Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (3)
$409.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (24)
$409.95
Amazon
4.4 (75)
$409.95 New
$368.96 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$344.95 New
$194.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (91)
$379.95
zZounds
5.0 (4)
$379.95
Thomann
4.7 (38)
$359.00
Gear4Music
£330.50

Average Price: $361

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection 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

Experience the true essence of rock with the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash. This cymbal, a part of the A Custom series, emanates a sound that is as unique as it is powerful. With its brilliant finish and distinct sonic character, it gives you the punch needed to cut through the mix, making it ideal for rock music performances.

Its sound is characterized by more power and body, with a stronger high end than regular crashes. This cymbal carries the reliable and unmistakable sound of A Zildjians, but with an added layer of sophistication. It's crafted using radical rotary hammering techniques and thin to medium weights, resulting in a crisp, sweet, and sophisticated A Zildjian sound. Not too dark, not too bright - striking the perfect balance for modern music.

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash is created from Zildjian's secret alloy, which is comprised of 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver. This makes it not only a fantastic sounding instrument but also a durable one, capable of withstanding the demands of regular use.

Key Features:

  • Part of the A Custom series
  • Has a brilliant finish
  • Offers more power and body, with a stronger high end than regular crashes
  • Crafted using radical rotary hammering techniques
  • Made from Zildjian's secret alloy for durability and a rich, full-bodied sound
  • Ideal for rock music performances
  • Size: 18"
  • Weight: medium thin
  • Bell size: medium
  • Profile: medium-low
  • Pitch: mid to high
  • Sound: bright/mid
  • Volume: project
  • Balance: cut
  • Sustain: medium

Product specs

Type Crash
Size 18"
Weight Medium/Thin
Material B20, Cast Bronze
Finish Brilliant Finish
Sound Medium/Bright
Pitch Medium/High
Balance Cut
Bell Size Medium
Volume Project
Sustain Medium

FAQs

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

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash offers a medium/bright sound with a medium/high pitch, providing a balance of cut and projection. Its brilliant finish enhances its tonal brightness, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.

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

Yes, this cymbal is designed for projection with a medium-sized bell, making it ideal for live performances where volume and clarity are essential.

What material is the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash made from?

This cymbal is crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal characteristics, offering a professional-quality sound.

How does the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash compare to other crash cymbals in terms of weight?

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash is medium/thin in weight, providing a balance of quick response and sustained sound, making it versatile for various playing styles.

What finish does the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash have and how does it affect the sound?

The cymbal features a brilliant finish, which contributes to its bright sound and enhances its visual appeal, making it stand out both sonically and aesthetically.

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom Projection Crash

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

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal (A20584-1062311H) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal (A20584-1062311H)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal - 1415g (A20584-1062219E) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal - 1415g (A20584-1062219E)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 18" A Custom Projection Crash - A20584 by Avedis Zildjian Company

18" A Custom Projection Crash - A20584

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian A Custom 18" Projection Crash Cymbal by VicsDrumShop

Zildjian A Custom 18" Projection Crash Cymbal

VicsDrumShop

VicsDrumShop

Video thumbnail for 18" Zildjian A Custom Projection Crash by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

18" Zildjian A Custom Projection Crash

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal - 1443g (A20584-1012023C) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal - 1443g (A20584-1012023C)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian A Custom Projection 18" Crash - Preowned by Peter Lewis

Zildjian A Custom Projection 18" Crash - Preowned

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal - 1470g (A20584-1060923H) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash Cymbal - 1470g (A20584-1060923H)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional clarity and sharpness, perfect for cutting through mixes

  • Warm overtones with lasting decay and strong high end

  • Massive projection, ideal for powerful accents in rock/metal settings

  • Versatile dynamic response, noticeable differences with varied strike intensity

  • Crisp bell tone that stands out, even compared to some ride bells

  • Complements other cymbals beautifully, enhancing overall kit sound

  • Durable, holds up well under regular use

  • Bright and expressive sound with a slightly darker undertone

  • Highly recommended by sound professionals for blending well in bands

CONS

  • Can be too loud for jazz players or softer genres

  • High price point, some feel it could be more affordable

  • Reports of cracking with heavy use, not suitable for hard hitters

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Projection Crash is medium thin, offering more high-end and volume than the thin A Custom, but remains versatile for various styles.

    Source
  • The A Custom is noted for its musicality and versatility, preferred over the thicker Medium Crash for more dynamic play.

