AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Istanbul Agop 24" Signature Joey Waronker Ride ($798). Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 28 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
Istanbul Agop 24" Signature Joey Waronker Ride
24" Agop Signature Ride · Istanbul Agop
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This 24-inch ride is hand hammered in B20 bronze for a dark, dry sound with complex overtones. It works well as a crash too, but you don't know the bell size or weight yet. Musicians who like a dry stick response and warm tone will love this high-end cymbal.
Pros
- Hand hammered for unique voice
- Dark and dry stick response
- Musical complex overtones
Cons
- No finish details provided
- Bell size not stated
83AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$798 now$798€709 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 24" Byzance Foundry Reserve Light Ride Cymbal
24" Byzance Foundry Reserve LR · Meinl
7 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size24"
The Foundry Reserve LR is a gorgeous ride, offering a warm, dark, and incredibly musical wash. The extensive hammering gives it a depth you can really sink into, and it's surprisingly responsive for a cymbal of this size. This is a top-tier choice for jazz, fusion, and any style needing a sophisticated, mellow shimmer.
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and complexity due to extensive hammering
- Versatile bell provides a focused, musical projection
- B20 bronze construction delivers rich, nuanced overtones
Cons
- Premium-priced, a significant investment for many drummers
- The light ride designation might be too dark for some genres
77AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$874 now$874€777 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size24"
This 30th Anniversary Ride from Istanbul Agop is a serious statement piece. It's got that warm, complex wash and a really responsive feel—perfect for players in jazz, orchestral, or anyone needing a big, musical ride with vintage character. It’s a high-end cymbal for a discerning drummer.
Pros
- Exceptional complexity and wash, offering nuanced musicality.
- The 'pre-aging' process delivers a beautifully nuanced, vintage aesthetic.
- Hand-hammering creates a responsive feel and intricate sonic textures.
Cons
- The full sound may not suit players seeking a bright, cutting ride.
- Being a larger 24” cymbal, it’s physically substantial and heavier.
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$955 · Aug 17$933 now$933€829 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 Byzance Dark B. Apple Ride is a beautifully crafted cymbal perfect for jazz, traditional, and quieter musical contexts. The shorter sustain and controlled wash make it exceptionally responsive, while the dark timbre provides a warm, sophisticated sound. It’s a serious upgrade for players seeking a refined, vintage-inspired ride.
Pros
- Exceptional dark, earthy tone ideal for jazz and quieter settings
- Hand-hammered lathing creates complex overtones and shimmering wash
- Relatively short sustain allows for precise, controlled rhythmic patterns
Cons
- Price point places it firmly in the premium-priced category
- Limited versatility; not ideal for high-volume or aggressive playing styles
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$775 now$775€689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Meinl 24" Byzance Traditional Extra Hammered Ride Cymbal
24" Byzance Extra Ham. Ride · Meinl
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This 24" Byzance Extra Hammered Ride is a serious contender if you're after a warm, complex, and beautifully nuanced ride cymbal. It's perfect for players in jazz, fusion, and classic rock who appreciate a vintage-inspired sound with excellent stick definition – it’s a workhorse ride that’ll add a ton of character to your kit.
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and complexity from the B20 bronze alloy.
- Hand-hammering creates nuanced stick definition and shimmering overtones.
- Traditional design offers a classic, full ride sound for diverse genres.
Cons
- The large diameter can be unwieldy for drummers with smaller setups.
- The complex sound may not suit all musical styles, particularly very modern electronic music.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$771 now$771€685 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Zildjian 24" K Series Light Ride Cymbal
24" K-Series Light Ride · Zildjian
21 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This K-Series Light Ride is a beauty. It delivers a gorgeous, shimmering wash and surprisingly clear articulation for a cymbal of this size and darkness – perfect for jazz, mellow rock, and country players seeking a sophisticated, expressive ride. The lighter weight makes it really playable, too.
Pros
- Exceptional wash with a dark, shimmering quality.
- The light weight offers effortless control and responsiveness.
- Traditional finish provides a nuanced, complex sonic character.
