Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $369
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Product Description:
Introducing the Zildjian A Mega Bell Ride 21'', a perfect companion for drummers who crave for a louder, bolder, and more powerful sound. This ride cymbal doesn't just play, it roars. With a reputation for having the "largest cymbal bell in captivity," this Mega Bell Ride is designed to cut through the heaviest rock amplification, outshining the loudest of screams from your lead vocalist.
The Zildjian A Mega Bell Ride 21'' is not only about volume, it's also about sustain. With its extra-heavyweight build, this cymbal yields a massive sustain that can keep up with the most intense jamming sessions. Despite its power, it maintains an impressive level of articulation, allowing for a wide range of bell articulation. The bell's projection is impressive, yet the edge remains just as articulate as any quality ride out there.
Whether you're competing with a stack of guitar amps or a powerful PA system, the Zildjian A Mega Bell Ride 21'' proves to be an indispensable asset in your drumming arsenal. Its bright, high-pitched sound adds clarity to soft rim and bow notes, making this cymbal a versatile choice for live rock and metal performances.
Key Features:
- Largest cymbal bell in captivity for maximum sound projection
- Extra-large bell for enhanced projection and stick definition
- Extra-heavyweight build for endless sustain and ultra-high volume
- Bright, high-pitched sound for added clarity in soft rim and bow notes
- Perfect for live rock and metal performances with high stage volumes
- Made from B20 alloy with a brilliant finish for a durable and stylish look
Videos
Avedis Zildjian Company
Zildjian Sound Lab - 21" Z3 Mega Bell Ride
Reviews
PROS
-
Loud, powerful sound perfect for metal and hard rock genres
-
Distinctive, large bell with excellent projection and articulation
-
Cuts through mixes, making it ideal for live performances
-
Versatile across various music styles, excluding jazz
-
Consistently loud with a strong attack and ping sound
-
Inspired by top drummers like Alex Bent and Mario Duplantier
-
Robust build with a long-lasting performance
-
Easy to hit bell due to its size, minimizing performance errors
-
Provides unique tonal dynamics depending on striking technique
-
Excellent for adding accents and effects to compositions
CONS
-
Not suitable for jazz or quieter music styles
-
Some complaints about rough and imprecise manufacturing finishes
-
Overtones may not appeal to all users
-
The crash sound is metallic and not musically pleasant
-
A few reports of cosmetic issues like dents and rough edges
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride.
Comparisons
-
The Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride is heavier, around 4000 grams, compared to the Meinl 20'' Extreme Metal Ride, which is approximately 2900 grams.
Source -
The Z Custom Mega Bell is considered a "two-trick pony" with a super clangy dry ping and a loud bell, best suited for extreme metal.
Source -
A Custom rides are noted as more versatile but possibly too bright and lacking complexity for jazz, whereas Z Customs are seen as less studio viable.
Source -
The Sabian HH Power Bell Ride offers a 22” size with a lower-pitched bell compared to the Zildjian Mega Bell, providing a different tonal option for metal drummers.
Source -
Paiste and Meinl provide similar models to the Zildjian Mega Bell Ride, offering options for those looking to mix cymbal brands for varied sound profiles.
Source
Features and functionality
-
The Zildjian's bell is described as dominating and cutting through sound, making it ideal for metal music.
Source
User experience
-
Owners describe the Zildjian as having a cleaner, more articulate sound with fewer overtones compared to Meinl, providing versatility in playing.
Source -
Users report that the Zildjian Mega Bell sounds much better in person than in online videos.
Source -
One user modified their Z Mega Bell by sanding to brighten its tone and reduce dryness, achieving a more pleasing sound.
Source -
The Z Mega Bell is described as having a gong-like ping, with the bell not cutting better than other bells, leading to mixed opinions on its sound.
Source -
The Z Custom rides, including the Mega Bell variant, have been noted for their unlathed design, contributing to a pingy sound with minimal washy overtones.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride is recommended for cutting through loud guitars but is not suited for lighter music styles like jazz or indie pop.
Source -
The Z Mega Bell is not suitable for crashing due to its thickness and singular loud sound, making it ideal for metal but not versatile.
Source -
Despite being potentially discontinued, the Zildjian Mega Bell Ride remains available through platforms like eBay or Reverb, allowing enthusiasts to still acquire this loud cymbal.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In several videos on his youtube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHQ4uMXbstzsXN-tMarWRDg
He can be seen using the 21" mega bell ride. Specifically, Z custom which was then rebranded to Z3 then finally to A heavy while keeping the same process to craft said cymbal.
in the video linked for the source, it covers all his cymbals at 14 seconds in. on top of this, I have been researching for years about what he uses for his drum setup for cymbals, to drums, down to things as minuscule as what type of mongrel he uses to tame overtones.
In the YouTube video titled "Trivium - 'The Sin and the Sentence' (Drum Cut)," Alex Bent uses Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride cymbals.
Joey Kramer uses the Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride, as listed on his official Zildjian artist page.
Simon Crahan, the drummer, confirmed in an episode of "Gear Masters" on Digital Tour Bus that he uses a Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride in his setup. He mentioned, "My ride is on the left hand side. For anyone who doesn't know, I'm left handed so I play open handed. I got a Mega Bell A Custom 21". This thing is a f**king beast. Really good for blast beats, really good for bell parts. Having fun with it. Never clean it though because it just sounds way better dirty." This statement provides direct evidence of the specific gear he utilizes during performances.
Daniel Mullback is listed on the Zildjian website, which details his cymbal setup, including the 21'' A Mega Bell Ride.
Album Usage
The Zildjian 21'' A Mega Bell Ride 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 21'' A Mega Bell Ride, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Zildjian Ride Cymbals
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Ride Cymbals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
oddorocketGear IQ 53790
-