I need another ride

[Sambo84]

OK so currently my main ride is a Zildjian K Custom Dry ride (20") and I have loved it from the first moment I tapped on it in the store. It is without a doubt my favorite ride and the prize of my collection.. HOWEVER, I'm starting to think that while it's a great cymbal and somewhat versatile, it can only go so far for certain applications. For generality's sake, I play mostly jazz, old and new, swing, bop, latin, fusion, etc. And I think this ride is well suited for a 'modern' jazz sound, very dark and complex, with stick definition for days. But I think I'd like an alternate ride, something with a little more traditional washy sound. You can't hide anything from the dry ride, it's heavy and pingy, and not much give. I think I'd like another ride with a little more wash, maybe something thinner. All my current cymbals are Zildjian, so in all honestly Zildjian is mainly what I'm looking at but I'm not turning away any suggestions. If I had my druthers I'd probably spring for a 24" Constantinople but cost is certainly a consideration here. I may want something bigger than my 20" so I am probably looking at a 22" or so. Some I'm interested in include the K Light Ride, Armand 21" ride and the Dark Ride (although this one may be too similar to my current dry ride). I'm not averse to buying used, but I find it very hard to know what's what when it comes to buying vintage cymbals. Most are advertised online as simply "vintage zildjian" or "old 60's ride" which doesn't mean much to me, and of course I don't really have the chance to hear or play it. So what are some suggestions?

FYI here's what I have currently setup:

16" A thin crash
18" Armand med. thin crash
13" hats (K top, A mastersound bottom)
19" K china
20" K custom dry ride


As you can see I like about anything in the A or K lines (not a fan of A Customs). I like the Armand crash too but even the med. thin seems almost too thin. I haven't tried the ride but like I said it's a consideration.

 

[Coelacanth]

I have a 20" Avedis Zildjian from the early 60's that is dry, washy, and crashable. It's a keeper for me even though it's not my own favorite Ride, because one day I'll be putting it to use, I imagine. It's also beautiful just to look at. I'd recommend you keep your eyes open for A.Zildjians from that era. I got mine for $40.

 

[RyanR]

Old A's are really something!... a guitar player friend has a nice 20" that's to die for.

Check out cymbalsonly.com for a feel for what other brands can offer.

On the inexpensive side of things, some of the Dream Bliss cymbals can be pretty nice.

-Ryan

 

[mountainhick]

PM sent

 

[EvEnStEvEn]

I have a K. Custom Dry too - Have you tried the K. Custom Dry Light?

Played both of mine again today for comparison's sake before posting here.
The Dry Light is still dry, but thinner & more open with a less dominant ping than the Dry.
Truly an addictive ride. Once I put it on the stand it usually stays there for weeks.

 

[drewbertca]

If you want something washy and want to experiment with another brand try a 22" Dream Vintage Bliss Crash/ride.....mine is quite ridable, very washy and crashes amazing though very dark sounding...

 

[Ludwig Von Buzztoven]

They didn't make it in a 22", but if you can find one, I'd seriously look at the A.Z. & Cie "Vintage" ride Zildjian discontinued a couple of years ago. They didn't make them for very long, but they are very sweet cymbals.

Buzz

 

[BennyK]

Why not a K regular med. ride? Or a Sabian HH medium.
I have to agree, that some of those vintage A's fit in a lot of situations as well.
If its drier that you like, going to a 22 will give more wash.And for that, the K Con's cant be beat.

 

[Powertone]

The 22" K light ride might be just what you are looking for. I've got one and have a hard time taking it off the stand. I actually have it set up with a 20" K Cust Dry Light ride that two compliment each other beautifully. Evensteven described the dry light very well. Enjoy the hunt.

 

[madchops82]

19 armand. or old 20 light a.

 

[mtarrani]

19 armand. or old 20 light a.

That 19" Armand Beautiful Baby is amazing. I have a 50s 18" A crash/ride on eBay right now that is just beautiful. Been divesting myself of extra cymbals lately, which is the only reason it's up there.

 

[Pounder]

Look at the K Constantinople thin rides. They're really nice and should compliment your K Dry ride well.