I Waited 10 Years for This Ride

[@ruanddu]

If anyone has one of these and is willing to sell, please reach out to me. Thanks.

[@ColeParamore]

I'll pin this for a while - good luck!

[@seanbessette6517]

My high school’s drum kit had one of these, I always loved it! Had no idea it was so special, I definitely took it for granted back then…

[@ColeParamore]

There were definitely a few pieces of gear I similarly never fully appreciated from my school music days.

[@robinjohnson6301]

Each to their own! Personally, I love the sound of the new version. I've had one for a few years and I love its trashiness - to me, it's a really cool, funky sound. I can definitely see why it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but I really dig it. Plus it's very quiet as far as ride cymbals go, so I find it works well in pop/rock situations where I need to keep the volume down (I'm guessing this is the case for the original too).

[@ColeParamore]

Glad to have that perspective, thanks for sharing!

[@jonashellborg8320]

Soon as you started playing that cymbal, I was in “wow” mode. That has a great ping, soft overtones, it’s such amazing a a “blend with a bit of cut” kind of sound. And then that tone that you describe as “smokey”, I just loved the mix of mid and high frequencies, it felt bright but smooth, whatever that means in the 5-15k range.

[@ColeParamore]

Perfectly described! I totally felt the same.

[@B.Davis1]

The newer version opens up way more.

[@codgerfiasco]

I picked up a first gen from ebay after seeing an ancient video of Eric Harland demo one. Ended up sending it back because It didn't sound as good. Some people on forums say there is a lot of variation in the gen 1. That seems weird to me because it is all machine hammering but who knows... WOuld love to pick up a good example of one one day

[@uwepetersen]

The first Generation of the 21" K Special Dry Ride is one of my favorite Ride Cymbals. I was at the factory to pick one out, just when they came out in 2005. Never let go of this Cymbal!

[@Elboy522]

the last ride i bought was a 20" Zildjian K...Custom Dry Ride from 1989 (not to be confused with the "K Custom" line) I was looking for something that sounded like the ride Jeff Porcaro used on Steely Dan's "Katy Lied" album, and this was the one! Cuts so well, the bell is fantastic, and it has next to no wash!

[@mancuniancandidatem]

I have the same cymbal that I purchased in 1989. I just used it on a Jazz gig and was really pleasantly surprised. I was worried it was going to be too heavy, as it was really designed for use in louder fusion music. It ended up being my go to cymbal on the gig, as the bar background chatter was at a level that we had to turn up a bit louder. Amplified bass, keyboards but with an acoustic (loud)Sax Player and acoustic drums. I also had a lighter beautiful sounding k, but it got lost at that volume level. I played the Custom Dry all night.

[@Elboy522]

@@mancuniancandidatem its my go-to ride for anything thay needs defintion over me being able to crash on the ride!

[@josephmezzina2142]

I couldn’t agree with you more. At first touch by you, I liked that Gen 1 ride.

[@Johnny_Lydon]

I like the sound of the new but I think the reason you maybe dont is because its trashy. The old one sounds more buttery for sure, it really is a totally different sound.

[@daviddickerhoof7351]

I have the 1st generation. Purchased it new around 2000. Love mine!

[@AdamStachelek]

Wow - I have this exact ride. One of my first K buys. It's a very interesting one, though mine was a bit warped when I bought it used. Surprisingly great bell. Really dark but articulate

[@AdamStachelek]

I would agree the original Special Drys are entirely different animals from the new Special Drys. I was really excited for the new Special Drys when they came out (2017ish I think?) but after having a few I found I had very little use for them in music that wasn't deeply electronic in nature. However, I still have my first run 21" Special Dry Ride. Agree there's nothing like it. And the hammering looks so damn cool. Never saw another cymbal with that hammering pattern.

[@B.Davis1]

The difference seems to be the hammering styler. The older one looks to have more hammering on it, which dampens the sound a bit imo. This is def a unique cymbal though for sure.

