Zildjian 20" Earth Ride

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Page last updated Jun 27, 2026

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Description

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Unleash your musical creativity with the A Zildjian 20" Earth Ride, a cymbal designed for drummers who crave raw, earthy tones and a distinct, unpolished sound. This ride cymbal is renowned for its unlathed surface, which produces a dry, defined stick response, making it ideal for genres where clarity and precision are paramount. Its dark, complex overtones add a layer of richness to any performance, allowing you to stand out with unique sonic textures.

Crafted with precision from Zildjian's secret alloy, the Earth Ride offers a robust build that withstands the rigors of both studio sessions and live gigs. It’s perfect for drummers who want an expressive ride that cuts through the mix without overpowering other elements. Whether you're laying down beats in a jazz ensemble or pushing the boundaries in a rock band, this cymbal complements your style with its versatile capabilities.

For musicians in search of a cymbal that offers both character and clarity, the A Zildjian 20" Earth Ride is a compelling choice. It’s not just a piece of equipment; it’s an extension of your musical vision.

Key Features:

Unlathed surface for a dry, defined stick response
Produces dark, complex overtones
Made with Zildjian's proprietary alloy
Robust and durable construction suitable for various music genres
Ideal for both studio recordings and live performances

Product specs

Brand	Zildjian
Model	20" A Series Earth Ride Cymbal
Finish	Traditional, Traditional
Year	1982 - 2007
Made In	United States
Categories	Ride Cymbals
Diameter	20"

FAQs

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Zildjian 20" A Series Earth Ride cymbal?: The Zildjian 20" A Series Earth Ride offers a dry, controlled sound with a pronounced ping, making it ideal for genres that require clear articulation, such as rock or jazz.
Is the Zildjian 20" Earth Ride suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Zildjian 20" Earth Ride is well-suited for live performances, providing a strong, cutting ride sound that can project over other instruments in a band setting.
How does the traditional finish affect the sound of the Zildjian 20" Earth Ride?: The traditional finish of the Zildjian 20" Earth Ride contributes to its warm tone and controlled overtones, enhancing its suitability for both live and studio settings.
What musical styles is the Zildjian 20" Earth Ride best suited for?: The Zildjian 20" Earth Ride is versatile and can be used in various styles, but it particularly excels in rock, jazz, and fusion due to its clear, defined ping and minimal wash.
How does the Zildjian 20" Earth Ride compare to other ride cymbals in terms of volume?: The Zildjian 20" Earth Ride is known for its powerful projection and volume, making it an excellent choice for drummers who need their ride cymbal to cut through a mix.

Videos

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The Drum Thing

The Zildjian Earth Ride.

The Drum Thing

Zildjian 20" A Earth Ride - 3735g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 20'' A Earth Ride (3814g)

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Used Zildjian A 20" Earth Ride - 3554g (UA0090-1040122T)

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

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Owner Insights

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

Build quality

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The bell of the Zildjian 20" Earth Ride shows lathe marks, indicating partial lathing despite its generally unlathed appearance.
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Features and functionality

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The Earth Ride is known for its unique finish, reportedly achieved by burying the cymbals in the ground while still hot.
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The Earth Ride has a notably short, dry "ping" without wash or sustain, making it distinctively bell-like and challenging for use as a primary ride.
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The Earth Ride's heavy weight is matched by few other cymbals, making it ideal for those seeking a "manhole cover" feel.
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Use cases and applications

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The Zildjian 20" Earth Ride is praised as a "secret metal ride," suggesting its suitability for heavy metal genres.
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It's effective for timing practice in jazz due to its precise, short sound allowing clear audibility between hits.
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It performs well in alt rock and electronic music but requires pairing with a second crash cymbal due to its inability to crash.
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The Earth Ride is suitable for unmic'd live performances where a loud, defined stick sound is needed, especially when using marching sticks.
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Value and pricing

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Earth Rides are considered rare and can be hard to find, especially in markets like Australia, often priced at $800 AUD on eBay.
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User experience

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Owners report that the sound of the Earth Ride may not appeal initially but grows on users with continued play.
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The Earth Ride is described as a "one note cymbal," with limited musical applications for those playing straight-ahead rock.
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Owners suggest testing the cymbal in person to assess personal preference, as its unique sound may not appeal to everyone.
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Comparisons

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The Paiste Rude Mega Power Ride 24" (~4500g) is heavier than the Earth Ride, offering even more volume and ping.
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Sabian's AA Metal-X Ride is described as extremely pingy, with some users finding it overly so.
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