Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$364.95
Guitar Center
4.5 (5)
$364.95
Amazon
4.3 (26)
$364.95
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$339.95 New
$279.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (49)
$364.95
Gear4Music
£302.50

Average Price: $338

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash, a cymbal that is as versatile as it is vibrant. This cymbal delivers a high-pitched, full-bodied tone, satisfying the most discerning ears with its rich, complex midrange. Bursting with a bright, lively tone that responds instantly to your touch, it is perfect for a variety of musical styles.

The A Medium Crash is made from Zildjian's secret alloy formula, a testament to centuries-old craftsmanship. This cymbal is a proud member of the A Zildjian series, a lineage that has shaped musical history and launched countless drum solos. It's no wonder these cymbals are revered across the globe as the gold standard of percussion instruments.

Every hit on this cymbal unleashes a spectrum of tonal colors, making it an excellent addition to any drum set. Its sensitivity to the drummer's touch and style, coupled with its ability to produce as much volume as your music demands, makes playing it a truly dynamic experience.

Key Features:

  • High-pitched, full-bodied, and natural tone
  • Made using Zildjian's secret alloy formula
  • Instant response to touch and style
  • Part of the A Zildjian series - a tradition of musical excellence
  • Able to produce as much volume as needed
  • Suitable for a variety of musical styles
  • Cast bronze finish for added durability and aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Type Crash
Size 18"
Weight Medium
Material B20, Cast Bronze
Finish Traditional
Sound Bright/Medium
Pitch Medium
Balance Cut
Bell Size Small
Volume Project
Sustain Long

FAQs

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

The Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash offers a bright and medium sound with a long sustain and strong projection, making it versatile for various music styles. Its traditional finish and B20 cast bronze material contribute to a balanced, cutting tone.

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

Yes, the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash is well-suited for live performances due to its strong projection and bright sound, which can cut through a mix effectively.

How does the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash compare to thinner crash cymbals?

The Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash is heavier, providing a fuller sound with more volume and sustain compared to thinner crash cymbals, which typically offer a quicker response and shorter sustain.

What material is the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash made from, and how does it affect the sound?

The Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash is made from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich, complex tonal qualities, contributing to its bright and medium sound character.

Is the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash suitable for rock music?

Yes, the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash is suitable for rock music due to its bright tone and strong projection, allowing it to cut through loud mixes effectively.

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

18" A Zildjian Medium Crash - A0242

Video thumbnail for 18" A Zildjian Medium Crash - A0242 by Avedis Zildjian Company

18" A Zildjian Medium Crash - A0242

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Used Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1560g (UA0242-1050219J) by Memphis Drum Shop

Used Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1560g (UA0242-1050219J)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1471g (A0242-1051917I) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1471g (A0242-1051917I)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal 1520g (A0242-1101418F) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal 1520g (A0242-1101418F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1524g (A0242-1112519G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1524g (A0242-1112519G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1484g (A0242-1022423D) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash Cymbal - 1484g (A0242-1022423D)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound suitable for various musical styles and applications

  • Crisp, clean sound with balanced decay

  • Professional-level quality and construction

  • Sharp attack with appropriate sustain and projection

  • Can double as a ride without excessive wash

  • Semi-dark crash with quick decay for seamless cadence

  • Sweet and bright bell sound

  • Used by professionals like Lars Ulrich

  • Compatible with other Zildjian cymbals for tonal harmony

CONS

  • Not ideal for those seeking a unique or unconventional sound

Owner Insights

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

Use cases and applications

  • Both the Zildjian A Medium Thin and Byzance are considered versatile, but the A is highlighted as a reliable choice for aggressive, punchy sounds in hardcore settings.

    Source
  • The Zildjian Projection Crash is recognized for its impressive sound quality, suitable for live performance settings.

    Source
  • The Zildjian A Thin crash is praised for its versatility and dynamics, making it suitable for various types of music beyond just metal.

    Source
  • The 19" Zildjian Sweet Crash is praised for its versatility across genres, from jazz quartets to pep bands, making it a reliable choice for diverse musical settings.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Dream Bliss cymbals are noted for their unique, silky smooth, and dynamic sound; however, they are best tried in person due to variability between individual cymbals.

    Source
  • The Sabian Stratus crash is highlighted for its dark, clean sound that opens up with minimal effort, preferred by some over the Zildjian K Dark.

