Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $590
High-end/Boutique
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Product Description:
Introducing the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal, a significant addition to any drummer's gear. This handcrafted cymbal, a part of Zildjian's acclaimed K Custom series, offers a unique auditory experience with its full-bodied tones and a dry, dark character. The traditional finish not only enhances its visual appeal but also complements any drum set, both sonically and aesthetically.
This versatile cymbal is an all-rounder, seamlessly fitting into various musical genres, from jazz to rock, country to world music. It stands out for its excellent stick definition and offers just the right amount of trashy crash qualities, adding more life to your drumming sessions.
The Zildjian K Custom Dark Ride is a testament to Zildjian's longstanding tradition of excellence, combining time-honored craftsmanship with innovative design. It provides a sound that's always in style, enhancing the performance of drummers across history. Embrace the versatility and add character to your kit with this unique cymbal.
Key Features:
- Part of the renowned Zildjian's K Custom series
- Full-bodied sound with a dry, dark character
- Traditional finish for visual and sonic harmony with any drum set
- Excellent stick definition with trashy crash qualities
- Suitable for all musical genres
- Handcrafted for the highest quality and tonal complexity
- Made from Zildjian secret alloy (80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver) for a rich, full-bodied sound and greater projection, clarity, and durability.
Product specs
| Type | Ride |
| Size | 22'' |
| Weight | Medium Thin |
| Finish | Traditional |
| Material | B20, Cast Bronze |
| Volume | General |
| Sound | Dark Warm Undertones |
| Sustain | Short to Medium |
| Pitch | Low |
| Bell Size | Medium |
| Balance | Balance |
FAQs
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What kind of music is the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal best suited for?
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The Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal is ideal for jazz and fusion genres due to its dark, warm undertones and complex sound. Its lower pitch and medium sustain make it suitable for quieter, more nuanced music styles.
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How does the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal sound?
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This cymbal produces a dark, warm sound with low pitch and complex overtones. It offers a medium sustain and a balanced response, making it versatile for various musical settings.
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What is the finish of the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal?
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The Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal features a traditional finish, which contributes to its classic look and rich, complex sound.
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Is the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal suitable for live performances?
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Yes, this cymbal's general volume and balanced response make it suitable for live performances, particularly in settings that require dynamic range and subtlety, such as jazz clubs or acoustic gigs.
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What material is the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal made from?
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The Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal is crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich, complex tonal qualities.
Videos
Memphis Drum Shop
Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal (K0967-1073014OO)
Reviews
PROS
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Dark, warm, and traditional sound ideal for jazz and fusion
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Excellent stick definition with distinct wash and sustain
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Versatile for multiple genres: jazz, RnB, funk, and more
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Beautiful, clear bell sound enhances articulation
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Hand-hammered uniqueness adds character to each cymbal
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Shimmering crash sound with airy, washy qualities
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Combines articulation with long sustain effectively
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Great for quiet environments; doesn't overpower the mix
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Highly praised for its aesthetic beauty and craftsmanship
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Provides creative freedom with jazzy, funky grooves
CONS
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Can be too washy and overwhelming for some players
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Certain models may have a noticeable hum at higher frequencies
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Not ideal for rock; lacks cutting and projection
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Requires careful playing to manage wash and overtones
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High price point for non-precious metal materials
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal.
Comparisons
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The K Constantinople Thin-Low at 2300-2500g is preferred for a smoky jazz ride, offering more crashability and softer feel than heavier counterparts.
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A 22" K Constantinople at 2537g is on the heavier side but may still play like a lighter cymbal; testing is recommended for precise assessment.
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K Custom Dark cymbals are noted for lower pitch and more complexity than standard K series, making them less suitable for high-energy genres like rock.
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K series rides provide more stick definition and brightness compared to K Custom Darks, which might feel duller to some drummers.
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The K Custom Dark is described as having a "weird overtone," making it less versatile compared to the brighter and fuller-sounding K Sweet ride.
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Use cases and applications
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The K Constantinople Thin-High projects more and suits louder jazz settings like big bands, while the Thin-Low is ideal for nuanced, low-volume jazz.
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While K Custom Darks excel in jazz and quieter genres, those playing pop or rock may prefer brighter rides like the A Customs for better cut.
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Drummers find the K Sweet ride more suitable for jazz and Latin music due to its brighter tone, while the K Custom Dark is favored for chill post-rock.
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User experience
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Some owners find the K Custom Dark Ride crashes well, contrary to the perception that it is less crashable.
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Owners report that K Custom Darks improve in sound quality with years of use, gaining complexity and wash, especially in slower music settings.
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Initial experience with K Custom Darks can be mixed for those transitioning from brighter, cheaper cymbals due to their distinct feel and tone.
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Some drummers mention the K Custom Dark's bell as a standout feature, contributing to its appeal despite its less versatile nature.
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One owner traded a 21” K Sweet ride for a 20” K Custom Dark, appreciating the latter's better stick articulation and robust sound.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
154
Probably the best ride out there.
I’m a fan of ride cymbals, it’s my favorite cymbal in the drum set. I just like the K Dark Ride because of its sound and feel. Again, use it for almost any purpose. Play metal with it, jazz, rock, pop, punk, whatever. The bell is EXTRAORDINARY.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
22” or 20” in size, doesn’t matter to me.
Artist usage
Add artist
Roger Meddows Taylor used the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal during the 1970s, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Queenconcerts.
Carter Beauford uses the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal, as detailed on the Facebook page BeaufordBuddy. Although the original website is no longer active, the page features a comprehensive list of his gear.
Dan used to use a Custom Dark ride as his main right-hand cymbal pre-2014, until the release of 'Lost Forever // Lost Together'.
In the video titled "Colin Brittain Rig Rundown" by Linkin Park, Colin Brittain is shown using the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal as part of his drum setup.
Steve Judd uses the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal, as confirmed in the description of his "Aozora - Drum Playthrough" video on YouTube.
At 10:40 in the video titled "Jim Sonefeld - Hootie & The Blowfish - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, Jim Sonefeld is shown using a Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal.
In a video by Modern Drummer Official titled "Zyon Cavalera - Soulfly - Tour Kit Rundown," Zyon Cavalera discusses his use of the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal at the 18:04 mark.
In the video by Modern Drummer Official titled "Tif 'Teddy' Lamson - Shania Twain - Tour Kit Rundown," Tif "Teddy" Lamson, drummer for Shania Twain, discusses her use of the Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal at 12:42, confirming it as part of her cymbal setup.
Album Usage
The Zildjian 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal has been featured on the following albums:
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 22" K Custom Dark Ride Cymbal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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