    Source
  • Some metal drummers suggest avoiding Projection crashes as they are seen as the "Power" version of A Customs, which might lack the versatility of standard models.

    Source
  • The Zildjian A Medium Thin and A Thin crashes are often favored for their dynamics, with the Thin offering more versatility across music styles.

    Source
  • Paiste 2002 cymbals are noted for their bright, cutting sound and are available for less than Sabian AAX models, making them a competitive alternative.

    Source

User experience

  • Heavy hitters may overplay the Fast Crash seeking volume, potentially leading to faster wear or breakage.

    Source
  • Metal players find thin cymbals like HHX Evolution effective against loud guitars, indicating A Customs' suitability for similar settings without needing Projection models.

    Source
  • Some owners find that Zildjian A series cymbals age well, improving in sound over time if not overpowered or excessively cleaned.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Projection Crash suits players seeking a louder, bright tone without sacrificing versatility, ideal for heavier playing styles.

    Source
  • A Custom crashes are recommended for metal genres and can effectively cut through loud guitars, challenging the need for heavier, power-oriented cymbals.

    Source
  • Zildjian A cymbals are preferred in settings where loud, distorted bass and multiple instruments are present, due to their ability to cut through the mix without overhead mics.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Zildjian A Medium Thin or Thin crashes are often found in excellent condition for under $200, offering significant savings compared to new models.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Travis Barker uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Travis Barker

Drummer, Music Producer

Blink-182

...
Verified via YouTube

In an interview with Travis Barkers drum tech Daniel Jensen, he shows Barker's setup as having a Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash (at 1:03 in the video).

See how Lars Ulrich uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Lars Ulrich

Drummer

Metallica

...
Verified via Zildjian

" Not only are Zildjians the best cymbals, they're the only cymbals. End of story." Lars Ulrich

Source: www.Zildjian.com

See how Joey Jordison uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Joey Jordison

Guitarist, Drummer

Slipknot

...
Verified via YouTube

Joey used this cymbal on Lars' kit when he filled in for Lars in the download festival in 2004.

See how The Rev uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

The Rev

Singer, Drummer

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via Remembered

In the studio for the last self-titled album, The Rev used also Zildjian cymbals: he used an 18" Oriental Classic China instead of the Paragon, two 21" Zildjian Z-Custom Mega Bell Rides instead of the AAX Metal Rides, and an A-Custom Projection Crash instead of the AAX Metal Crashes.

See how Mario Duplantier uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Mario Duplantier

Drummer

Gojira

...
Verified via Cymbalmatch

Mario Duplantier of Gojira is associated with the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash, as detailed in the Cymbalmatch archive, which aligns with descriptions found on Wikipedia.

See how Rian Dawson uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Rian Dawson

Drummer

All Time Low

...
Verified via Cymbalmatch

Rian Dawson of All Time Low uses a Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash, as noted on Cymbalmatch.

See how Akane Hirose uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Akane Hirose

Drummer

Band-Maid

...
Verified via Photo

Scan of a page of the 2019 book "Band-Maid: The Day before World Domination", that is sold on Band-Maid's official shop. This page lists the cymbals used by Akane.

See how Jack Bevan uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Jack Bevan

Drummer, Composer

Foals

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Sound Legacy - Jack Bevan," produced by the Avedis Zildjian Company, Jack Bevan is shown using the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash cymbal.

See how Christian Coma uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Christian Coma

Drummer

Black Veil Brides

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Sound Legacy - Christian Coma" by the Avedis Zildjian Company, Christian Coma is seen using the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash cymbal.

See how Ben Harclerode uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Ben Harclerode

Drummer

Whitechapel

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Gear Gods Rigged video titled "Whitechapel, Part 1 - The Bens" by Trey Xavier on YouTube, Ben Harclerode mentions his use of the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash. He expresses a long-standing preference for Zildjian, recalling it as the first brand he used when he began playing drums.

See how Deen Castronovo uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Deen Castronovo

Drummer

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Zildjian

Deen Castronovo uses the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash, as listed on the Zildjian homepage.

See how Bud Gaugh uses Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash

Bud Gaugh

Drummer

Sublime

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Bud Gaugh can be seen with a Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash.

Album Usage

The Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash has been featured on the following albums:

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 18" A Custom Projection Crash, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
wj2006

wj2006

Gear IQ 9157

max_shtoma

max_shtoma

Gear IQ 148

More Zildjian Crash Cymbals

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides