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Thread: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

  1. #1

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    Default Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    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 ?)


  2. #2

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    Are you dead set on Z? What you're describing in terms of the sound you want are Paiste 2oo2's.

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    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.

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash


    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


  5. #5

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    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!

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    Quote Originally Posted by late8 View Post
    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 ?)


  7. #7

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    We have the fast crash A's in stock at our store I really like them.

    I looked into them myself actually.

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    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 ?)


  9. #9

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    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

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    A Customs are bright, quick and thin, so it sounds like you made the right choice!

  11. #11

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    You may want to try an 16" A Custom fast crash. I have two , love them.

  12. #12

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    I purchased my 16" Zildjian A Custom crash a few years ago and it's become my favorite from the Zildjian A series. It's got a nice bright crash and is quick to "get out". The only down side is it's has a brilliant finish and fingerprints are always visible if you don't clean them.








  13. #13

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    Quote Originally Posted by NPYYZ View Post
    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.

    Quote Originally Posted by late8 View Post
    I purchased my 16" Zildjian A Custom crash a few years ago and it's become my favorite from the Zildjian A series. It's got a nice bright crash and is quick to "get out". The only down side is it's has a brilliant finish and fingerprints are always visible if you don't clean them.


    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 ?)


  14. #14

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    Quote Originally Posted by Ricardo View Post
    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.
    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.

  15. #15

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    Almost a crime indeed.
    That Beck/Scott gig is fantastic.
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  16. #16

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    Default Re: Choosing a New Zildjian Crash

    Quote Originally Posted by Ricardo View Post
    Almost a crime indeed.
    That Beck/Scott gig is fantastic.
    Interesting opinions on intimate club settings verses arena/concert halls as far as acoustics and the stage setting.

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