Ride Cymbals
Establish the rhythmic foundation, define the pulse, and control your kit's texture with Ride Cymbals, one of the most versatile and crucial elements of any drummer's setup. Ride cymbals provide everything from a clear, articulate "ping" sound to a lush, shimmering wash of sound, offering essential dynamics for musical expression across all genres. =This category includes a wide selection of ride cymbals available in various sizes, weights (from thin to heavy), and finishes (brilliant, traditional, raw, or natural). Options cater to diverse musical needs, including jazz rides, rock rides, studio rides, flat rides, and vintage-style rides, allowing players to match their sound profile to specific genres and venues.
Ride cymbals are essential for jazz ensembles, rock bands, pop groups, blues trios, orchestral music, studio recording sessions, and daily practice. Their large diameter and unique taper provide a wide surface area for stick control, allowing drummers to seamlessly transition between riding on the bow, crashing on the edge, and emphasizing the bell for cutting accents.
Modern ride cymbals are crafted from high-quality bronze alloys, such as B20 or B8, using a combination of traditional hand-hammering and modern lathing techniques to ensure durability, consistency, and a complex tonal spectrum. Features like raw bells, unlathed surfaces, and specific taper designs offer nuanced control over sustain and responsiveness.
Ride cymbals are commonly paired with cymbal stands (boom or straight), felts, sleeves, wingnuts, cymbal bags/cases, and drum hardware, forming a complete and protected cymbal setup. They work in harmony with crash cymbals, hi-hats, and splash cymbals to create a full range of percussive colors. From dry, articulate rides that cut through a mix to massive, wash-heavy cymbals for dynamic climaxes, ride cymbals provide the versatility, character, and musicality that every drummer relies on for expressive rhythm keeping.
