Zildjian has always had a strong reputation for crafting cymbals that sound musical, rich, and full of character. Their K series is a go-to for drummers who want something darker and more expressive and the Kerope Medium Thin High Ride takes that to another level.
This cymbal is all about vintage vibe. It’s got that soft, warm tone you’d expect from old-school hand-hammered rides, but with a level of control and consistency that works in modern setups.
In this review, we’re going to take a close look at the 22″ Kerope ride. From its dry stick definition to its smooth, buttery wash, we’ll dig into what it offers and how it holds up in real-world playing.
The Zildjian Kerope Medium Thin High Ride may look simple, but it’s packed with thoughtful details that give it a distinct voice and feel. Here’s what stands out:
This ride isn’t designed to be flashy, it’s all about delivering a rich, musical tone with a responsive feel that invites expressive playing.
Zildjian didn’t cut any corners with the Kerope line, and the 22″ Medium Thin High Ride is no exception. From the moment you pick it up, it’s clear this is a high-end cymbal made with care.
The surface has a raw, unlathed finish that looks aged straight out of the box and that’s by design. This cymbal is meant to feel and sound like something from a different era.
Every Kerope is hand-crafted in Zildjian’s factory, and you can actually see the attention to detail in the hammer marks and weight distribution.
It’s not a mass-produced, copy-paste cymbal, each one has its own slight personality, while still staying true to the Kerope sound.
The Kerope Medium Thin High Ride is made from Zildjian’s classic B20 alloy, and it’s fully hand-hammered to create a complex, dark sound profile. The weight is on the lighter side for a 22″, which gives it a softer feel under the stick and allows for more wash and sustain.
One of the standout features is how it’s voiced. It’s not overly bright or aggressive, instead, it leans toward that warm, smoky tone that jazz and roots players love.
The bell is integrated naturally into the cymbal and blends rather than cuts, which keeps things smooth and controlled.
Everything from the lathing to the profile has been tailored for players who want a vintage feel with modern consistency.
You won’t find any sharp edges or overly processed finishes here, just an organic, musical instrument that responds to every nuance of your playing.
This cymbal shines in lower-volume settings where touch and tone matter most. It has a beautiful, buttery stick feel with just enough definition to be clear, but never harsh.
Whether you’re riding on the bow or opening it up on the edge, the cymbal breathes in a way that just feels right.
The wash is smooth and controlled, and it never gets out of hand, even when you dig in.
That makes it perfect for jazz, blues, singer-songwriter sessions, or even mellow indie rock. It’s not built for cutting through a wall of guitars, but that’s not the point here.
The Kerope Ride is all about character, tone, and musicality.
It’s the kind of cymbal that makes you want to play more dynamically, explore textures, and really listen to how your touch affects the sound.
If that’s your vibe, this one delivers in a big way.
The Kerope Medium Thin High Ride sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, but that’s exactly where it belongs.
You’re not just paying for a cymbal; you’re paying for craftsmanship, character, and a very specific sound that you can’t get from a machine-made, mass-produced model.
For players who care about tone, feel, and musical expression, the value is definitely there. This isn’t a ride you buy as part of a budget setup, it’s the kind you invest in when you want something that elevates your playing and becomes part of your sound.
That said, it won’t be for everyone. If you’re looking for something bright, loud, and versatile across heavier genres, there are better options at lower price points.
But if your focus is on touch, tone, and a more organic feel, the Kerope delivers on all fronts and justifies its price.
The Zildjian Kerope Medium Thin High Ride is a cymbal built for drummers who value tone, nuance, and musicality over raw power.
It’s warm, expressive, and full of vintage character, perfect for styles where feel and texture matter most.
It’s not the kind of ride that tries to do everything. Instead, it does one thing extremely well: it brings that classic, smoky ride sound to life with a buttery feel under the stick and a smooth, controlled wash.
If you’re a jazz player, a roots drummer, or someone who just loves the sound of old-school cymbals with a modern build, the Kerope is absolutely worth the investment.
It’s not flashy, it’s musical. And that’s what makes it special.
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
We specialize in helping drummers of all levels become rhythmic assassins and develop ninja-like skills, quickly. Our mission is to create the best resources for all musicians and build a community where you can learn and share everything related to your musical journey.
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