Best Ride Cymbals for Nu-Metal in 2026 | MetalForge Expert Guide
Discover the best ride cymbals for nu-metal drumming. Expert recommendations on articulate ping for syncopated grooves and raw wash for breakdown chaos, featuring the exact rides used by John Otto, Joey Jordison, and Ray Luzier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ride cymbal does John Otto use?
John Otto of Limp Bizkit plays a 20" Zildjian A Custom Ping Ride, established in the band's earliest years and confirmed as his current setup through the 2021 comeback album "Still Sucks." Its quick, articulate ping suits his syncopated, hip-hop-influenced groove sensibility.
What ride cymbal does Joey Jordison use?
Joey Jordison built one of nu-metal's most aggressive ride sounds around a 20" Paiste RUDE Ride during Slipknot's Iowa era, pairing it with RUDE crashes and Wild Hi-Hats. The raw, unlathed construction delivers the explosive, trashy attack that defined Slipknot's most brutal live performances.
Zildjian A Custom vs Paiste RUDE — which ride is better for nu-metal?
Both work at the highest level of nu-metal — John Otto uses a Zildjian A Custom Ping Ride for controlled, syncopated groove tone, while Joey Jordison uses a Paiste RUDE Ride for a raw, explosive, aggressive attack. A Custom suits groove-first, melodic nu-metal; RUDE suits breakdown-heavy, theatrical nu-metal.
What size ride cymbal is best for nu-metal?
20"-21" is the nu-metal range. John Otto and Joey Jordison both ride 20" for quick response, while a 21" Sabian AAX Raw Bell Dry Ride adds slightly more body for drummers who want extra wash.
What's the best budget ride cymbal for nu-metal?
The Zildjian ZBT Ride (€70-90) delivers a genuinely usable ping at a true beginner price. For a step up, the Sabian XSR Monarch Ride (€130-160) brings B20 bronze to a mid-range price.