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Thread: Zildjian ZBT Review

  1. #1

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    Default Zildjian ZBT Review

    I've had these cymbals for way over two years now, and am replacing them with A Custom and K's now I've got a salary increase, but might as well write a review anyway.

    14" Hats- Bright, chic sound too them. Not too bad for what you pay for, chic sound is ok.

    16" Crash- Very, very bright. Too much for my liking. Sounds more like a splash, but I suppose it works well enough for a beginer.

    20" Ride- A good enough ride, I applied a small bit of duct tape to cut down a bit of ring, the bell on mine isn't very clear cutting but is good compared to others.

    Overall review- 7/10
    Last edited by therocker; 02-10-2009 at 03:17 PM.

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    i also have zbts and at times is laughed at for that. besised the point i agree and id like to add to it:

    hats- i axtually put my bottom hat on top and they now have a sound similar to a custom projection hats.

    16 crash-as therocker said its very bright but i like it

    18 crash- in a stark contradiction its actually somewhat dark. good contraction and it makes a great orchestra suspended cymbal

    ride- very washy, not very great stick defintion. im goin to apply some clear nail polish in a ring ro cut the wash and hopefully that will help.
    "it aint got no thing if it aint got that swing"

    Yamaha Stage Custom Noveau
    10,12,14,20,14 (standard 2 up 1 down)
    Evans EC2 over Remo Ambassador Resos
    Evans Genera Dry over ambassador resos
    DW 5002 double bass pedal
    Sabian 14 inch AAX Xcelerator hats
    Sabian 14 inch HHX X-plosion crash
    Sabian 16 inch AAX studio crash
    Zildjian 17 inch Z custom crash
    Sabian 21 inch AA rock ride
    Zildjian 18 inch oriental china trash
    Agrazian 10 inch Splash

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    Quote Originally Posted by Christiandrummer777 View Post

    ride- very washy, not very great stick defintion. im goin to apply some clear nail polish in a ring ro cut the wash and hopefully that will help.
    moongel. -Les

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    Quote Originally Posted by therocker View Post
    I've had these cymbals for way over two years now, and am replacing them with A Custom and K's now I've got a salary increase, but might as well write a review anyway.

    14" Hats- Bright, chic sound too them. They have a nice chic sound which works well with the rest of my kit, I might keep them and save buying K Hats as despite being quite cheap sound quite good.

    16" Crash- Very, very bright. Too much for my liking. Sounds more like a splash, but I suppose it works well enough for a beginer.

    20" Ride- A good ride, I applied a small bit of duct tape to cut down a bit of ring, the bell on mine isn't very clear cutting but is good compared to others.

    Overall review- 7/10
    Sounds like you had the same ZBT pack that I had years ago...and for the same reason...money.

    And now you are upgrading just as I did.

    You are obviously a very smart guy!!!

    They were decent for the money, but looking back I would have to say that there are better beginner cymbals out there.

    Oh, and congrats on future upgrades! You will love the As and Ks!!! Which ones do you have in mind?
    DW - PEARL - PDP - ZILDJIAN - EVANS - VIC FIRTH


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    Quote Originally Posted by LudwigLifer View Post
    If we had centerfolds for drums,that kit would be in one of them!

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    I do not like the ride. Not enough bell, and it sounds for days......
    wait a minute...... yup it's still ringing!

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by bassist learning drums View Post
    I do not like the ride. Not enough bell, and it sounds for days......
    wait a minute...... yup it's still ringing!
    my paiste is like that...
    Kevin
    DW Performance series - Gun Metal Metallic Lacquer
    24/12/16 6.5x14
    Sabian AA/AAX hi-hats & crashes
    Sabian HHX Evolution ride

    Drummers can be very tempomental.....

