles
- The higher price point puts it out of reach for many beginner or budget-conscious drummers
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$560 now$560€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" S Series Medium Ride · Zildjian
80 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Zildjian S Series Medium Ride is a solid, dependable choice for drummers seeking a bright, articulate sound without the premium price tag. It's a workhorse ride – excellent for gigging musicians and students alike who need a reliable, responsive cymbal that cuts through a mix.
Pros
- B12 bronze offers a balanced, responsive feel and tone.
- Medium weight provides excellent stick definition and control.
- Brilliant finish enhances projection and visual appeal.
Cons
- The sound might be too bright for some heavier musical genres.
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end cymbals.
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- Size20"
The Meinl HCS 20” Ride is a solid entry-level option for students or gigging musicians on a budget. It delivers a bright, clear sound with a good stick definition, making it easy to hear in a band setting. It’s not going to blow you away with complexity, but it's a reliable and affordable workhorse.
Pros
- Bright, clear stick attack cuts through busy mixes effectively.
- HCS Bronze offers a surprisingly responsive feel for its price point.
- Defined bell provides a pleasant, articulate accent.
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end bronze alloys.
- Durability is moderate; expect more frequent polishing.
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$118 now$118€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 20" Signature Full Ride Cymbal
20" Signature Full Ride · Paiste
33 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
The Paiste Signature Full Ride is a seriously refined cymbal, offering a beautifully balanced and expressive sound. It’s fantastic for players in jazz, fusion, or anyone wanting a high-end ride with a clear, musical wash and a sparkling bell – a real step up from entry-level options.
Pros
- Excellent clarity and definition across the entire cymbal surface
- The bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex harmonic content
- Bell produces a crisp, well-defined, and articulate projection
Cons
- Can be a bit bright for players seeking a darker, washier sound
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$584 now$584€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal
PST7 20" Light Ride · Paiste
10 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
The Paiste PST7 20in Light Ride is a solid, affordable option for drummers needing a do-it-all cymbal. It's great for beginners or gigging musicians who want a bright, responsive ride that can also double as a crash – it's a real workhorse.
Pros
- Bright, shimmering wash provides a versatile, usable crash/ride option
- CuSn8 bronze delivers a warm, foundational tonal character
- Relatively thin weight allows for easy control and quick response
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end ride cymbals
- The bell sound is somewhat muted and not particularly prominent
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$186 now$186€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
The Sabian SBR 20 ride is a solid, dependable option for drummers needing a bright, articulate ride without the premium price tag. It's great for rock, pop, and funk where you need a clear stick definition and a usable bell. A good starting point or reliable workhorse for gigging musicians.
Pros
- Bright, clean stick articulation allows for precise patterns.
- Solid brass construction offers durability and a warm core tone.
- Versatile bell provides accents and a wider range of sounds.
Cons
- Lacks the complex overtones of higher-end, more expensive rides.
- The 'natural' finish can be prone to tarnishing requiring regular cleaning.
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$163 now$163€145 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 140 20" ride cymbals
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Sabian 20" XSR Ride Cymbal20" FRX Ride · Sabian73Stable$663€589$663€589Check ↗
- 12
Sabian 20" HHX Evolution Ride Cymbal20" HHX Evolution Ride · Sabian72Stable$573€509$573€509Check ↗
- 13
Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve Light Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Foundry Reserve LR · Meinl · 2 finishes72Stable$697€619$697€619Check ↗
- 14
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash/Ride20" HCS Crash-Ride · Meinl71Stable$118€105$118€105Check ↗
- 15
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride20" Classics Custom Pow. Ride · Meinl71Stable$262€233$262€233Check ↗
- 16
Sabian 20" B8X Medium Ride Cymbal20" B8X Ride · Sabian71Stable$269€239$269€239Check ↗
- 17
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark RideMeinl71Stable$287€255$287€255Check ↗
- 18
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride20" Classics Custom Med. Ride · Meinl71Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 19
Sabian 20" Stratus Ride Cymbal20" Stratus Ride · Sabian71Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 20
Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal20" K-Custom Dark Ride · Zildjian71Stable$560€498$560€498Check ↗
- 21
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash/RideMeinl71Stable$602€535$602€535Check ↗
- 22
Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Ride20" 30th Anniversary Med. Ride · Istanbul Agop71Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 23
Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary RideIstanbul Agop71Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 24
Paiste 20" 101 Brass Ride Cymbal20" 101 Ride · Paiste70Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 25
Paiste 20" PST 8 Reflector Medium Ride Cymbal20" PST8 Reflector Rock Ride · Paiste · 2 finishes70Stable$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 26
Zildjian 20" K Series Crash/Ride Cymbal20" A-Series Crash/Ride · Zildjian70Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 27
Zildjian 20" A Series Ping Ride Cymbal 1986 - 201220" A-Series Ping Ride · Zildjian70Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 28
Sabian 20" HHX Complex Medium Ride Cymbal20" HHX Complex Medium Ride · Sabian70Stable$625€555$625€555Check ↗
- 29
Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Series Dark Ride Cymbal20" Traditional Dark Ride · Istanbul Agop69Stable$494€439$494€439Check ↗
- 30
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Ride Cymbal20" 900 Series Ride · Paiste68Stable$246€219$246€219Check ↗
