Best 20" Ride Cymbals for Universal Applications 2025

Perfect 20" ride cymbals for universal-applications - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Pop For Jazz For All Genres For Standard Setup For Universal Applications

BRANDS: Paiste Meinl Zultan Zildjian Istanbul Mehmet Istanbul Agop Sabian Masterwork

Istanbul Agop 20" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Universal Applications Rock Standard Setup

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most drummers

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models and weights
• Industry standard for most drummers

✗ CONS

• Competition in frequency range with other cymbals
• Requires good technique for optimal sound

Istanbul Agop 20" Custom Series SE Jazz RideRide CymbalSize: 20"Custom Series - Special Edition...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 480235

$504

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Jazz Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Jazz Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Jazz All Genres Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for virtually any musical style

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• May lack character of specialty sizes
• May not excel in highly specific applications

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Jazz RideRide CymbalSize: 20"Traditional finishMade from B20...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 513515

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Med. Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Med. Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Standard Setup Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models and weights

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models and weights
• Great for virtually any musical style

✗ CONS

• May not excel in highly specific applications
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Med. RideMedium Ride CymbalSize: 20"30th Anniversary modelMaterial: B-20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581298

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Crash Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Crash Ride

by Istanbul Agop

All Genres Universal Applications Standard Setup

Key Feature:

• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✓ PROS

• Wide selection of models and weights
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• May not excel in highly specific applications

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Crash RideCrash/Ride CymbalSize: 20"Traditional SeriesMaterial: B20 bronzeHand...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581321

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-R - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-R

by Meinl

Universal Applications Standard Setup Jazz

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models and weights

✓ PROS

• Excellent balance of all characteristics
• Wide selection of models and weights

✗ CONS

• May lack character of specialty sizes
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-RRide CymbalSize: 20"Pure Alloy SeriesFinish: TraditionalStrong machine...

⭐ 4.8/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581432

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Sea 1623 Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Sea 1623 Ride

by Istanbul Mehmet

Jazz Rock All Genres

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most drummers

✓ PROS

• Excellent balance of all characteristics
• Wide selection of models and weights

✗ CONS

• Requires good technique for optimal sound
• May lack character of specialty sizes

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Sea 1623 RideRide CymbalSeries: Black Sea 1623Size: 20"BS-R20Hand-hammeredMade from...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 468522

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Flat Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Flat Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Standard Setup All Genres Universal Applications

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models and weights

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Industry standard for most drummers

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• May not excel in highly specific applications

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Flat RideFlat Ride CymbalSize: 20"30th Anniversary modelMaterial: B-20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581318

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Universal Applications Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models and weights

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile ride size
• Industry standard for most drummers

✗ CONS

• Competition in frequency range with other cymbals
• May lack character of specialty sizes

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary RideRide CymbalSize: 20"30th Anniversary ModelMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 569437

$648

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 20" Signature Power Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Paiste 20" Signature Power Ride

by Paiste

All Genres Jazz Universal Applications

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile ride size

✓ PROS

• Industry standard for most drummers
• Great for virtually any musical style

✗ CONS

• May lack character of specialty sizes
• Requires good technique for optimal sound

Paiste 20" Signature Power RideRide CymbalSize: 20"Loud 20" ride cymbalLong sustainVery defined bell...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 513133

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Original Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Original Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Pop Rock Universal Applications

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile ride size

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Industry standard for most drummers

✗ CONS

• Requires good technique for optimal sound
• Can sound generic without careful selection

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Original RideRide CymbalSize: 20"Traditional original seriesThinnest...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 523105

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark Flat Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark Flat Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Jazz All Genres Universal Applications

Key Feature:

• Great for virtually any musical style

✓ PROS

• Most popular and versatile ride size
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• May not excel in highly specific applications
• Competition in frequency range with other cymbals

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark Flat RideDark ride cymbalSize: 20"Xist Dry Dark SeriesB20...

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 474215

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Byzance Big Apple Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Big Apple Ride

by Meinl

Universal Applications Jazz Standard Setup

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models and weights

✓ PROS

• Industry standard for most drummers
• Great for virtually any musical style

✗ CONS

• Can sound generic without careful selection
• May lack character of specialty sizes

Meinl 20" Byzance Big Apple RideRide CymbalSize: 20"Byzance SeriesEspecially made for traditional jazz...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 544014

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride

by Meinl

Universal Applications Pop Standard Setup

Key Feature:

• Industry standard for most drummers

✓ PROS

• Great for virtually any musical style
• Excellent balance of all characteristics

✗ CONS

• Requires good technique for optimal sound
• May lack character of specialty sizes

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin RideRide CymbalSize: 20"Pure Alloy SeriesFinish: TraditionalMechanical high-tech...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 581532

$366

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 20" Byzance Polyphonic Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 20" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

by Meinl

Standard Setup Universal Applications Rock

Key Feature:

• Most popular and versatile ride size

✓ PROS

• Industry standard for most drummers
• Most popular and versatile ride size

✗ CONS

• Requires good technique for optimal sound
• May not excel in highly specific applications

Meinl 20" Byzance Polyphonic RideRide CymbalByzance SeriesTraditional modelSize: 20"B20 bronze...

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606863

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 20" Stratus Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 20" Stratus Ride

by Sabian

Universal Applications All Genres Rock

Key Feature:

• Wide selection of models and weights

✓ PROS

• Excellent balance of all characteristics
• Wide selection of models and weights

✗ CONS

• May not excel in highly specific applications
• Requires good technique for optimal sound

Sabian 20" Stratus RideRide CymbalSize: 20"Material: B-20 BronzeHigh impact hammeredTraditional finishWarm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 577411

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 20" Ride Cymbals

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 20" ride cymbals typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

Best 20" Ride Cymbals for Universal Applications 2025

Istanbul Agop 20" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Jazz Ride

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Med. Ride

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Crash Ride

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-R

Istanbul Mehmet 20" Black Sea 1623 Ride

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Flat Ride

Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Ride

Paiste 20" Signature Power Ride

Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Original Ride

Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Dry Dark Flat Ride

Meinl 20" Byzance Big Apple Ride

Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride

Meinl 20" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

Sabian 20" Stratus Ride

How to Choose the Best 20" Ride Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 20" ride cymbals?

How much should I spend on 20" ride cymbals?

Are expensive 20" ride cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 20" ride cymbals?

Should I buy 20" ride cymbals online or in-store?

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