Ride cymbals play a very important role in a jazz drummer’s sound. While most modern drumming centers around the snare and bass drum, jazz is usually different. The cymbals propel the groove, particularly the ride cymbal. That’s why finding the right ride is so important, no matter what flavor of jazz you might play.
The challenge is there are so many cymbal models that can work for jazz, many designed specifically with jazz in mind. Each has unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Well, we’ve tried just about all of the models out there and came up with a list of favorites. They’re all very different from one another, but each is exceptional in their own ways. Any could be a great choice for the right drummer.
Whether you’re looking for a jazz ride that’s dry, resonant, dark, bright, versatile, or less expensive, check out the list below. Hopefully one of these is the cymbal that’s perfect for your situation.
On with the list! These are the best ride cymbals for jazz, by sound.
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Dark & Dry:
Meinl Byzance Extra Dry
Meinl 20″ Byzance Extra Dry Ride
Meinl’s Byzance Extra Dry cymbals have become a very popular series since their inception. They give drummers a couple of things that are increasingly in demand – a dark tone and dry resonance. When struck, you get a dirty sound that decays quickly. Other cymbals combine those characteristics, but usually not to the levels of the Extra Dry models. The design seems to be working for Meinl, as these cymbals have been getting great reviews across the board.
The ride cymbal is no different. It’s dark and dry, with a good amount of stick definition. Several features give this cymbal its unique sound. The extensive hand-hammering and unlathed finish darken the tone and shorten the decay. The B20 alloy gives this ride some flexibility and adds overall complexity to the sound. When combined, you get a cymbal that’s one of a kind.
The Extra Dry ride works well as a multi-use cymbal. It has a fairly strong bell and the edge crashes more easily than you might expect. Of course, the edge has the same tonal character as the rest of the cymbal – it’s dark, dirty, and dry – but it opens up on impact. The nice thing about crashing a drier ride is that you’re able to get back on the bow to play patterns without being covered up too much. Most rides ring for quite a while after the edge gets crashed, which can be somewhat overbearing to the following notes.
The image above shows the 20″ version of this cymbal, but a 22″ Extra Dry is also available. It’s not quite as dry as the 20″, but it has more tonal body than the smaller option. It’s also pitched a bit lower. Both diameters are unique. Neither option is for every drummer. However, if you’re looking for a ride that’s dark, dry, and has a unique look, a Meinl Extra Dry could be worth considering.
Dark & Washy:
Sabian HHX Complex Thin
Sabian 21″ HHX Complex Thin Ride
Due to their success of the HH and HHX lines, Sabian decided to combine features of both to create something new – the HHX Complex. We’re happy they did. Sabian describes these cymbals as ‘exquisitely dark’, a description we can agree with. By using both HH and HHX hammering techniques, players get a balance of top-end shimmer and a smooth underlying tone.
The 21″ HHX Complex Thin ride is suited well for jazz. The thin weight, hammering, and B20 alloy give this cymbal a smoky wash and warm stick sound. The thinness helps the edge crash easily, provides wash at lower volumes, and adds warmth to the overall tone. On the bow, even subtle strokes are able to get the tone rolling. That’s especially pleasing when playing down-tempo songs, when there’s more space between notes. You can hear all the tonal intricacies in those situations. The cymbal’s thinness tends to perform better at low to medium volumes. When played more aggressively, the tone can billow more than you might prefer.
That’s why this ride comes in two thicknesses – Thin and Medium. We listed the Complex Thin in the ‘Dark & Washy’ category because the thinness accentuates those terms. However, the medium weight version would be a great option for some players. The sound is slightly more controlled than it is with the thin, although it still retains plenty of resonance. The medium weight also has a bit more volume, a slightly higher pitch, and some added stick definition.
Of course, choosing between thicknesses is just a matter of what you value most. If you’re looking for a fairly washy ride, but brighter stick definition and volume, the Complex Medium is more likely to match your needs. However, if you’re a player who wants a super-dark, washy ride that crashes easily, the Complex Thin might be for you.
Bright & Washy:
Zildjian A Medium
It’s not as common these days, but some jazz drummers want a bright ride cymbal. They may like crisp stick definition, a pure tone, or simply need the volume that comes with a brighter ride. Big band drummers, for instance, often like ride cymbals with clarity and higher volumes. The Zildjian 22″ A Medium is a good choice for those situations. It’s a straightforward cymbal, with a classic sound that goes back many decades.
This ride accentuates stick attack. On the bow, patterns stand out clearly, despite the washy resonance of the cymbal. The bell projects without much effort. Part of the extra attack is due to the stick definition upon impact, but the simplicity of this ride’s wash also plays a part. Rides that incorporate hammering or have thinner weights have a more complex wash sound, with more frequencies bubbling underneath the sticking pattern. That’s a very rich sound, but the stick can blend in more. With this non-hammered, thicker Zildjian A Medium, the difference between the stick tone and wash sound is surprisingly distinct.
