Meinl 20" HCS Ride

^# 56

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$84.99 to $102.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (6)

1 Review

Find out who is using Meinl 20" HCS

1 community setup

Featured in

5 Best Ride Cymbals 2026

1 wishlisted

21 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.5 (14)

$99.99

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5.0 (16)

$99.99

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4.7 (531)

$99.99

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5.0 (1)

$89.99 21 available New

$50.00 15 available Used

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5.0 (41)

$99.99

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4.5 (2)

$84.99

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4.4 (89)

$102.00

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£85.80

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Average Price: $91

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the Ride Cymbals category, Meinl 20" HCS Ride is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Meinl 20" HCS Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Meinl 20" HCS Ride is a fantastic addition to any beginner or intermediate drummer's kit. Made from durable MS63 brass alloy, this ride cymbal offers a bright, clean tone with a defined ping and articulate bell. Perfect for a variety of music styles, its medium weight and wide blade lathing create a balanced sound that stands out in any mix. Whether you're playing rock, pop, jazz, or other genres, the Meinl 20" HCS Ride provides the versatility and reliability you need.

Crafted in Germany, this cymbal not only sounds great but also looks the part with its traditional finish. The large, high-profile bell is designed for cutting accents, making it an excellent choice for both practice and performance. Despite its affordability, the HCS Ride doesn’t compromise on quality or durability, making it a smart investment for drummers looking to upgrade their setup without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Medium-weight ride cymbal made from MS63 brass
Clean, warm sound with a defined ping and solid bell
Wide blade lathing for a nuanced tone
Durable construction suitable for regular practice and performance
Large, high-profile bell for cutting accents
Traditional finish for a professional appearance
Excellent value for beginner and intermediate drummers

Product specs

Type	Ride
Size	20"
Weight	Medium
Finish	Traditional
Material	MS63 Brass
Volume	Low to Medium
Sound	Medium Bright
Sustain	Medium Short
Pitch	Low to Mid
Bell Size	Medium

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal?: The Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal offers a medium bright sound with a low to mid pitch, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. It produces a clear, defined ping with a medium short sustain.
Is the Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal is ideal for beginners due to its affordability and versatile sound, which works well in practice settings and small gigs.
What material is the Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal made from?: The Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal is crafted from MS63 brass, which contributes to its durability and bright tonal quality.
How does the Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal perform in a live setting?: The Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal performs well in live settings with low to medium volume requirements, offering a balanced sound that can cut through without overpowering.
What is the finish of the Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal?: The Meinl 20" HCS Ride cymbal features a traditional finish, enhancing its classic look and contributing to its bright sound profile.

Videos

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A.J. Altieri

Meinl HCS 20" Ride Cymbal

A.J. Altieri

Meinl HCS 20" Ride Cymbal

Peter Lewis

MEINL - HCS Ride 20" - Sound Test [HD/HQ]

Simon Ciccotti

Meinl HCS 20″ Ride – HCS20R

Drum Depot

MEINL HCS 20" RIDE SOUND CHECK

Dennis Patterson - DP Drums

Meinl 20" HCS Series Ride Cymbal

Rockem Music

Reviews

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PROS

Affordable price for beginners and budget-conscious drummers
Versatile sound range with distinct sweet spots
Suitable for small live performances and practice spaces
Good stick definition with a bright response
Durable and reliable for long-term use
Cuts through in a mix, suitable for concert settings
Decent bell sound without being overly aggressive
Quieter than similar-sized bronze rides, useful for low-volume settings
Provides a rich sound with a nice ping and sustain
Comparable to higher-end cymbals in value

CONS

Bell can sound dead or muted for some users
Inconsistent sound, with some areas producing a gong-like tone
Can ring a lot, requiring dampening like Moongel
Not suitable for advanced drummers looking for high-end quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Meinl 20" HCS Ride.

Comparisons

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Meinl HCS ride cymbals are likened to "pots and pans" in tone, contrasting sharply with Zildjian models, which are deemed superior even in a similar price range.
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0 0

The HCS Bronze series, now discontinued, is considered superior to the brass series, praised for its short sustain and clear, cutting sound.
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Features and functionality

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Brass cymbals, like the Meinl HCS, are noted for their quick decay and lack of projection, offering less musical overtones compared to bronze cymbals.
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User experience

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Some users claim HCS cymbals don't sound significantly different from mid-tier options, suggesting a limited ear development from electronic drumming backgrounds.
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Use cases and applications

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Brass cymbals may work well in loud environments, such as garage bands or dive bars, but are less suitable for recording or gigs requiring tonal clarity.
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Value and pricing

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Owner reports suggest the HCS series is often priced near its market value, with new sets costing almost double the price paid second-hand.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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1 star

tamastagemaster

134

over 8 years ago

right on point

This is by far the best ride i have used, (1) Nice area splash sound (2) very absorbing (3) the bell is easy to hit, not too big, not too small (4) It is very shiny.