Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (11)
$409.95
Guitar Center
4.5 (99)
$409.95
Amazon
4.7 (165)
$409.95 New
$368.96 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (11)
$315.84 New
$180.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (269)
$409.95
zZounds
4.5 (1)
$379.95
Thomann
4.8 (65)
$359.00
Gear4Music
£306.50

Average Price: $359

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Designed for the discerning drummer, the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash is an instrument that blends sophistication and versatility. Crafted with radical rotary hammering techniques and a thin weight, this cymbal produces crisp, sweet tones with complex overtones. Its large size provides ample crash power and sustain, while the brilliant finish adds an eye-catching gleam under stage lights.

The A Custom Crash utilizes a unique rotary hammering method that manipulates the bronze material to optimize tonal qualities. This process hardens the cymbal in strategic areas, promoting a wider range of overtones and a musical crash with shimmering highs and a throaty low end. The result is a rich, full-bodied sound that cuts through mixes, making it a versatile choice for any genre.

Weighing in at a thin gauge, the A Custom delivers an immediate crash response with a rapid build-up and decay. This thin bronze material is highly sensitive and reactive, allowing drummers to achieve crashing effects based on playing technique. With its balanced sound and musical complexity, the A Custom Crash shines in any genre, from rock to jazz to electronic music.

Key Features:

  • Radical rotary hammering releases musical complexity
  • Thin weight provides immediate response
  • Brilliant finish radiates under lights
  • Versatile enough for any genre
  • Natural and bright sound
  • Not too thick, not too loud
  • Fast response
  • Warm, round, soft decay

Product specs

Type Crash
Size 18"
Weight Thin
Material B20, Cast Bronze
Finish Brilliant
Sound Medium
Pitch Low/Medium
Balance Blend
Bell Size Medium
Volume General
Sustain Long

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash?

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash delivers a bright, cutting sound with a medium pitch and long sustain, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles, especially rock and pop.

Is the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash is excellent for live performances due to its brilliant finish and medium volume, which allows it to project well in a band setting.

What is the material composition of the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash?

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash is made from B20 cast bronze, a high-quality alloy known for its durability and rich tonal qualities.

How does the thin weight of the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash affect its playability?

The thin weight of the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash provides a quick response and fast attack, making it easy to play for drummers who prefer a more sensitive cymbal.

What kind of finish does the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash have?

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash features a brilliant finish, which not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its bright, shimmering sound.

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom Crash

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom Crash by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom Crash

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20516-1111612B) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal (A20516-1111612B)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 1339g (A20516-1051519E) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 1339g (A20516-1051519E)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 1385g (A20516-1060617G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 1385g (A20516-1060617G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 18" A Custom Crash - A20516 by Avedis Zildjian Company

18" A Custom Crash - A20516

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal 1365g (A20516-1112318J) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal 1365g (A20516-1112318J)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 1354g by Steve Maxwell Drums

Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash Cymbal - 1354g

Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

Reviews

PROS

  • Warm, washy crash sound

  • Medium-thin weight offers substantial resonance

  • Clean, bright, and warm sound profile

  • Exceptional durability with minimal rust and tarnish

  • Quick attack with a variety of overtones

  • Beautiful, brilliant finish

  • Versatile for all music styles, including metal and pop

  • Reacts well to both delicate and aggressive playing

  • Full wash with a quick exit

  • Highly compatible with other high-end cymbals

CONS

  • Some units may be counterfeit or defective

  • Can be too loud for some users

  • Difficult to play quietly

  • High price point

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash.

User experience

  • Owners mention Zildjian's inconsistent thickness and weight variations across A Custom models, affecting tonal expectations.

    Source
  • Several users report frustration with the lack of weight specifications on Zildjian's website, making it challenging to choose without in-person testing.

    Source
  • Some users highlight a distinctive brash frequency in the A Custom line, which may not suit those preferring softer tones.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the A Custom’s ability to cut through in loud environments, making it suitable for metal and rock genres.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Projection Crash is medium-thin, offering a balance between volume and versatility, distinguishing it from other A Custom crashes in terms of loudness and tonal brightness.

    Source
  • Regular A Custom crashes are categorized as thin, whereas A Custom Medium Crashes are the heaviest in the A Custom line.

    Source
  • Zildjian A Custom Projection Crash is noted to be a Medium Thin Crash, heavier with more cut compared to other A Custom crashes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The A Custom line is versatile enough for various scenarios, with the Projection Crash providing more high-end and volume than the standard A Custom Crash.