[@elithepitbulldog2209]

I had one about 15 years ago and also had a k con that sounded about the same, so I sold it and now I must say that was the best cymbal I ever sold that I wish I could get back. It’s no doubt a workhorse

[@awmaace3397]

Yep it has that *sweet sound which I like so much... I think the meinl Spectrum ride kindda have that sweetness that I'm talking of...

[@ivandelvalle2784]

I guess the "washy sounds" from K sweets, istanbul traditional has spoiled me to appreciate this beauty. The gen 1 really fit to that 2010's sound so is the gen 2 to current gen.

[@davidsuprenant893]

Got me a new ride that I searched for quite awhile myself ,a 23 " k sweet ride. Just a beautiful sounding cymbal. Nice bell,very nice crash that's not overwhelming, and a nice soft ping with just the right amount of wash.zildjian is not very consistent with the weights of there cymbals. When you find the one that works that's the time to buy it.

[@mickdelahunty5026]

Hi I have to say I prefer gen1 gen2 is good to but I prefer geni more velvety and a warmer sound I think ,iwould like to add that I think your ears are good your taste is good and your cymbal impeccable

[@silvanoolalla]

I got one in a trade, two years ago now. Gave an 70's avedis 22", 3200gr for this one. Crazy move cause I didn't even knew how it sounded like, I only did it to get rid of the other one and try new sounds. It's my favourite cymbal!

[@silvanoolalla]

Also try putting rivets on it, I got four of them in it. Elvin sound guaranteed!

[@ColeParamore]

Love it!

[@ColeParamore]

@@silvanoolalla Yep, you can see this one has two holes in it where Christian used to put a paper clip for that purpose lol.

[@paulbila9430]

That is a wonderful cymbal, congrats man! I do really like the crash on the newer version, but everything else about the old spec. Glad you got it!

[@efafe4972]

the new ones reminded me of those Agop XIST dark unlathed cymbals. its a cool sound but the old one actually still sounds like a normal cymbal

[@aZeddPrattFilm]

The old is for sure better also you’re playing is great

[@benmasten5924]

Wow... Never thought two cymbals by the same name could be so different. I love both though! Would play either in a heartbeat.

[@cmd_f5]

Gen 1 is very "dry", less space and frequencies going on. Classy jazz ride is the vibe I get. However, I like the gen2 because it seems to be sharper and trashier. Kinda less pretty sounding, would sound great in fast blasting sections or slower stuff I'm guessing if you lay into it. Interesting.

[@crmasciocchi]

Congratulations on getting thiat cymbal. I loved the side by side comparisons. I never heard 2 of the exact same cymbal model sound so different. When you went to the 2nd gen cymbal, it sounded like a china trashy type cymbal.

[@DanMarcelino]

I have an old one of these, little bit different.. I think I got it in 04 and it was sitting in the store for a couple of years at least.. mine is 22" left hand sizzle ride.. doesn't have the heavy hammering like yours, but does have the hand hammering and I eventually took the sizzles out and absolutely loved that ride in combination with my 20" Constantinople.. I played that combo for over a decade.. now I'm endorsed and have my own custom line of cymbals through Soultone.. DMA Studios Signature Series. I couldn't be more happy. Check em out if you want 👍🏼

[@kevinturner5857]

Im stickin with my Meinl Byzance 22 Factory Reserve Dry ride & 22 Spectrum ride , not to mention my 21 Meinl Byzance Polyphonic ride , beautiful cymbal , gorgeous sounds 😍

[@ColeParamore]

Do you mean the Foundry Reserve Light ride? If there's a foundry reserve dry ride I'm interested!

[@HarryJoiner]

Great video. I have owned three of these cymbals. I am equally OCD when it comes to this particular line. eBay is your friend.

[@noaheslinger1867]

definitely like the gen 1 better. it has everything i’m looking for in a cymbal, from its definition to its tone and bell

[@Juniscrazy]

I like the new ones but the 22” 19” crashes and I thought the 13” hats were good. But I find the ride is not too versatile. I like how it sounds but not for everything but the 2 crashes I mentioned special dry line I love

[@viksutin]

This is the ultimate all-around ride. Been wondering how they nailed it so that it fits perfectly in most situations without compromise. Haven’t been able to test the 2nd gen serie but will definately get the promo pack just because I like the 1st gen so much. What do you think, is the new ride more quiet than first? Btw, I think they reused many elements of the first serie in 18 breakbeat ride and the rebranded uptown ride.

