Flat ride cymbal

A flat ride cymbal or flat top ride^[1] (or often just flat ride) is a ride cymbal without a bell, originally developed by Paiste in collaboration with jazz drummer Joe Morello as part of their Formula 602 series in 1967. The most common size is 20" followed by 18", but larger examples exist: Paiste Formula 602 flatride

A flat ride cymbal produces the tightest, driest, most controlled stick sound of all ride cymbals, but with an airy wash. The lack of bell makes this cymbal quieter^[2][3] and most suitable for jazz. Roy Haynes was one of the first drummers to use a flat ride which can be heard on Chick Corea's album Now He Sings, Now He Sobs made in 1968.

Examples

• Paiste 20" Formula 602 Medium Flatride^[2]
• Meinl Byzance 20" Jazz Flat Ride^[4]
• Zildjian 20" K Light Flat Ride^[3]
• Zildjian 20" K Custom Flat Top Ride^[1]

References

1. http://zildjian.com/Products/Drumset-Cymbals/Cast-Bronze-Cymbals/K-Custom-Series/20-K-Custom-Flat-Top-Ride Archived 25 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 3 March 2012
2. http://www.paiste.com/e/cymbals.php?category=1&family=26&action=category&menuid=342 retrieved 3 March 2012: A very sensitive cymbal perfectly suited for soft playing at lower volume level and studio application.
3. http://zildjian.com/Products/Drumset-Cymbals/Cast-Bronze-Cymbals/K-Zildjian-Series/20-K-Light-Flat-Ride Archived 26 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 3 March 2012: ...a cymbal that you can go to when the music gets softer.
4. http://meinlcymbals.com/products/?tx_twmeinlcymbals_products%5Bmode%5D=SERIES&tx_twmeinlcymbals_products%5BnavId%5D=2&tx_twmeinlcymbals_products%5Bproduct%5D=181&cHash=2a92681c85ea1dddcbfcf0731ed12b83 retrieved 4 March 2012: A clear, sweet ping with a subtle hum, little build-up and a long sustain. Excellent for low to medium volume situations.