Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash

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$280.00 to $349.95 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (22)

4 Reviews

Find out who is using Zildjian 16" A Custom

9 community setups

5 wishlisted

76 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (7)

$349.95

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4.5 (99)

$349.95

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4.7 (165)

$349.95 New

$314.96 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (18)

$280.00 45 available New

$140.00 34 available Used

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5.0 (269)

$349.95

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5.0 (1)

$324.95

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4.9 (64)

$319.00

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£267.50

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Average Price: $308

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the Crash Cymbals category, Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Welcome to the realm of the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash, a cymbal that strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and versatility. Born from the collaboration with renowned drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, this cymbal is an innovation in the world of percussion.

The A Custom Crash introduces a revolutionary rotary hammering technique, which hardens and thins the cymbal in strategic areas, creating a rich, full-bodied sound with complex dark overtones. This process enables a wider range of tonal possibilities, from shimmering highs to throaty lows.

The thin weight of the A Custom provides an immediate crash response, with a swift build-up and decay. This sensitivity allows drummers to achieve a rich spectrum of crashing effects based on their playing technique. Whether you're looking for swift crashes or drawn-out splashes, the A Custom Crash is readily at your disposal.

This cymbal doesn't just sound great, it looks the part too. The brilliant finish gives the A Custom Crash a lustrous gleam that dazzles under stage lights, enhancing its visual appeal and helping to produce crisp, articulate tones.

Key Features:

Developed with legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta
Revolutionary rotary hammering technique
Immediate crash response due to thin weight
Full-bodied sound with complex dark overtones
Brilliant finish for dazzling stage presence
Versatility across genres - from rock to jazz to electronic music
Size: 16"
Category: A Custom Series
Type: Crash cymbal
Weight: Thin
Finish: Brilliant

Product specs

Type	Crash
Size	16"
Weight	Thin
Material	B20, Cast Bronze
Finish	Brilliant
Sound	Medium
Pitch	Medium
Balance	Blend
Bell Size	Small
Volume	General
Sustain	Short

FAQs

What is the sound characteristic of the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash?: The Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash offers a bright and medium sound with a short sustain, making it ideal for quick accents in various musical styles.
Is the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash is well-suited for live performances due to its brilliant finish and medium pitch, which cut through the mix effectively.
What material is the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash made from?: The Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash is crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities.
How does the thin weight of the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash affect its playability?: The thin weight of the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash provides a quick response and fast decay, making it perfect for drummers who need a cymbal that reacts swiftly to their playing style.
What finish does the Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash have, and how does it affect the sound?: The Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash features a brilliant finish, which enhances its bright and shimmering sound, ideal for adding sparkle to your drum kit.

Videos

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Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20514-1050913F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian Sound Lab - 16" A Custom Crash

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20514-1032415A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian A Custom 16" Crash / 967g #BJ102195067

Peter Lewis

Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 963g (A20514-1101719G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash Cymbal 960g (A20514-1012219B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash Brilliant-Demo of Exact Cymbal-1070g

Columbus Percussion

Zildjian 16'' A Custom Crash

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Reviews

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PROS

Bright tone with excellent projection and clarity
Versatile for multiple music genres, from jazz to metal
Durable even with heavy use and hard hitting
Visually impressive, ideal for stage presence
Balanced mix of attack and decay, not too quick or lingering
Perfect for both live and recording settings
Enhances overall sound of a drum kit, noticeable tonal improvement
Cuts through music effectively, especially in unmiked situations
Offers a unique bell sound when needed

CONS

Can be too loud for small practice settings
Bright sound may not suit all musical styles

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 16" A Custom Crash.

User experience

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Owners report that 16" A Custom Crashes are prone to cracking when played aggressively, especially if not struck with proper technique.
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Some drummers prefer using the 16" A Custom as a top hi-hat cymbal after it develops cracks, citing satisfactory sound quality.
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The 16” Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash is reported to feel like a big splash cymbal, with very quick decay, making it less suitable for those seeking longer sustain.
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Comparisons

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The 16" A Custom is frequently compared to Sabian AAX Stage Crashes, which are noted to have similar sound profiles.
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The A Custom Crash is noted to be slightly darker in pitch than regular A cymbals due to its finish, despite its brilliant appearance.
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Setup and maintenance

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Drilling a hole at the end of a crack is a common repair method to prevent further damage, though it may not always be effective.
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Proper cymbal setup includes avoiding over-tightening the wing nut and allowing free movement to prevent damage.
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Testing cymbal volume limits by hitting progressively harder helps identify the optimal striking force without causing damage.
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Use cases and applications

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The 16" A Custom is favored for its tonal qualities in a wide range of musical styles but may not withstand heavy rock or metal playing without proper technique.
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Some drummers find the 16” Fast Crash too fast and prefer the 18” version for a fuller sound, suggesting it might be more versatile in various musical settings.
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The A Custom Crash might not be loud enough for metalcore, prompting users to strike harder, which increases the risk of cracks.
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Meinl Pure Alloy, Classics Customs/Dark, or Paiste 2002 series are suggested for louder music, offering glassier and brighter tones suitable for metal genres.
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Mods and upgrades

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For drummers seeking durability, switching to Paiste RUDE cymbals has been suggested as they offer greater mechanical strength for aggressive playing styles.
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Thicker cymbals like the Z Custom re-issues are recommended for those seeking louder, more durable options for aggressive playing styles.
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 22 Ratings

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dario_mannu

546

almost 7 years ago

Pure gold

This cymbal is pure gold to me. You can play every kind of genres, it will resists a lot if you hit so hard! The sound is really AWESOME, so clear, rich, from the tiny one to the full big fat sound. Must have!

Preferred Settings + Usage:

My Favourite Jazz Cymbal Set From left to right

Zildjian K custom dark 13'' hi hats Zildjian K custom dark 20'' ride (with a little chain that stands for the rivets) Zildjian A custom 16'' crash - on top of this - Zildjian K series 10" splash Zildjian K series 20'' ride

Roles:

Drummer

Genres:

Rock Pop Hip Hop