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Description

The first in the late-90s series of K Constantinoples, before Zildjian began offering them in "high" and "low" tonalities and when "light" was used in place of "thin" to describe density.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Zildjian K Constantinople Big Band Ride, discontinued 20+ years ago, is praised for its larger bell and classic K Con sound.

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  • Sabian's HHX Manhattan Jazz Ride and HHX Anthology Low Bell are suggested for those seeking a brighter bell sound with jazz suitability.

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Features and functionality

  • The Constantinople Bounce Ride features a larger cup diameter but maintains a low profile, enhancing bell definition.

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  • The 20" K Constantinople Ride Special Selection at 2800g is notably heavier, resulting in a pingier sound, unlike typical K Cons known for their complex tones.

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Use cases and applications

  • Owners mention the K Custom Dark 20" Ride for a clearer bell and satisfying wash, ideal for those prioritizing bell clarity without sacrificing crashability.

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  • Despite being orchestral, some drummers effectively use suspended cymbals as rides, leveraging their long, even decay for specific musical contexts.

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  • Soft mallets on the Special Selection ride can produce lush, dense cymbal swells, enhancing its versatility in studio settings.

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User experience

  • Weight impacts bell tone, with heavier Constantinoples (e.g., 22" at 2526g) providing improved bell sound over lighter models.

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Value and pricing

  • At $350, the 20" K Constantinople Ride Special Selection is considered a great buy, especially given its potential resale value if it doesn't fit a player's setup.

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Critic Reviews

Zildjian K Constantinoples Reviewed! - DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

The Zildjian 20" K Constantinople Medium Light Ride cymbal offers a luxurious sound experience, blending rich overtones with superb stick definition, making it a jazz drummer’s dream. Its dynamic range captures everything from soft taps to aggressive strikes beautifully. However, the bell leaves much to be desired; it's flat and uninspiring, limiting its versatility for more aggressive styles. While the 20” models don’t quite match the depth of their 22” counterparts, the Medium Thin Low shines with a stunning low-end spread. At a premium price, these cymbals are an investment, promising to age gracefully and enhance any setup.

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Artist usage

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See how Elvin Jones uses Zildjian 20" K Constantinople Medium Light Ride

Elvin Jones

Drummer

John Coltrane Quartet

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Verified via Photo

In this ad from the late 90s, Zildjian reveals the depth of Elvin's involvement in the development of the K Constantinople line of cymbals.

This line was meant to capture the darker "old K" sound of hand-shaped cymbals once made in Zildjian's Turkish factory (referred to as the "K. Zildjian" division) during the early/mid 20th century, as opposed to the brighter, more machined "A. Zildjian" cymbals associated with their American factory's output.

Despite holding a Medium 20" in the ad, Elvin's preference for the 20" "Medium Light" version of this cymbal is confirmed here and here

See how Marcus Gilmore uses Zildjian 20" K Constantinople Medium Light Ride

Marcus Gilmore

Drummer

Vijay Iyer Trio

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Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video from Zildjian's channel, it displays all the cymbals he is using.

Genre Usage

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

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Zildjian 20" K Constantinople Medium Light Ride, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    pkennethk
    pkennethk

    Gear IQ 26904