[@ColeParamore]

I wouldn't consider either significantly louder or softer than the other.

[@Michael_Drums_]

Oh wow, this actually does sound absolutely fantastic! Do you know how heavy it is?

[@ColeParamore]

I don't, sorry!

[@eddieavakian]

Hey Cole. Both sound good, but yeah, very different. I actually have one myself. Didn’t know about the reboot tho. Around what year did they come out again? Is there a stamp difference or how can I tell which one I have?

[@KenjoMendez]

I dunno why but I'm also hearing the timbre of Matt Halpern's Meinl 21" Byzance Dark Double Down Crash Ride Cymbal with this. Hmm...

[@ColeParamore]

Good to know! I'll have to check one out in person. That'd be great if there's something similar you can buy today.

[@KenjoMendez]

​@@ColeParamore Right? You must. I tried a couple in Meinl's Showroom in Germany to have memorized its sonic characteristics and the first gen definitely is closest. You'll need to find a couple in the 2270g-2290g range once in terms of weight to have it a bit similar. Said I didn't need one before, but because of this video... Dear lawd.

[@HolyGhostDrummer]

I might order one of these rides, I need something like this in my set up STAT.

[@ColeParamore]

Don't try to find one new!

[@HolyGhostDrummer]

@@ColeParamore looks theres a couple of these ride cymbals on reverb from 2002 🫶🏽

[@ColeParamore]

@@HolyGhostDrummer Nice!

[@mrbakerthemusicmaker]

The Tommy Igoe Groove Essentials Ride!!!

[@lizkatari]

The new one sounds hollow and like a trashcan lid really not harmonious. It also looks smaller than the Gen 1 or is that because it’s further back? Gen 1 sounds phenomenal.

[@ColeParamore]

Same size, just farther away.

[@Dan-hc1ow]

YES! It is my favorite ride. I have several rides that I enjoy from Zildjian and Sabian but this is the one I always come back to. I did have the hi hats but overall, their cons outweighed their pros for me (a bit too bright and a little clunky - maybe if they would have offered a 15"). I completely agree that the current generation is nowhere near as good. I have the splash and it cracked despite only occasional use. BTW, they did offer crashes in addition to the ride and hats. Some day I will find 2 16" or 17" crashes and make my own hats.

[@joaodepaula]

Lol, Awesome, this is my actual cymbal setup!

[@ColeParamore]

2 special dry rides next to each other? 😆

[@kevinpacasdrums]

the gen 1 kinda sounds like the k custom organic i have the newer generation ride i use for gigging its good but i agree it does feel like zildjian tried a bit too hard to do a meinl and kinda jus wished i got a meinl transition ride instead lol

[@artwerkmedia8616]

That ride is very nice! Actually sounds like a sweet K ride 21 but more hammered and less shiny finish. The new one sounds like the name says “dry”. ;)

[@ColeParamore]

That's a good comparison. I'm not big into Zildjian these days but the K Sweet line I've been a fan of. You're right - they share many positive qualities.

[@artwerkmedia8616]

@@ColeParamore it’s funny cause all my cymbals are Meinl but I had to get a Zildjian k 20 and k sweet 21. Zildjian know how to make a good ride and Meinl doesn’t have anything with the same bell sound.

[@a.j.wilkes6352]

Great sounding ride!

[@myronkrasicky5169]

Curious about the weight of this cymbal? Thx

[@Calj_Music89]

MHO, for some strange reason, the 23 inch versions that i've played came pretty close to that first gen ride you have. Like mines, for example, it has the fusion of the new special dry cymbals and the k high definition ride. it's so complex and i can use it in just about any genre i throw at it. i hated the 21" version, it sounded more like a crash than a ride, as it's supposed to be. However, it's a sound pallet that i'd still use. I'd have to make a video of mines to show you. :D because my 23" special dry ride sounds exactly like yours but with a little bit more expressive complexities.

