AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 20" Ride Cymbals Under $800 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal ($512). Meinl 20" HCS Ride gives you the most for the money at $117. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 140 models across 11 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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Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" K-Custom Medium Ride · Zildjian
83 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
You get a 20-inch ride cymbal from the K Custom Series. It has good stick definition, a bell sound the maker calls beautiful, and a warm basic tone. If you want one ride that can cover a range of playing styles, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Part of the K Custom Series, a line known for its traditional look and feel
- Regular finish on the top side of the cymbal
- Brilliant finish on the bottom side for a polished look
82AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$535 · Aug 17$512 now$512€459 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" A-Series Medium Ride · Zildjian
83 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
You get a 20-inch ride cymbal with a medium deep tone. The maker says it is an excellent all-round ride and suits all musical styles. That makes it a solid choice if you want one ride that can handle most of the music you play.
Pros
- Zildjian's A-Series line, a well-known cymbal brand name
- Regular / Traditional version, a familiar, classic style of ride
- Medium deep tone, good for steady ride patterns
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$423 now$423€379 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" K-Series Ride · Zildjian
83 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.
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" K-Custom Custom Ride · Zildjian
83 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20-inch ride cymbal with a shiny brilliant finish. You get clean stick definition, a loud bell, and dark overtones underneath. It suits you if you want a ride that lets each stroke come through clearly and the bell stand out.
Pros
- Brilliant finish gives it a shiny look
- Clean stick definition makes each stroke easy to hear
- Loud bell cuts through a mix
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$556 now$556€498 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" S Series Medium Ride · Zildjian
83 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20-inch ride cymbal from Zildjian's S Series, made from B12 Bronze alloy with a brilliant finish. It has a bright, open sound and is turned on both sides, so it may suit you if you want an open-sounding ride cymbal.
Pros
- Made from B12 Bronze alloy, which is 88% copper and 12% tin
- Brilliant finish gives the cymbal a shiny look
- Turned on both sides for a worked cymbal surface
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Zildjian 20" A Custom Medium Ride Cymbal
20" A-Custom Ride · Zildjian
83 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
You get a 20" ride from the A Custom series, and it is a bright model. You will hear clean stick definition, so each tap of your stick comes through clearly. It also has a lot of volume reserve, which helps if you play loud or need the ride to stand out.
Pros
- Extremely clean stick definition for crisp, articulate playing
- Exceptional volume reserve for loud and busy playing
- Part of the A Custom series, a well-known line of ride cymbals
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Paiste 16" PST 7 Thin Crash Cymbal
PST7 20" Light Ride · Paiste
12 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Size20"
You get a traditional 20-inch light ride made from CuSn8 bronze and built in Switzerland. Its bell sound stays unobtrusive, so it fits well in purely acoustic music. It can also work as a crash/ride, which makes it a good pick if you want one cymbal that does a few jobs.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, a traditional cymbal alloy
- Traditional sound and look
- Easy to use for purely acoustic styles
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$184 now$184€165 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size20"
This Meinl 20" HCS ride comes from the HCS beginner series, so it is a good choice if you want solid value for your money. It has a defined stick attack and a clear bell sound, which helps when you play steady ride patterns. It suits you if you are starting out on drums and want a dependable ride without spending a lot.
Pros
- Part of Meinl's HCS beginner series, built to balance quality with a good price
- MS63 Mixture cymbal material gives this ride its character
- Defined stick attack helps your rhythm playing stand out
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$117 now$117€105 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 20" Signature Full Ride Cymbal
20" Signature Full Ride · Paiste
32 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This is a 20 inch full ride from Paiste's Signature line, made from a special patented bronze alloy. You get harmonies and a silver ping, and the bell rings apart from the body of the cymbal. It suits you if you want a medium weight ride that sounds expressive and musical.
Pros
- Made from a special Paiste sound alloy of patented bronze
- Signature line has been recognized since its introduction in 1989
- Medium weight with rich harmonies and a silver ping
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$579 now$579€519 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash / Ride
20" HCS Crash-Ride · Meinl
25 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size20"
This Meinl HCS Crash-Ride is a solid choice for beginner drummers or those needing a versatile, budget-friendly cymbal. It's surprisingly capable for both crashes and rides, though don't expect the depth of a high-end ride – it’s a great workhorse for practice and casual gigs.
