Need a new Ride Cymbal; Any suggestions?

[Isaac Lee]

Hey guys. I'm in the market for a new ride and would like to get something that is versatile but not too washy. I just sold my HHX Groove ride because it just washed out too quickly. I'm going to be playing rock, fusion, funk, singer/songwriter, ect.

Eventually I'd like to get several rides but for now I need something versatile. Probably going to stick with Zildjian too btw. But I'm open to other suggestions. And if anyone can recommend a combo of 2-3 rides to have a nice variety to choose from by all means let me know what you think.

Thanks guys.

[Gaddabout]

I don't think you can go wrong with a K, but before you do anything, go check out the Hybrids. I've fallen in love with the whole line ... except the hi-hats, which I just prefer dark, heavy, and crispy. The 20" Hybrid ride is the king of that entire line. To my hears it rides like K Custom -- same ping articulation -- but it has more broad-spectrum spread like an A Custom (whereas the other K Custom rides sit way in the darker, low-end wash of cymbals). I really can't imagine a more versatile ride cymbal.

[Josiah]

i second that! my 21" hybrid is one of my favorite rides now. though i really dig on my A medium ride as well.

[Isaac Lee]

I actually played Steve's 20in Hybrid and I really liked it. I didn't know they made a 21in version though. Definately going to consider this one.

Tomorrow I'm going to check out the 22in A Custom (not the medium ride) and a 22in K Lite. We'll see how those stack up.

I found this nice 21in k Custom Special dry that is pretty killer but I'm afraid it won't be versatile enough.

Steve, whats the size/model of that K ride you have been using?

[DSOP]

You work at Guitar Center, don't you? If you play with fairly heavy sticks, pick up a 22" Paiste Dark Energy Mark 2.

[Richie Jarvis]

I have a lot of cymbals (mostly rides) and I can never go past my K Custom 20" Dark Ride.

Hybrids are nice but the Paiste Signature 20" Dry Ride is one cracker of a cymbal.

Good Luck.

[Josiah]

I found this nice 21in k Custom Special dry that is pretty killer but I'm afraid it won't be versatile enough.

the special dry is one rad cymbal, but i would lean towards it not having the muscle if you are playing heavier stuff. the paiste twenty customs masters phds or whatever are some amazing rides as well

[Cheggs]

Yeah, the K Custom Special Dry definitely doesn't cut through very much. I've got one. Amazing cymbal. But definitely a very 'jazzy' ride.
I would recommend a K Dark Medium Ride. I've got a 22" (pretty sure there's a 20" version too) and it works perfectly in a lot of different situations. Gorgeous sounding cymbal. People always want to steal mine. Definitely check it out.
Good luck man!

[Isaac Lee]

You work at Guitar Center, don't you? If you play with fairly heavy sticks, pick up a 22" Paiste Dark Energy Mark 2.

Yes I do work at GC. I'm familiar with our cymbal stock and the common go-to-cymbals. But, I value the opinion of others and do appreciate the feedback none the less.

We don't stock any Dark Energy Paistes but I'll look into them. I get 75% off retail on Paiste. But I'm not a big Paiste fan. At least not the stamped stuff. I hate the way the stick feels on those plates.

[gretsch-o-rama]

22" K Dark Medium Ride...