Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$359.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (14)
$359.95
Amazon
4.6 (71)
$359.95 New
$323.96 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$329.95 New
$274.99 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (17)
$359.95
Thomann
4.7 (35)
$311.00 $309.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£285.50

Average Price: $336

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX cymbal is a standout piece of equipment that every drummer should consider having in their kit. This cymbal is a unique fusion of the smooth finesse of the A Custom line and the aggressive, biting edge of a raw, trashy tone. It's versatile enough to transition from a shimmering crash to a raw, distorted bark with increasing intensity, creating a range of sounds from a traditional crash to a distinctive, ragged edge.

The laser-cut perforations strategically placed across the cymbal's brilliant bronze surface adds an innovative twist to its voice. These cut-outs permit a fast, dry, trashy tone ideal for punctuation and accents. Play it hard, and the cut-outs become more pronounced, transforming the EFX Crash's tone into a distorted, edgy roar. The cymbal is crafted from premium B20 bronze, renowned for its musicality, ensuring that its quality matches its innovative design.

Whether you're an aspiring musician looking to add some character to your drum set or a seasoned professional seeking a unique sound, the Zildjian A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal is sure to inspire creativity and make a bold statement.

Key Features:

  • Part of the renowned A Custom series
  • Laser-cut perforations for a unique, raw sound
  • Premium B20 bronze construction
  • Versatile sound range from a traditional crash to a distorted bark
  • Ideal for accent work and punctuations
  • Smooth, musical bloom
  • Contemporary look with a brilliant finish

Product specs

Type EFX Crash
Size 16"
Weight Thin
Material B20, Cast Bronze
Finish Brilliant
Sound Bright, Dry, Trashy
Pitch Mid
Volume Loud

FAQs

What is the sound character of the Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX cymbal?

The Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX cymbal delivers a bright, dry, and trashy sound with sudden explosiveness and quick decay, making it ideal for accents and special effects in various musical settings.

What material is the Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX made from?

This cymbal is crafted from B20 cast bronze, a material known for its durability and rich tonal qualities, contributing to its distinctive sound.

Is the Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX suitable for loud playing environments?

Yes, the Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX is designed to produce a loud volume, making it suitable for cutting through in louder musical settings.

What is the finish on the Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX and how does it affect the sound?

The cymbal features a brilliant finish, which enhances its bright sound and provides a visually striking appearance on stage.

How does the Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX differ from a traditional crash cymbal?

Unlike traditional crash cymbals, the EFX has a unique laser-cut design that creates a trashier and more explosive sound, ideal for special effects and dynamic accents.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal (A20816-1050913K)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal (A20816-1050913K) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal (A20816-1050913K)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - 16" A Custom EFX by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 16" A Custom EFX

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 865g (A20816-1071917D) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 865g (A20816-1071917D)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 851g - Played by Casey Cooper (A20816-1050316M) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 851g - Played by Casey Cooper (A20816-1050316M)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 16" A Custom EFX - A20816 by Avedis Zildjian Company

16" A Custom EFX - A20816

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 916g (A20816-1122921C) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 916g (A20816-1122921C)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 906g (A20816-1022423B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 906g (A20816-1022423B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Reviews

PROS

  • Bright and clean sound, ideal for recording and church performances

  • Versatile; functions well both solo and when stacked

  • Unique hybrid sound between a crash and a china

  • Smooth attack with a progressive decay, suitable for low volume play

  • Trashy sound adds character to drum setups

  • Short, punchy sustain offers clarity in various musical contexts

  • Enhances fills with a crisp and clear tone

  • Inspires creativity and complements existing cymbal setups

CONS

  • Dark overtones may not cut through in loud live performances

  • Not suitable as a direct replacement for larger crash cymbals

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • Combining the cracked 16" A Custom EFX with a 14” or 15” crash/hihat can create a diverse stack sound, avoiding a typical "hi-hat" tone.

    Source
  • Experimenting with different cymbal sizes, such as pairing with a China cymbal, can enhance the versatility of a stack configuration.

    Source
  • Despite small cracks, the 18" EFX maintains a trashy, white noise sound, adding unique texture to a drum setup.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Using an x-hat attachment allows for flexible mounting of two cymbals, offering unique stacking possibilities similar to hi-hats.

    Source
  • Cutting larger cymbals can result in a more favorable sound change compared to smaller ones, potentially improving a cracked cymbal's usability.

    Source
  • Some owners mark cymbal cracks with a marker to monitor growth, highlighting the importance of regular inspection for prolonged usability.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Pairing a broken 16" EFX with a $25 Wuhan splash or existing $15 Paiste splash can create an interesting stack effect.

    Source
  • Cutting out cracks with a cutting wheel and smoothing with high-grit sandpaper can extend the life of a damaged EFX cymbal.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite being cracked, the 16" A Custom EFX can maintain a desirable, slightly washier sound that some users continue to find appealing.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Selling an unused crash cymbal for around $50 can help fund the purchase of a new or replacement effects cymbal.

    Source
  • It's suggested to offer around £65-70 for a cracked 18" EFX, aiming for a bargain without overpaying for potential future issues.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Dun uses Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

Josh Dun

Drummer, Composer

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via Zildjian

Zildjian verified

See how Ashton Irwin uses Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

Ashton Irwin

Singer, Drummer

5 Seconds Of Summer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Sound Legacy - Ashton Irwin of 5 Seconds of Summer," produced by the Avedis Zildjian Company, Ashton Irwin is shown using the Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX cymbal.

See how Anton Fig uses Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

Anton Fig

Drummer

Kiss

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed here as using this effects cymbal.

See how Jamison Ross uses Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

Jamison Ross

Singer, Drummer

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via Facebook

In a Facebook post by Jamison Ross, he is seen using a Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX cymbal as part of a stack.

See how Mike Montgomery uses Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

Mike Montgomery

Drummer

iwrestledabearonce

...
Verified via YouTube

Mike uses a zildjian efx crash in his setup. he uses this as part of a stack

See how Hrafnkell Örn Guðjónsson uses Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

Hrafnkell Örn Guðjónsson

Drummer

Agent Fresco

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

I’m proud to be a part of the Zildjian family and I’m currently using an 18? Dark Medium-Thin crash, 22? K Light ride, 17? K China, 14? K hi-hat, and a stack containing a 16? A Custom EFX and another 17? K China.

See how Richard Jupp uses Zildjian 16" A Custom EFX

Richard Jupp

Drummer

Elbow

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed under Jupp's official Zildjian artist page.

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 16" A Custom EFX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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