Cons
- The dark timbre might be too subdued for brighter genres.
- Premium-priced, represents a significant investment for many drummers.
75AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$730 now$730€649 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size24"
This 24-inch jazz ride offers a dark, smooth sound thanks to its hand-hammered B-20 alloy. The bell cuts through clearly without being too loud, making it ideal for jazz gigs. It's a solid choice for players who want a balanced, traditional tone.
Pros
- Hand-hammered B-20 alloy for a dark, smooth tone
- Bell sounds high-pitched yet remains perfectly balanced
- Designed specifically for authentic jazz playing
Cons
- Lacks specific weight data for heft comparison
- No mention of thickness gauge or bell diameter
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$798 now$798€709 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size26"
This 26" Traditional Dark Ride from Istanbul Agop is a serious statement piece. It's got that gorgeous, complex wash and warm stick attack that's perfect for jazz, fusion, and even atmospheric rock where you want a big, enveloping sound. If you're a seasoned player looking for a truly expressive ride, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Exceptional warmth and complexity; avoids the brittle 'wash' common in dark rides.
- Hand-hammered lathing creates a uniquely responsive and lively feel.
- B20 bronze alloy delivers a rich, full-bodied, and vintage-inspired tone.
Cons
- The large diameter demands significant leg space and playing control.
- Its darker character limits versatility in brighter, more modern musical contexts.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$798 now$798€709 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size24"
This Meinl Byzance Chris Adler Ride is a powerhouse – built for players who need a big, cutting sound to cut through the mix. The hammering and brilliant finish combine for a vibrant, energetic tone that’s ideal for modern rock, metal, and heavier genres. It's a premium-priced ride, but delivers serious performance for the discerning drummer.
Pros
- The brilliant finish provides excellent visual appeal and projection.
- B20 bronze delivers a complex, shimmering wash with clear stick definition.
- Chris Adler’s signature hammering creates a powerful, controlled, and articulate response.
Cons
- The heavy weight (around 2800g) can be fatiguing in longer sessions.
- Its focused sound may lack versatility for quieter, more nuanced musical styles.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$787 now$787€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size24"
John Robinson's Swish Sizzle is a character piece, no doubt. It’s got a distinctive shimmer and wash thanks to that flanged edge – think modern fusion, progressive rock, or anything needing a unique, textured ride sound. If you want a ride that cuts through a dense mix and adds a real sonic signature, this is a fantastic choice.
Pros
- The flanged edge creates a unique, shimmering sizzle unlike standard rides.
- B20 bronze construction delivers warmth and complex overtones.
- 24 pre-mounted rivets offer immediate, consistent stick definition.
Cons
- The sizzle effect might be too prominent for very subtle, nuanced playing.
- The natural lathed finish can be prone to marking and tarnishing.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$673 now$673€598 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" Giant Beat Multi-Functional Cymbal24" Giant Beat Multi Ride · Paiste78Stable$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 12
Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal24" 900 Series Mega Ride · Paiste76Stable$348€309$348€309Check ↗
- 13
Paiste 24" Color Sound 900 Series Mega Ride Cymbal24" 900 Color Mega Ride BK · Paiste76Stable$404€359$404€359Check ↗
- 14
Paiste 24" 2002 Black Big Beat CymbalPaiste76Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 15
Meinl 24" Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal24" Classics Custom Dark Ride · Meinl75↓ 3.0%$359€319$359€319Check ↗
- 16
Paiste 24" RUDE John Dolmayan Eclipse Mega Power Ride Cymbal24" Rude Mega Power Ride · Paiste75↓ 4.0%$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 17
Paiste 24" 2002 John JR Robinson Swish Ride Cymbal2002 24" Swish Ride · Paiste70Stable$584€519$584€519Check ↗
- 18
Meinl Pure Alloy 24" Medium RideMeinl57Stable$460€409$460€409Check ↗
- 19
Paiste 2002 Classic 24" Reverend Al'sPaiste57Stable$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 20
Paiste 2002 Classic 24" RidePaiste57Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 21
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Traditional Series Original Ride Cymbal24" Traditional Original Ride · Istanbul Mehmet55Stable$607€539$607€539Check ↗
- 22
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Turk Jazz Ride Cymbal24" Jazz Ride Siz. Turk Series · Istanbul Mehmet55Stable$613€545$613€545Check ↗
- 23
Istanbul Agop 24" Traditional Dark RideIstanbul Agop55Stable$666€592$666€592Check ↗
- 24
Istanbul Mehmet 24" Mehmet Legend Sizzle RideIstanbul Mehmet54Stable$607€539$607€539Check ↗
- 25
Zultan 24" Caz RideZultan52Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 26
Zultan 24" Heritage RideZultan52Stable$448€398$448€398Check ↗
- 27
Masterwork 24" Resonant RideMasterwork50Stable$359€319$359€319Check ↗
- 28
Sabian 24" Stratus Dry RideSabian50Stable$595€529$595€529Check ↗
24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger by the numbers
Measured across all 29 models we track, not a sample.
