Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (12)
$444.95
Guitar Center
4.5 (36)
$444.95
Amazon
4.3 (57)
$414.95 New
$400.46 Used (Like New)
Musician's Friend
5.0 (61)
$444.95
Thomann
4.7 (35)
$418.00
Gear4Music
£343.00

Average Price: $430

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "21'' Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover the magic of the 21'' Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride, a cymbal that resonates with musicality and versatility. Perfect for drummers spanning genres from jazz to rock, this ride cymbal offers a harmonious blend of sustain, shimmer, and colorful medium overtones. Crafted from Zildjian's secret bronze alloy formula, this cymbal's allure lies in its ability to deliver a balanced and musical tone, enriched by centuries-old finishing techniques.

With its medium weight and traditional hammering, the Sweet Ride stands out in any setting, whether on stage or in the studio. Its 21-inch size provides ample volume and projection, yet maintains a controlled, expressive sound. The cymbal's wide groove hammering and intricate lathing ensure that each strike produces a rich tapestry of shimmering overtones. Trusted by world-renowned drummers like Taylor Hawkins and Travis Barker, the Sweet Ride upholds Zildjian's legacy as the gold standard in cymbals.

Key Features:

  • All-purpose ride with colorful medium overtones
  • Cast from Zildjian's secret bronze alloy
  • Symmetrically machine-hammered and lathed
  • 21" size for optimal volume and projection
  • Medium weight for balanced sound
  • Traditional finish for classic appeal

Whether you're laying down grooves in the studio or igniting the stage, the Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride is your ticket to a dynamic and resonant musical experience.

Product specs

Type Ride
Size 21"
Weight Medium
Finish Traditional
Material B20, Cast Bronze
Volume Loud
Sound Medium
Sustain Long
Pitch Low to Mid
Bell Size Large
Balance Blend

FAQs

What genres is the 21'' Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride best suited for?

The 21'' Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride is highly versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of genres including rock, jazz, and pop. Its medium overtones and long sustain provide a balanced sound that complements various musical styles.

What is the sound profile of the Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride?

The Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride offers a medium sound with a blend of low to mid pitch and long sustain. Its large bell produces a loud volume, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recordings.

Is the Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride a good choice for loud playing environments?

Yes, the Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride is designed for loud playing environments. Its medium weight and large bell contribute to a powerful sound that can cut through dense mixes, making it a great choice for live gigs and louder musical settings.

What is the bell size on the 21'' Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride and how does it affect the sound?

The 21'' Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride features a large bell, which enhances its volume and projection. This characteristic allows for a pronounced bell sound with clear articulation, ideal for accentuating rhythms in various musical contexts.

How does the traditional finish of the Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride impact its sound?

The traditional finish of the Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride contributes to its classic tonal quality, providing a warm and rich sound. This finish aids in producing a balanced blend of frequencies, making it suitable for diverse musical applications.

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 21" A Zildjian Sweet Ride

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - 21" A Zildjian Sweet Ride by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 21" A Zildjian Sweet Ride

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for A. Zildjian 21" Sweet Ride: Traditional vs. Brilliant Finish by Boston Drum Center

A. Zildjian 21" Sweet Ride: Traditional vs. Brilliant Finish

Boston Drum Center

Boston Drum Center

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 21" A Sweet Ride Cymbal - 2371g (A0079-1052918L) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 21" A Sweet Ride Cymbal - 2371g (A0079-1052918L)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 21" A Sweet Ride Cymbal - 2457g (A0079-1052522O) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 21" A Sweet Ride Cymbal - 2457g (A0079-1052522O)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 21" A Sweet Ride Cymbal - 2502g (A0079-1081123S) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 21" A Sweet Ride Cymbal - 2502g (A0079-1081123S)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for (SOLD) Cymbals - Zildjian 21" A Zildjian Sweet Ride by Philadelphia Drum & Percussion

(SOLD) Cymbals - Zildjian 21" A Zildjian Sweet Ride

Philadelphia Drum & Percussion

Philadelphia Drum & Percussion

Reviews

PROS

  • Extremely versatile, suitable for jazz, punk, rock, and more

  • Excellent crash sound for ride cymbal, great for crash-riding

  • Balanced ping and wash for dynamic playability

  • Bright, attractive appearance that complements any drum kit

  • High-quality construction with beautiful tone and sustain

  • Great articulation with well-projected bell sound

  • Wide dynamic range, performs well in various venues

  • Minimal overtones, avoids sounding trashy

CONS

  • Requires forceful hits to achieve full crash sound

  • May be too bright for some preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 21'' Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride.

Comparisons

  • The 21" A Sweet Ride is brighter with moderate stick definition, while the 20" K Ride offers a darker tone with clearer stick definition.

    Source
  • The K Sweet Ride is described as having a "breathiness" in its decay, providing complexity and richness, while remaining crashable and present in the mix.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The A Sweet Ride's bell is noted as functional but not its strongest aspect, excelling more in wash and crash.

    Source
  • The size of the logo on Zildjian cymbals indicates age; larger logos are newer, but this doesn't affect performance.

    Source
  • The K Sweet Ride balances a medium weight with a complex sound, offering a middle ground that avoids being too pingy while maintaining presence in mixes.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A Sweet Ride is preferred for rock or pop due to its ability to cut through guitar-heavy mixes, whereas the K Ride suits jazz and nuanced genres.

    Source
  • The A Sweet Ride is praised for versatility in louder settings, while the K Ride is favored for intimate venues and recording for its clean, dark tone.

    Source
  • The Sweet Ride is praised for its versatility, making it a popular choice for various music styles if in good condition.

    Source
  • The A Sweet Ride is noted for its suitability in rock and heavy genres due to its bright, cutting tones, but it may be too aggressive for more nuanced settings.

    Source
  • It's reported that bright, cutting cymbals like the A Sweet Ride can be fatiguing over time for both the drummer and the audience, especially in a rock setting.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the A Sweet Ride to sound more gong-like compared to other models like the K Sweet 21".

    Source
  • Users emphasize the importance of trying cymbals in person because even identical models can vary significantly in weight and overtone characteristics due to production differences.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 21" Zildjian A Series Sweet Ride for $150 is considered a great deal if it's free of cracks or damage.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to check the cymbal for cracks along the edge, in the lathing marks, and around the hole, and to listen for rattling when testing.

    Source

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Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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