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Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride

Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride main image

Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride

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$350.22 to $529.95 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (9)

2 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Zildjian K Custom Dark 20"

4 community setups

5 wishlisted

25 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (7)

$529.95

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5.0 (18)

$529.95

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5.0 (22)

$350.22 25 available New

$339.00 12 available Used

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5.0 (47)

$529.95

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5.0 (5)

$529.95

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4.9 (20)

$485.00

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£418.00

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Average Price: $478

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the Ride Cymbals category, Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride is priced in the upper end of the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Introducing the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride, an exquisite addition to your drum set that marries traditional craftsmanship with modern finesse. This cymbal belongs to the celebrated K Custom series, renowned for its innovation and superior sound quality. It delivers a dry, full-bodied stick sound with warm, dark undertones that can add depth and complexity to your music.

This ride cymbal isn't just a one-trick pony. It possesses trashy crash qualities that can be triggered with a forceful strike at the edge, making it an incredibly versatile tool in your arsenal. This cymbal is perfect for all types of music, from jazz to rock to world music, and everything in between.

Steeped in tradition, the Zildjian K Custom Dark Ride is handcrafted using techniques developed nearly 400 years ago. Despite its historical roots, this cymbal is designed to meet the demands of contemporary music, making it a timeless piece that blends the old and the new.

Key Features:

Part of the Zildjian K Custom series
Delivers a dry, full-bodied stick sound with dark, warm undertones
Offers trashy crash qualities when needed
Suitable for all musical genres
Handcrafted using traditional Zildjian techniques
Provides excellent stick definition
Traditional finish, visually and sonically complementing any drum set
Size: 20"
Weight: medium thin
Bell: medium

Product specs

Type	Ride
Size	20"
Weight	Medium Thin
Finish	Traditional
Material	B20, Cast Bronze
Volume	General
Sound	Dark
Sustain	Medium
Pitch	Low
Bell Size	Medium
Balance	Blend

FAQs

What type of music is the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride best suited for?: The Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride is ideal for jazz, fusion, and lighter rock due to its dark sound and medium sustain, offering a complex tonal palette that blends smoothly in these genres.
How does the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride compare to a standard ride cymbal?: This cymbal features a darker tone with a lower pitch, providing a unique blend of sound that distinguishes it from brighter, more traditional ride cymbals, making it perfect for nuanced playing.
Is the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its general volume and medium sustain, the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride delivers a balanced sound that projects well in live settings without overwhelming other instruments.
What is the finish of the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride and how does it affect the sound?: The cymbal has a traditional finish, which contributes to its warm, dark sound and helps achieve a blend that complements various music styles.
What material is the Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride made from?: The Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride is made from B20 cast bronze, which is known for its durability and rich, complex sound characteristics.

Videos

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Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal (K0965-1073014II)

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian Sound Lab - 20" K Custom Dark Ride

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal - 2234g (K0965-1072719I)

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal (K0965-1070111I)

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Dark Ride

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional stick definition and controlled wash, suitable for intricate playing
Warm, dark tones that blend well in jazz, funk, and R&B settings
Versatile as both a ride and crash, offering multiple sonic possibilities
Strong, clear bell sound, ideal for Latin and other rhythmic styles
Handmade quality offers unique, vibrant sound characteristics
Maintains presence without overpowering the mix, perfect for background music
Effective in both quiet and moderate volume settings, adaptable to various musical contexts
Highly valued and admired by musicians, often considered a standout piece
Age improves sound quality, enhancing its tonal richness over time
Capable of subtle crescendos and dynamic expression, enhancing musical depth

CONS

Crash capability may be limited in louder settings
Bell sound may lack brightness for some preferences
Not ideal for heavy rock or metal, less projection without mic-ing

Owner Insights

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

User experience

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Several users have highlighted its excellent performance in studio settings, where it sounds particularly good under mics in larger rooms.
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Some owners find the K Sweet ride has an endless wash and brighter tone than expected, leading to mixed reviews on its overall sound profile.
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Despite its versatility, some users note the need for heavier or dryer rides for certain musical goals, showing its limitations in specific contexts.
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Owners often pair the ride with lighter sticks with barrel tips for a varied response, indicating it responds well to different stick types.
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Many drummers have used this ride for over a decade, indicating its durability and continued relevance in their setups.
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Owners have reported the 20" K Custom Dark Ride as being washier, making it suitable for different musical styles like funk, soul, and R&B.
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Comparisons

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The K Custom Dark offers better stick articulation and a more robust sound compared to the K Sweet, which some find too thin and better suited as a crash.
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Though not universally perfect, it's considered one of the closest options to a truly versatile ride, with some veterans choosing it as their preferred ride among many.
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The 20" K Custom Dark Ride offers more wash and a higher pitch compared to the 22", which has better stick definition and lower volume.
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Features and functionality

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The K Custom Dark ride is known for its unusual overtones, providing a unique sound profile that some find appealing for specific musical textures.
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The K Custom Dark Ride is noted for its "cutting bell" which manages to be pronounced without being overly harsh, making it suitable for genres like jazz, blues, and rock.
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The ride is noted for its ability to serve both as a ride and a crash, enhancing its versatility in various musical contexts.
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Use cases and applications

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The K Custom Dark ride is favored for rock and post-rock genres like God is an Astronaut, with its sound complementing atmospheric music.
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Owners find it versatile, but it may not suit speed metal due to its tonal characteristics; it's better for medium volume stages rather than extremely loud or soft settings.
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It's versatile enough for diverse environments, but some owners use the 22" for gigs requiring careful volume control.
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Setup and maintenance

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It's crucial to loosen the cymbal nuts to prevent sound choking and potential damage; over-tightening can significantly affect the cymbal's resonance and longevity.
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Value and pricing

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Despite a high initial cost, the K Custom Dark Ride holds its value well, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term use.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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1 star

dario_mannu

546

almost 8 years ago

A Ride of Dreams!

This Ride is symply AMAZING. The first time I played it sounded so great... I was chilling!! Preatty versatile ride, but for its particular sound, dark and custom, it's perfect for me to have it on my left side with a chain onto it, to emulate the effect of rivets. Preatty jazzy. So, a definit ride for Jazz, Blues and everything like this sound!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

My Favourite Jazz Cymbal Set From left to right

Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats Zildjian K custom dark 20'' ride (with a little chain that stands for the rivets) Zildjian A custom 16'' crash - on top of this - Zildjian K series 10" splash Zildjian K series 20'' ride

Roles:

Drummer

Genres:

Rock Pop Hip Hop

From Gear Setup

bradrummer

222

almost 7 years ago

dark but precise and cutting

I use this mainly at my home studio, I can use it for any genre really. Very versatile. The bell is honestly my favorite bell from any of the cymbals that I own.