Meinl HCS20DAR HCS Dark 20" Ride Cymbal

20" HCS Dark Ride Cymbal — Controlled Tone, Moody Character

The Meinl HCS20DAR is a 20" ride cymbal for drummers who want to step away from bright, cutting brass rides and lean into something darker and more atmospheric. Part of Meinl's HCS Dark series, it pairs specially treated MS63 brass alloy with a lathe-formed profile and wide blade lathing to deliver a focused, controlled voice. The result is a prominent bell ping, ultra-clear accenting, and a wash with noticeable depth that won't overpower the kit. Built in Germany with a bold dark finish, it brings stage-ready looks and a moody sonic signature to any setup.

What Sets the HCS Dark Ride Apart

What sets this cymbal apart in Meinl's entry-level brass range is the combination of specially treated MS63 brass alloy and wide blade lathing across the bow, which shapes the dark, controlled character of the sound. The lathe-formed profile keeps the response lively enough for everyday playing, while the dark finish ties the visual identity to the tonal identity of the HCS Dark line.

Specs That Shape the Sound

The technical parameters explain why this ride sounds the way it does. Medium thickness strikes a balance between stick definition and wash, while the 20" diameter gives it the classic ride size for most setups. The MS63 brass alloy is the same specially treated brass used across the entire HCS line.

• Diameter: 508 mm (20") — standard ride size for most kit configurations
• Thickness: Medium — balanced stick definition with controlled wash
• Alloy: MS63 brass — specially treated for clear, focused response
• Dark finish — bold visual identity matching the tonal character
• Production Method: Pressure Point Technology — consistent hammering across the bow for predictable sound

Who Should Play the HCS Dark Ride

The Meinl HCS20DAR is the right choice for beginner and advancing drummers who want a darker alternative to standard bright brass rides without paying professional-tier prices. It suits students building their first cymbal setup, teachers outfitting lesson studios, and intermediate players wanting a controlled, atmospheric voice for rock, blues, or worship styles. Short sustain keeps the cymbal from washing out fast tempos, and the defined bell gives players a usable accent for fills.

Meinl HCS Series — Made in Germany Since 1951

Meinl has been making world-class cymbals since 1951, and the HCS series has a clear mission: create accessible cymbal solutions for beginner and student drummers. The HCS Dark line extends that mission into darker tonal territory, giving entry-level players access to the moody, controlled sound usually reserved for more expensive professional lines. Every cymbal in the series is crafted in Meinl's state-of-the-art facility in Germany.