AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Agop 24" Signature Joey Waronker Ride ($792). Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $345. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 28 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All 24" Ride Cymbals and BiggerTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Istanbul Agop 24" Signature Joey Waronker Ride
24" Agop Signature Ride · Istanbul Agop
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal made from B20 bronze and hand hammered. It has a dry stick response, a warm fundamental tone and musical overtones, and it can also work as a crash ride. You might like it if you want a dark, complex sound with depth rather than a sharp, bright attack.
Pros
- Made from B20 bronze, a common material for cymbals
- Hand hammered, so each cymbal has a textured surface
- Dry stick response gives a clear, focused stick sound
Cons
- Dark, dry sound may not suit players wanting a bright, cutting ride
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$792 now$792€709 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal
24" 900 Series Mega Ride · Paiste
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal from the Paiste 900 Series, made from B8 bronze. It has a full sound with a warm tone, and it is built to cut through when you play loud. The darker finish is meant to make your stick hits stand out, so it suits you if you play hard and want a ride that projects.
Pros
- Made from B8 (2002) bronze, a bronze alloy used in the cymbal
- Full sound with a warm tone, described by the manufacturer
- Built as a penetrating ride cymbal for loud play
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$345 now$345€309 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal
24" 900 Color Mega Ride BK · Paiste
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24 inch ride cymbal made from B8 bronze, with a black ColorSound finish. The maker says it has a full, strong warm tone and cuts through loud playing. It suits you if you play loud, driving music and want a ride cymbal that stands out.
Pros
- Made from B8 (2002) bronze, a bronze alloy used for cymbals
- Part of the 900 ColorSound series with a black finish
- Built as a penetrating ride cymbal for loud play
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$401 now$401€359 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" Giant Beat Multi-Functional Cymbal
24" Giant Beat Multi Ride · Paiste
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal made of CuSn8 bronze, also called 2002 bronze, from the Giant Beat Series. You get a complex, dark and glassy shimmer that works from quiet playing up to loud. It suits you if you play live shows or record in the studio and want a big, shimmering ride.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, also called 2002 bronze, a classic cymbal alloy
- Giant Beat Series build designed for quiet to loud playing
- Suits both live stage and studio recording use
78AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size24"
This is a 24 inch cymbal from Paiste's 2002 Black Big Beat series, made in the USA from CuSn8 bronze. You can use it as a crash or a ride, and it has a stronger hammering pattern and a slightly darkened finish. It suits you if you want a big cymbal with that darker look and you play a larger kit.
Pros
- Made of CuSn8 bronze, a standard cymbal alloy
- Part of the 2002 series with a stronger hammering pattern
- Finish is slightly darkened for a distinct look
Cons
- At 24 inches, it is a large cymbal that suits bigger kits
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 24" Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal
24" Classics Custom Dark Ride · Meinl
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch ride cymbal from Meinl's Classic series, made of B12 bronze alloy with a dark finish. It is mechanically hammered and shaped in Germany, and it has a flexible design. If you want a large ride with a dark look and a German-made build, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Made of B12 bronze alloy, a common material for cymbals
- Dark finish gives the cymbal a subdued, uniform look
- Mechanically hammered and shaped for a consistent build
Cons
- At 24 inches, it is a large ride that may not suit small kits
75AudioFu
Index↓ 3.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$367 · Aug 17$356 now$356€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Paiste 24" RUDE John Dolmayan Eclipse Mega Power Ride Cymbal
24" Rude Mega Power Ride · Paiste
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This 24-inch ride has a deep, dark, dry voice and a loud, heavy answer. You get a sharp stick attack over a wide, full tone, so it stands out well in a loud band. It suits you if you play hard and want a big, deep bell sound.
Pros
- Clear, penetrating stick attack over a full, wide-spreading fundamental tone
- Extremely loud, powerful ride built for heavy playing
- Enormous, loud, deep-singing bell
Cons
- Its extremely loud, heavy character is not suited for quiet playing
75AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$557 · Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 24" K Series Light Ride Cymbal
24" K-Series Light Ride · Zildjian
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch K-Series ride, so you get a dark to medium sound with clear stick definition. It's made for rock, jazz and country, so it suits you if you play in any of those styles. If you want each stick hit to stand out while the cymbal stays mellow, this one fits the bill.
Pros
- Dark to medium sound with clear stick definition for ride patterns
- K-Series cymbal built for rock, jazz and country playing
- Traditional finish gives a classic look and feel
Cons
- Its dark to medium sound is not suited to bright, cutting ride tones
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$725 now$725€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 24" Byzance Foundry Reserve Light Ride Cymbal
24" Byzance Foundry Reserve LR · Meinl
5 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size24"
You get a 24 inch light ride cymbal made of B20 bronze, hammered and turned by hand in Turkey. Its warm and dark sound means it suits you best when you want that kind of tone, and it can also be used as a crash. The package includes a pair of Meinl sticks, cotton gloves and a certificate, so it is a good pick if you want a hand-made cymbal.
Pros
- Made of B20 bronze, a classic cymbal alloy
- Extra-large hammer blows give it a hand-made look and feel
- Hammered and turned by hand in Turkey using traditional forging techniques
Cons
- Its warm and dark sound is not suited to every style
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$868 now$868€777 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 24" Byzance Jazz Big Apple Dark Ride
24" Byzance Dark B. Apple Ride · Meinl
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This is a 24-inch dark ride cymbal from the Byzance series, made by hand in Turkey. It has a small bell and a large curve, which gives it an earthy sound with a fairly short ring. If you play traditional jazz, this one is built for that style, so it is a good fit for you.