Median $607 — 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
Wash Complexity
A big ride needs a wash that isn't just a blurry wash. We're looking for a wash with definition, layers of overtones, and a sense of movement - something that responds to your stick angle and pressure. A flat, one-dimensional wash is a dealbreaker.
Bell Definition
The bell on a large ride is everything. It needs to cut through without being harsh, providing a clear, articulate stick attack that's balanced with the wash. Too much bell equals ice-pick territory; too little, and it gets lost.
Sustain and Decay
Obviously, you get more sustain with a larger cymbal, but it's the quality of that sustain that matters. We're after a controlled decay, not a ringing-forever situation. A ride that lingers too long clogs up the mix.
Stick Feel & Playability
A 24" ride isn't easy. It needs to be responsive to a lighter touch, and the action shouldn't feel sluggish. The lathing and hammering need to be precise to allow for nuanced playing - ghost notes, subtle swells, and dynamic control.
Sonic Character/Voice
From bright and shimmering to dark and trashy, the sonic character dictates the ride's overall vibe. It's about finding a voice that complements your kit and musical style - a dark, complex ride won't cut it in a bright, poppy setting, and vice-versa.
Buying guide
Okay, so you're past the 14" crash phase and you're looking at serious ride territory. 24" and up isn't just about a bigger sound; it's about nuanced articulation, complex wash, and the ability to really shape your groove. These aren't beginner cymbals - they demand a skilled touch to coax out their full potential, and the wrong one will just sound like a big, muddy gong. Let's cut through the noise and find you something that sings.
Don't chase the biggest cymbal just for the size. Pay attention to the hammering pattern - hand hammering is almost always going to offer more complexity than machine hammering. Be prepared to spend a bit more; cheaper large rides often cut corners on lathing and hammering, resulting in a muddy, lifeless sound.
Listen critically for that 'fat midrange honk' - it's a sign of a well-crafted cymbal.
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 bigger rides always louder?
Not necessarily. While they can be louder, it's more about the overall sonic projection and how they cut through a mix. A smaller, brighter ride can easily be louder than a large, dark one.
What's the deal with B20 vs. B8 bronze?
B20 (80% copper, 20% tin) is the standard for professional-grade rides. B8 (higher tin content) tends to be brighter and more brittle, often lacking the complexity you want in a large ride. Stick with B20.
I'm having trouble controlling the wash. What am I doing wrong?
It's likely a combination of stick placement and technique. Experiment with hitting further out on the cymbal and varying your stick angle. A looser grip can also help. The cymbal itself might also be a factor - some rides are just inherently washy.
Can I use a 24" ride in a smaller room?
It's possible, but you'll need to be mindful of the decay. It's easy for a large ride to become overwhelming in a confined space. Consider miking it carefully and using gates to control the bleed.
I'm getting a lot of unwanted overtones. How do I tame them?
Overtone control is a skill. Try adjusting your stick placement and attack angle. You can also experiment with different muffling techniques, but be careful not to kill the cymbal's character. Sometimes, it's just a matter of getting used to the ride's natural resonance.
