A Ride That Works Wherever You Play
Every drummer needs a reliable ride at the center of their kit — one that holds a groove, responds to your stick, and gets out of the way when you need it to. The Zildjian S Series 20" Medium Ride is exactly that cymbal. It strikes a genuine balance between stick definition and wash, making it comfortable across a range of styles without forcing you to commit to just one sound.
At 20 inches, this is the sweet spot in the S Medium Ride lineup. It's big enough for a full, musical sound with plenty of sustain, but controlled enough that it won't swallow your mix. Whether you're keeping time on a jazz gig or locking into a rock groove, the 20" size delivers what Zildjian calls a "balanced blend" — and it really does deliver on that.
The S Series sits in Zildjian's intermediate range, and it's a smart choice for drummers who are ready to step up from entry-level brass or B8 cymbals without breaking the bank on pro-tier B20 bronze.
B12 Bronze: The Sweet Spot in the Zildjian Lineup
Zildjian's S Series is built from B12 bronze — an alloy of 88% copper and 12% tin. That places it right between Zildjian's budget B8 bronze and their premium B20 bronze, offering a balanced range of lows, mids, and highs with the shimmer and smokiness Zildjian is known for.
The result is a cymbal with a bright, modern character that cuts through a mix without being harsh or brittle. You get clarity where you need it — on the stick and in the bell — and enough warmth in the wash to round out your overall sound.
Lathed, Hammered, and Brilliantly Finished
Both the top and bottom of this ride are fully lathed, which opens up the sound and adds sustain. Extensive machine hammering tightens up the tone and helps it project evenly at different volumes. The brilliant finish isn't just for looks (though it does look sharp under stage lights) — it also contributes to the cymbal's brighter, more cutting character and increased sustain.
The medium weight keeps the stick response crisp and the bell clear and defined. You'll hear your ride patterns with good articulation, and the bell has enough presence to cut through when you lean into it.
Product Features:
-
Series: Zildjian S Family (S Series)
-
Size: 20 inches
-
Weight: Medium
-
Material: B12 bronze (88% copper, 12% tin)
-
Finish: Brilliant
-
Construction: Lathed top and bottom for openness and sustain
-
Hammering: Extensive machine hammering for bright sound and even dynamics
-
Sound character: Clean stick response, defined bell, soft-edged wash
-
Style versatility: Suitable for a wide range of musical styles
Brand: Zildjian
Model: S Medium Ride
SKU: S20MR
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.