Pros
- Handmade in Turkey as part of the Byzance series
- Refined and revised by Meinl
- Small bell paired with a large cymbal curvature for an earthy sound
Cons
- Relatively short sustain, so it will not ring for long
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$769 now$769€689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 28 24" ride cymbals and bigger
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Paiste 24" 2002 John JR Robinson Swish Ride Cymbal2002 24" Swish Ride · Paiste70Stable$579€519$579€519Check ↗
- 12
Istanbul Agop 24" 30th Anniversary RideIstanbul Agop69↓ 5.9%$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 13
Meinl 24" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Ride Cymbal24" Byzance Extra Ham. Ride · Meinl68Stable$765€685$765€685Check ↗
- 14
Meinl Pure Alloy 24" Medium RideMeinl57Stable$457€409$457€409Check ↗
- 15
Paiste 2002 Classic 24" Reverend Al'sPaiste57Stable$535€479$535€479Check ↗
- 16
Paiste 2002 Classic 24" RidePaiste57Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 17
Meinl 24" Byzance Chris Adler RideMeinl57Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 18
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Traditional Series Original Ride Cymbal24" Traditional Original Ride · Istanbul Mehmet56Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 19
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Turk Jazz Ride Cymbal24" Jazz Ride Siz. Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet56Stable$608€545$608€545Check ↗
- 20
Istanbul Agop 24" Traditional Dark RideIstanbul Agop55Stable$661€592$661€592Check ↗
- 21
Istanbul Agop 24" Custom Series SE Jazz RideIstanbul Agop55Stable$792€709$792€709Check ↗
- 22
Istanbul Agop 26" Traditional Dark RideIstanbul Agop55Stable$792€709$792€709Check ↗
- 23
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Mehmet Legend Sizzle RideIstanbul Mehmet54Stable$602€539$602€539Check ↗
- 24
Istanbul Mehmet 24" John Robinson Swish SizzleIstanbul Mehmet54Stable$668€598$668€598Check ↗
- 25
Zultan 24" Caz RideZultan52Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 26
Zultan 24" Heritage RideZultan52Stable$444€398$444€398Check ↗
- 27
Sabian 24" Stratus Dry RideSabian52↓ 3.8%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 28
Masterwork 24" Resonant RideMasterwork50Stable$356€319$356€319Check ↗
24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger by the numbers
Measured across all 29 models we track, not a sample.
Median $602 — half of all 24" ride cymbals and bigger here cost less.
median of 29 models · 24"–24"
How to choose the best 24" ride cymbals and bigger
Sustain
Big rides are all about sustain, obviously. But it's not just how long it rings, it's the quality of that sustain. Does it decay gracefully, or does it just hang there, muddying the low-end? A good big ride should have a noticeable sustain without becoming a sonic mess.
Wash vs. Stick Definition
This is the constant balancing act. Too much wash and you lose articulation; too much stick definition and it sounds brittle and icy. The best big rides have a sweet spot where the stick sound is clear and present without being overwhelmed by the wash, especially important for gigging situations where you're battling guitars and bass.
Fundamental Tone
Forget 'bright' or 'dark' - we're after the character of the tone. Does it have a warm, smoky depth? A cutting, bell-like clarity? A fat midrange honk that really anchors the groove? The fundamental tone dictates the overall vibe of the ride and how it interacts with the rest of the kit.
Bell Thickness
The bell is crucial for projection and overtone content. A thicker bell generally means more volume and a more focused sound, but can also lead to a harsher stick attack. A thinner bell will be more responsive and potentially have a warmer tone, but might not cut through a loud mix as well.
Weight and Feel
A heavier cymbal will generally have more sustain and volume, but it can also feel sluggish. Lighter cymbals are more responsive but might lack the sonic power you need. This is very subjective - what feels good under your stick is paramount, especially for dynamic playing.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk about those big rides - 24 inches and up. You're moving beyond the standard 16-18 inch territory, and you're looking for something with serious presence. These aren't your washboard-sounding practice cymbals; we're talking about instruments that can define a groove, cut through a loud band, or add some serious shimmer to a studio recording. Picking the right one is crucial - too much wash and you're just adding mud, too much stick definition and it's harsh. Let's sort through it.
Big rides are an investment. The biggest corner cutters will often use thinner bronze alloys, resulting in shorter sustain and a washy, undefined sound. Don't be fooled by size alone; listen carefully to recordings and, if possible, play before you buy.
Spending a bit more for a cymbal with a well-defined fundamental tone and a good balance between wash and articulation will pay off big time, both on stage and in the studio.
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 29 24" ride cymbals and bigger 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 all 24" rides the same?
Absolutely not. Size isn't everything. Different manufacturers use different alloys, hammering techniques, and lathing patterns, all of which drastically affect the sound and feel.
I need a ride that cuts through a loud rock band. What should I look for?
Focus on a ride with a thicker bell and a relatively high stick definition. You'll want a more focused fundamental tone and less wash to avoid getting lost in the mix. Consider a raw finish - it tends to be brighter.
I'm recording a mellow jazz album. What kind of big ride should I choose?
Look for a ride with a warm, dark fundamental tone and a generous amount of wash. A thinner bell will be more responsive and contribute to a more nuanced sound. A traditional finish will enhance the warmth.
Can I realistically use a 26" ride in a small, intimate setting?
It's possible, but you'll need to be mindful of dynamics. A big ride can easily overwhelm a small space if you're not careful. Consider using lighter striking techniques and being aware of your overall volume level.
Are raw or brilliant finishes better for a big ride?
It depends on the vibe you're after. Brilliant finishes tend to be brighter and more cutting, while raw finishes are warmer and more complex. Raw finishes will also develop a unique patina over time.





