Imagine a cymbal that can crash through the loudest guitar riffs and add a splash of excitement to any beat. That’s the power of a crash ride cymbal! But with so many different sounds and sizes out there, picking the perfect one can feel like navigating a musical maze. Do you want a bright, cutting sound, or something darker and more mellow? The wrong choice can leave your drumming sounding a little… well, flat.
Don’t worry, drummers! This blog post is here to be your guide. We’re going to break down what makes a crash ride cymbal so special and how to find the one that truly sings with your drumming style. You’ll learn about different sounds, sizes, and what to listen for, so you can stop feeling overwhelmed and start feeling confident in your cymbal choices.
Get ready to discover the secrets to choosing a crash ride that will make your drumming pop! Let’s dive into the exciting world of these versatile cymbals.
Our Top 5 Crash Ride Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Crash Ride Detailed Reviews
1. Meinl 18″ Crash/Ride Cymbal – HCS Traditional Finish Brass for Drum Set
Rating: 8.9/10
The Meinl 18″ Crash/Ride Cymbal, HCS Traditional Finish Brass, is a fantastic upgrade for any drummer looking to improve their sound. Made in Germany with quality brass, this cymbal offers a bright and crisp tone that will make your drumming sound more professional. It’s built to last, even for drummers who hit hard, and it comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.
What We Like:
- This cymbal is a huge step up from the cheap cymbals that often come with beginner drum sets.
- It sounds much more like the cymbals you hear in professional songs, making drumming more enjoyable.
- The 18-inch size works well as both a crash and a ride, offering a bright ping sound and a full wash when crashed.
- Made from MS63 brass alloy in Germany, it produces a clean, bright, and crisp tone with pleasing sustain.
- The cymbal has a nice shine and features professional-looking logo details.
- Meinl has a long history of making quality cymbals, and this HCS line shows their experience.
- The HCS line offers many different cymbal types and sizes, so you can easily find what you need to expand your sound.
- It’s built to last, so you won’t have to worry about it falling apart or getting damaged easily.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great entry-level cymbal, it doesn’t have the complex tonal layers of very high-end professional cymbals.
This Meinl HCS cymbal is a smart investment for any drummer wanting to improve their sound and have more fun playing. It offers great value and a sound that punches above its weight.
2. HCS 20” Crash/Ride Cymbal for Drum Set — MADE IN GERMANY — Traditional Finish Brass
Rating: 8.6/10
The Meinl HCS 20” Crash/Ride Cymbal is a fantastic choice for drummers looking to upgrade from their starter cymbals. Made in Germany with high-quality brass, this cymbal offers a significant step up in sound and durability. It’s designed to sound great in actual songs, making practice and performance much more enjoyable without worrying about it falling apart.
What We Like:
- Major Sound Upgrade: This cymbal sounds much better than cheap, flimsy cymbals that come with starter drum kits. It has an impressive sound and a sturdy feel that beginners and intermediate players will love.
- Fun to Play: Playing these cymbals makes the drums sound more like what you hear in real music, which makes drumming more fun. They are also built tough, so they won’t easily dent or bend.
- Versatile 20″ Size: This cymbal works well as both a crash and a ride. It’s not too thin or too thick for either job, giving you a bright “ping” sound when riding and a full, sustained wash when crashing.
- German Craftsmanship: Made in Germany with MS63 brass alloy, it delivers a clean, bright, and crisp tone. Its thickness and well-made surface give it a defined sound without harsh overtones.
- Looks Great: The surface shines under light, adding a beautiful touch to your drum kit. It even features the same professional logo treatment as Meinl’s high-end cymbals.
- Long Lifespan: Even if you hit your cymbals hard, this cymbal is built to last. It’s a top-quality entry-level cymbal that can handle different musical styles.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the HCS line offers a wide variety, true professionals might eventually seek out cast bronze cymbals for even more complex tonal qualities.
This German-made cymbal is a smart investment for any drummer wanting better sound and lasting quality. It’s a cymbal that grows with you, fitting into any musical style.
3. Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Crash Ride Cymbal (ZP18CR)
Rating: 9.0/10
The Avedis Zildjian Company Planet Z Crash Ride Cymbal (ZP18CR) brings a bright and versatile sound to any drum kit. This cymbal is designed for drummers who want a cymbal that can handle both crash accents and ride patterns. Its construction aims to provide a clear tone that cuts through the mix, making it a solid option for various musical styles.
What We Like:
- Versatile sound: It works well for both crashing and riding.
- Bright tone: The sound is clear and cuts through well.
- Made in the USA: This cymbal is crafted in the United States.
- Durable construction: It’s built to last through many playing sessions.
What Could Be Improved:
- Heavy package: The shipping weight of 64 pounds is quite substantial.
- Large packaging: The package dimensions (22 x 6 x 22 inches) are also quite big.
For drummers seeking a dependable and adaptable cymbal, the Zildjian Planet Z Crash Ride is a worthy consideration. It offers a good balance of features for its intended use.
4. Avedis Zildjian Company I Family Crash Ride Cymbal (ILH18CR)
Rating: 9.1/10
The Avedis Zildjian Company I Family Crash Ride Cymbal (ILH18CR) offers a unique sound for drummers. Its name, “Ilham,” means inspiration in Turkish. This cymbal is made from B8 alloy. It has thinner weights. This makes its sound washier and more emotional.
What We Like:
- The B8 alloy creates a bright and clear tone.
- Thinner weights give it a wonderful, shimmering wash.
- It’s great for drummers who want expressive sounds.
- The “Ilham” name connects to the idea of musical creativity.
- This cymbal feels responsive under the stick.
What Could Be Improved:
- The washier sound might not be suitable for all music styles.
- Thinner cymbals can be more fragile than thicker ones.
- It might be too loud for quiet practice sessions.
For drummers seeking a cymbal that truly inspires, the ILH18CR is a fantastic option. It brings a new level of emotion to your drumming.
5. SABIAN 18″ SBr Crash Ride
Rating: 9.4/10
The SABIAN 18″ SBr Crash Ride is a versatile cymbal that can handle both riding and crashing. It’s a great choice for drummers who want a cymbal that can do it all without breaking the bank. This cymbal is designed to be a fantastic starting point for anyone new to the world of cymbals, offering a sound that’s both impressive and accessible.
What We Like:
- It sounds great when you ride on it and when you crash it.
- It doesn’t cost a lot of money.
- The SBr Brass material makes it stand out from other cymbals in its price range.
- It’s super easy for beginners to start playing with it.
What Could Be Improved:
- For very advanced drummers, it might not have the complex tonal range they seek.
- The sound, while good for its price, won’t match the nuances of professional-grade cymbals.
The SABIAN 18″ SBr Crash Ride is a solid cymbal that offers a lot for its price. It’s an excellent option for drummers looking to expand their setup with a reliable and affordable piece.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Guide to the Perfect Crash Ride
So, you’re looking to add a crash ride cymbal to your drum kit. That’s awesome! A good crash ride can really bring your drumming to life. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry, this guide will help you find the perfect cymbal.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a crash ride, keep these important features in mind:
- Size: Crash rides come in different diameters. Common sizes are 18, 20, and 22 inches.
- Smaller sizes (18-20 inches): These cymbals give you a brighter, more cutting sound. They crash well and can be used for riding too. They are great for faster music.
- Larger sizes (20-22 inches): These offer a deeper, richer tone. They have more sustain and a bigger wash. They sound powerful and can handle loud music.
- Bell: The bell is the raised part in the middle of the cymbal.
- Prominent Bell: A bigger, more defined bell gives you a clear, cutting “ping” sound. This is good for riding and accents.
- Subtle Bell: A flatter bell blends more with the rest of the cymbal. This creates a smoother riding sound.
- Weight: Cymbals are often described as thin, medium, or heavy.
