Are you dead set on Z? What you're describing in terms of the sound you want are Paiste 2oo2's.
I'm trying to decide which cymbal to buy to replace a larger crash that isn't currently doing it for me.
I love crash cymbals that are bright and get in and out quickly............my favorites are generally 15s and 16s...........thins and medium-thins.
But I also like to have one crash that has a bit more sustain when needed.
I also have a 12 splash and I bought a 14 A Custom to bridge the gap between that splash and the other crash cymbals...............that was my first experience with the A Custom line............at first I was not that impressed but over time I've decided I really like the weight and the brilliance.
I thought I was ready to pull the trigger on another K Dark thin.............a 17 inch version..............but in the store yesterday it was just a bit less brilliant than I expected............still beautiful as you can imagine, but almost TOO dark in the larger size.
Now I'm thinking of getting the 17 in the A Custom line, which is even thinner and very brilliant...............this could be the right answer.
Any thoughts and advice before I get myself something for Father's Day ?
Gretsch USA & Zildjian(What Else Would I Ever Need ?)
Are you dead set on Z? What you're describing in terms of the sound you want are Paiste 2oo2's.
I think youd be happy with regular Zildjian As. The A customs may be too bright, where as the regular A line is bright and quick, but not overly.
Acoustic & Electronic:
Pearl Prestige World Series WLX 1988
Tama Swingstar 1983
Tama Superstar Hyper-Drive (Birch) 2007
Ludwig Acrolite Snare 1976
Ludwig Supraphonic 6.5x14" 2021
Pearl Sensitone Elite Aluminum 5.5" and 6.5" Snare
Pearl COB Custom Deluxe [Gladstone] (75-76) Snare
Love Drum Co. Hammered Steel 5.5" Snare
Roland TD-1KV
Paiste
Accent 8"
Paiste Signature:
6", 10" Splash
14" Dark Crisp Hi-Hats
14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats
16", 17", 18",19", 20" Full Crash
22" Symphonic Med-Heavy (use as a Ride)
Paiste Formula 602:
22" Formula 602 Modern Essentials Ride
Paiste 2oo2:
22" Ride
16" Crash
8",10" Splash
Paiste 2oo2 Big Beat:
15" Hi-Hats
19", 20", 21" Big Beat Multifunctional
Paiste Sound Formula:
16" Crash
20" Full Ride (Frankenstein)
Paiste Twenty:
16" China
Paiste Alpha (original Swiss made):
12" Splash
Paiste PST7:
Medium
16", 18" Crash
20" Ride
14" Hi-Hats
Sabian:
XS20 18" China
AA 14" Fusion Hi-Hats
I own a 16" Zildjian A Custom and it's my favorite cymbal. Bright, yet it doesn't hang around to wear out its welcome, but for my taste, anything heavier will be too much. I like thin crash cymbals too; get in and out quick and leave the rest to the ride and hats!
In that case, be sure when you buy any K crashes that you get the dark thin.................NOT the medium-thin or the regular dark.
I have had all of them (and they are all gorgeous) and there is quite a difference on decay length and attack brilliance.
My favorites are definitely the 15 and 16 dark thin.
I have zero experience with any from the K Custom line.
Gretsch USA & Zildjian(What Else Would I Ever Need ?)
We have the fast crash A's in stock at our store I really like them.
I looked into them myself actually.
Thanks to all for your valued input.
I love the thin K but with this bigger size I went for the A Custom thinner weight.
Can't wait for the next gig to see how she performs.
Also got $43 off the advertised price so I did OK.
Gretsch USA & Zildjian(What Else Would I Ever Need ?)
Rick,
Did the store have a 17" K Dark Medium Thin to audition? I'll bet the medium thin would have blended very well with your 15 and 16.
GeedeeEmm
A Customs are bright, quick and thin, so it sounds like you made the right choice!
You may want to try an 16" A Custom fast crash. I have two , love them.
I have not had the pleasure of trying the "fast" version.
But certainly interested.
Yes, they are brilliant..............in shine and in sound.
I expect my new cymbal to be delivered tomorrow and I am planning to do a side-by-side test of the two cymbals that (I think) are currently not doing the job I want.
I recently read that V. Colaiuta had a hand in the design of this line.
Gretsch USA & Zildjian(What Else Would I Ever Need ?)
Yes he did and it's an amazing cymbal line. I wish Vinnie would go back to Zildjian. His new Gretsch kit doesn't sound the same without the Zildjian A Custom line he helped to create. Listen to this kit with the Z's compared to the unboxing video in the Gretsch drums thread where he uses Paiste. I love Paiste, but as the designer of the A Custom line, it's almost a crime he's still endorses Paiste, in my humble opinion.
Videos out of sync.
Last edited by late8; 06-14-2016 at 02:55 PM.
Almost a crime indeed.
That Beck/Scott gig is fantastic.
Gretsch USA & Zildjian(What Else Would I Ever Need ?)
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