Pros
- 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
Cons
- Lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end cymbals
- The wash is somewhat thin and less defined than premium rides
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$117 now$117€105 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" SBR Ride · Sabian72Stable$162€145$162€145Check ↗
- 12
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride20" HCS Dark Ride · Meinl72Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 13
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride20" Classics Custom Pow. Ride · Meinl72Stable$260€233$260€233Check ↗
- 14
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark RideMeinl72Stable$285€255$285€255Check ↗
- 15
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dark Ride20" Classics Custom Med. Ride · Meinl72Stable$289€259$289€259Check ↗
- 16
Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal20" K-Custom Dark Ride · Zildjian72Stable$556€498$556€498Check ↗
- 17
Sabian 20" HHX Evolution Ride Cymbal20" HHX Evolution Ride · Sabian72Stable$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 18
Meinl 20" Byzance Dual Crash/RideMeinl72Stable$597€535$597€535Check ↗
- 19
Sabian 20" XSR Ride Cymbal20" FRX Ride · Sabian72Stable$658€589$658€589Check ↗
- 20
Sabian 20" B8X Medium Ride Cymbal20" B8X Ride · Sabian71Stable$267€239$267€239Check ↗
- 21
Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary RideIstanbul Agop71Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 22
Istanbul Agop 20" 30th Anniversary Ride20" 30th Anniversary Med. Ride · Istanbul Agop71Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 23
Meinl 20" Byzance Foundry Reserve Light Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Foundry Reserve LR · Meinl · 2 finishes71Stable$691€619$691€619Check ↗
- 24
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Ride Cymbal20" 900 Series Ride · Paiste70Stable$245€219$245€219Check ↗
- 25
Sabian 20" Stratus Ride Cymbal20" Stratus Ride · Sabian70Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 26
Zildjian 20" A Series Ping Ride Cymbal 1986 - 201220" A-Series Ping Ride · Zildjian70Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 27
Sabian 20" HHX Complex Medium Ride Cymbal20" HHX Complex Medium Ride · Sabian70Stable$620€555$620€555Check ↗
- 28
Paiste 20" 101 Brass Ride Cymbal20" 101 Ride · Paiste69Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 29
Paiste 20" PST 8 Reflector Medium Ride Cymbal20" PST8 Reflector Medium Ride · Paiste · 2 finishes69Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 30
Zildjian 20" K Series Crash/Ride Cymbal20" A-Series Crash/Ride · Zildjian69Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 31
Istanbul Agop 20" Traditional Series Dark Ride Cymbal20" Traditional Dark Ride · Istanbul Agop68Stable$490€439$490€439Check ↗
- 32
Meinl 20" Classics Custom Dual Ride Cymbal20" Classics Custom Dual Ride · Meinl67Stable$300€269$300€269Check ↗
- 33
Paiste 20" Masters Dark Ride Cymbal20" Masters Dark Ride · Paiste67Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 34
Meinl 20" Byzance Dark RideMeinl67Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 35
Zildjian 20" L80 Low Volume Ride Cymbal20" Low Volume Ride · Zildjian66Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 36
Istanbul Agop 20" Xist Ride20" Xist Ride Natural · Istanbul Agop66Stable$352€315$352€315Check ↗
- 37
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Medium Ride Traditional20" Byzance Medium Ride · Meinl66Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 38
Zildjian 20" K Constantinople Medium Thin Low Ride Cymbal20" K Constantinople M Ride · Zildjian66Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 39
Meinl 20’’ Byzance Jazz Big Apple Dark Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Dark B. Apple Ride · Meinl65Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 40
Meinl 20’’ Byzance Jazz Big Apple Dark Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Big Apple Ride · Meinl65Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 41
Meinl 20" Byzance Dark Raw Bell Ride20" Byzance Raw Bell Ride · Meinl65↓ 3.8%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 42
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Custom Extra Thin Hammered Crash Cymbal20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-R · Meinl64Stable$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 43
Sabian 20" AAX X-Plosion Ride Cymbal20" AAX X-Plosion Ride · Sabian64Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 44
Istanbul Agop 20" Signature Ride Cymbal20" Agop Signature Ride · Istanbul Agop64Stable$546€489$546€489Check ↗
- 45
Paiste 20" Formula 602 Classic Medium Ride Cymbal20" 602 Series Medium Ride · Paiste64Stable$691€619$691€619Check ↗
- 46
Paiste 14" PST 3 Crash CymbalPST3 20" Ride · Paiste63Stable$107€96$107€96Check ↗
- 47
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Ride Cymbal20" 900 Series Heavy Ride · Paiste63Stable$240€215$240€215Check ↗
- 48
Paiste 20" Color Sound 900 Series Heavy Ride Cymbal20" 900 Color Heavy Ride BK · Paiste63Stable$256€229$256€229Check ↗
- 49
Meinl 20" Pure Alloy Extra Hammered Crash / Ride Cymbal20" Pure Alloy E.Hammered Ride · Meinl63↓ 2.6%$423€379$423€379Check ↗
- 50
Meinl 20" Byzance Traditional Polyphonic Ride Cymbal20" Byzance Polyphonic Ride · Meinl63Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
20" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 146 models we track, not a sample.