- Thin Cymbals: They respond quickly and have a trashy, explosive crash. They are less ideal for riding.
- Medium Cymbals: These are versatile. They have a good balance for both crashing and riding.
- Heavy Cymbals: They are loud and have a long sustain. They produce a strong ping from the bell.
Important Materials
Crash ride cymbals are usually made from bronze alloys. The most common ones are:
- Bronze Alloys:
- B20 Bronze: This is a mix of about 80% copper and 20% tin. B20 bronze is known for its complex, musical sound. It gives cymbals a rich tone and great sustain. Many professional cymbals use B20.
- B8 Bronze: This alloy has about 8% tin and 92% copper. B8 bronze is brighter and more focused than B20. It’s often found in more affordable cymbals. It has a clear, strong sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a cymbal sound better or worse:
- Manufacturing Process:
- Hand-Hammered: Cymbals that are hammered by hand by skilled craftspeople often have a more complex and musical sound. The hammering creates unique tonal characteristics.
- Machine-Made: Machine-made cymbals are more consistent. They can be a good choice for beginners because they are usually less expensive.
- Finish: The way a cymbal is finished can affect its sound.
- Brilliant Finish: This shiny finish often makes a cymbal sound brighter and more sustained.
- Traditional Finish: This more natural, matte finish can create a warmer, drier sound.
- Thickness and Taper: A cymbal’s thickness and how it tapers from the bell to the edge affects its response. Thinner cymbals crash easily. Thicker cymbals are louder and have more sustain.
User Experience and Use Cases
A crash ride cymbal is a super versatile cymbal. You can use it for many things:
- Riding: You can play steady patterns on the bow (the main surface) for a sustained, shimmering sound. The bell offers a distinct “ping” for accents and rhythmic drive.
- Crashing: Hit the edge for a loud, explosive sound. This adds excitement and punctuation to your playing.
- Musical Styles:
- Rock and Metal: Heavier, larger crash rides work well here. They cut through loud guitars and have a strong presence.
- Jazz and Fusion: Lighter, thinner crash rides with a more complex sound are popular. They offer a trashy crash and a nuanced ride.
- Pop and Funk: Medium-weight crash rides offer a good balance for most pop and funk music. They can crash with impact and ride with clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a crash ride cymbal?
A: A crash ride cymbal is a drum cymbal that can be used for both riding and crashing. It has a sound that works well for both steady rhythmic patterns and explosive accents.
Q: What is the difference between a crash cymbal and a ride cymbal?
A: A crash cymbal is designed for loud, short bursts of sound. A ride cymbal is meant for sustained rhythmic playing. A crash ride can do both.
Q: What size crash ride should I get?
A: For a brighter sound and faster music, try 18 or 20 inches. For a deeper, more powerful sound, go for 20 or 22 inches.
Q: Does the bell on a crash ride matter?
A: Yes, the bell is important. A prominent bell gives a clear “ping” for accents. A flatter bell blends more for a smoother ride sound.
Q: What is B20 bronze?
A: B20 bronze is a mix of 80% copper and 20% tin. It makes cymbals sound rich and musical.
Q: Is a hand-hammered cymbal better than a machine-made one?
A: Hand-hammered cymbals often have a more unique and complex sound. Machine-made cymbals are more consistent and usually less expensive.
Q: How does the finish affect the sound?
A: A brilliant, shiny finish usually makes a cymbal brighter and gives it more sustain. A traditional, matte finish can create a warmer sound.
Q: Can I use a crash ride for jazz music?
A: Yes, especially lighter, thinner crash rides. They offer a trashy crash and a nice ride sound for jazz.
Q: Are crash rides good for beginners?
A: Yes, medium-weight crash rides are very versatile and can be a great choice for beginners learning different techniques.
Q: How do I clean my crash ride cymbal?
A: You can use a cymbal cleaner and a soft cloth. Always follow the cleaner’s instructions. Gentle cleaning is best to protect the cymbal’s sound.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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