Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $361
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 18" A Custom Projection Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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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
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What kind of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash?
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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.
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Is the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash suitable for live performances?
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Yes, this cymbal is designed for projection with a medium-sized bell, making it ideal for live performances where volume and clarity are essential.
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What material is the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash made from?
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This cymbal is crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal characteristics, offering a professional-quality sound.
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How does the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash compare to other crash cymbals in terms of weight?
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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.
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What finish does the Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash have and how does it affect the sound?
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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.
Videos
Avedis Zildjian Company
Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom Projection Crash
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional clarity and sharpness, perfect for cutting through mixes
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Warm overtones with lasting decay and strong high end
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Massive projection, ideal for powerful accents in rock/metal settings
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Versatile dynamic response, noticeable differences with varied strike intensity
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Crisp bell tone that stands out, even compared to some ride bells
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Complements other cymbals beautifully, enhancing overall kit sound
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Durable, holds up well under regular use
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Bright and expressive sound with a slightly darker undertone
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Highly recommended by sound professionals for blending well in bands
CONS
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Can be too loud for jazz players or softer genres
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High price point, some feel it could be more affordable
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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
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The Projection Crash is medium thin, offering more high-end and volume than the thin A Custom, but remains versatile for various styles.
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The A Custom is noted for its musicality and versatility, preferred over the thicker Medium Crash for more dynamic play.
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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.
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The Zildjian A Medium Thin and A Thin crashes are often favored for their dynamics, with the Thin offering more versatility across music styles.
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Paiste 2002 cymbals are noted for their bright, cutting sound and are available for less than Sabian AAX models, making them a competitive alternative.
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User experience
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Heavy hitters may overplay the Fast Crash seeking volume, potentially leading to faster wear or breakage.
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Metal players find thin cymbals like HHX Evolution effective against loud guitars, indicating A Customs' suitability for similar settings without needing Projection models.
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Some owners find that Zildjian A series cymbals age well, improving in sound over time if not overpowered or excessively cleaned.
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Use cases and applications
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The Projection Crash suits players seeking a louder, bright tone without sacrificing versatility, ideal for heavier playing styles.
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A Custom crashes are recommended for metal genres and can effectively cut through loud guitars, challenging the need for heavier, power-oriented cymbals.
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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.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
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).
" Not only are Zildjians the best cymbals, they're the only cymbals. End of story." Lars Ulrich
Source: www.Zildjian.com
Joey used this cymbal on Lars' kit when he filled in for Lars in the download festival in 2004.
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.
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.
Rian Dawson of All Time Low uses a Zildjian 18" A Custom Projection Crash, as noted on Cymbalmatch.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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