Median $423 — half of all 20" ride cymbals here cost less.
median of 146 models · 20"–20"
How to choose the best 20" ride cymbals
Sustain
How long the cymbal rings after you hit it. Longer sustain is generally desirable for washes and swells, but can muddy up a dense mix. We're looking for a balance.
Articulation
This is about the cymbal's clarity and definition. Does it have a crisp stick attack? Or is it washy and indistinct? A good ride needs to be articulate enough to cut through, but not so harsh that it's piercing.
Wash
The ambient, shimmering sound a ride produces. A good wash can create a sense of atmosphere and depth, but too much can drown out other instruments. It's a feel thing - too little and it's brittle, too much and it's just noise.
Timbre
The overall tonal character. Is it bright and cutting, dark and mellow, or somewhere in between? This is highly subjective, but it needs to fit your style and the music you play. We're looking for complexity and character, not just a flat, one-dimensional sound.
Feel/Action
How the cymbal responds to the stick. Does it feel stiff and unresponsive, or lively and expressive? A good ride should be comfortable to play and allow for a wide range of dynamics.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're in the market for a 20" ride, but you're not looking to mortgage the house. Finding a ride that cuts through the mix, has a decent wash, and doesn't sound like a trashcan lid can be tough, especially under $800. I've spent years chasing that sweet spot of bang-for-your-buck, and this list is what I've come up with - cymbals I've actually played and can recommend for various playing situations, from smoky jazz clubs to loud rock rehearsals.
At this price point, you're going to see some trade-offs. Expect thinner gauges, potentially more pronounced lathing marks, and maybe a slightly less complex bell tone. Don't expect the shimmering, perfectly balanced sound of a Zildjian A Custom or Sabian AAX.
However, many manufacturers are offering incredible value with B20 bronze alloys and innovative hammering techniques. Listen closely for that "fat midrange honk" and avoid anything that sounds overly brittle or tinny - that usually indicates cheap bronze or poor manufacturing.
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 B8 and B20 bronze?
B8 is the cheaper bronze alloy, generally used in entry-level cymbals. B20 is a closer match to the bronze used in high-end cymbals, and it'll generally offer a warmer, more complex tone, but it also costs more.
Are used cymbals a good option?
Absolutely! You can often find excellent deals on used rides. Just be sure to check for keyholing (a large hole in the cymbal's bell), cracks, and excessive stick marks. A little wear and tear is okay, but structural damage is a no-go.
What's the best ride for a rock band?
You'll want something that cuts through the mix - look for a brighter, more articulate ride with a good bell tone. Don't be afraid to experiment with crashes and splashes to add some sizzle if needed. A heavier weight helps too.
I'm a jazz drummer - what should I look for?
Jazz rides benefit from a darker, more complex tone with a pronounced wash. Look for something with a more mellow bell and a responsive feel. Avoid anything too bright or cutting.
How important is the hammering pattern?
Hammering significantly affects the cymbal's tone and responsiveness. Hand-hammered cymbals tend to have more character and complexity than machine-hammered ones, but the hammering pattern itself (e.g., bell hammering, lathing) contributes to the overall sound. It's another layer of nuance to consider.
