Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
5.0 (3)
$469.95
Amazon
4.7 (41)
$469.95 New
$422.96 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (4)
$494.95 New
$250.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (18)
$469.95
Thomann
4.6 (5)
$439.00
Gear4Music
£425.00

Average Price: $432

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

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

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Description

If you're seeking a cymbal that masterfully blends subtlety with power, the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride is your answer. Developed in collaboration with the legendary Steve Gadd, this cymbal is designed to capture the nuanced sound that defined his drumming style in the late 20th century. It features a very heavy, un-lathed surface, offering a well-defined ping and a muted, dry sustain that brings clarity to any musical piece. The powerful, cutting bell ensures that your ride never gets lost in the mix, making it an essential tool for any drummer aiming for a professional studio sound.

The 20" K Custom Session Ride is crafted from a premium alloy of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver, ensuring durability and a rich tonal palette. Its brilliant finish not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to its distinctive sound characteristics. Known for its deep yet controlled tone, this cymbal responds beautifully to stick attacks, providing just the right amount of power in the mids and treble to stand out without overpowering. Whether you're playing jazz, rock, or anything in between, this ride cymbal promises to elevate your performance to new heights.

Key Features:

  • Developed with Steve Gadd for his signature sound
  • Very heavy, un-lathed surface for defined ping
  • Muted, dry sustain with powerful, cutting bell
  • Composition: 80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver
  • Brilliant finish for enhanced sound and appearance

Product specs

Available since July 2005
Hand Hammered Yes
Finish Brilliant, Glossy
Alloy B20 Bronze

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride?

The Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride offers a clean, articulate stick sound with a controllable wash and complex, dark overtones. It features a bright, cutting bell and dry short crashes, making it versatile for various musical styles.

Is the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride is well-suited for jazz due to its complex overtones and articulate stick sound, which complement the dynamic and nuanced playing often found in jazz.

What is the finish on the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride?

The Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride has a brilliant, glossy finish, which contributes to its bright and cutting sound characteristics.

Is the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride hand-hammered?

Yes, the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride is hand-hammered, which adds to its unique tonal qualities and complex sound texture.

What material is the Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride made from?

The Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its rich sound and durability.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal (K0997-1031214GG)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal (K0997-1031214GG) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal (K0997-1031214GG)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2559g (K0997-1060119H) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2559g (K0997-1060119H)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 20" K Custom Session Ride -K0997 by Avedis Zildjian Company

20" K Custom Session Ride -K0997

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2610g (K0997-1081719L) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2610g (K0997-1081719L)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2764g (K0997-1122921G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2764g (K0997-1122921G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2756g (K0997-1012522N) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2756g (K0997-1012522N)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride - 2420g by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride - 2420g

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal 2762g by Hawthorne Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal 2762g

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2670g (K0997-1110918K) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride Cymbal - 2670g (K0997-1110918K)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Smooth and pleasing tone with a focused sound

  • Brilliant finish makes it a visual standout in any drum set

  • Deep fundamental tone with minimal overtones for clarity

  • Bell is bright and penetrating, enhancing musical expression

  • Excellent workmanship typical of Zildjian's high standards

  • Integrates well with other Zildjian cymbals for versatile setups

  • Strong, distinctive ping that stands out without overwhelming

  • Suitable for multiple music genres beyond modern jazz

CONS

  • Sustain is long and may not suit all musical tastes

  • Can get loud and potentially overpowering for jazz settings

  • Initial sound might feel harsh compared to other brands

  • Crashing produces a loud, deep, and slightly hard tone

Critic Reviews

Zildjian K Custom Session Ride 20" review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Zildjian's 20" K Custom Session Ride delivers a delightful blend of versatility and clarity, making it a strong contender for drummers seeking a distinctive sound. The cymbal impresses with its clear stick response and unexpectedly bright and full tone, defying expectations of a dry, dull sound. Designed in collaboration with Steve Gadd, its bell and stick sound cut through live performances with ease. However, the accompanying hi-hats, while crisp in recording settings, may be too dry for some tastes, lacking power and warmth. Overall, the ride cymbal's unique sound profile stands out, earning this review a positive nod.

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5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

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See how Anton Fig uses Zildjian 20" K Custom Session Ride

Anton Fig

Drummer

Kiss

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed here as using this ride cymbal.

Genre Usage

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Used With

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

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