AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 23" Ride Cymbals 2026
The top pick is Zildjian 23" A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal ($528). Zultan 23" Q Ride gives you the most for the money at $348. Sabian 23" HHX Complex Medium Ride Cymbal leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
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All 23" Ride CymbalsTop 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" A-Series Sweet Ride · Zildjian
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size23"
This cymbal plays well in many genres thanks to its B20 alloy. The thin edge lets you crash it easily when needed. It gives clear stick definition without sounding too bright or dull.
Pros
- All-purpose sound fits many musical styles
- Great stick definition for clear notes
- Thin-tapered edge makes it crashable
Cons
- No specific finish type is listed
- Bell size is not provided in text
92AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$528 now$528€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 23" A Series Sweet Ride Cymbal
23" K Sweet Ride · Zildjian
31 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size23"
The Zildjian K Sweet Ride is a beautifully crafted cymbal offering a warm, complex wash with surprising clarity. It’s ideal for jazz, fusion, and softer rock where you need a sophisticated ride sound without excessive shimmer – a real workhorse for sensitive players.
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and complexity, perfect for nuanced playing.
- Fast response and clear stick definition despite its size.
- Beautiful, consistent hammering provides a unique visual and sonic signature.
Cons
- Can be a bit too dark for brighter musical styles like funk or metal.
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for many drummers.
92AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$745 now$745€662 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sabian 23" HHX Complex Medium Ride Cymbal
23" HHX Complex Medium Ride · Sabian
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size23"
The Sabian HHX Complex Medium Ride is a beautifully crafted cymbal, offering a warm, responsive feel and a complex wash that's surprisingly versatile. It’s a great choice for players looking for a sophisticated ride that works well across a range of genres – from jazz and fusion to rock and pop – and who appreciate a high-end, professional-grade instrument.
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and sustain thanks to B20 bronze alloy.
- Complex hammering creates a uniquely responsive and articulate wash.
- Hand-hammered bell delivers a focused, musical, and powerful projection.
Cons
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for many drummers.
- The 'complex' wash might be too subtle for players seeking a trashy ride sound.
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$787 now$787€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size23"
The Zultan Q Ride is a seriously interesting cymbal. It's beautifully voiced – that contrasting finish gives you a ton of control over your sound, from subtle nuances to a powerful bell. This is a great option for studio players, jazz, and anyone looking for a refined, articulate ride without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Deep hammering creates a remarkably warm, complex wash across the cymbal surface.
- The contrasting finishes offer a wide dynamic range, from crisp stick definition to shimmering brilliance.
- B-20 bronze alloy delivers a full, musical tone with good projection.
Cons
- The complex construction might make it slightly less durable than simpler, mass-produced rides.
- The raw bell finish can be prone to tarnishing faster than polished areas.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$348 now$348€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size23"
This ride looks classic with its traditional finish and dark B20 bronze. The untreated bell suggests a clear sound, though we do not know the exact weight or bell size. It feels like a solid choice for players who want that traditional vintage tone.
Pros
- Traditional finish gives classic vintage look
- B20 bronze alloy offers warm dark tone
- Untreated bell provides clear high-end response
Cons
- No specific weight listed for handling feel
- Bell size details are completely missing
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$580 now$580€515 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size23"
This Agop Signature ride is a beautifully crafted instrument—a real statement piece. It's got a dark, dry sound with shimmering overtones that really sings, and the hand-hammering gives it a fantastic feel. If you’re a player leaning towards jazz, funk, or more nuanced grooves, this ride will become a go-to.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and complexity for a dark ride.
- The hand-hammering creates a uniquely responsive feel.
- Musical, swirling overtones blend beautifully with the core tone.
Cons
- The dry sound might not suit brighter musical styles.
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for many drummers.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$760 now$760€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.
