Best Meinl 22" Ride Cymbals 2026
So, you're in the market for a 22" ride? Smart move - it's a sweet spot for versatility. A lot of players end up here, wanting something that cuts through a rock band but still has enough wash for jazz or chill vibes. Meinl has a long history of nailing this balance, and their 22" rides are consistently solid choices, but knowing which one suits your style takes a little digging.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
Meinl 22" Byzance Polyphonic Ride
- • Traditional bell design for classic sound
- • Fast stick response for quick reaction
- • Open sound ideal for jazz and fusion
- • Handmade in Turkey for quality control
- • Lacks modern pickup technology mentioned
- • No specific weight listed for feel
- • Untreated bell may need tuning
Meinl 22" Anika Nilles Lunar Ride
- • Extra heavy weight delivers massive impact
- • B20 bronze provides rich, complex tone
- • Hand-hammered construction ensures unique voice
- • Long sustain keeps rhythm section alive
- • Assertive sound may dominate softer mixes
- • Bright overtones can be fatiguing
- • Extra heavy weight is hard to lift
Meinl 22" Byz. Sizzle Jazz Ch. Ride
- • Exceptional sizzle from the hand-hammered lathing and rivets.
- • B20 bronze provides a complex, dark, and shimmering tone.
- • Versatile – functions effectively as both a ride and china cymbal.
- • Byzance series quality: consistent hammering and excellent finish.
- • The 'trashy' sound might be too extreme for some traditional jazz players.
- • Higher price point positions it as a premium investment.
- • Sizzle can be overwhelming if not carefully controlled with stick technique.
Meinl 22" Byzance Extra Ham. Ride
- • Exceptional warmth and complexity due to hand-hammering process.
- • B20 bronze delivers a full, resonant, and musical tone.
- • Clear, defined stick definition for precise playing across genres.
- • Hammered texture creates shimmering overtones and a lively response.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
- • Can be somewhat dark sounding, potentially limiting its versatility in brighter musical settings.
- • Relatively heavy weight might fatigue players during extended performances.
Meinl 22" Pure Alloy Thin Ride
- • Bright, shimmering wash with a clear, defined stick articulation.
- • The Pure Alloy blend offers a unique tonal character, avoiding typical bronze sounds.
- • Mechanical hammering creates complex overtones and a responsive feel.
- • Crash capabilities are surprisingly good for a thin ride, adding versatility.
- • The Pure Alloy blend might lack the warmth preferred by some jazz players.
- • Can be slightly brittle sounding when pushed aggressively; not ideal for heavy hitters.
- • The traditional finish shows marks easily, requiring more careful handling.
Meinl 22" Pure Alloy E.Hammered C-R
- • Exceptional warmth and complexity due to the Pure Alloy blend.
- • Hammering creates a surprisingly responsive and musical crash character.
- • Clear stick definition allows for intricate patterns and ghost notes.
- • Traditional finish provides a vintage aesthetic and nuanced overtones.
- • The medium decay might not suit players seeking a longer sustain.
- • Pure Alloy can be a bit more brittle than bronze alloys, requiring careful handling.
- • Limited versatility; shines in warmer genres, less ideal for aggressive metal.
Meinl 22" Byzance Equilibrium Ride
- • Warm, complex wash ideal for nuanced musical passages.
- • Sandblasted finish provides a darker, more controlled shimmer.
- • Excellent stick definition with a responsive, yet forgiving feel.
- • Meinl’s hammering delivers a beautifully nuanced, organic sound.
- • The matt finish can show fingerprints and require more cleaning.
- • Its earthy tone might not suit all genres – less bright than some rides.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many drummers.
Meinl 22" Classics Custom Dual Ride
- • The B-12 bronze alloy delivers a warm, complex fundamental tone.
- • Dual hammering creates a dynamic response, from wash to stick definition.
- • Dark/brilliant finish provides a balanced aesthetic and sonic character.
- • Excellent projection for cutting through loud rock and metal mixes.
- • The heavier weight might be tiring for extended playing sessions.
- • While versatile, it leans towards louder genres; quieter styles might be muted.
- • The 'explosive response' can be overwhelming for very subtle playing.
Meinl 22" Byzance Dark B.Apple Trad.
- • Warm, woody stick definition thanks to the non-turned top.
- • Rich, complex crashes with a dark, sustaining undertone.
- • Hand-hammering creates nuanced sonic character and responsiveness.
- • The small bell delivers a controlled, musical wash without being overpowering.
- • The darker sound profile might lack brilliance for brighter genres.
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
- • Its traditional profile may feel less responsive to some modern players.
