Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (10)
$364.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (4)
$364.95
Amazon
4.2 (17)
$309.99 Used
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$256.14 New
$269.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (3)
$364.95
Thomann
4.3 (9)
$339.00
Gear4Music
£302.50

Average Price: $324

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride is a remarkable blend of compact design and expansive sound, perfect for drummers seeking articulate and expressive performance. Crafted from the legendary B20 bronze, this ride cymbal stands out with its unlathed top and bottom surfaces, offering a tightly controlled, dry sound that's ideal for small venues or intimate studio sessions. The Uptown Ride features pronounced stick definition, ensuring every strike is heard with clarity, while its dark, throaty wash and devilish crash provide a layer of complexity and musicality that suits a range of styles from jazz to rock.

Its reduced size doesn't compromise on power, making it a versatile addition to both compact and larger drum setups. Whether you're performing in cozy clubs or laying down tracks in the studio, the Uptown Ride delivers a sophisticated sound palette with minimal overtones, allowing for precise control and dynamic versatility. The extensive hammering across its surface enhances its expressiveness, making it a preferred choice for drummers who demand both portability and a rich sonic character.

Key Features:

  • Size: 18"
  • A-Series ride cymbal
  • Crafted from B20 bronze
  • Unlathed top and bottom for dry, controlled sound
  • Pronounced stick definition with minimal overtones
  • Dark, throaty wash with a complex, devilish crash
  • Extensive hammering for enhanced expressiveness
  • Ideal for smaller drum kits and percussion setups

Product specs

Type Ride
Size 18"
Weight Medium
Finish Natural
Material B20
Volume General
Sound Dark
Sustain Short
Pitch Mid

FAQs

What is the sound profile of the Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride?

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride offers a dark sound with pronounced stick definition, minimal overtones, and a short sustain, making it ideal for controlled and articulate playing.

Is the Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride suitable for quieter playing environments?

Yes, the Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride is well-suited for quieter settings due to its controlled volume and short sustain, providing clear articulation without overwhelming the mix.

What material is the Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride made from?

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride is crafted from B20 bronze, known for its durability and rich, complex sound characteristics.

How does the finish of the Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride affect its sound?

The natural finish of the Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride contributes to its dark, dry sound with a tightly defined stick response and reduced overtones.

Cymbal Swap

Cymbal Swap

Cymbal Swap 18" Zildjian A Uptown Ride Cymbal Review

Video thumbnail for Cymbal Swap 18" Zildjian A Uptown Ride Cymbal Review by Cymbal Swap

Cymbal Swap 18" Zildjian A Uptown Ride Cymbal Review

Cymbal Swap

Cymbal Swap

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional control and articulation, ideal for small venues

  • Unique dry and dark sound with minimal wash

  • Distinctive unlathed, unpolished finish with a weathered look

  • Versatile, suitable for jazz, pop, and rock genres

  • Compact 18" size, great for smaller kits or apartment drummers

  • Warm wash and deep bell with good stick definition

  • Crashes well despite its primary ride function

  • Perfect for low-volume settings, balances well with microkits

  • Excellent for small venue gigging, especially in jazz combos

  • Strong character and individuality as a secondary ride option

CONS

  • Smaller bell size might not suit all preferences

  • Extremely dry and quiet might not suit all projects or styles

  • Lacks the rich sound of more traditional, refined cymbals

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 18" A Custom Uptown Ride.

Comparisons

  • The 18" Zildjian Uptown ride reportedly pairs well with Istanbul Agop Xist dry dark 13” hi-hats, offering a harmonious blend that some users feel is perfectly matched.

    Source
  • Users have observed that the Memphis Drum Shop pairs the Uptown ride with 15" K Light hi-hats, suggesting a preference for K series hats for a cohesive sound.

    Source
  • The Uptown Ride is considered more suitable for breakbeats compared to traditional jazz rides, leading some to suggest vintage thin A Zildjian rides for a classic jazz sound.

    Source
  • The K Custom High Definition and K Custom Hybrid Rides are alternatives suggested for better stick definition, though they differ in pitch from the Uptown Ride.

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  • Some users find the original Zildjian Breakbeat rides offer more tone and stick definition compared to the Uptown Ride, which is perceived as too dry by some.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Uptown ride is favored as a go-to cymbal due to its versatility, making it suitable for various musical styles when paired with the right hi-hats.

    Source
  • The Zildjian 18" Uptown Ride is effectively used as a left-hand ride for jazz trios and combos, providing an additional higher-pitched option alongside a 22" ride.

    Source
  • The original Breakbeat ride is highly sought after for its specific sound, leading some users to prioritize acquiring the complete set, including matching hi-hats.

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User experience

  • After exploring various options, owners appreciate the Uptown Ride's stick definition and articulation, finding it fits well in smaller jazz settings.

    Source
  • Owners of the original Breakbeat rides appreciate their rarity and unique sound qualities, opting to purchase multiple units due to their scarcity.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users are curious about adding rivets to the Uptown Ride for enhanced sound versatility, particularly for smaller venues.

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Features and functionality

  • It's noted that the Uptown Ride lacks the personality some drummers find in the original Breakbeat ride, suggesting differences in tonal character.

    Source

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