Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated .

Guitar Center
4.5 (99)
$249.95
Amazon
4.4 (50)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$259.95 New
$194.98 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (35)

Average Price: $243

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into the realm of crisp, articulate crashes with the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash, a masterpiece engineered for the modern drummer seeking both sophistication and versatility. This cymbal, steeped in the artistry of Zildjian's renowned crafting techniques, strikes a perfect balance between a brilliant finish and a sound that resonates with musical complexity. Developed in collaboration with the legendary Vinnie Colaiuta, the A Custom Crash embodies a fusion of innovative rotary hammering and a slender profile, yielding a sound that's as dynamic as your playing.

The Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash isn't just another cymbal; it's a gateway to exploring the depths of your musical expression. Its rotary hammering technique ensures that each hit delivers a spectrum of overtones, from shimmering highs to the more nuanced, throaty lows, thereby creating a full-bodied crash that commands attention without overwhelming. The thin weight of this cymbal ensures an immediate response, allowing for a versatile performance that can adapt from the softest touch to the most powerful strike with ease. Whether under the bright lights of the stage or in the intimate setting of a studio, this cymbal's brilliant finish is not just visually captivating but also enhances its sonic clarity.

Perfect for drummers of all genres, from jazz aficionados to rock enthusiasts, the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash offers an exceptional blend of immediate articulation and sustained musicality. It's not just an instrument; it's a companion in your musical journey, ready to elevate your sound with every crash.

Key Features:

  • Developed in collaboration with Vinnie Colaiuta
  • Innovative rotary hammering technique for complex overtones
  • Thin weight for immediate response and fast decay
  • Brilliant finish for a visually and sonically captivating performance
  • Versatile sound profile, ideal for any musical genre

Product specs

Brand Zildjian
Model 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal
Finish Brilliant, Brilliant
Year 1991 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Crash Cymbals
Diameter 14"

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash best suited for?

The Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash is renowned for its bright and crisp sound, making it ideal for genres like pop, rock, and jazz where quick, explosive accents are desired.

How does the 14" A Custom Crash compare to other Zildjian crash cymbals in terms of sound?

The 14" A Custom Crash offers a brilliant, shimmering sound with a fast attack and quick decay, distinguishing it from other models that may have a warmer or more sustained tone.

Is the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash durable for regular gigging?

Yes, the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash is crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability for frequent live performances and rehearsals.

What is the finish on the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash, and how does it affect the sound?

The Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash features a brilliant finish, which enhances its bright and cutting sound, making it stand out in a mix.

Can the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash be used in a small drum kit setup?

Absolutely, the 14-inch size makes it a versatile addition to smaller drum kits, providing a sharp, clear crash without overpowering the overall sound.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20525-1060512V)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20525-1060512V) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20525-1060512V)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 14" A Custom Crash - A20525 by Avedis Zildjian Company

14" A Custom Crash - A20525

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 715g (A20525-1101415EE) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 715g (A20525-1101415EE)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20525-1011012F) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20525-1011012F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 810g (A20525-1040417I) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 810g (A20525-1040417I)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 742g (A20525-1040417K) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 742g (A20525-1040417K)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Perfect balance between bright and dark tones, suitable for various genres

  • Great projection without being overly loud, ideal for unmiked settings

  • Blends well with other cymbals, especially A series and Sabian HHX

  • Excellent bell sound for nuanced playing

  • Highly regarded by both amateur and professional drummers

  • Offers full body and proper decay for a musical crash sound

  • Versatile, fits well in rock, jazz, and acoustic settings

  • Aesthetically pleasing design, adds visual appeal to drum set

  • Reliable quality, long-term dedication from drummers

CONS

  • Potential issues with receiving a used or damaged product

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash.

User experience

  • A Custom crashes are reportedly less bright than expected, with a slightly darker pitch due to their brilliant finish and material removal.

    Source
  • Some owners report crashes as "clangy" and requiring hard hits to activate, which results in loud volume and prolonged sustain.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A Custom and A Medium Thin Crash are often considered similar in sound, with differences primarily in finish rather than tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Paiste 2002 and Meinl Pure Alloy cymbals are recommended for louder music styles due to their inherently brighter, glassier tone.

    Source
  • The 18” A Custom crash is highlighted as iconic and favored for its unique feel and sound, contrasting with other models' stiffness.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A Custom crashes may not project loudly enough for metalcore; thicker, brighter options like Z Custom re-issues are recommended.

    Source
  • A Custom crashes are noted for their "buttery feel," making them ideal for repeated crashing in breakdown sections.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's advised to allow cymbals to move freely on stands and use a swiping motion to prevent cracking and achieve an open sound.

    Source
  • Brilliant finish on A Custom crashes smoothes over lathing, affecting sound by reducing surface roughness and resonance.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners mention that the logos on A Custom crashes can come off easily, especially during polishing, indicating weak printing durability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Minimal hammering on A Custom crashes means they open up only when played with more force.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Travis Barker uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash

Travis Barker

Drummer, Music Producer

Blink-182

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video interview with Daniel Jensen, Travis Barker's drum tech, he shows Barker's cymbal setup as having a Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash (0:59 into the video).

See how Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash

Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett

Drummer

Michael Jackson (band)

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

In the article "Jonathan Moffett — Have Drums Will Travel" from Modern Drummer Magazine, Jonathan "Sugarfoot" Moffett is noted for using two 14" crash cymbals—one thin and one paper-thin—positioned behind him. However, he does not use the Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash.

See how Kjetil-Vidar Haraldstad uses Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash

Kjetil-Vidar Haraldstad

Drummer

Gorgoroth

...
Verified via Metalstorm

Kjetil-Vidar Haraldstad uses a Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash cymbal, as detailed in the gear list on Metalstorm.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Zildjian 14" A Custom Crash, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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