AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Meinl 24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger 2026
The top pick is Meinl 24" Byzance Foundry Reserve Light Ride Cymbal ($874). Meinl 24" Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal gives you the most for the money at $359. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, 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.
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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 ↗ -
Meinl 24" Classics Custom Dark Ride Cymbal
24" Classics Custom Dark Ride · Meinl
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size24"
This Classics Custom Dark Ride from Meinl is a beautifully voiced cymbal, offering a sophisticated and controlled dark ride tone. It's ideal for jazz, fusion, and softer rock styles where you want a washier, more musical response – a real workhorse for the discerning player.
Pros
- B12 bronze delivers a warm, complex wash unlike cheaper alloys.
- Mechanically hammered shaping creates nuanced stick definition and movement.
- German manufacturing ensures exceptional consistency and high-quality craftsmanship.
Cons
- The darker sound profile may lack the shimmering brightness some drummers prefer.
- Its larger size can be cumbersome for players with smaller kits or limited space.
75AudioFu
Index↓ 3.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$370 · Aug 17$359 now$359€319 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 ↗ -
- Size24"
This Meinl Pure Alloy ride is a real gem – a beautifully crafted cymbal offering a clear, warm, and articulate voice. It’s perfect for players in genres like jazz, funk, and contemporary worship who want a focused, musical ride without excessive overtones. The German craftsmanship shines through in its responsiveness and overall quality.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and warmth thanks to the B20 bronze alloy.
- German hammering delivers a complex, musical shimmer.
- Defined stick response allows for precise, articulate playing.
Cons
- The 'pure' sound might lack the extreme trashiness some drummers prefer.
- Limited tonal versatility compared to more complex, multi-layered rides.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$460 now$460€409 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 ↗
24" Ride Cymbals and Bigger by the numbers
Measured across all 29 models we track, not a sample.
median of 29 models · 24"–24"
How to choose the best 24" ride cymbals and bigger
Hammering & Lathing
Meinl's hammering patterns are key to their sound. Their Byzance series, for example, uses more complex hammering than the Professional series, leading to more complex overtones and a darker, more nuanced tone. This impacts how the cymbal articulates - it's not just about volume, it's about clarity and definition.
Bell Size & Profile
The bell is where a lot of the 'meat' of a ride's sound lives. Meinl's larger bell sizes on their 24"+ rides contribute to a fuller, more resonant low-end thump, but a shallow bell profile can keep the wash from getting too overwhelming. It's a balancing act.
Alloy & Weight
Meinl uses B20 bronze across most of their lines, but the ratios vary. Lighter weights offer more responsiveness and a quicker decay, while heavier weights have more sustain and a more powerful projection. Knowing the weight is crucial for finding the right feel and volume for your playing style and genre.
Sound Characteristics
Meinl's rides aren't all one thing. The Traditionals have a classic, dry, almost vintage sound, while the Byzance series is known for its complex overtones and shimmering wash. Understanding these tonal differences is critical to getting the right vibe.
Finish
Meinl offers rides in various finishes - from brilliant to natural to vintage. Brilliant finishes are brighter and more cutting, while natural and vintage finishes are darker and more complex. The finish affects the cymbal's projection and sustain - a vintage finish will generally have less of both.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to upgrade your ride? 24 inches and up is where things get serious - that's the territory of wash, shimmer, and enough sustain to fill a stadium. Meinl's been a major player in the cymbal game for decades, and their larger rides offer a really distinctive character, especially if you're tired of that brittle, overly-bright sound you hear everywhere else. Let's break down what makes Meinl's big rides tick and help you find the right one for your kit.
Don't be swayed by flashy marketing. Big rides are an investment, so listen critically. A cheaper Meinl Pro ride might sound decent, but you'll notice the difference in sustain and articulation compared to a Byzance or even a Traditionals series.
If you're recording, a darker, more controlled ride is often preferable to a bright, cutting one. Ultimately, it's about finding a cymbal that inspires you to play.
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 7 24" ride cymbals and bigger from the Thomann catalogue (of 29 in the category). 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 Meinl Byzance rides worth the extra money?
They're a significant step up in complexity and nuance. The hammering and lathing are more intricate, resulting in a richer, more responsive sound. If you're serious about your sound, yes, they're worth it.
What's the difference between Meinl Byzance and Byzance Vintage?
Byzance Vintage rides are rolled and lathed to create a more uneven surface, which dampens the high frequencies and gives them a warmer, more vintage tone. They're less cutting and have a shorter sustain than the standard Byzance.
I play in a loud rock band. Should I go for a heavier Meinl ride?
A heavier ride will cut through the mix better, but be mindful of sustain. Too much sustain can become a muddy mess. A medium-heavy weight might be a good compromise - enough projection without excessive wash.
Can I get a Meinl ride that sounds like a Zildjian A?
It's tough to replicate the Zildjian A's bright, shimmering sound exactly, but Meinl's Brillante series might get you close. They offer a similar level of brightness and clarity, although Meinl's character will still be distinct.
What's the best way to care for my Meinl ride?
Regular cleaning with a cymbal cleaner is essential. Avoid abrasive polishes and always use a padded cymbal bag for storage to prevent scratches and dents. Proper care extends the life of your investment.
