Best Meinl 20" Ride Cymbals 2026
Okay, so you're in the market for a 20" ride. It's a sweet spot - big enough to have some meat to it, but still manageable for most players. Meinl has been churning out solid rides for decades, and their 20" offerings are consistently dependable. Let's break down what makes their 20" rides tick, whether you're tracking a jazz record or laying down some serious grooves in a rock band.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
Meinl 20" Byzance Extra Ham. Ride
- • Hand-hammered for unique voice
- • Medium thin profile
- • Warm sound character
- • Extremely wide dynamic range
- • No bell size listed
- • Weight not stated
- • Finish details omitted
Meinl 20" Byzance Club Ride
- • Large hammer marks create a warm, soft tone
- • Hand-hammered B20 bronze offers rich depth
- • Flat profile with four rivets ensures stability
- • Brilliant jazz finish adds bright presence
- • No specific weight listed for lifting feel
- • Bell size details are completely missing
- • Lack of standard bell size info
Meinl 20" Byzance Polyphonic Ride
- • Exceptional complexity and wash due to intricate hammering.
- • B20 bronze provides a warm, dark, and full tonal spectrum.
- • Large bell delivers a powerful, resonant, and defined projection.
- • Quick response allows for precise articulation and nuanced playing.
- • The raw bell finish can be prone to oxidation and requires maintenance.
- • Polyphonic nature might not suit players seeking a purely trashy or splashy ride.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Thin Ride
- • Bright, clear bell offers excellent articulation for intricate patterns.
- • The Pure Alloy blend delivers a warm fundamental with surprising projection.
- • Thin profile provides a responsive feel and easy crash/choke control.
- • Mechanical hammering creates nuanced overtones and a complex sonic character.
- • Pure Alloy isn't as complex as B20 bronze, limiting ultimate wash potential.
- • The thinness makes it somewhat less durable than heavier ride cymbals.
- • Might be too bright for very dark, vintage-inspired musical styles.
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Ride
- • The Pure Alloy blend offers a unique, darker tonal complexity.
- • Hammering creates a focused, articulate stick definition.
- • Medium weight provides responsiveness and a controlled wash.
- • Traditional finish enhances the cymbal's warm, vintage character.
- • The 'dry' sound might lack shimmer for brighter genres.
- • Pure Alloy isn't as responsive to playing dynamics as B20 bronze.
- • Limited versatility – excels in specific genres, less so in others.
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-R
- • The Pure Alloy blend delivers a uniquely warm, complex tone.
- • Hammering creates a responsive crash with surprising clarity.
- • Excellent separation avoids a muddy wash, facilitating clean stick definition.
- • Meinl's consistent quality control ensures reliable performance and durability.
- • The Pure Alloy blend might lack the shimmering brightness of B20 bronze.
- • Its medium decay may not suit players seeking long, sustained washes.
- • The traditional finish can be prone to minor surface scratches with heavy use.
Meinl 20" Practice HCS Ride
- • MS63 brass provides a warm, muted fundamental tone.
- • Dense hole pattern minimizes overtones and unwanted ringing.
- • Feels surprisingly responsive and musical for a practice cymbal.
- • Lightweight construction reduces fatigue during extended practice sessions.
- • Lacks the shimmering sustain of higher-end ride cymbals.
- • Sound is significantly dampened; unsuitable for performance or recording.
- • Limited tonal versatility; not ideal for complex rhythmic patterns.
Meinl 20" Byzance Big Apple Ride
- • Exceptional stick definition for intricate jazz patterns.
- • Warm, complex overtones enhance musicality and feel.
- • The large bulge creates a sweet, shimmering decay.
- • Meinl's refined hammering produces a consistently high quality.
- • Price point places it firmly in the premium-priced category.
- • Somewhat limited versatility; excels in jazz, less so in heavier genres.
- • The thinner profile may not suit players who prefer a heavier feel.
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dual Ride
- • B-12 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex, and musical fundamental tone.
- • Dual lathing creates a responsive wash and articulate stick definition.
- • Dark/brilliant finish provides a balanced aesthetic and controlled overtones.
- • Well-built and lathed edge enhances stick feel and projection.
- • Might be too dark sounding for players needing a bright, shimmering ride.
- • The heavier weight (around 2100g) could be tiring for extended playing.
- • While versatile, it excels in rock/metal, potentially limiting jazz applications.
Meinl 20" Class. Cust. Dark Heavy Ri
- • B12 bronze delivers a complex, dark, and musical wash.
- • Heavy weight provides excellent stick definition and sustain.
- • Natural finish retains the bronze's character and responsiveness.
- • Versatile enough for a wide range of genres, from jazz to rock.
- • The darker sound might be too subdued for brighter musical styles.
- • Heavy weight can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
- • Classics Custom line sits in a mid-range price point; not budget-friendly.
Meinl 20" HCS Crash-Ride
- • Bright, shimmering crash response with a surprisingly usable ride tone
- • MS63 brass offers a warmer sound than higher bronze alloys
- • The HCS series provides excellent durability for frequent use
- • A very affordable entry point into Meinl’s cymbal offerings
- • Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end cymbals
- • The wash is somewhat thin and less defined than premium rides
- • MS63 brass can be prone to cracking with aggressive playing
Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve LR
- • Exceptional dark, warm wash with shimmering complexity.
