Well, let me say that what initially drew me to this ride was the fact that I had been looking for a ride that sounded similar to Phil Selway (Radiohead drummer's) ride sound on their album "In Rainbows;" Particularly, the track "Reckoner." I know that isn't typically the way you should choose your cymbals, but to be honest, it is the sound that I had in my head. I'm convinced this is the cymbal that he used on the track, if not, it's close enough.

As far applications, do what sounds good to you! I use this ride in MANY applications, it's not very versatile, but that's why I also have a 22" Zildjian A Medium Ride. Between the two, I'm covered for any type of musical situation. I also use a 16" K Dark crash and 14" K on top of a 13" A for Hi-hats--I got that idea from some jazz greats from the 40s-50s.

I own a 20" A Medium Ride, and a 19" Armand Signature Ride (with rivets). The 20" K Custom Dry fits perfectly in between those. It has that well-defined, dry pinging sound you hear on so many great jazz (and some rock) recordings, but is so hard to find in an actual cymbal in the store. After looking and listening to rides for many months, I bought three of these and took them home to compare, then returned two of them. One of the cymbals I returned was almost identical to the one I kept, the third one didn't sound quite as good. The 20" A Medium Ride is more versatile, but this K Custom Dry is my favorite ride sound. Works well with a brush, too, which is not easy to find in a ride. I LOVE IT!

Ok...so my rating might be a bit contradictory to what my review is...I own one of these cymbals and I absolutely love it. The problem is it is too dry for my needs. I am in a professional rock band, constantly gigging and I do a LOT of riding...and this cymbal just doesn't cut where I need it too. It is fantastic for jazz or latin projects...but for rock its just not where I need it to be. I would honestly say that this cymbal is great in value and sound, but if you are in a rock or metal band definitely look at something a bit louder and more washy!! Best of luck!!

I play blues and my guitar players is Vaughan / Hendrix loud. This ride gets out there. Small club or big festival stage this baby is worth every penny. You will not be disappointed !

The K Custom dry ride is at the opposite end of the ride spectrum from say a 20" K Constantinople ride in that it pings but doesn't wash (much) whearas the K Constantinople washes but has little ping. The K Custom Dry does this with a flair and style that say a Z-Series ride just doesn't have. I think the volume concerns stem from a rather average sized bell, but if you need more volume than this, there are other cymbals that can "do loud", but sacrifice some of the versatility the K Custom Dry offers. It's a world class ride.