    Source
  • Byzance Medium is thicker and provides a more explosive crash compared to the Medium Thin, with added complexity due to extra hammering.

    Source
  • The Dream Bliss Crash/Ride offers a budget-friendly alternative with dual functionality as both a crash and a ride, enhancing versatility in a cymbal setup.

    Source
  • The 18" A Medium Crash is likened to the "platonic ideal" of crashes, suggesting that it can mix well with a wide range of other cymbal brands and models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Sabian AAX Thin crashes are recommended for their affordability in the UK used market, providing pro-level quality without high costs.

    Source
  • The Wuhan Western Traditional B20 is noted for exceptional value, with a bundle of an 18" medium thin crash and a 16" Lion china available for $195 with free shipping.

    Source

User experience

  • Some players find the Zildjian A series, especially older models, to sound better as they age, provided they are not overpowered during play.

    Source
  • Owners express strong satisfaction with the A Zildjian, with some wishing they had purchased it 20 years ago for its reliable performance.

    Source
  • Owners note that a 2" or more size difference between cymbals, like pairing the 18" A Medium Crash with a larger or smaller model, creates a more noticeable tonal distinction.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Brightness in cymbals is often linked to weight rather than hammering; heavier cymbals tend to be brighter.

    Source
  • The 18" Zildjian A Medium Crash is described as the "Frank's Red Hot Sauce of crashes," meaning it is highly versatile and compatible with various cymbals.

    Source

Build quality

  • Redesigned A series (post-2013) are praised for improved sound quality, making them favorites among users who previously disliked older models.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dave Grohl uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Dave Grohl

Guitarist, Drummer

Nirvana

...
Verified via Livenirvana

Dave used this cymbals during his time with Nirvana

See how Neil Peart uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Neil Peart

Drummer

Rush

...
Verified via Andrewolson

Neil Peart is listed as using the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash cymbal on his Test for Echo drum kit, as documented by Andrewolson.

See how Julien Barbagallo uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Julien Barbagallo

Drummer

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

Its been stated before on certain forums that the crash was a medium, based on its look its obvious that its a Zildjian "A". It can also be seen in some of the live performances, and the sound of the crash makes it obvious that its a medium. It can be seen in the video at the 23:00 minute mark during Julien's solo in "Elephant".

See how Tim Alexander uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Tim Alexander

Drummer

A Perfect Circle

...
Verified via Ram

AS listed on Tim's cymbal set up. Brilliant finish.

See how Ginger Baker uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Ginger Baker

Drummer

Cream

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed on Baker's Zildjian artist page.

See how Yoshiki uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Yoshiki

Drummer, Keyboardist

X Japan

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

" I’m sure many of you may be curious to know what my gear and setup is, so I wanted to break down my always-evolving kit for you. I use a Tama Artstar II (clear acrylic) with four Octabans; 10?, 12?, 13?, 14? toms; 16? and 18? floor toms; and a 24? kick. I use Tama kick pedals, 14? Zildjian hi-hats (K top), two 18? Zildjian Rock crashes, an 18? Zildjian Medium crash, a 20? Zildjian K ride, two 22? Zildjian Chinas (High right/Low left), a sixty-one-key modified keyboard on my left, and a thirty-seven-key modified keyboard on the right."

See how Max Weinberg uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Max Weinberg

Drummer

E Street Band

...
Verified via Zildjian

As mentioned on Zildjian's official website.

See how Pat Torpey uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Pat Torpey

Drummer

Mr. Big

...
Verified via ドラマガWeb |

He uses 2 of the 18" A Medium Crashes as a part of his setup

See how Jay Schellen uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Jay Schellen

Drummer

Yes

...
Verified

On his official website, Jay Schellen states that he uses the Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash cymbal, as confirmed by the Kit Setup section authored by Dan Friml.

See how Ryosuke Yoshiki uses Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash

Ryosuke Yoshiki

Drummer

The Novembers

...
Verified via Facebook

Ryosuke Yoshiki of THE NOVEMBERS uses a Zildjian 18" A Medium Crash cymbal, as seen in a photo posted on the band's official Facebook page. The image, while not crystal clear, shows his setup, including the Zildjian cymbals.

Album Usage

The Zildjian 18" A Medium 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 Medium Crash, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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bgoodie311

bgoodie311

Gear IQ 77

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