07/20/2026
My first ride cymbal was a 20" Zildjian Deep Ride (2800g) that I received in 1994. It had the classic hollow Zildjian logo underneath and was likely made sometime in the late 70s or early 80s.
This ride is incredibly heavy - powerful, loud, and it absolutely roared when I leaned into it. It was paired with 14" New Beat Hi-Hats and various vintage A 15", 16", and 18" crash cymbals. As a beginner with my first set of cymbals, I didn't know what sound I was looking for, so I just kept using the same cymbals for years.
As I started playing different styles of music, recording in studios, and performing in different venues, I realized something important: the cymbals that worked well in one situation weren't always the best fit for another. That's when my search for the "perfect" ride cymbal really began.
Since then, I've played and purchased hundreds of cymbals. Along the way, I learned that every cymbal is unique. Size, gram weight, profile, lathing, hammering, alloy, and your own playing style all contribute to its voice. What sounds incredible to one drummer may not inspire the next—and that's perfectly okay.
There isn't one "perfect" cymbal for everyone. There are simply cymbals that fit your ears, your touch, and your music. That's one of the reasons I started Cymbal Swap. Over the years, I've met countless drummers who were on the same journey I was, searching for the cymbal that finally felt like theirs. I wanted to create a place where drummers could experience cymbals before committing to them and discover what truly works for their own sound.
If you're still searching for that cymbal, I'd love to help. Whether it's your first professional cymbal or you're refining your collection after years of playing, let's find the one that inspires you every time you sit behind the kit.
— Justin Netti
Founder, Cymbal Swap
