A Darker Voice, Ready for Anything
Sometimes you just want a ride that sits back a little — one that keeps your patterns clear without washing out everything underneath. That's exactly the lane the Zildjian 20" S Dark Ride occupies. It's sized and shaped for versatility, but its real calling card is a tonal character that leans noticeably darker than a typical S series cymbal.
The S Dark Ride is built from B12 bronze — 88% copper and 12% tin — and finished with Zildjian's proprietary hand-applied dark coating. That coating isn't just cosmetic: it contributes to the cymbal's warmer, lower fundamental. Because each one is hand-finished individually, you may notice subtle color variation from one S Dark cymbal to the next. Zildjian is upfront about this — it's part of the process, and the sound profile stays consistent regardless.
Whether you're tracking in a studio, playing a quieter venue, or just tired of bright, washy rides dominating your mix, the S Dark Ride gives you controlled articulation and a clear bell that cuts through without screaming.
Sound Character: Dark, Dry, and Balanced
The S Dark Ride resonates with lower overtones and a hint of dryness — two qualities that tend to make ride patterns feel more intentional and musical in the mix. You get excellent stick response and blend, so your ride work stays readable at any dynamic. Strike the bell and it rings out clearly and distinctly, giving you a reliable accent point without excessive sustain.
This is a medium-weight ride, which keeps it balanced between stiffness and responsiveness. It won't fight you when you play softer, and it doesn't go uncontrollably washy when you dig in harder. Players who find bright rides fatiguing often appreciate the more relaxed, lower-overtone character the S Dark brings to the kit.
Construction: B12 Bronze with a Proprietary Dark Finish
The S Dark series uses Zildjian's B12 alloy across the board. Compared to B8 cymbals, B12 adds complexity and a fuller frequency response — you get more of the low and mid content that makes a ride feel grounded rather than thin. Zildjian pairs that with random hammering and the S Dark's unique proprietary finishing process, which pushes the tonality darker than a standard lathed-and-polished cymbal of the same size.
The result is a 20" ride that can serve a wide range of musical settings — from jazz and funk where a controlled, dry character is prized, to rock and pop where you want a ride that blends rather than dominates.
Product Features:
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Series: Zildjian S Family — S Dark sub-series
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Size: 20 inches
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Type: Ride
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Weight: Medium
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Material: B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin)
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Finish: Random hammering with Zildjian proprietary Dark coating, hand-finished
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Sound Character: Low overtones, hint of dryness, excellent blend and stick response
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Bell: Clear and defined bell voice
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Note: Individual color variation is normal — each S Dark cymbal is uniquely hand-finished
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SKU / Part Number: SD20R
Brand: Zildjian
Model: S Dark Ride
SKU: SD20R
Condition: New
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
