Review: 16" Zildjian K Dark Med Thin Crash

Except for un-miked performances, I tend to like smaller crashes, especially in home practice. I like that immediate, fast response and quick decay that a smaller (14-16") crash offers. Especially thin and paper thin small crashes. So it was that a few months ago I was auditioning some cymbals in GC when I came across a Zildjian 16" K Dark Thin crash, and it's 18" brother. Last week I found a new one on ebay that I could afford, and ordered it up.

The day after ordering the cymbal, I realized that I'd ordered a Medium-thin instead of the Thin weight I really wanted. I decided to wait and see how it would sound, so that is the review here.

I will say that I was never overly impressed by the older style Dark K crashes, so I was surprised by the changes to the new "square label" Darks. The sound of these crashes is pretty easy to describe: take the accentuated high frequencies of the new "A" line, add a considerable number of accentuated mid-low frequency undertones, and you have the new Dark Ks.

I will say that the medium-thin version of this cymbal exhibits fewer of those delicious mid-low frequencies than the thin version that I auditioned in the store. However, this does open up the possibility of adding the thin version alongside the med-thin for a very pleasing, complimentary pair of smaller crashes.

I'm quite pleased with the 16" Med-Thin Dark Crash. It blends exceptionally well with my 16, 17, and 18" A Thin crashes. Once funds allow, I'll be looking to add the 16" THIN Dark Crash. I'll report on the result.

GeeDeeEmm


http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p...g?t=1448638075

I have and love my 18" K dark thin. It works well with my Vintage 17" A. :hug:

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Originally Posted by Pearl MCX Man

I have and love my 18" K dark thin. It works well with my Vintage 17" A. :hug:

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+1

I currently have one paired up with an 18" A Custom crash which I plan on switching out for one of the newer 18" A Thin crashes in the near future.

Glad the cymbal worked out for you GeeDeeEmm ...

Yep, seems pretty accurate. I have a 17" K Dark Med-thin for sale at the moment, and the description seems spot-on even though this one is older (I don't know much about Zildjians so not sure which version it is). There's a 16" K Custom Dark as well. What I find funny about these models is that they are called "Dark", when to me they are pretty bright. They are certainly nowhere near as dark as the cymbals I use.
Glad the cymbal worked out for you though! I too have been switching to smaller crashes (just replaced an 18" with a 16" recently).

We have a lot in common.........I love thin crash cymbals that get in & out quickly.
I also own the exact same cymbal.........16" K Zildjian medium thin.

I use it often but it is thicker than every other crash I own.

I also have a 15" thin crash K Zildjian that is gorgeous.
And nothing beats my 13" K hats.

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Originally Posted by pcs90

Yep, seems pretty accurate. What I find funny about these models is that they are called "Dark", when to me they are pretty bright.

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My thoughts exactly. The presence of the lower undertones is the only reason I can see in calling these "dark." They speak with a very bright authority, and I love the undertones, but I'm seriously doubting that anybody in the audience will hear much difference between these and the new "A" line.

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Originally Posted by Ricardo

We have a lot in common.........I love thin crash cymbals that get in & out quickly.
I also own the exact same cymbal.........16" K Zildjian medium thin.

I use it often but it is thicker than every other crash I own.

I also have a 15" thin crash K Zildjian that is gorgeous.
And nothing beats my 13" K hats.

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Gotcha! I've owned 14" and 15" thin crashes in the past and just loved them. They're a perfect bridge between splashes and crashes, and just lovely for small acoustic groups.

GeeDeeEmm

Really got the heart set on an 18 dark crash and a 15 hat top. Figuring will really compliment my 22 light Constanople ride.

all the best...

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Originally Posted by kay-gee

Really got the heart set on an 18 dark crash and a 15 hat top. Figuring will really compliment my 22 light Constanople ride.

all the best...

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I'd be buying the 18" too if I could find the kind of deal that I got on this one - $154 delivered - brand new! Unheard of.

GeeDeeEmm

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Originally Posted by gdmoore28

I'd be buying the 18" too if I could find the kind of deal that I got on this one - $154 delivered - brand new! Unheard of.

GeeDeeEmm

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Cheapest I've seen for the 18 is $229 used

all the best...

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Originally Posted by gdmoore28

I'd be buying the 18" too if I could find the kind of deal that I got on this one - $154 delivered - brand new! Unheard of.

GeeDeeEmm

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Wow! That is an absolute steal.

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Originally Posted by pcs90

Wow! That is an absolute steal.

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One of the on-line retailers (not allowed to say whom) had six of these at this price. Supposedly they were wall displays. Who cares?

GeeDeeEmm

At that price...............SCORE.

Just scored 2 K Dark Med Thin crashes, both in new condition (on line)...17" ($177.65) 18" ($200).
Super stoked. I wouldn't consider them super dark at all but up against my A and A Custom crashes, they're definitely dark-er, warmer and trashier (and quieter).
Love love love em!.

I got super lucky I found a 18" k custom dark for $130