FWIW, I typically find a 2-3 db cut or boost is all that is needed.
 
@op - I too actually like a bell ding on 1/4 notes for those types of rock & ride tunes... or just on the 'and' beat just for a little old school type of funk thing. 
 
As an alternate - since this appears to be a midi track (as you mentioned changing kits with the same results), you should be able to adjust the velocity of the note.  I'm not at my DAW at the moment and my memory isn't what it used to be (thanks to chemo and friends), but I do recall an editing function where you can edit notes, velocities, etc as a whole.  In the range area, choose just that note number to adjust up or down in velocity.  I think that too would work.
 
(Sorry I can state right off where to find that selection in the menu system)
 

randyman
 
As an alternate - since this appears to be a midi track (as you mentioned changing kits with the same results), you should be able to adjust the velocity of the note.  I'm not at my DAW at the moment and my memory isn't what it used to be (thanks to chemo and friends), but I do recall an editing function where you can edit notes, velocities, etc as a whole.  In the range area, choose just that note number to adjust up or down in velocity.  I think that too would work.

That's probably worth a shot. Since the drums are MIDI, attack the problem before it becomes audio if you can.

randyman
That 4K hit is is nearly every ride cymbal I've ever worked with - hence the reason why changing kits it's still there. 

oops! I guess I stand corrected, so disregard my unhelpful reply. This is not a problem I've ever encountered, but then I only regularly record 1 live acoustic kit, (paiste signature series cymbals) v-drums, or use samples from ez drummer.
 
Good luck with it.