Meinl 22" HCS Ride
- • Bright, clear tone provides a defined wash for versatile playing
- • HCS bronze offers a responsive stick definition for a controlled feel
- • Lightweight construction reduces fatigue during extended playing sessions
- • Affordable price point makes it accessible for students and gigging musicians
- • HCS bronze lacks the complexity and sustain of higher-end alloys
- • The stick stop isn't as pronounced as more premium ride cymbals
- • May sound a bit thin in very large or heavily amplified drum kits
Meinl 22" Pure Alloy Custom Ride
- • The 'Pure Alloy' blend delivers a uniquely warm, complex wash.
- • German manufacturing ensures exceptional consistency and build quality.
- • Short sustain prevents cymbal clutter in dense musical settings.
- • Wide dynamic range allows for subtle ghost notes to powerful crashes.
- • The smoke finish can be prone to scratches and marks.
- • The 'washed out' tone might not suit all musical genres.
- • Somewhat premium-priced compared to entry-level ride cymbals.
Meinl 22" Byzance Foundry Reserve LR
- • Exceptional warmth and complexity due to extensive hammering
- • B20 bronze delivers a dark, shimmering sustain
- • Versatile enough for jazz, fusion, and even softer rock styles
- • Hand-crafted construction ensures unique tonal character and quality
- • Premium-priced, a significant investment for most drummers
- • The lighter weight might feel unstable for aggressive players
- • Dark sound profile may not suit brighter musical genres
Meinl 22" Byzance Foundry Reserve R
- • Exceptional dark, nuanced wash perfect for jazz and beyond
- • The large hammer blows create a unique, complex sonic texture
- • B20 bronze construction delivers a warm, controlled, and musical response
- • Hand-hammered artistry results in a truly unique and expressive cymbal
- • The dry attack might lack the shimmer some players prefer for brighter styles
- • Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most drummers
- • Its darker character may not be ideal for all genres like metal or pop
Meinl 22" Byzance Jazz Monophonic R.
- • Exceptional stick definition; nuanced playing is rewarded with clarity.
- • Warm, complex overtones create a sophisticated, shimmering wash.
- • Hand-hammered lathing provides a responsive, comfortable playing feel.
- • The Byzance series consistently delivers a refined, professional quality.
- • Monophonic nature limits versatility for those needing a washier ride.
- • Premium-priced, making it a significant investment for many drummers.
- • The deep tuning might require some adjustment for tighter, drier sounds.
Meinl 22" Classics Custom Dark Ride
- • The B12 bronze delivers a warm, complex wash with excellent sustain.
- • Dark-focused sound cuts through dense mixes without being overly bright.
- • Natural finish enhances the cymbal's organic tonal character and aging.
- • Solid construction ensures durability for frequent gigging and studio use.
- • The dark tonality might lack shimmering brilliance for lighter genres.
- • Relatively heavy weight can be fatiguing during extended playing sessions.
- • While versatile, it truly shines in rock, metal, and heavier styles.
Every 22" ride cymbals that matches
35 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
22" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 146 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How to Choose the Best 22" Ride Cymbals
Sound Character
Meinl's signature is often a brighter, more complex sound than some of their competitors. You'll find a lot of shimmering overtones and a defined stick attack - it's not a dark, washy ride, but it's rarely harsh either. It's a controlled complexity, which is great for cutting through a dense mix.
Hammering & Lathing
Meinl's hammering patterns are a big part of their sound. They use a range of techniques - from heavy hammering for a drier tone to light lathing for more sustain and shimmer. Pay attention to the descriptions; they aren't just buzzwords.
Bell Tone
The bell on a Meinl 22" ride is usually quite responsive, offering a clear, defined 'ping' that can add a lot of character. Some models have a more focused bell, while others have a wider, more spread-out tone - listen for what works with your playing style.
Weight & Feel
Meinl offers a range of weights, from lighter, more responsive models to heavier, more powerful ones. A lighter ride will be easier to control for subtle dynamics, while a heavier ride will have more projection and sustain - consider what you need for your genre.
Manufacturing Quality
Meinl's Turkish manufacturing is generally very consistent. You're less likely to get a dud compared to some smaller brands. They take pride in their craftsmanship, which shows in the cymbal's overall feel and responsiveness.
Buying Guide
Don't chase the hype. A 22" Meinl isn't a magic bullet; it's a tool. Listen to sound samples, but better yet, try them out in person if possible. Cheaper Meinl models might use thinner bronze alloys, which can affect sustain and responsiveness - you'll feel it. Spending a little more gets you more consistent hammering and a more refined sound.
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 35 of 146 22" 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.