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by bassist learning drums View Post
    I do not like the ride. Not enough bell, and it sounds for days......
    wait a minute...... yup it's still ringing!
    lol sometimes i feel like the and lez i will have to try moongels. its just that in Z time 05 bill stewart talked about the k custom special dry ride and when exper.inting with a prototype he said"i applied some nail polish for a slight muting effect. we tryed to replcate that sound using more sophisticated lating techniques" so if zildjian uses it it should work
    "it aint got no thing if it aint got that swing"

    Yamaha Stage Custom Noveau
    10,12,14,20,14 (standard 2 up 1 down)
    Evans EC2 over Remo Ambassador Resos
    Evans Genera Dry over ambassador resos
    DW 5002 double bass pedal
    Sabian 14 inch AAX Xcelerator hats
    Sabian 14 inch HHX X-plosion crash
    Sabian 16 inch AAX studio crash
    Zildjian 17 inch Z custom crash
    Sabian 21 inch AA rock ride
    Zildjian 18 inch oriental china trash
    Agrazian 10 inch Splash

  8. #8

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    Default Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    Quote Originally Posted by bassist learning drums View Post
    I do not like the ride. Not enough bell, and it sounds for days......
    wait a minute...... yup it's still ringing!

    My point exaclty...duct tape and moongel isn't really working too well on the ZBT, I suppose it's alright for its price, but I can't wait to get rid of the crash and ride. It seems Zildjian make very bright entry level cymbals, too much so. My band asked me why I was using a splash as my primary crash...Very embarrasing

  9. #9

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    Might be ridiculed for this, but would making the ride more like an ozone help?

  10. #10

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    sound is worth anything

  11. #11

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    If I had to rate them, I would give them no higher than a 5/10 with a 10/10 being A/K lines.
    Tama Starclassic Birch in Emerald Sea Fade 24x18, 13x10, 18x16
    Mapex Black Panther Phosphor Bronze 5.5x14
    Remo Coated Emperors (or Evans Clear EC2s) over Remo Coated Ambassadors
    Remo Coated Ambassador Over Hazy Diplomat Snare Side
    Dream Contact 14" Hi-Hats, Zildjian Avedis 21" Sweet Ride, Zildjian A Custom 18" Projection Crash, Wuhan 18" China
    Vic Firth 5As and 5Bs/Sound Percussion 5Bs and 2Bs


    "Da head of the drum doesn't matter, it's da head of da drummer that matters most..." -Phrogge

  12. #12

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    I have had ZBTs for about 18 months.

    I quite like the hi-hats, they sound good opened and closed and everywhere in between and can take quite a beating.

    I stuck a big piece of tape on the ride as soon as I got it and haven't had any problems with the sound since. Not bad for the price.

    As for the crash, it never sounded all that good. It was very flimsy and didn't stand up to much. It cracked after 18 months playing about 3 hours a week.

    They are fine for the price, but if went back in time, I would try another manufacturer.

  13. #13

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    Nice to hear a review of these cymbals instead of people just dissing them.....obviously they do have their good points as well. Nice job TR.
    ****************************************
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  14. #14

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    I started with ZBTs as well, good for a start, but if the expectation is for high quality then do not buy them for performace grade expectations. For someone just starting out, they are good. The rides are nice, the crash is a bit tin like and the ride is a sharp ride vice a full body ride that you get with your higher end cymbals. My pack also came with a china that I do like very much.

    Now if you play like stickswizzarddraggon who uses a wide range of cymbals, the ZBT would offer a sound effect good for such a style of play.

  15. #15

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    I also have ZBT's because I still don't have a grand or more to dish out for cymbals. The crashes don't sound great, especially when hit softer, but they're not too bad when hit a bit harder. For someone on a budget wanting to buy some cymbals, I would say compared to other cymbals, they are worth right about what you pay for them. I definitely would not have paid any more. Can't wait until I can afford a full set of A's or K's or some comparable high end cymbal. Until then, I'm making the best out of what I have.

