What is the size of the Zildjian Sweet Ride?

The Zildjian Sweet Ride featured in this article is 21 inches in diameter. This specific size is a signature aspect of the model, offering a unique balance between 20-inch and 22-inch alternatives.

What finishes are available for this cymbal?

The 21" Sweet Ride is available in two finishes: Traditional and Brilliant. It is the only ride cymbal in the A Zildjian series to offer this choice.

What is the typical price for a new Zildjian 21" Sweet Ride?

The typical retail price for this cymbal in the UK market is approximately £346. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Is the Sweet Ride suitable for recording?

Yes, it is highly regarded for its studio-ready sound. Its balanced overtones and precise stick definition make it a preferred choice for professional recording sessions.

Can the 21" Sweet Ride be used as a crash?

Absolutely. It is well-known for its 'crashable' qualities, offering a warm and powerful wash when struck on the edge, which is why many drummers use it as a dual-purpose ride/crash.

What genre of music is this cymbal best for?

The Sweet Ride is an all-purpose cymbal capable of spanning multiple genres. It is equally comfortable in rock, pop, jazz, and fusion settings.

How does the Traditional Finish affect the sound?

The Traditional Finish typically provides a warmer, more natural tone compared to the Brilliant Finish. It offers a slightly more controlled high-end response that blends easily with other cymbals.

What kind of stick definition does it provide?

It is known for providing precise stick definition. This ensures that every stroke is clear and audible, even when the cymbal starts to build up a wash.

Is this cymbal considered a heavy or light ride?

It is generally categorised as a medium-weight ride. This weight provides enough power for loud music while remaining thin enough to produce a musical wash and crash.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

While both are 21-inch rides, the Zildjian Sweet Ride is known for its classic A-series colourful overtones. The Masterwork Iris may offer different tonal complexities characteristic of its specific boutique manufacturing process.

Why is the Sweet Ride so popular among drummers?

Its popularity stems from its versatility and 'all-purpose' nature. It is reliable, sounds good in almost any musical context, and is built to a professional standard used by world-class drummers.

Does this cymbal come with a warranty?

As a standard Zildjian professional product, it typically includes a manufacturer's warranty against defects, though specific terms should be confirmed with the retailer at the time of purchase.

Gear article

Zildjian A 21" Sweet Ride (Traditional Finish)

The Zildjian A 21" Sweet Ride is a versatile, medium-weight ride cymbal known for its precise stick definition and warm wash. It is widely considered one of the most popular ride cymbals globally due to its ability to suit a variety of musical genres and studio environments.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Zildjian A 21" Sweet Ride is a cornerstone of the Zildjian Avedis line, representing a balanced approach to cymbal design. Constructed from the brand's proprietary B20 bronze alloy, this 21-inch model is specifically engineered to provide a blend of 'colourful' medium overtones and a responsive feel. The Traditional Finish offers a classic look and a slightly more controlled tonal response compared to its high-polish counterparts.

Notably, the 21" Sweet Ride is the only ride cymbal in the A Zildjian range that is manufactured in two distinct finishes: Traditional and Brilliant. The Traditional finish version is preferred by drummers seeking a more vintage aesthetic and a sound that sits naturally within a mix without excessive high-end shimmer.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of the Sweet Ride is its versatility. It is defined by:

Stick Definition: Clear and precise, allowing for intricate patterns to be heard distinctly even at higher volumes.
Wash: A warm, musical wash that supports the stick sound without overwhelming it.
Overtones: Captivating and colourful medium overtones that complement a wide range of drum kit configurations.
Crashability: Due to its medium weight and 21-inch diameter, it is frequently used as a large crash, providing a full-bodied explosion of sound that decays musically.

The cymbal is often described as 'studio-ready,' meaning its frequencies are naturally balanced in a way that requires minimal processing when recorded.

Professional Applications

Because it spans multiple genres, the Sweet Ride is a staple for professional drummers in rock, jazz, pop, and fusion. Its ability to transition from a light ping to a roaring wash makes it suitable for dynamic playing styles. World-class drummers frequently select this model for its reliability and its ability to blend with existing cymbal setups, such as those featuring Paiste Giant Beat or Istanbul Agop models.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional cymbals, the Sweet Ride occupies a middle ground between dry and bright. While the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or Meinl Byzance Extra Dry models might offer more specialist, dark textures, the Sweet Ride provides an all-purpose 'standard' sound. It is more robust than thin crashes like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch, yet more expressive and nuanced than entry-level brass alternatives like the Meinl HCS series.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the size of the Zildjian Sweet Ride?: The Zildjian Sweet Ride featured in this article is 21 inches in diameter. This specific size is a signature aspect of the model, offering a unique balance between 20-inch and 22-inch alternatives.
What finishes are available for this cymbal?: The 21" Sweet Ride is available in two finishes: Traditional and Brilliant. It is the only ride cymbal in the A Zildjian series to offer this choice.
What is the typical price for a new Zildjian 21" Sweet Ride?: The typical retail price for this cymbal in the UK market is approximately £346. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Is the Sweet Ride suitable for recording?: Yes, it is highly regarded for its studio-ready sound. Its balanced overtones and precise stick definition make it a preferred choice for professional recording sessions.
Can the 21" Sweet Ride be used as a crash?: Absolutely. It is well-known for its 'crashable' qualities, offering a warm and powerful wash when struck on the edge, which is why many drummers use it as a dual-purpose ride/crash.
What genre of music is this cymbal best for?: The Sweet Ride is an all-purpose cymbal capable of spanning multiple genres. It is equally comfortable in rock, pop, jazz, and fusion settings.
How does the Traditional Finish affect the sound?: The Traditional Finish typically provides a warmer, more natural tone compared to the Brilliant Finish. It offers a slightly more controlled high-end response that blends easily with other cymbals.
What kind of stick definition does it provide?: It is known for providing precise stick definition. This ensures that every stroke is clear and audible, even when the cymbal starts to build up a wash.
Is this cymbal considered a heavy or light ride?: It is generally categorised as a medium-weight ride. This weight provides enough power for loud music while remaining thin enough to produce a musical wash and crash.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: While both are 21-inch rides, the Zildjian Sweet Ride is known for its classic A-series colourful overtones. The Masterwork Iris may offer different tonal complexities characteristic of its specific boutique manufacturing process.
Why is the Sweet Ride so popular among drummers?: Its popularity stems from its versatility and 'all-purpose' nature. It is reliable, sounds good in almost any musical context, and is built to a professional standard used by world-class drummers.
Does this cymbal come with a warranty?: As a standard Zildjian professional product, it typically includes a manufacturer's warranty against defects, though specific terms should be confirmed with the retailer at the time of purchase.