Don’t expect much sensitivity with this ride. It’s not designed to be finessed at a dinner gig. It doesn’t crash well when tapping the edge. The extra thickness also raises the pitch, which tends to rise above a band’s sound. That’s part of the appeal, but it can be difficult to control if you’re playing in a quiet environment. In those cases, you’d need great stick control, a lightweight pair of sticks, or a quieter ride.
The 22″ A Medium Ride isn’t the best choice for many jazz players, but in the right situation, it could work very well. Big band drummers, drummers that play in large rooms or in outdoor spaces, or those that just want a bright tone, can get good use out of this cymbal. If any of those describe you, this ride could be one to consider.
Very Versatile:
Zildjian K Constantinople Medium
Zildjian 22″ K Constantinople Medium
Zildjian’s Constantinople cymbals are well-known among jazz drummers. They’re premium cymbals praised for their dark tone, shimmery resonance, and great feel. These cymbals even have an appealing vintage look that many drummers like. As the years have gone by, the Constantinople line has expanded, with more thicknesses, diameters, and design types. But one remains our favorite: the super-versatile 22″ Medium Ride.
This ride works well in so many situations – from jazz trios to big bands, and from blues to funk. That’s not always the case with a ride cymbal known for a jazzier tone. Often, jazz rides have too much wash, too weak a bell, or are too quiet for non-jazz genres. Not so with this Constantinople. It’s not a perfect cymbal – no cymbal is. The medium thickness isn’t great for crashing. The edge doesn’t flex much, so you can’t pull off quick accents like you can with thinner rides. You also may need lightweight sticks to be extremely quiet with this ride, where lighter cymbals can be more forgiving.
With that in mind, Zildjian also makes medium-thin versions for players who want a washier straight-ahead jazz combo sound. One is the 22″ Medium-Thin High and the other is the 22″ Medium-Thin Low. They’re also great-sounding cymbals. They crash well and have more wash. The downsides are losing some stick definition and resonance control. They’re also not as versatile for other genres.
As for the 22″ Medium, we feel the extra thickness helps a lot more than it hurts. The added weight gives you a beautiful stick sound for jazz, especially with smaller tips. You hear the timbre of the wood along with the cymbal tone. The extensive hammering keeps the thickness in check, so this ride doesn’t get out of control. That allows for uptempo patterns to be played without the wash taking over. The bell sound also benefits from this ride’s overall thickness. Patterns that need to cut, like latin bell grooves or off-beat bell funk grooves, can be clearly heard. Of course, you also get more overall volume for stages that require a few more decibels.
All together, this ride is very versatile, with a great blend of sound and functionality. It has a rich sound and a great feel. If you play jazz along with other styles, this ride could be just what you’re looking for.
Money Saver:
Sabian XSR Monarch
Sabian once had a cymbal series called the ‘Big & Ugly’. They were generally dark and dry, had nice stick definition, and a unique look. Unfortunately, the Big & Ugly cymbals are no more, except for one model – the 22″ Monarch. Sabian expanded the Monarch name into a series with hi-hats, crashes, and rides. They’re all interesting, but the original 22″ size is the best of the bunch.
A major selling point of the XSR Monarch Ride is the price. It’s not cheap, per se, but it costs far less than the other options on this list. The most expensive rides require extra steps in the manufacturing process, which add a lot to the cost. Hammering, for instance, is used to dry out the tone and add complexity to the sound. The XSR Monarch uses a raw finish to dry out the resonance and darken the tone. You don’t get the rich tone of a hammered cymbal, but it can get the job done in the right situation.
The Monarch shouldn’t be considered a high-end jazz ride. It’s not designed to be. It’s made to be dry and as dark as a non-hammered ride cymbal can be. This cymbal has good stick definition and crashes well. The B20 alloy and thinner weight give it some flexibility, while the 22″ diameter allows it to breathe. Those are characteristics many players want in a jazz ride. It’s just that those characteristics aren’t as refined as they are with professional jazz ride cymbals. The tone is more straightforward, compared to the complexities that come with more expensive hammered alternatives.
That doesn’t mean the 22″ Monarch isn’t a great choice for some players. It could be perfect if you want to dip your toe into jazz drumming, if you play jazz occasionally, or if it just matches your budget. Of course, if you happen to be looking for a drier ride that crashes well and has a more straightforward tone, you’re in luck. In that case, you can save some cash and get the sound you want.
Wrap-Up
Those are our picks for the best ride cymbals for jazz, by sound. They each have their own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. Hopefully something we discussed helps you weigh the options and find the right cymbal for you.
By Peter Treuden – About the Author
Looking for a new jazz snare drum head? Check out our picks for The Best Snare Heads For Jazz!