    You know what they say: "When life gives you lemons, build a lemonade stand and make lemonade. Then use the profits of your lemonade business to buy a machine gun. Let's see if life makes the same mistake twice"
    Robert

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    "A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, design a building, write a sonnet, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, solve equations, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects." Robert Heinlein

    Zildjian League #1 Flunkie

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by LagerHead View Post

    You know what they say: "When life gives you lemons, build a lemonade stand and make lemonade. Then use the profits of your lemonade business to buy a machine gun. Let's see if life makes the same mistake twice"
    LOL!~
    Kevin
    DW Performance series - Gun Metal Metallic Lacquer
    24/12/16 6.5x14
    Sabian AA/AAX hi-hats & crashes
    Sabian HHX Evolution ride

    Drummers can be very tempomental.....

  17. #17

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    That was good Lagerhead!!!!

    Back to the ZBT's. My crash isn't that bad, but I like my PST5 crash better. The hats I think are fair. My drummer from my last band has K's and I really like the sound of them.

    Is Christmas near, yet?

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by LagerHead View Post
    You know what they say: "When life gives you lemons, build a lemonade stand and make lemonade. Then use the profits of your lemonade business to buy a machine gun. Let's see if life makes the same mistake twice"
    lmao
    http://www.myspace.com/thechuckofrock

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  19. #19

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    No offence intended here guys. I'm back into the drums after a 15 year hiatus & decided to take the option of buying good quality used gear as opposed to budget new gear. The difference between the AU & US dollar aside, for what I've picked up my Sabian 17" HH Crash & 20" HHX Stage Ride, someone would have probably paid the same price for a new & vastly poorer ZBT equilivant cymbal. I'm just wondering why you would you would go this way? Is the used market any different over there?

  20. #20

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    Default Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    they were one of my first rides, i was stoked on them

  21. #21

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    I saw the last post in march so I figured i'll bring this review back. I have played for 2 yrs and had the zbt's. I honostly love them. The crashes were bright and quick and the hihats sound really nice half way open. The ride i was not too thrilled about though, too weak of a bell and too many overtones. The only downside I found was that they werent too durable, but I am a hard hitter so maybe it's just me. I cracked 4 within the two yrs i've played. Overall I give the zbt's an 8.5/10
    CB drums-blue
    22X16 bass
    14in snare
    12, 13, 16, 16 in toms
    Remo emperor coated drum heads

    Zildjian
    ZBT 14in hihats
    Z custom 16 & 18 in crashes
    A Custom Ping ride 22in

    Wuhan
    18 in china
    10 in splash

    CB drums 16in thin crash, & 13in thin splash

    Yamaha lefty double bass pedal

    Zildjian 5A sticks

  22. #22

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    Cracked 4 cymbals in 2 years and you rate them an 8.5 out of 10??! I must be doing something wrong...playing almost 50 years and haven't cracked one yet. The ZBT's are strictly an entry level until you get to be a better drummer product. Since you've got cracked cymbals, now would be a good time to start researching quality cymbals and get an idea of what you want and start putting aside some $$$ to get them. They don't have to be brand new and don't get caught up in the "Brand name game."
    Check the "Auction" sites for what's available. One of the best cymbals I own...A Zildjian 21" Sweet Ride...I found on ebay for $50. It had a crack in the lathing. I drilled it, put in a few sizzles and this baby sings like a Persian cat.
    There's a lot to be said for Time Honored tradition and value.

    http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/j...vaz/TheSet.jpg

  23. #23

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    Cool Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    Ive Bought Some Of Da Best Cymbals
    I Own At Pawn Shops Thru My Travels,,,
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    And Priceless Is Da Story
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    (AND OTHER TOYZ) INCLUDING PIZZABOX SNARE DRUM

    IT'S ALL ABOUT DA SHOW !!!!!

  24. #24

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    Ebay, Pawn shops and pre-owned are not a bad way to get upgrades. I agree with Phrogge.

  25. #25

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    Default Re: Zildjian ZBT Review

    Quote Originally Posted by fiacovaz View Post
    The ZBT's are strictly an entry level until you get to be a better drummer product.
    So where does that leave Planet Z cymbals?

    I wouldn't say ZBTs are an entry level cymbal.

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