[@blueburnsred]

Holy smokes, yeah that new one pales in comparison. What happened to the bell definition??

[@ColeParamore]

For real!

[@ghiblinerd6196]

Doesn’t seem too versatile but it’s pretty for sure

[@ruanddu]

Can you please explain how to identify how I would know which used one to buy? Is there a certain serial # range or anything like that to help identify? Thank you!

[@ColeParamore]

They're visually pretty different - if you skip to the comparison section you can get a little bit of an idea but there are some telltale signs. The older ones have more distinct round hammering marks, and the newer ones look (bear with me) almost wrinkly in the overall profile. At the end of the day, sound is everything so if you're checking something out in a drum shop and you love/hate how it sounds, it doesn't really matter which generation it was. Hope that helps!

[@ruanddu]

Thanks! @@ColeParamore

[@JimPauls]

The Gen 2 has a decent crash to it but the Gen 1 is definitely a nicer ride cymbal. Cool video!

[@ColeParamore]

Thanks Jim!

[@markcrawford8424]

so I'll always love the first generation special dry rides and hats, the crashes they made in the first generation were horrible in contrast to the 2 generation. they used to make 13" hats back in the first gen too. I think the crashes were 16" 17" 18" and the 21" ride in the first gen.

[@ColeParamore]

I couldn't even remember if the gen 1 included crashes. I'll have to keep my eye for one just for my own education.

[@lucroberge]

Is having 2 holes at least in the first generation ride normal ?

[@ColeParamore]

Nope, that's a modification of Christian's. 😆 He used to put a paper clip in one for a sizzle sound.

[@gadymarcus2362]

Bello.💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@ronjon5386]

I can see the attraction It sounds really nice.

[@pallsveinsson7101]

I have one in Iceland...

[@pallsveinsson7101]

and the 14" hats as well!

[@regentsaquariums5692]

Because the first gen was hammered like a K Constantinople with the big beehive hammer mark. So yeah.. it doesn't fit the K otherwise you may call it rare K Con Dry ride!

[@toddcooper5781]

Does your dad still build snares?

[@ColeParamore]

He's moved on to the next thing, but I imagine he still has the equipment/knowhow to make one.

[@wilkinsnl]

How did you conquer your GAS? I’m still looking at cymbals to buy and I have almost 100……. I also have that cymbal, pre change. Not sure about your mics but the one I have is a bit more washy. Man, the faces you make in the comparison.

[@ColeParamore]

Sadly, it's less conquered than it is redirected towards cameras, lenses, lights, etc. Just whatever scratches that particular itch. The faces are purely for audience benefit. 😅

[@rafaelchavarria9647]

completely agree...the original sounds much better....

[@tombailey1059]

This sounds like the ride that Steve Holmes plays, the K Dry Light. It's discontinued and I don't know how the two lines overlap, but they do sound similar. I definitely prefer your Gen 1 or a Sabian Dry Ride over the granola aura of recent models. '90s- '00s dry cymbals tend to sound "pre-eq'd," while modern ones recklessly invite a fire hazard into the home. DO BETTER, Meinl.

[@ColeParamore]

"granola aura" that's amazing. 😆

[@brent3760]

I just fot rod of mine i had for about 15 years. They are great. But mine deserved to be played. But to say the new ones "aren't good" I think os an incorrect statemenet. Cymbals are subjective, to one person and music a parrocular cymbal might be great, andnto the next it might not work. To each their own. I like the Gen 1 version more, but the Gen 2 might be better to someone else.

[@db_on_drums]

cmon dont do this to me..... ah shit I want one

[@mccbuddytaras6637]

the new one has that 'sheet metal hitting the dirt' clang to it. more trashy and garbage can with rivets sounding.

[@rnm_drum]

The new one is just trashier and more dry, not a bad thing but the old one is better in my opinion