What is the diameter of the Zildjian S Family Medium Ride?

This specific model has a diameter of 24 inches, making it one of the largest cymbals in the S Family range.

What type of finish does this cymbal have?

The Zildjian S Family 24" Medium Ride features a fully lathed surface on both the top and bottom, which helps facilitate immediate stick response.

Is the bell design separate or integrated?

The cymbal features an integrated bell design. This construction choice helps provide a long trailing sustain, even when the cymbal is hit softly.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £236. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

What kind of wash does the 24-inch diameter provide?

The 24-inch diameter is designed to provide a long trailing wash. This creates a full, atmospheric sound that sits behind the primary stick strikes.

Is this cymbal suitable for fast, technical playing?

Yes, the fully lathed surface is specifically designed to allow for immediate stick response. This makes it an ideal choice for drummers who utilise fast and intricate playing techniques.

How does the sustain behave at lower volumes?

The cymbal is engineered to maintain a long trailing sustain even at the softest of hits. The integrated bell and large diameter ensure the sound carries regardless of velocity.

Which brand manufactures this ride cymbal?

This ride cymbal is manufactured by Zildjian, a historic brand known for producing a wide variety of percussion instruments.

How does this cymbal compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

The Zildjian S Family 24" is significantly larger than the 21" Masterwork Iris. This results in a more powerful projection and a longer trailing wash compared to the smaller Masterwork model.

Can this ride be used in high-volume settings?

Yes, it is described by Zildjian as one of their most powerful ride cymbals to date. Its size and construction are specifically geared toward projection and volume.

What is the weight category of this Zildjian S cymbal?

This cymbal is classified as a 'Medium' ride. This weight provides a balance between stick definition and the ability for the cymbal to 'wash' or crash.

How does it differ from a low-volume cymbal pack?

Unlike products such as the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack, the Zildjian S Family 24" Medium Ride is a full-volume bronze cymbal. It is designed for maximum projection rather than practice-level noise reduction.

Gear article

Zildjian S Family 24" Medium Ride Cymbal

The Zildjian S Family 24" Medium Ride Cymbal is a large-format percussion instrument engineered for maximum projection and sustain. Part of the Zildjian S series, it is noted for its powerful presence, integrated bell design, and full lathing for responsive stick feel.

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Overview

The Zildjian S Family 24" Medium Ride represents one of the largest and most powerful ride cymbals in Zildjian's contemporary catalogue. Designed to bridge the gap between entry-level and professional bronze cymbals, the S Family utilises a B12 alloy (88% copper, 12% tin) to achieve a balanced frequency response. The 24-inch diameter is specifically chosen to provide a massive sonic footprint, offering a blend of volume and overtone complexity that smaller cymbals cannot replicate.

Design and Construction

This cymbal features a fully lathed top and bottom surface, a process that opens up the sound and ensures the metal responds immediately to stick impact. A defining characteristic is its integrated bell design. Unlike cymbals where the bell is a separate tonal entity, the S Family 24" Medium Ride's bell is shaped to contribute to a long, trailing sustain that remains audible even during soft passages or intricate playing.

Performance and Character

The sound profile of this ride is characterised by a 'long trailing wash' and significant sustain. Because of its 24-inch surface area, the cymbal produces a deep, shimmering bed of sound underneath the initial stick definition. Despite its size, the fully lathed surface allows for 'immediate stick response', making it surprisingly capable of handling fast, intricate techniques without the sound becoming choked or sluggish.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the wider market, the S Family 24" Medium Ride occupies a specific niche for drummers seeking maximum diameter at a mid-range price point. While cymbals like the Masterwork Iris 21" Ride offer a different tonal palette, the Zildjian S 24" provides significantly more projection and wash. It serves as a high-volume alternative to smaller, dry cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or specialized hats such as the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats, focusing on sheer presence and sustain rather than quick decay.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of the Zildjian S Family Medium Ride?: This specific model has a diameter of 24 inches, making it one of the largest cymbals in the S Family range.
What type of finish does this cymbal have?: The Zildjian S Family 24" Medium Ride features a fully lathed surface on both the top and bottom, which helps facilitate immediate stick response.
Is the bell design separate or integrated?: The cymbal features an integrated bell design. This construction choice helps provide a long trailing sustain, even when the cymbal is hit softly.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £236. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
What kind of wash does the 24-inch diameter provide?: The 24-inch diameter is designed to provide a long trailing wash. This creates a full, atmospheric sound that sits behind the primary stick strikes.
Is this cymbal suitable for fast, technical playing?: Yes, the fully lathed surface is specifically designed to allow for immediate stick response. This makes it an ideal choice for drummers who utilise fast and intricate playing techniques.
How does the sustain behave at lower volumes?: The cymbal is engineered to maintain a long trailing sustain even at the softest of hits. The integrated bell and large diameter ensure the sound carries regardless of velocity.
Which brand manufactures this ride cymbal?: This ride cymbal is manufactured by Zildjian, a historic brand known for producing a wide variety of percussion instruments.
How does this cymbal compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: The Zildjian S Family 24" is significantly larger than the 21" Masterwork Iris. This results in a more powerful projection and a longer trailing wash compared to the smaller Masterwork model.
Can this ride be used in high-volume settings?: Yes, it is described by Zildjian as one of their most powerful ride cymbals to date. Its size and construction are specifically geared toward projection and volume.
What is the weight category of this Zildjian S cymbal?: This cymbal is classified as a 'Medium' ride. This weight provides a balance between stick definition and the ability for the cymbal to 'wash' or crash.
How does it differ from a low-volume cymbal pack?: Unlike products such as the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack, the Zildjian S Family 24" Medium Ride is a full-volume bronze cymbal. It is designed for maximum projection rather than practice-level noise reduction.