- 31
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Medium Ride Traditional20" Byzance Medium Ride · Meinl68Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 32
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dual Ride Cymbal20" Classics Custom Dual Ride · Meinl67Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 33
Paiste 20" Masters Dark Ride Cymbal20" Masters Dark Ride · Paiste67Stable$584€519$584€519Check ↗
- 34
Meinl 20" Byzance Dark RideMeinl67Stable$618€549$618€549Check ↗
- 35
Zildjian 20" K Constantinople Medium Thin Low Ride Cymbal20" K Constantinople M Ride · Zildjian67Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 36
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Ride20" Xist Ride Natural · Istanbul Agop66Stable$354€315$354€315Check ↗
- 37
Zildjian 20" L80 Low Volume Ride Cymbal20" Low Volume Ride · Zildjian65Stable$258€229$258€229Check ↗
- 38
Sabian 20" AAX X-Plosion Ride Cymbal20" AAX X-Plosion Ride · Sabian65Stable$517€459$517€459Check ↗
- 39
Meinl 20’’ Byzance Jazz Big Apple Dark Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Dark B. Apple Ride · Meinl65Stable$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 40
Istanbul Agop 20" Signature Ride Cymbal20" Agop Signature Ride · Istanbul Agop65Stable$550€489$550€489Check ↗
- 41
Meinl 20’’ Byzance Jazz Big Apple Dark Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Big Apple Ride · Meinl65Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 42
Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Raw Bell Ride20" Byzance Raw Bell Ride · Meinl65↓ 3.8%$573€509$573€509Check ↗
- 43
Paiste 20" Formula 602 Classic Medium Ride Cymbal20" 602 Series Medium Ride · Paiste65Stable$697€619$697€619Check ↗
- 44
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash / Ride Cymbal20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Ride · Meinl64↓ 2.6%$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 45
Paiste 14" PST 3 Crash CymbalPST3 20" Ride · Paiste63Stable$108€96$108€96Check ↗
- 46
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-R · Meinl63Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
- 47
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Polyphonic Ride · Meinl63Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 48
Sabian 20" HHX Legacy Ride Cymbal20" HHX Legacy Ride · Sabian63Stable$625€555$625€555Check ↗
- 49
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Medium Thin Ride Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride · Meinl62Stable$404€359$404€359Check ↗
- 50
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Medium Thin Ride Cymbal20" Pure Alloy Custom Ride · Meinl62Stable$426€379$426€379Check ↗
20" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 146 models we track, not a sample.
Median $426 — half of all 20" ride cymbals here cost less.
median of 146 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" ride cymbals
Weight
Heavier rides generally have more sustain and a darker, washier tone, while lighter rides offer more articulation and a quicker response. It's a balance - too heavy and it'll feel sluggish; too light and it'll sound brittle. Think about your playing style and the genre you're in.
Bell Size & Shape
The bell is what gives you that initial 'ping' and cut. A larger, thicker bell will be more prominent and cutting, good for rock or situations where you need to be heard. A smaller, thinner bell will be more mellow and blend better in quieter genres like jazz or folk. The shape (straight, tapered, etc.) also affects the bell's tone - tapered bells tend to be more complex.
Hammering/Lathing
The amount and type of hammering dramatically impacts the cymbal's tone. Less hammering = brighter, more defined stick attack. More hammering = darker, more complex overtones, and a smoother feel. Consistent lathing (the grooves around the bell) contributes to evenness and responsiveness.
B20 Alloy
Most 20" rides are B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin), but the specific ratios and the addition of other elements like silver or nickel can subtly alter the tone. Generally, more silver = warmer, rounder sound. It's a subtle difference, but experienced players will hear it.
Finish
Bright, shiny finishes tend to be louder and more cutting, while dark, matte finishes are more subdued and complex. This isn't just about aesthetics - the finish affects how the cymbal vibrates and projects its sound. A raw finish offers a unique, often vintage-inspired tone.
Buying guide
So you're after a 20" ride? Smart move. It's the sweet spot - big enough to get some wash and sustain, but still manageable for quick stickwork and cutting through a band mix. Forget those massive 24" things unless you're going for a purely atmospheric vibe; a 20" ride is your workhorse, your go-to for everything from jazz to rock. Let's break down what to look for to avoid dropping serious cash on something that just doesn't gel with your kit and style.
Don't get caught up in brand hype. A 20" ride is a critical part of your kit, so listen carefully. Cheaper rides often cut corners on hammering consistency or use lower-quality bronze, resulting in a dull, lifeless sound.
Spending a bit more can get you a cymbal that's responsive, musical, and can take a beating. Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance of weight, bell size, and hammering to suit your style and the music you 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 146 20" 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 crash ride and a ride cymbal?
A crash ride is designed to be both a ride and a crash, meaning it's thinner and louder than a dedicated ride. It'll have more wash and a quicker decay, but it's often less defined for stick patterns and can be a bit overwhelming in a full band.
I'm a beginner. What weight should I look for?
Start with a medium weight ride - it's versatile and forgiving. It'll give you a good feel for how rides respond without being too heavy or too light.
Can I make a cheap ride sound better?
You can improve a cheap ride with some basic maintenance (cleaning, polishing), but you can't fundamentally change its tone. It's like trying to make a beater car into a Ferrari - it'll only get you so far.
What does 'wash' mean in relation to a ride?
Wash refers to the sustained, shimmering overtones that linger after you hit the cymbal. A lot of wash is common in heavier, more complex rides; less wash means a drier, more defined sound.
Should I buy online or in person?
Ideally, in person. Cymbals are highly subjective, and hearing them in person is crucial. If buying online, research the brand and model thoroughly and check the return policy.