    Source
  • The Sabian AAXplosion Fast Crash was preferred by one user over the A Custom Fast Crash due to its durability and tone, lasting until they sold the kit.

    Source
  • The Zildjian 18" A Custom is often compared to the Meinl Byzance Extra Thin Hammered Crash for its versatility and tone.

    Source
  • A Custom Projections and Mediums are suggested to be potentially closer to older A Customs in terms of thickness and full-bodied sound.

    Source
  • The A Custom is noted to age well, improving its sound quality over time, which provides a different appeal compared to newer cymbals like the Constantinople K.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Good technique is key to cymbal longevity; players with poor technique, especially heavy hitters, risk damaging thinner cymbals like the Fast Crash.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A Custom Projection Crash offers a brighter tone and more volume than the Fast Crash, making it suitable for louder music genres and heavier hitters.

    Source
  • The A Custom Fast Crash, characterized by its thinness and small bell, is deemed unsuitable for rock music due to its quick decay.

    Source
  • The A Custom Crash is recommended for use without overhead mics due to its loudness and clarity.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Users suggest checking Guitar Center's used section for deals on Zildjian A Custom cymbals, which often include free returns.

    Source
  • A used Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash is often found under $200, offering significant savings compared to buying new.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 25 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
W

Awesome main crash!

This is my main crash and I love how it sounds! I use both sabian and zildjian for now but soon ill switch to zildjian. They are both good brands but i like zildjian better!

stevenshelleydrummer

Good all-purpose crash

Zildjian A Custom 18" Crash

Suited for both live/ recording purposes

Roles:
Genres:
vilmand

Very nice crash

Can be used for every kinds of music styles

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Scallon uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Rob Scallon

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via YouTube

rob uses two a custom crashes

See how Dominic Howard uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Dominic Howard

Drummer, Music Producer

Muse

...
Verified via Musewiki

Used on OOS to BH&R tours.

See how Jimmy Chamberlin uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Jimmy Chamberlin

Drummer

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Jimmychamberlin

Listed here as using this crash cymbal.

See how Peter Criss uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Peter Criss

Singer, Drummer

Kiss

...
Verified via Petercriss

Peter Criss uses the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash cymbal, as detailed on his official website, PeterCriss.net.

See how Samus Paulicelli uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Samus Paulicelli

Guitarist, Bassist

Decrepit Birth

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Samus runs down the gear he has in his home studio. On his kit He has an a custom crash. Samus has since switched to Meinl cymbals

See how Vinnie Colaiuta uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Vinnie Colaiuta

Drummer

Five Peace Band Live

...
Verified via Vinniecolaiuta

Mentioned in this 1993 Modern Drummer interview, archived on Colaiuta's official website.

See how Dani Washington uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Dani Washington

Drummer

Neck Deep

...
Verified via YouTube

dani states in this video that he uses a pair of a custom 18 and 19 inch crashes

See how Ross Federman uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Ross Federman

Drummer, Music Producer

Tally Hall

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in Ross's live kit in this Tally Hall concert photo.

See how Ben Russin uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Ben Russin

Drummer

Title Fight

...
Verified via YouTube

In a YouTube recording of their 2009 Quakertown, PA live performance of Evander & Memorial Day, Ben can be seen using an 18 inch Zildjian A Custom secondary crash on his right-hand side at 0:17. This crash is larger than what is presumably a main 16 inch A Custom crash, however, its true length is still unknown.

See how Casey Cooper uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Casey Cooper

Drummer

...
Verified via Zildjian

Casey uses Several a custom cymbals in his setup. one such cymbal is a a custom 18 inch crash

See how Colin Brittain uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Colin Brittain

Drummer, Music Producer

Linkin Park

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Colin Brittain Rig Rundown," Colin Brittain is shown using the Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash, as detailed by Linkin Park on their YouTube channel.

See how Josh Eppard uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash

Josh Eppard

Drummer

Coheed and Cambria

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Josh shows off his new cymbals. he can be seen with a zildjian a custom crash

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Zildjian 18" A Custom Crash, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
davidjtessier

davidjtessier

Gear IQ 383

nikos_bartsokas

nikos_bartsokas

Gear IQ 119

rythmchangesgod

rythmchangesgod

Gear IQ 73

M

mark_rawls

Gear IQ 57

leonharden

leonharden

Gear IQ 173

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