AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 23" Ride Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 23" A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal ($739). Zultan 23" Q Ride gives you the most for the money at $345. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Zildjian 23" A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal
23" K Sweet Ride · Zildjian
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size23"
You get a 23-inch ride cymbal from Zildjian's K series. The maker describes it as dark and fast responding, with a warm and round sound, and it's made to handle random hammering. It suits you if you want a ride that responds quickly and has a mellow, rounded voice.
Pros
- Dark and fast responding, so it speaks quickly under the stick
- Designed for random hammering, so you can strike it anywhere on the surface
- Warm and round sound, as the maker describes it
92AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$739 now$739€662 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 23" A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal
23" A-Series Sweet Ride · Zildjian
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size23"
You get a 23-inch Sweet ride cymbal from Zildjian's A Series, made from B20 Alloy. This one suits you if you want a larger ride cymbal for playing ride patterns on your drum kit. It is a solid choice for drummers who want a Zildjian ride in the A Series line.
Pros
- Made from B20 Alloy, a bronze alloy used for this cymbal
- 23-inch size gives you a large ride surface
- Part of Zildjian's A Series line
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Sabian 23" HHX Complex Medium Ride Cymbal
23" HHX Complex Medium Ride · Sabian
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size23"
You get a 23 inch ride cymbal made of B20 bronze, with a hand hammered bell and a mix of HH and HHX hammering. The maker describes the sound as full and very warm, and says it works across many styles. It suits you if you want one ride that can handle a lot of different music.
Pros
- Made of B20 bronze, a common cymbal alloy
- Combines HH and HHX hammering across the surface
- Hand hammered bell gives it a distinct stick sound
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$780 now$780€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size23"
You get a 23-inch ride cymbal made entirely by hand from B-20 bronze. It gives a strong, loud stick attack and a clear stick definition, so it suits you if you record in a studio or like playing nuanced cymbal parts. The raw, hammered outer ring and bell give it a visible, hand-finished look.
Pros
- Strong, defined stick attack with clear stick definition throughout playing
- Amazing bell sound, with the bell left untreated and showing hammer marks
- Handmade from B-20 bronze for a build that is 100% handmade
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$345 now$345€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size23"
This is a 23-inch ride cymbal made from B20 bronze alloy, with a traditional finish and an untreated bell. If you want a classic, unfinished look and a bronze build, this one may suit you. It is a good pick for drummers who want a traditional ride in a 23-inch size.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze alloy, a classic cymbal material
- Traditional finish gives it a classic, unfinished look
- Untreated bell, so the bell keeps its original surface
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$575 now$575€515 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size23"
You get a 23 inch ride made of B20 bronze and hand-hammered by hand. It has a dry stick attack, a warm fundamental tone with musical overtones, and it can also work as a crash. If you want a dark, dry, complex sound from the Signature series, this one is a good fit.
Pros
- Hand-hammered construction gives each cymbal a crafted, hand-finished build
- B20 bronze construction gives it a solid, durable base to build on
- Dry stick attack with a warm fundamental tone and musical overtones
Cons
- Its dark, dry sound will not suit players who want a bright, open wash
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$754 now$754€675 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
23" Ride Cymbals by the numbers
Measured across all 6 models we track, not a sample.
median of 6 models · 23"–23"
How to choose the best 23" ride cymbals
Wash
This is the foundational character. A 23" ride needs a good wash - a broad, shimmering sustain that fills the sonic space. Too thin, and it's just a big crash; too thick, and it's muddy and loses definition. We're looking for that sweet spot where the shimmer lasts, but doesn't drown everything else.
Stick Definition
A big ride needs to articulate clearly. You want to hear the stick hitting the cymbal, even when it's part of a larger wash. Muffled edges and overly complex hammering can kill this. We test this with ghost notes and quick patterns to see how much detail comes through.
Bell Tone
The bell on a 23" ride can be a real asset - a bright, cutting voice that can cut through a dense mix. It shouldn't be ice-picky harsh, but it needs enough presence to be useful. A dull bell is just dead weight.
Weight & Feel
Heavier rides generally have more sustain and a darker, more complex tone. Lighter rides are more responsive and easier to control. This is subjective, but it significantly impacts playability and how the cymbal responds to your dynamics.
Hammering/Lathing
The hammering pattern and lathing (the grooves cut into the surface) dramatically affect the cymbal's tone. Heavy hammering can create a darker, more complex wash, while lighter lathing can enhance clarity and stick definition. It's a balancing act - too much hammering can make the cymbal sound muddy.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at 23" rides - smart move. It's a sweet spot; big enough to get some serious wash and sustain, but not so massive you're fighting to control it. They're a workhorse size, good for everything from laid-back jazz to driving rock, but finding one that really sings can be tricky. Let's cut through the marketing and figure out what you actually need.
Don't get swayed by flashy finishes or brand names. A 23" ride is a serious investment, and cheap ones often cut corners on alloy and hammering. Listen carefully for a clear, musical wash and decent stick definition - if it sounds choked or muddy, move on.
Paying a little more for hand-hammered models usually gets you a more complex, nuanced voice, but be prepared for a heavier weight.
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 6 23" 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
Are 23" rides good for beginners?
They can be, but they're less forgiving than smaller sizes. You'll need more control and a bit more strength to manage the larger diameter and potential weight. Start with a medium-weight model.
What kind of music are 23" rides best for?
They're versatile! Good for rock, pop, jazz, blues - anything where you want a full, shimmering ride sound. They're less ideal for super-fast, intricate patterns where smaller rides excel.
What's the difference between B12 and B20 bronze?
B20 (the most common) generally has a warmer, more complex tone with longer sustain. B12 is brighter and more cutting, but can be harsher. It's a tonal preference thing, really.
How much should I expect to spend?
Entry-level 23" rides start around $150, but you're often sacrificing quality. $300-$500 gets you into serious territory, and beyond that, the price reflects increasingly complex hammering and hand-crafting.
Can I use a 23" ride in a smaller room?
It's doable, but be mindful of the wash. It might overwhelm the space if your kit isn't well-damped and your room is small. Muting techniques will be your friend.
