Zildjian S Dark 20" Ride Cymbal

• Strong stick sound and good blend
• Clear bell
• Low overtones and a hint of dryness
• Size and shape designed for versatility

Zildjian presents it as a solid, versatile ride for drummers who lean toward a dark sound. It responds well to the stick, blends with the band and resonates with lower overtones. The small dose of dryness keeps the pattern readable.

Many dark rides have a subdued bell. This one stays clear, so you can use it to mark downbeats or for a bell pattern in a chorus. The medium weight gives good stability under the stick.

• Main ride on a dark-sounding kit
• Rock, pop, indie and praise music
• A match for S Dark hi-hats and crashes

These 20" rides from other makers also go for a dark or warm sound:

What is a dark ride cymbal?

A ride with lower overtones. The pattern stays readable, but the wash sounds warmer and less glittery. Zildjian describes lower overtones and a hint of dryness here.

Ride or crash ride?

A medium-weight ride like this one is made first for patterns and the bell. A crash ride, being thinner, crashes more easily but holds a fast pattern less well.

What is the bell of a ride for?

To cut through the mix: struck with the shoulder of the stick, the bell gives a clear, piercing note. On this S Dark, it stays clean despite the dark character of the cymbal.