Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $338
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
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Budget
Standard
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash, a perfect blend of craftsmanship and innovation. This cymbal, a part of Zildjian's acclaimed A Custom series, is an impeccable choice for drummers seeking both versatility and sophistication in their sound. Developed in collaboration with drumming legend Vinnie Colaiuta, this cymbal employs a radical rotary hammering technique and a thin weight design that ensures an immediate and satisfying crash response.
The A Custom Crash emits a full-bodied, natural sound that effortlessly cuts through mixes, offering you an impressive range of tonal possibilities. Its brilliant and lustrous finish not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the production of crisp and articulate tones. Whether you're into rock, jazz, or electronic music, you'll find that the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash fits seamlessly into any genre, providing you with a wide palette of sounds to explore and create with.
Key Features:
- Radical rotary hammering for optimal tonal qualities
- Thin weight design for immediate crash response
- Brilliant finish for a lustrous gleam and crisp tones
- Versatile sound suitable for a variety of musical genres
- Developed with legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta
- Part of Zildjian's acclaimed A Custom series
Product specs
| Type | Crash |
| Size | 17" |
| Weight | Thin |
| Material | B20, Cast Bronze |
| Finish | Brilliant |
| Sound | Medium |
| Pitch | Low/Medium |
| Balance | Blend |
| Bell Size | Small |
| Volume | General |
| Sustain | Medium |
FAQs
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What sound characteristics can I expect from the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash?
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The Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash offers a bright, cutting sound with a quick response. It features a brilliant finish that enhances its crisp attack and shimmering sustain, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
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Is the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash is well-suited for live performances. Its medium volume and quick response allow it to cut through the mix effectively, making it a versatile choice for various live music settings.
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What material is the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash made from?
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The Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash is crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal quality. This material contributes to the cymbal's bright sound and long-lasting performance.
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How does the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash compare to thicker crash cymbals?
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The Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash is a thin cymbal, offering a faster attack and quicker decay compared to thicker models. This makes it ideal for drummers seeking a responsive crash with a shimmering, bright tone.
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Can the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash be used in studio recordings?
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Yes, the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash is suitable for studio recordings. Its medium sustain and balanced blend make it a versatile choice for capturing bright, articulate crash sounds in various recording environments.
Videos
Avedis Zildjian Company
Zildjian Sound Lab - 17" A Custom Crash
Reviews
PROS
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Warm, dark sound ideal for a variety of music styles
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Bright, brilliant finish enhances stage presence
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Perfect balance between light and dark tones
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Versatile for live performances and studio recording
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Projects well on larger stages
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Superior sustain and decay for a 17" size
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Complements various setups between 16" and 18" crashes
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Reliable durability reported by most users
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Quick decay without excessive overtones
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Distinctive pitch that adds color to any set
CONS
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Inconsistent quality; some units may differ in sound quality
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Used or damaged items reported by some buyers
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash.
Comparisons
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The 17" A Custom Projection Crash offers more presence and bite compared to the 18" K Custom Dark, making it suitable for more accentuated playing.
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A Custom Projection Crashes are described as having a heavier and more forward sound than A Custom Fast Crashes, making them more suitable for rock music.
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Regular A Custom Crashes are thinner than the A Custom Projection Crashes, which are medium-thin, providing a balance between volume and sustain.
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User experience
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Owners transitioning from the 18" A Custom Crash to the 17" Projection note the former's dream-like crash quality, indicating high satisfaction before breakage.
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The 17" model is favored over 16" and 18" variants within the A Custom Projection series, highlighting its balanced tonal characteristics.
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Owners report that A Custom Projection Crashes flex less under sticks compared to thinner models, offering a more robust response for louder playing styles.
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A former owner fondly recalls paying £180 for this model 15 years ago, indicating long-term appreciation and perceived value over time.
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Use cases and applications
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The 17" A Custom Projection Crash is praised as versatile, providing a balance of volume, sustain, and attack suitable for varied musical contexts.
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This cymbal is noted for its suitability in rock and metal genres due to its heavier construction, providing the necessary projection and cut for these styles.
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Build quality
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It's noted that Zildjian's weight variations can affect cymbal sound, with some A Custom models reportedly being thinner than past versions.
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A user noted the cymbal being made in 2017 and despite its age, it appears barely used and well cared for, suggesting durability and longevity when properly maintained.
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Features and functionality
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A Custom Projection Crashes are medium-thin, offering more cut compared to the regular A Custom Thin Crashes.
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Value and pricing
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A Canadian buyer purchased a slightly used Zildjian 17" A Custom Projection Crash for $100 CAD, equivalent to about $71 USD, highlighting a significant bargain compared to new prices.
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A user humorously suggested that any undamaged cymbal sounding good to the buyer is worth at least $100, emphasizing subjective value based on sound preference.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 6 Ratings
154
Gets the job done.
Zildjian A Custom Cymbals are used by many. In my opinion, hear the sound of the A Customs.. do they sound quick, super clear, or even just okay in general? These kind of cymbals are right in the middle of light and dark, and that’s what makes them so special. I won’t forget to mention that the cymbal has a great appearance. My preference for this cymbal size is 17”, but sometimes it’s hard to position it with a 19” cymbal.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
I always put the smaller crash cymbal (in this situation, it’s 17”) to the right side rather than the left like everyone else does.
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Artist usage
Add artist
As mentioned as part of Fleetwood's setup, according to the official Zildjian website.
Mentioned in this 1993 Modern Drummer interview and this 2007 Modern Drummer interview, both archived on Colaiuta's official website.
Ross Federman personally mentioned to me that he uses the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash cymbal. (User-uploaded photo available)
Kjetil-Vidar Haraldstad is listed as using the Zildjian 17" A Custom Crash cymbal, according to Metalstorm.
Featured in this April 10, 2012 Twitter post.
Shredded A custom.
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 17" A Custom Crash, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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