Consider this. Read up on it, as I have noticed that there is alot of praise for this cymbal on here (Zildjian AMIR Ride 20in first gen.)

http://decatur.craigslist.org/msg/3715186384.html

John

hi john, is this your cymbal and what can you tell me bout it? i'm searching them now, thanks

just watched/listen to a cup'l vids of this cymbal. i think i like. also came across a 18" amir, would really like to hear what it would sound like.

A nice classic 20" A Zildjian ride should be right in that budget. I always see a lot of them for sale right around $100. I got one from John V here. It's a little on the heavy side with nice cutting bell. Was exactly what I was looking for. I started looking for a old Rock 21 ride like I used to have. John suggested I try this one and it's a great ride for me. Perfect match. You might like one a little less heavy per your taste and needs. Or even a nice 18". I find the old A series Zildjians from 70's and 80's are pretty affordable and overall great sounding cymbals. Some of the newer A's I've tried don't sound as nice. The Armond series cymbals are pretty nice and seem much like the older A series. I'm sort of looking for a 18 and 16 thin crashes myself. Good luck and have fun!

Actually I think that cymbal in the CL post is not a first generation but later model.

Robyn - The sticks you're using, specifically the size and shape of the bead is going to have a profound effect on how the cymbal sounds/responds. You really need to play and hear a cymbal 'live' using your own sticks in order to know how they are really going to sound when you play them. Your cracked cymbal may sound fine with a set of 7A's but sound like 'all-wash' if played with heavier sticks. It really is a matter of hearing how they'll sound with your particular sticks. Choosing and finding the right cymbals is not an easy task. Some drummers take years finding and assembling the perfect set of pies. May as well just settle down and have fun looking!

John

No personal experience with these cymbals but I have read some pretty nice reviews on the Dream Bliss line... they are in the right price range... could be worth a look.

Not sure I'm helping, here.

But at a recent get together, I used my Paiste 20" 505 crash/ride instead of my 80's Z Rock 21. We did some Hendrix, Robin Trower, Wes M, Miles and Kenny Burrell and a few other 60's jazz pieces. I have found new love, in this cymbal. I've had it since new in 1980 and had never used it as a main ride. It sounded great and not too washy (which is really and operator issue). Only downfall, quiet bell. Still, very versatile as a ride.

Back to the show.

B

I can second that - on the value of those 505 rides - no matter what weight. The Mediums have more wash but not too much. The "Ride" or "Heavy Ride" is going to sound quite dry - and all of these are bright, very bright.

That AMIR is not mine - I just did a local search in your area there and thought that would be GREAT, especially for only $4!0! I know it is quite a ways out there, but worth the gas money and time if you end up liking it alot. Meanwhile, do some more searching in that area and you may be able to pick some more stuff up on the same trip - especially flip deals. It's always wise to make the best use of your trips.

As far as I know (have learned) the all caps AMIR is the first generation, the small letter amir is the 2nd generation, then the Amir2s are an altogether different cymbal that is not as good, probably even a different composition. If I am wrong, indeed please show me some research/proof so I can see that too. Whatever generation of Amir that ride is - it is NOT an Amir2 and therefore it is going to sound great, especially for $40.

That said, if you are looking for something particularly mellow, FFR has it nailed, that classic Zildjian 20 inch A will be great and will run right about that $100. Personally my preferred weight is 2500 grams, as I flipped one of those once, only to regret selling it to this day. Now I have no B20 rides, despite some nice others (505s, MIJs).

John