- • Large hammer strikes create unique, evolving textures.
- • B20 bronze provides a rich, complex tonal palette.
- • Hand-hammered construction ensures individual character and artistry.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
- • The dark sound may lack brilliance for brighter musical styles.
- • Relatively heavy weight (around 2100g) can cause fatigue.
Meinl Pure Alloy 20" Medium Ride
- • The Pure Alloy blend delivers a surprisingly warm, complex tone.
- • Meinl's machine hammering creates consistent stick definition and wash.
- • Traditional finish enhances the cymbal's natural resonance and warmth.
- • 20-inch size offers a manageable, responsive feel for various playing styles.
- • The medium weight might feel a little heavy for some drummers.
- • While versatile, it doesn't excel in extremely complex, modern musical styles.
- • The traditional finish can be prone to finger smudging and requires occasional cleaning.
Meinl 20" Byzance Dark B. Apple Ride
- • Dark, complex wash provides a beautifully nuanced sonic palette.
- • Short sustain and defined stick definition are ideal for jazz and quieter settings.
- • The 'Apple' hammering creates a controlled stick sound with reduced unwanted overtones.
- • Hand-hammered B20 bronze construction ensures exceptional responsiveness and musicality.
- • The dark sound may lack the shimmering brilliance some drummers prefer.
- • Price point positions it as a premium investment for serious players.
- • Limited versatility; not ideal for high-volume, aggressive musical styles.
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash/Ride
- • The dual finish creates a unique, complex wash and dynamic response.
- • B20 bronze delivers warm, full tones with excellent sustain.
- • Hand hammering provides nuanced articulation and a lively feel.
- • Thin profile allows for fast, responsive crashes and a quick ride pattern.
- • The thinness makes it less durable for aggressive players.
- • The 'extra dry' character might lack sizzle for some genres.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
Every 20" ride cymbals that matches
30 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride | Size 20" | $296 |
| 17 | Meinl 20" Classics Extreme Ride | Size 20" | $301 |
| 18 | Meinl 20" Classics Custom Pow. Ride | Size 20" | $271 |
| 19 | Meinl 20" Byzance Sand Ride | Size 20" | $580 |
| 20 | Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Ride | Size 20" | $638 |
| 21 | Meinl 20" Byzance Thin Ride | Size 20" | $580 |
| 22 | Meinl 20" HCS Ride | Size 20" | $122 |
| 23 | Meinl 20" Byzance Extra Dry M. Ride | Size 20" | $580 |
| 24 | Meinl 20" Byzance Medium Ride | Size 20" | $580 |
| 25 | Meinl 20" Classics Custom Med. Ride | Size 20" | $301 |
| 26 | Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Ride | Size 20" | $440 |
| 27 | Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve R | Size 20" | $731 |
| 28 | Meinl 20" Byzance Vintage Pure Ride | Size 20" | $580 |
| 29 | Meinl 20" Byzance Raw Bell Ride | Size 20" | $592 |
| 30 | Meinl 20" Byzance Jazz Extra Thin R. | Size 20" | $557 |
20" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 147 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best 20" Ride Cymbals
Sound Profile
Meinl's 20" rides generally offer a balanced sound. You'll find models with a warm, dark wash ideal for jazz and quieter settings, but also brighter, more cutting options for rock or funk. It's about finding that sweet spot where you get sustain without getting lost in the mix - that's the key.
Bell Definition
The bell is where a lot of a ride's character lies. Meinl's bells on their 20" rides tend to be well-defined, providing a clear, articulate stick attack. Some are more focused, others have a wider, more washy bell tone - it's a big part of the overall vibe.
Sustain & Wash
Meinl offers a range of sustain lengths. Some rides have a short, controlled sustain perfect for tighter grooves, while others have a long, shimmering wash that's great for creating atmosphere. The wash isn't just about volume; it's about how it interacts with the stick attack - a crucial element.
Hammering & Lathing
The hammering patterns and lathing significantly influence the ride's response and articulation. Meinl's craftsmanship is generally solid; you'll find a mix of traditional and modern techniques employed, often leading to a complex, nuanced sound. Too much lathing can thin out the sound, though.
Build Quality & Latency
Meinl's hardware is consistently reliable. The cymbal lacing, the felt washers - they're all there. More importantly, the cymbal itself feels well-made; you don't get that 'cheap' vibration or premature fatigue you sometimes find with lower-end rides.
Buying Guide
A 20" Meinl ride is a safe bet, but understand what you're getting. The Byzance series tends to be more complex and nuanced, while the Classic Custom series is a workhorse - reliable and versatile. Don't chase the 'brightest' ride if your kit is already top-heavy; listen for how it sits in a band context. Spending a little more often gets you a more refined sound and better longevity, but even the entry-level Meinl rides are decent enough to gig with.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 30 of 147 20" ride cymbals from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
