Drumming News :
Meinl Cymbals blurs the line between sound and visual art with the release of two new limited-edition Artist Design Series ride cymbals. Created in collaboration with acclaimed artists Anika Nilles and Aric Improta, these 22″ rides transform bronze into a canvas—pairing distinctive musical personalities with deeply personal engraved artwork.
Each cymbal is serialized and produced in limited quantities, reinforcing Meinl’s commitment to craftsmanship, individuality, and artistic expression.
Artist Design Series Ride 22″ – Anika Nilles (AD2)
Ocean Tides (Engraved Bronze) – 2025
Anika Nilles’ Ocean Tides design reflects the ever-changing nature of rhythm itself. Inspired by the movement, power, and subtlety of the sea, the artwork mirrors the cymbal’s expressive and dynamic sonic character.
“Always in motion, always in rhythm. Sometimes gentle and delicate, like a whisper from the depths. Then wild and roaring, with the force of stormy waves. No matter the mood, it never stands still.”
— Anika Nilles
This thin 22″ ride delivers a complex, dark voice with a low-mid pitch and short sustain, making it ideal for nuanced musical environments where detail and control matter most.
Features
- Original Anika Nilles artwork
- Cymbal as a canvas for creativity
- Limited edition, serialized cymbals
Specifications
- Cymbal Type: Ride
- Size: 22″
- Weight: Thin
- Music Styles: Rock, Pop, Fusion, Funk, Jazz, R&B, Studio
- Pitch: Low-Mid
- Character: Complex, Dark
- Timbre: Mid-Dark
- Volume: Low
- Lathe: Wide Blade
- Sustain: Short
Learn more HERE
Artist Design Series Ride 22″ – Aric Improta (AD1)
Arcwave (Engraved Bronze) – 2025
Aric Improta’s Arcwave design captures the intensity and clarity of a true flow state—where focus and effort dissolve into instinctive motion. The striking visual engraving is meant to inspire, serving as both a creative anchor on stage and a guiding point during demanding practice sessions.
“I wanted to illustrate something that visually depicted what it feels like to be in the middle of a real flow state… a reminder of what the goal is while playing live and also act as a North Star to focus on when I’m in the middle of rehearsing something challenging.”
— Aric Improta
Built with a heavier weight, this 22″ ride offers a bright, rich, and musical response with higher pitch, pinpoint articulation, and medium sustain—perfect for powerful playing and high-energy settings.
Features
- Original Aric Improta artwork
- Cymbal as a canvas for creativity
- Limited edition, serialized cymbals
Specifications
- Cymbal Type: Ride
- Size: 22″
- Weight: Heavy
- Music Styles: Rock, Pop, Fusion, Funk, R&B, Studio
- Pitch: High
- Character: Musical, Rich, Complex
- Timbre: Bright
- Volume: Medium to High
- Lathe: Pinpoint
- Sustain: Medium
Learn more HERE
Art You Can Hear
With the Artist Design Series, Meinl Cymbals invites drummers to experience instruments that speak visually as powerfully as they do sonically. The Anika Nilles AD2 “Ocean Tides” and Aric Improta AD1 “Arcwave” rides are available now in limited quantities.
For pricing and availability, reach out to your preferred Meinl Cymbals dealer.
