Hi,
I have been trying to slowly upgrade my drum set for my little recording setup. I am a rookie and don't know much in the way drum gear other than what I learn here. I bought a 20" Zildjian A off of a guy (all the markings are removed so I am trusting it is actually an A.) It's OK, but do not love how it sounds. It seems too brash and loud and builds up the brashness as you ride it. I want a cymbal that is a little (insert wine-tasting notes) cleaner, brighter and articulate-sort of like on a 60's jazz record. Ting-Ting instead of BSSH BSSH.

What route should I go down? K series? The more I try and research the more I am confused. What the fuck is a ping ride? hybrid ride? I don't have a legit drum shop near me to go demo for myself so I am probably going to buy blindly, used online/craigslist.

I am looking to spend ~$250 in the used market.

I think your best bet is to get down w/ youtube tbh. Tons and tons of ride demos.

Generally speaking, thickness I think is the most important attribute to ride cymbals. A thicker ride is going to give you more "ping" and less of the crash characteristics. The Wikipedia entry is actually a pretty decent starting point for understanding some of these characteristics: "Smaller and thinner cymbals tend to be darker with more shimmer, while larger and thicker cymbals tend to respond better in louder volume situations, and conversely. "

The Zildjian Sweet ride is one of the most popular ride cymbals out there and for good reason, I feel like it can do a lot of different things pretty well. It can function well as a crash/ride and also sounds pretty good doing light stuff w/ nylon tip sticks and light sticks. For contrast, I also though have a thick Z Heavy ride if I want more cutting ride hits along w/ a piercing bell.

Best part of buying used is that you can try it and if it doesn't fit, flip it and you're not out as much loot as if you bought new.

I was actually gonna recommend trying a Ping Ride based on your description! Also knowing you want less brightness (lower note overall) maybe consider stepping up to a 22". Sweet Rides are still kinda the best bang for your buck/popular for a reason though I suspect it might still be too washy for you.

Memphis Drum Shop videos record the actual cymbals for sale, which is an ok way to hear stuff without the ability to try it out in person. I don't recall if they have a large used selection though.

(also, maybe keep that 20" A around as a crash)

A Ping Ride is a medium-heavy to heavy ride. Pretty much the exact opposite of washy and not really crashable. Zildjian basically names them all by weight. Take note that the Ping is different than the Pang. The Pang's profile shape is different.

I've got a 1996 20" Zildjian A Series Ping Ride I like but haven't really been using it much since picking up a 20" K Ride. Might be willing to trade or sell it if you find out that's what you want. If you find yourself in Chicago you can come check it out.


Some further info:
http://www.cymbalutopia.com/www.cymbalu ... Table.html

https://www.drumforum.org/threads/zildj ... es.180001/

Pay heed to the fine print on that table that FM tommy posted. You may get lucky and find used cymbals from a company called Zilco. Those are German Zildjians and they sound great! They sound a lot like the old Istanbul K's

There are also a dozen or more folks out there making cymbals in their garages that sound better than anything the big 3 are putting out these days

I have a Sabian AA ride (I might edit that after I'm out in the practice space). It can do quiet and it can rock but it stays articulate and doesn't slip into accidental crash overkill. If you lay into it it will crash but it doesn't take over the percussion section the way my Zildian Z custom crash can. It's classy if you want something versatile that will behave.

Thank you. All of your responses help a lot. Youtube demos have enlightening.

twelvepoint wrote: Thu Jan 19, 2023 2:58 pm There are also a dozen or more folks out there making cymbals in their garages that sound better than anything the big 3 are putting out these days

no vaguebooking! links please!

I can't imagine any boutique cymbal makers (or refurbishers) are in the sub $250 range. Dream cymbals are pretty good on a budget.