I’m finally upgrading from entry cymbals. I just got zildjian 14” new beat hi hats and love them. I’m wanting a ride that’s pretty good for most genres. I play mainly alt rock. I’ve went through tons at the store and the two I’m torn between are Sabian Omni AAX 22” & Meinl polyphonic 21”. I also like the Meinl vintage sand ride 20”. Which should I get? Thanks
Which ride should I get?
- Thread starter Varlet
- Start date
IBitePrettyHard
Senior Member
Of the 3 rides you mentioned, I think both Meinl cymbals are more versatile. The Omni is designed to be versatile but it has a more specialized sound to it IMO.
Check out the 21" Zildjian K Sweet ride. It's extremely versatile, and you can even use it as a crash/ride. I play this ride with 14" New Beats, and it meshes perfectly.
Check out the 21" Zildjian K Sweet ride. It's extremely versatile, and you can even use it as a crash/ride. I play this ride with 14" New Beats, and it meshes perfectly.
Thank you! I appreciate it. I’ll check it out.
JaysonJeanChannel
Active Member
Nice pick! However I owned the A Sweet Ride Brilliant Finish. It too is extremely versatile, but brighter.
Thanks! Yeah, I played on the A sweet ride. I liked it and I definitely see why it’s a popular favorite. It’s a great sounding cymbal but I still kept going back to the Meinl polyphonic and Sabian Omni.
Ok thanks I appreciate the advice
iCe
Gold Member
I have the A Sweet Ride and it's a great ride, but ever since hearing the Polyphonic ride a few months back i'm drooling over that one.
Haven't played the ones you suggested, but i always found the AAX Omni a bit "bland" sounding. The Sand Ride is a great sounding ride too, but i would get the 22" because of the lower pitch.
Haven't played the ones you suggested, but i always found the AAX Omni a bit "bland" sounding. The Sand Ride is a great sounding ride too, but i would get the 22" because of the lower pitch.
KEEF
Senior Member
I recently bought the 21"K sweet ( as part of the set ) but I can't get on with it....the body is too quiet to my ears. I can hardly hear it from the throne so very dubious as to how much it carries out front . The bell however is great and it does crash reasonably well. LOVE the K sweet Hats and crashes but I've gone back to my Sabian HH RBDR.
Drumolator
Platinum Member
Check out the Sabian AA Bash Ride and the HHX Evolution Ride. Peace and goodwill.
Swissward Flamtacles
Silver Member
+1 on taking your other cymbals with you. I generally prefer used cymbals if you're not sure but if you have a good store that you want to support, I'd try to take a guitarist with me. Since you play Rock, you probably want a Ride that doesn't get lost in the mix when playing with your band. Some Rides sound lovely on their own but don't provide enough cut once the guitarists go into overdrive. 
Al Strange
Platinum Member
Alt rock huh?
Yeah I played the k sweet a lot. It’s a great cymbal and would probably be good for me I’m just being picky because of the money and I figure I’ll keep this new ride for a long time. I’m really loving meinl and Sabian.
Ok thanks I’ll check them out
Good advice. Thanks!+1 on taking your other cymbals with you. I generally prefer used cymbals if you're not sure but if you have a good store that you want to support, I'd try to take a guitarist with me. Since you play Rock, you probably want a Ride that doesn't get lost in the mix when playing with your band. Some Rides sound lovely on their own but don't provide enough cut once the guitarists go into overdrive.
My local store doesn’t have any paiste out right now but I like a lot of demos I hear. I like paiste on demos just never played on one. I do play alt rock and even some harder stuff but I tend to like jazzy/darker rides. Favorite drummer is jimmy chamberlin(smashing pumpkins) so could stem from that I don’t know. And I know he plays instanbul now but I just can’t justify the price tag. I’ll check this paiste ride out for sure though. Thanks!
Thanks for the input. I appreciate it
lefty2
Platinum Member
I can only speak for the Omni. I have a 22in aax Omni and I love it. However it's not as loud and cutting as I would like in my classic rock band so I use a 21in hhx evolution for that band but I use my Omni in my country band I think it's a great ride it's just a little too quiet for Rock.
yammyfan
Senior Member
Play the ride closer to the bell. Problem solved.
I love the 21" K Sweet because it's quiet at the edge and grows louder towards the bell. The bell itself is great and the fact that the cymbal is crashable is icing on the cake. Best ride I've ever played.