AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 23" Ride Cymbals for Professional 2026
The top pick is Sabian 23" HHX Complex Medium Ride Cymbal ($787). Zultan 23" Q Ride gives you the most for the money at $348. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗
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
Sustain & Wash
A 23" ride needs sustain. It's about creating a sonic bed, not a single, isolated strike. We're listening for that gradual decay, that shimmering overtone series that hangs in the air - a short sustain just doesn't justify the size.
Articulation & Stick Definition
It's easy for big rides to get muddy. We're evaluating how clearly the stick defines itself against the wash, especially when playing complex rhythms or ghost notes. A clean, crisp articulation is vital for cutting through.
Dynamic Range
Can the cymbal whisper a delicate shimmer or roar with authority? A professional ride needs a wide dynamic range, responding to subtle shifts in your playing without sounding brittle or choked.
Complexity & Overtone Profile
Forget the basic 'ping'. We're after complexity - that blend of fundamental tone, overtones, and undertones that creates a rich, layered sound. A flat, one-dimensional tone just won't inspire.
Playability & Response
This isn't just about sound; it's about feel. A stiff, unresponsive cymbal will fight you. We're looking for something that yields to your touch, allowing for expressive playing - a light action and a responsive bell are key.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk 23" rides. It's a sweet spot - big enough to get that wash and shimmer, but not so massive you're fighting it onstage or wrestling with it in a tracking session. You're not a beginner anymore; you need a ride that responds to nuance, cuts through a dense mix, and sounds expensive even when you're playing a simple quarter note. This isn't about flashy looks; it's about a tool that elevates your playing.
Don't chase the hype. A 23" ride is an investment, so pay attention to the hammer marks and lathing - those are the fingerprints of the sound. Cheaper models often skimp on the bell lathing, leading to a dull, lifeless sound.
Also, be realistic about your playing style; a really dark, washy ride might sound great on its own, but get lost in a full band. Ultimately, listen with your ears, not your wallet.
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
What's the difference between a 'rock' and a 'traditional' 23" ride?
Generally, 'rock' rides tend to be thinner, more responsive, and brighter with a faster decay, designed to cut through louder bands. 'Traditional' rides are typically heavier, more complex, with longer sustain and a warmer, more nuanced tone - better for acoustic and more dynamic settings.
I'm recording a jazz album. What should I look for?
Focus on complexity and articulation. A darker, more complex ride with a well-defined bell will allow for subtle ghost notes and nuanced phrasing to shine. Avoid anything too bright or aggressively loud.
My band plays heavy rock. Can I get away with a 'traditional' ride?
It's possible, but you'll need to be mindful of mic placement and EQ. A heavier ride can get lost in a dense mix. Consider having a brighter, more aggressive ride as a backup.
What about B8 vs. B10 bronze?
B8 is generally more affordable and tends to be brighter and more direct. B10 bronze offers a more complex overtone profile and a warmer, more nuanced sound - it's a step up in terms of sonic character, but you'll pay for it.
I'm struggling to get a good 'wash' sound. What am I doing wrong?
Check your stick technique. Too much force will just produce a harsh sound. Focus on a lighter touch and allowing the cymbal to resonate. Also, make sure the cymbal isn't too tightly mounted - a little bit of 'float' helps it breathe.
