Best Meinl 21" Ride Cymbals 2025

Premium Meinl 21" ride cymbals - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FR

by Meinl

Medium-Heavy Playing Expressive Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Professional sound quality

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• More expensive than standard sizes

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FRFlat RideSize: 21"Byzance Foundry Reserve SeriesMaterial: B20...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581833

$659

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Meinl 21" Byzance Transition Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Transition Ride

by Meinl

Rock Jazz Fusion Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Good projection for medium-large venues

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 21" Byzance Transition RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Signature Ride Mike JohnstonExtra dry...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 329761

$626

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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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Meinl 21" Byzance Medium Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Medium Ride

by Meinl

Jazz Fusion Studio Recording Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May be overpowering in small venues
• Heavier physical weight

Meinl 21" Byzance Medium RideMedium Ride CymbalByzance SeriesTraditional finishSize: 21"Byzance cymbals are...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 168718

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Nuance Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost Ride

by Meinl

Studio Recording Progressive Medium-Heavy Playing

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

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost RideRide CymbalSize: 21"Brann Dailor's Signature RideB12 BronzeComputer...

⭐ 4.6/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 405875

$351

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Meinl 21" Byzance Vintage C Squared - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Vintage C Squared

by Meinl

Rock Progressive Medium-Heavy Playing

Key Feature:

• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✓ PROS

• Great sustain and wash capabilities
• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✗ CONS

• Can mask other instruments if overplayed
• Heavier physical weight

Meinl 21" Byzance Vintage C SquaredRide CymbalSize: 21"Chris Coleman Signature RideByzance Vintage SeriesB20...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 505973

$615

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Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-R - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-R

by Meinl

Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive 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
• More expensive than standard sizes

Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-RCrash Ride CymbalDeveloped in cooperation with Matt HalpernSize:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 564130

$626

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride

by Meinl

Expressive Playing Medium-Heavy Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional sound quality

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier physical weight
• May be overpowering in small venues

Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride21" Serpents RideBrilliant finishThe perfect blend of sound diversity and...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 223471

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang Ride

by Meinl

Expressive Playing Medium-Heavy Playing Studio Recording

Key Feature:

• Rich, complex overtones and harmonics

✓ PROS

• Excellent for expressive ride playing
• Great sustain and wash capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang RideRide CymbalByzance SeriesBrilliant finishThomas Lang Signature ModelSize:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606868

$611

Buy at Thomann View Details

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Ride - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Ride

by Meinl

Studio Recording Expressive Playing Progressive

Key Feature:

• Excellent for expressive ride playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark RideDark Ride CymbalSize: 21"Byzance SeriesDark (natural) designDark and earthy with a...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 221813

$626

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 Meinl 21" Ride Cymbals 2025

Meinl 21" Byzance Foundry Reserve FR

Meinl 21" Byzance Transition Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Polyphonic Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Medium Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Nuance Ride

Meinl 21" Classics Custom Ghost Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Vintage C Squared

Meinl 21" Byzance D. Double Down C-R

Meinl 21" Byzance Serpents Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Thomas Lang Ride

Meinl 21" Byzance Dark 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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