If you are an experienced drummer, you're picky about your ride cymbals. If you're a novice, take it from the experts—you should be picky, too! This cymbal is a vital piece of any drum set, delivering the well-known sustained sound that musicians and fans alike have appreciated since the dawn of contemporary music. When you're dealing with such an important instrument, high standards are a good thing. Unlike the brief, fading sound of a crash cymbal, the ride cymbal produces a lasting tone that 'rides' with the music. Available in a broad range of sizes, these cymbals offer plenty of tonal options and volume levels that make it possible to accentuate any drum set or band composition. In conjunction with the hi-hat, the ride cymbal is a percussion essential that contributes immensely to your overall sound. No matter your individual style, there is a variety of ride cymbal to suit. For example, a crash/ride cymbal is ideal for high-impact music or as a more dramatic secondary ride cymbal to expand your assortment. Flat rides, a standby of jazz drummers, produce a quieter sound with enhanced clarity. For the drummer with more exotic tastes, swish, pang and sizzle cymbals are all specialty varieties of ride cymbal that can add a new dimension to the sound of any song. When you multiply the many sizes and varieties of ride cymbal by the assortment of different sticks, rutes and brushes available, the varieties of sound you can produce become virtually limitless. As if that weren't enough, the ride cymbal sounds differently depending on where it is struck: bell, bow or rim. If you play rock or metal, consider a ride cymbal with a larger bell to improve your accuracy in fast patterns. The ride cymbal is truly an amazing instrument—a versatile essential that no drummer should be without. Whether you're putting together your first set or looking for an upgrade, the right cymbal is out there for you.
