Meinl Classics Custom Dark 18" Big Bell Ride | 2026 review

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride arrived in 2021. For a long time, I’d wanted cymbal manufacturers to produce a smaller ride for using on the left side of the hi-hats. A few smaller rides had been released over the years, but this was Meinl’s take on it.

We first wrote this review in February 2021, when the ride was brand new. Nearly six years on, it is still in the Meinl catalogue, so what has changed and is it still worth a look in 2026? Let’s have an in-depth look at this 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride from Meinl.

What has changed since 2021?

If you read the original version of this review, here is the short version.

• It is still in production. Meinl still lists the 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride (model CC18HBBDAR) and the big shops in the UK and US still stock it. One or two retailers have stopped carrying it, so availability varies from shop to shop.
• The alloy has changed. When it launched, the Classics Custom Dark range was made from B10 bronze. Meinl now makes Classics Custom, Classics Custom Dark and Classics Custom Extreme Metal from B12 bronze, so newer stock has a touch more tin in the mix.
• The price is still friendly. Expect to pay around £200 in the UK and around $220 in the US.
• It has company. If you want something even more extreme, the Classics Custom Extreme Metal series also has an 18” big bell ride.

Who is the Classic Custom Dark 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride for?

This 18” big bell ride is part of the Meinl Classic Custom Dark line. This range of cymbals has been created with rock, metal and extreme metal drummers in mind.

These cymbals are aggressive, loud but still have a great tone. Not to mention visually stunning.

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride fits this range as big bell rides are primarily for metal drummers. They have a nice ping on the body of the cymbal with a cutting bell for accents. Perfect for extreme metal music at high tempos where clarity of each hit is needed.

What is the ride made from?

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark cymbals were originally made from a B10 bronze alloy using Meinl’s high-tech computerised manufacturing. Meinl has since moved the whole Classics Custom family over to B12 bronze, which is what you will get if you buy one new in 2026. Either way, Meinl seems to have a secret technique that allows them to get amazing-sounding cymbals from these lower-tin alloys. Combining this with the fact the cymbals aren’t hand-hammered means they are cheaper than the top of the range B20 bronze cymbals.

So in short, you are getting a great sounding big bell ride cymbal without breaking the bank.

Features:

• Material - B12 bronze (B10 on early stock)
• Size - 18”
• Weight - Extra heavy
• Finish - Dark

What does the Meinl Classic Custom Dark 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride sound like?

As this cymbal has been designed with extreme metal drummers in mind, it has the things you would be looking for if you play blast beats and fast metal grooves. It has an explosive and cutting sound with a fast response and a short decay.

The body and the bell of this ride sound great and are perfect for metal drumming as designed.

As you usually get from big bell rides, the crash sound isn’t great. It is very washy with a long sustain. In all honesty, though, this isn’t what you are buying this ride for though.

Where can I buy a Meinl Classic Custom Dark 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride?

Luckily for you, Meinl Cymbals can be ordered from most online music stores or your local drum shop. In 2026, expect to pay around £200 in the UK or around $220 in the US. If you are looking to order online, here are some of our favourite suppliers.

The right shop depends on where you are: Guitar Center in the Americas, Gear4music in the UK, or Thomann for Europe and the rest of the world.

Because it has been around since 2021, there are also plenty of used ones about. Check used Classics Custom Dark big bell rides on Reverb before you pay new money.

Final thoughts

The Meinl Classics Custom Dark 18” Heavy Big Bell Ride was an incredible cymbal for the cost in 2021, and it still is in 2026. If you are looking for a ride for extreme metal this has to be at the top of your list for consideration. If you are looking for a left side ride for open handed pattern combinations there is no need to look any further.

The only caveat is the same as it always was: the crash sound is not its strong point, so do not buy it expecting a crash/ride.

We still love this ride from Meinl. If you want to see what else they make, have a look at our Meinl Cymbals hub or read our cymbal buying guide.