Professional 20" Medium Ride Cymbal

This 20" Medium Ride cymbal delivers the perfect balance of stick definition, wash, and crash-ability that makes it the most versatile ride cymbal size and weight. Whether you're playing jazz, rock, funk, or any genre in between, this medium-weight ride provides clear articulation for riding patterns while offering enough body to cut through any mix. The 20" diameter is the industry standard for good reason—it's large enough for full, musical tone yet manageable enough for precise control.

Medium Weight - The Goldilocks of Ride Cymbals

Medium weight ride cymbals strike the perfect balance between light and heavy models. They offer clear stick definition for intricate ride patterns while providing enough volume and sustain for crash riding and accents. The medium weight responds beautifully to dynamic playing, from soft jazz brushwork to aggressive rock backbeats. This versatility makes medium rides the most popular choice among drummers across all genres.

20" Diameter - Industry Standard Size

The 20" ride cymbal is the most common and versatile size for several reasons:

• Balanced Tone: Not too bright (like 18"), not too dark (like 22")
• Clear Stick Definition: Articulate ping for riding patterns
• Controlled Wash: Musical sustain without overwhelming the mix
• Crash-able: Can be crashed for accents and transitions
• Versatile Volume: Works in quiet jazz clubs and loud rock venues
• Standard Setup: Fits perfectly in most drum kit configurations

Key Features:

• Size: 20 inches (50.8 cm) diameter
• Weight: Medium - balanced tone and volume
• Stick Definition: Clear, articulate ping for riding patterns
• Wash: Controlled sustain and overtones
• Crash-ability: Can be crashed for accents without losing ride character
• Bell: Defined bell tone for accents and patterns
• Versatility: Suitable for all musical genres
• Dynamic Range: Responds to soft and loud playing
• Professional Quality: Durable construction for gigging and studio use

Perfect For All Musical Styles

The 20" medium ride is truly an all-genre cymbal:

Jazz: Clear stick definition for swing patterns, responsive to brushes, musical wash for ride cymbal melodies

Rock: Cuts through loud guitars and bass, crash-able for powerful accents, sustains through heavy backbeats

Funk/R&B: Articulate for tight grooves, responds to ghost notes and dynamics, clean stick sound for intricate patterns

Pop/Country: Balanced tone that sits well in mixes, versatile enough for varied song dynamics, professional sound for recording

Metal/Hard Rock: Enough volume to cut through distorted guitars, defined ping for fast patterns, crash-able for aggressive accents

Tone Characteristics:

• Ping: Clear and defined stick articulation
• Wash: Moderate sustain with musical overtones
• Bell: Bright, cutting bell tone for accents
• Crash: Full-bodied crash when struck on the edge
• Overall Character: Balanced, versatile, professional

Playing Techniques:

• Riding: Play on the bow for classic ride cymbal patterns
• Bell: Strike the bell for accents and louder passages
• Crash Riding: Play on the edge for washy, crash-like tones
• Shoulder: Play between bow and edge for varied tones
• Crash: Strike firmly on the edge for full crash sound

Ideal For:

• Drummers seeking one versatile ride cymbal for all situations
• Players who perform multiple genres
• Studio drummers who need professional, recordable tone
• Gigging musicians who need reliable, consistent sound
• Students and intermediate players building their first quality cymbal setup
• Professionals who want a dependable workhorse ride
• Anyone replacing or upgrading their main ride cymbal

Setup and Positioning

The 20" ride typically mounts on a cymbal stand positioned to the drummer's right (for right-handed players), angled slightly toward the player for comfortable stick access. The cymbal should be mounted loosely enough to vibrate freely but secure enough to prevent excessive movement. Most drummers position the ride so the bow (main playing surface) is easily accessible while the bell remains within reach for accents.

Care and Maintenance

To keep your ride cymbal sounding its best:

• Clean regularly with cymbal cleaner or mild soap and water
• Dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent water spots
• Use proper cymbal felts and sleeves to prevent keyholing
• Don't over-tighten the wing nut—allow the cymbal to move freely
• Store in a cymbal bag when transporting to prevent damage
• Avoid striking the edge at extreme angles to prevent cracking

Specifications:

• Type: Ride Cymbal
• Size: 20 inches (50.8 cm)
• Weight: Medium
• Application: All musical genres
• Skill Level: Beginner to Professional
• Finish: Traditional or Brilliant (varies by model)
• Mounting: Standard center hole for cymbal stands

Why 20" Medium Ride?

If you could only own one ride cymbal, the 20" medium weight would be the smart choice. It's the most versatile combination of size and weight, suitable for virtually any musical situation. The 20" diameter provides enough surface area for full tone without being unwieldy, while the medium weight offers the perfect balance of stick definition and wash. This is why 20" medium rides are found in drum kits worldwide, from bedroom practice setups to world-famous recording studios and concert stages.

Professional Sound, Reliable Performance

A quality 20" medium ride cymbal is an investment that will serve you for years, possibly decades. Unlike drums that may need head changes or hardware that may wear out, a well-made cymbal maintains its sound indefinitely with proper care. This ride will become the foundation of your cymbal setup, the cymbal you reach for first, the sound that defines your kit. Whether you're recording your first album, playing your first paid gig, or simply enjoying drumming at home, this ride cymbal delivers professional tone and reliable performance every time you sit behind the kit.