Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Average Price: $227

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Discover the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal, a versatile masterpiece that bridges the gap between precision craftsmanship and sonic brilliance. Handcrafted in a family-owned factory in the Wuhan region of China, each cymbal in the Contact series is a testament to the age-old art of traditional Chinese cymbal-making methods. This ride cymbal stands out with its wider lathing and larger bell, designed to deliver a bright, high-decibel response perfect for dynamic performances.

The Contact Series is celebrated for its ability to produce a vibrant tonal spread with remarkable volume. It offers a rich and warm sound, whether you're crashing or riding, making it an ideal choice for drummers seeking both power and subtlety. The medium weight and deep hammering patterns contribute to its unique sound, while the lively stick feel ensures an engaging playing experience. This cymbal is a true gem, immersing you in a sea of warmth with every strike, yet maintaining a shimmering wash that captivates any audience.

Embrace the individuality of your sound with each unique Dream cymbal, meticulously hand-hammered by master smiths to create an instrument that is as distinct as your musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Handcrafted using traditional Chinese cymbal-making methods
  • Wide tonal spread and marked volume for dynamic playing
  • Medium weight with deep hammering patterns
  • Larger bell and wider lathing for a bright and high-decibel response
  • Rich and warm sound, ideal for crashing or riding
  • Made from B23 Alloy (77% copper, 23% tin, traces of silver)

Product specs

Brand Dream Cymbals
Model 18" Contact Series Crash/Ride Cymbal, 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal
Year 2005 - 2025
Made In China
Categories Crash Cymbals, Ride Cymbals
Diameter 18"

FAQs

What genres is the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal best suited for?

The Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal is versatile and well-suited for a range of genres, including jazz, rock, and pop, thanks to its warm and rich tonal qualities and higher pitch.

Is the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal handmade?

Yes, the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal is handmade and hand-hammered by individual smiths, ensuring unique sound characteristics and craftsmanship.

How does the bell size of the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride affect its sound?

The larger bell of the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal contributes to a more traditional shape, enhancing its projection and clarity, especially in louder settings.

Can the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal be used as a crash cymbal?

Yes, the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal is exceptionally versatile and functions well as both a ride and crash cymbal, offering a dynamic range for different musical applications.

What is the sound profile of the Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal?

The Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal features a warm and rich sound with a higher pitch, making it ideal for both subtle and pronounced playing styles.

Reviews

PROS

  • Incredible sound and sustain, offering a dark and loud tone

  • Reminiscent of old school K's with a warm, musical tone

  • Opens up quickly, providing immediate responsiveness

  • Deep sound, ideal for diverse musical settings

  • Great tone even at the entry-level price point

  • Perfect for home recording studios seeking high-quality sound

  • Cost-effective option for upgrading cymbals

CONS

  • Not suitable for heavy hitters due to thinner manufacturing

  • Finish quality could be improved

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal.

Comparisons

  • The Dream Vintage Bliss 18" crash ride is favored for smaller kits, noted for its washiness and suitability with a light touch.

    Source
  • The Zildjian Uptown Ride is described as super dark with a dry ping and effective crashability, though it's noted as not the most versatile option.

    Source
  • The Sabian 19” Omni is praised for its versatility, while the 18” AAX Omni is critiqued as not suitable as a standalone ride.

    Source
  • Contact series cymbals are likened to Zildjian's A Series for their versatile and balanced sound, suitable for a variety of playing situations.

    Source
  • The Dream Gorilla ride, though in the Bliss line, suits metal and extreme music styles due to its heavy build and excellent articulation.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the Dream Contact 18” crash ride for its affordability, often found used for around $100.

    Source
  • One owner replaced the 18" ride with a 20" A Custom Medium Ride due to preference for a more consistent bell sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 18" Zildjian Symphonic cymbal, particularly the Viennese Tone, is highlighted for its dual crash/ride capability, though it's expensive and often recommended to check the used market.

    Source
  • Energy series cymbals are ideal for loud settings, akin to Zildjian's A Customs or old Z series, with their thick and bright projection.

    Source
  • Vintage Bliss line is favored for jazz, blues, and intimate settings due to its crashable nature and moody sustain.

    Source
  • The Dream Dark Matter ride, enhanced with three sizzle rivets, excels in jazz settings, complementing Zildjian Constantinople hi-hats for intimate venues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 18" ride is noted for its unique bell sound, which is difficult to hit consistently due to its unconventional design.

    Source
  • The Bliss series is noted for its dark, complex sound, reminiscent of Zildjian's K series, while the Contact series offers a brighter tone with a hint of trash.

    Source

Build quality

  • Dream cymbals are praised for their longevity, lasting significantly longer than some Mienl, Zildjian, and Paiste cymbals, even under hard playing conditions.

    Source
  • Due to Dream's hand-hammered process, each cymbal can sound unique, making in-person testing crucial to ensure the desired sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Dream Contact Cymbals review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Dream Cymbals 18" Contact Series Ride Cymbal strikes a balance between affordability and quality craftsmanship. Hand-made in the traditional cymbal-making region of Wuhan, China, these cymbals are not mass-produced, offering a unique, vintage appeal akin to rare instruments. They boast a high tin content for a bright stick response, with a satin finish and subtle hammering. The 20" ride is dry with a quick decay, while the 22" offers a richer, more sustained sound. However, some may find the bell's sustain to be short. Ideal for jazz and softer genres, these cymbals may not suffice for heavy metal's intensity but shine in their niche.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

More Dream Cymbals Ride Cymbals

Meinl Cymbals

$469.00 - $555.00

# 16

Rank

Anika Nilles Dirk Verbeuren Ben Koller
15 artists using

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides