Best 21" Ride Cymbals for Beginner 2025

Perfect 21" ride cymbals for beginner - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Progressive For Jazz Fusion For Medium-Heavy Playing For Studio Recording For Expressive Playing

BRANDS: Zultan Meinl Zildjian Sabian Istanbul Agop

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Studio Recording Rock Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overplayed
• May be overpowering in small venues

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature RideRide cymbalMel Lewis Signature ModelGood stick definitionClassic warm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 313982

$545

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Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride

by Zildjian

Studio Recording Expressive Playing Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• More expensive than standard sizes
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection RideRide CymbalSize: 21"K SeriesDual traditional brilliant finishWeight:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 613515

$604

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Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's Ride

by Istanbul Mehmet

Expressive Playing Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✗ CONS

• More expensive than standard sizes
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's RideRide cymbalSize: 21"Dark stick definitionVery reminiscent of the...

⭐ 4.7/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 326295

$501

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Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

by Meinl

Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing Rock

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• May be overpowering in small venues

Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Byzance SeriesTraditional design with an untreated...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 428666

$593

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Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride

by Zildjian

Studio Recording Jazz Fusion Rock

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry RideRide CymbalSize: 21"K Custom Special Dry SeriesNatural finishDarkearthy...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 407258

$548

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Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride

by Istanbul Agop

Jazz Fusion Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Requires developed technique to control

Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Custom Series Special Edition JazzTraditional...

⭐ 4.5/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 480233

$546

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Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry Ride

by Ufip

Studio Recording Jazz Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• More expensive than standard sizes

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Blast Extra Dry SeriesMaterial: B20 BronzeDouble...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 485836

$461

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Sabian 21" HHX Groove Ride Tradition. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sabian 21" HHX Groove Ride Tradition.

by Sabian

Expressive Playing Studio Recording Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• More expensive than standard sizes

Sabian 21" HHX Groove Ride Tradition.Ride cymbalSize: 21"Traditional versionB20 bronzeHand-hammeredExcellent...

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 510850

$659

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Zultan 21" Heritage Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Zultan 21" Heritage Ride

by Zultan

Rock Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Good projection for medium-large venues
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Zultan 21" Heritage RideRide CymbalHeritage SeriesSize: 21"A 100% handmade cymbalmanufactured according to an...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 422415

$366

Buy at Thomann View Details

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash Ride

by Zildjian

Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• Heavier physical weight

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash RideCrash Ride CymbalSize: 21"K seriesBrilliant finishMaterial: B-20 alloyFast...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 344341

$527

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Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal

by Paiste

Studio Recording Rock Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Good projection for medium-large venues
• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat CymbalCymbalSize: 21"2002 Black Big Beat SeriesCan be used as a crash or...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 382016

$450

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Sabian 21" HH Vintage Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sabian 21" HH Vintage Ride

by Sabian

Jazz Fusion Studio Recording Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overplayed
• Requires developed technique to control

Sabian 21" HH Vintage RideRide CymbalSize: 21"HH Vintage seriesHand-hammeredMaterial: B20 bronzeThe size of...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618847

$735

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sabian 21" AAX Medium Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sabian 21" AAX Medium Ride

by Sabian

Progressive Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Good projection for medium-large venues

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• Can mask other instruments if overplayed

Sabian 21" AAX Medium RideRide CymbalSize: 21"AAX SeriesStrength: MediumBrilliant finishMaterial: B20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 465195

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Nuance Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Nuance Ride

by Meinl

Medium-Heavy Playing Jazz Fusion Rock

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Requires developed technique to control
• May be overpowering in small venues

Meinl 21" Byzance Nuance RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Ralph Peterson Jr. Signature RideByzance...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 358810

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Paiste 21" Masters Medium Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Paiste 21" Masters Medium Ride

by Paiste

Medium-Heavy Playing Expressive Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics
• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• More expensive than standard sizes

Paiste 21" Medium MastersMedium Ride CymbalSize: 21"Twenty Masters Collection SeriesSatisfyingopenrich in...

⭐ 4.5/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 319740

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 21" 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 21" 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 21" Ride Cymbals for Beginner 2025

Istanbul Agop 21" Mel Lewis Signature Ride

Zildjian 21" K-Series Projection Ride

Istanbul Mehmet 21" Nostalgia 70's Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

Zildjian 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride

Istanbul Agop 21" Custom Series SE Jazz Ride

Ufip 21" Blast Extra Dry Ride

Sabian 21" HHX Groove Ride Tradition.

Zultan 21" Heritage Ride

Zildjian 21" K Series Crash Ride

Paiste 21" 2002 Black Big Beat Cymbal

Sabian 21" HH Vintage Ride

Sabian 21" AAX Medium Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Nuance Ride

Paiste 21" Masters Medium Ride

How to Choose the Best 21" Ride Cymbals

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 21" ride cymbals?

How much should I spend on 21" ride cymbals?

Are expensive 21" ride cymbals worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 21" ride cymbals?

Should I buy 21" ride cymbals online or in-store?

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