I think maybe that is the first thing I should try. I have a few pairs of Vic Firth George Kollias. That's all the info I have but I would estimate they have med to slightly large tips. I just bought them cause an 8 pack was cheap at GC and they seemed decent.

Been reading about cymbals and it's both fun and disheartening at the same time. Ignorance can truly be bliss sometimes. The more I know, the more I want to spend. And I have learned that I very well may ultimately spend more on cymbals than I have on the drums. But looking for and finding the right cymbals sounds like a fun quest.

I really appreciate all the advice everyone is providing in this thread. It is truly eye opening for me.

This ride has great control without sacrificing expression. Give it a listen.

[ame]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=apCIo4E6sxQ&feature=relmfu[/ame]

Are you gigging anywhere or just playing in your son's room? If you're just playing in your son's room you're not hearing what the "mesh" really is. What a kit sounds like in a bedroom is far different than it sounds with a band (guitars, bass, etc.) in a large room. And your playing technique could also be different than it is when you're actually gigging. It's possible that you're holding back a bit on the drums making the cymbal sound louder by comparison. I would follow the suggestions made here about stick selection and finding the "less volume" spot before I would give up and replace it. Maybe try striking the cymbal closer to the bell and avoiding edge crashes. My :2Cents:

To me that actually sounds similar to my current ride. It probably doesn't help that I just listened to this Old Zildjian K on ebay

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lpkbg8hMI3w&feature=youtu.be

That sounds more like I would imagine I would like. Of course it costs a lot more than I can justify spending at the moment but I think that is an example of the sound I am looking for. Now if I can just find a reasonably priced way to get somewhat close to that!

The following is my opinion on the 22" Zildjian A ride, and this seems to cross decades and types.

I have a late 50's 22" A ride and I had a mid 80's 22" ping ride. Both very different, but both very LOUD.

My main rides are both 20" now: Mid 80's 20" ping ride and a much newer 20" K Custom Dark ride. These are totally different from one another, but the volume is more in line with 16-18" crashes, particularly thin ones. If you prefer heavy (thick) and/or larger (19+" diameter) crashes, a 22" ride may be a better fit for you.

I got the 22" ping ride because I thought I needed more from the 20" ping ride but I learned they are completely different animals, even though they are "the same" except for the diameter.

Finally, one man's trash is another man's treasure. You really need to listen to cymbals as they are the most personal sonic choice you can make with regards to your drum kit. It is often not an easy choice either...Coffee Break2

Previous comments on stick choice changing a 'bad' ride into a 'great' one are also valid. Playing the same ride with a 7A wood tip as compared to a 5B nylon tip is day and night... On the other hand, the ride that sounds 'good' with either stick is a true keeper in my book!

Only in my kids room, and that's really the only place I think I will ever play it. I'm not good enough to gig anywhere with anybody and I would never take those drums out of the house anyway. I'd have to get a second "working" kit for that. I'm definitely going to try different sticks and trying to hit it softer before spending lots of money. Unless of course I come across a great deal.

From the two examples you mentioned the I think I see what you are getting at.

The k has much more "Air" to it, or around the ping to my ears.The ping on the K closer to the wash volume wise.

If that is your main concern you don't have to spend a mint,I would look for a used lighter 20 inch Zil A,or for a new or used Zil 21"sweet ride,or a used Zil 19" or 20" Armand ride,you should be able to find some soundfiles online to help you suss it out.

Check this out [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRSArvFwkIU[/ame]

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2nosVdysgw[/ame]

nothing worse than a cymbal you don't like. i got rid of all but one crash and a set of k hats, and started over. even then i wasn't happy with the k hats and did a craigslist "for trade"

traded a cymbal with the same guy.

i also didn't play these cymbals when i agreed to the trade.

i listened to him play them, that way i could actually hear them, instead of sitting behind them and trying to pick them apart. made my life easier that way.

as stated before, don't be afraid to try a cymbal that someone else doesn't like. chances are you have a sound in your head, and you'll know when you hear it.

and if your local shops carry the sabian sr2 line, give those a shot. i'm so pleased with my 21" thin ride...exactly what i was looking for in a ride.

like was said with sticks, try any potential cymbal with the stick size and tip you're most likely to go with.

and some crashes make great rides too. just get out there and experiment, and don't over think it, cause that can take fun out of it.

good luck and have fun!

The Sabian sr2 21" Thin Ride is a great recommendation! I watched the YouTube demo from Greenbrier music and that ride sounds like it would fit perfectly with the A crashes and K hats. It sounded to me like it the perfect fit...And reasonably priced.

Ha, welcome to the search for the perfect ride! Sticks definitely play a part, I find maple with a ball tip can tame an unruly cymbal. I have five rides right now, still looking for the one! I am sure my five is a paltry sum to most here!!