What is the primary material used in the Zildjian S Family 20" Medium Ride?

This cymbal is constructed from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is chosen for its balanced frequency response and bright tonal characteristics.

How does the bell sound on this model?

The 20" Medium Ride features a well-defined and clear bell. It is designed to be prominent and articulate, making it suitable for accented patterns in various musical genres.

Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?

While it is a versatile cymbal, it is a standard acoustic ride. For dedicated low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.

What musical genres suit the S Series 20" Medium Ride?

Zildjian describes this as an all-purpose ride cymbal. Its clean mid-range and balanced blend allow it to fit into almost any musical style, including rock, pop, and jazz.

How does the stick response compare to thinner cymbals?

The Medium weight provides a cleaner, more articulate stick response than thinner cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. This ensures rhythmic patterns remain distinct rather than becoming a wash of sound.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price range for the Zildjian S Family 20" Medium Ride is approximately £192. This positions it as a mid-range option for serious students and gigging drummers.

How does the size affect its sound in a mix?

The 20-inch diameter provides a well-balanced blend of frequencies. It is large enough to offer a full sound but remains controlled enough to sit cleanly in a live or recorded mix.

Does this ride cymbal have a bright or dark character?

The S Series is generally characterized by a bright, modern sound. Its B12 alloy and medium weight focus on strong mid-range and high-end clarity rather than the dark, earthy tones found in B20 cymbals.

Can the 20" Medium Ride be used as a crash?

While it is primarily a ride cymbal, its medium weight allows for some crashing capability. However, it will be much louder and have a longer decay than a dedicated crash like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash.

How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Zildjian S Series is a step up from entry-level series like the Meinl HCS. It uses B12 bronze instead of brass or B8, offering a more professional tonal range and better projection.

Is the finish on this cymbal brilliant or traditional?

The Zildjian S Family features a brilliant finish. This contribute to its bright, shimmering sound and provides a sleek, reflective aesthetic on stage.

What are the alternatives for someone looking for a 13-14 inch hi-hat instead?

If looking for hi-hats rather than a ride, notable options include the Paiste Giant Beat 14", UFIP Class Series 14" Light, or the UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi-Hats, depending on the desired brightness and weight.

Gear article

Zildjian S Family 20" Medium Ride Cymbal

The Zildjian S Family 20" Medium Ride is a versatile B12 alloy cymbal designed to provide a balanced frequency response for various musical settings. It is characterised by its clean stick definition and a prominent, well-defined bell, positioning it as an all-purpose choice within Zildjian's mid-range offerings.

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Background and Design

The S Family was developed by Zildjian to provide a modern, expressive voice for drummers who require more projection than traditional B20 bronze cymbals often provide, while maintaining a more refined tone than entry-level brass or B8 series. The 20" Medium Ride serves as the foundational ride cymbal of this series, engineered using B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin). This specific alloy choice allows for a bright, shimmer-heavy profile that sits comfortably between professional-grade cast cymbals and student-level models.

Technical Features

The Zildjian S Series 20" Medium Ride features comprehensive lathing and hammering techniques that contribute to its consistent response. Key specifications include:

Diameter: 20 inches, offering a standard footprint for balanced resonance.
Bell Character: A well-defined, clear bell that cuts through high-volume arrangements.
Stick Response: Designed for a clean, articulate response that prevents the sound from becoming washed out during fast patterns.
Mid-Range Focus: A strong focus on mid-range frequencies ensures the cymbal remains audible in a dense musical mix.

Sonic Character

The sound of the S Family 20" Medium Ride is defined by its reliability and balance. It produces a strong, clean mid-range tone that avoids the overly dark overtones of thin cymbals or the harsh metallic ring of heavier models. The stick definition is sharp, allowing for rhythmic precision, while the overall sustain is controlled to ensure the cymbal sits cleanly in a mix without overpowering other instruments.

Market Positioning

This cymbal is marketed as an all-purpose tool suitable for nearly any musical style, from pop and rock to jazz and fusion. At a price point of approximately £192, it targets intermediate players or professionals seeking a reliable workhorse. While alternatives such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the Paiste Giant Beat series offer different tonal textures—such as dryness or vintage warmth—the Zildjian S Series focuses on a modern, bright utility that serves as a standard for general-purpose drumming.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Zildjian S Family 20" Medium Ride?: This cymbal is constructed from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is chosen for its balanced frequency response and bright tonal characteristics.
How does the bell sound on this model?: The 20" Medium Ride features a well-defined and clear bell. It is designed to be prominent and articulate, making it suitable for accented patterns in various musical genres.
Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?: While it is a versatile cymbal, it is a standard acoustic ride. For dedicated low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.
What musical genres suit the S Series 20" Medium Ride?: Zildjian describes this as an all-purpose ride cymbal. Its clean mid-range and balanced blend allow it to fit into almost any musical style, including rock, pop, and jazz.
How does the stick response compare to thinner cymbals?: The Medium weight provides a cleaner, more articulate stick response than thinner cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. This ensures rhythmic patterns remain distinct rather than becoming a wash of sound.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Zildjian S Family 20" Medium Ride is approximately £192. This positions it as a mid-range option for serious students and gigging drummers.
How does the size affect its sound in a mix?: The 20-inch diameter provides a well-balanced blend of frequencies. It is large enough to offer a full sound but remains controlled enough to sit cleanly in a live or recorded mix.
Does this ride cymbal have a bright or dark character?: The S Series is generally characterized by a bright, modern sound. Its B12 alloy and medium weight focus on strong mid-range and high-end clarity rather than the dark, earthy tones found in B20 cymbals.
Can the 20" Medium Ride be used as a crash?: While it is primarily a ride cymbal, its medium weight allows for some crashing capability. However, it will be much louder and have a longer decay than a dedicated crash like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash.
How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Zildjian S Series is a step up from entry-level series like the Meinl HCS. It uses B12 bronze instead of brass or B8, offering a more professional tonal range and better projection.
Is the finish on this cymbal brilliant or traditional?: The Zildjian S Family features a brilliant finish. This contribute to its bright, shimmering sound and provides a sleek, reflective aesthetic on stage.
What are the alternatives for someone looking for a 13-14 inch hi-hat instead?: If looking for hi-hats rather than a ride, notable options include the Paiste Giant Beat 14", UFIP Class Series 14" Light, or the UFIP Bionic Series 13" Hi-Hats, depending on the desired brightness and weight.