Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $182
Budget/Beginner
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal". 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
Unleash your rhythmic creativity with the Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal, expertly designed to cater to the modern drummer's needs. This cymbal is a part of the illustrious S Series, known for its B12 bronze alloy, which blends 88% copper with 12% tin to offer a unique sonic palette. Whether you're adding color to a progressive rock track or enhancing the dynamics of a jazz ensemble, this China cymbal delivers an explosive, trashy tone that speaks quickly and fades with a short, impactful sustain.
The brilliant finish not only contributes to its stunning visual appeal but also emphasizes its bright and cutting sound. Each cymbal is meticulously hand hammered and lathed on both sides, ensuring optimal weight, feel, and sound balance that can seamlessly integrate into any musical genre. From aggressive attacks to nuanced accents, the Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal is crafted to shine in any setting, giving your drumming a fresh, modern voice.
Key Features:
- Size: 18"
- Part of the S Series
- Made from B12 bronze alloy (88% copper, 12% tin)
- Brilliant finish for enhanced shimmer
- Bright, open sound with a sharp, trashy tone
- Lathed on both sides for optimal performance
Product specs
| Type | China |
| Size | 18" |
| Weight | Thin |
| Material | B12 |
| Pitch | Mid |
| Sound | Bright/Mid |
| Sustain | Short |
| Volume | General |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal?
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The Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal delivers a bright and mid-range sound with a short sustain, making it ideal for accents and effects in various musical genres.
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Is the Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal suitable for live performances?
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Yes, this cymbal's general volume and bright sound projection make it well-suited for live performances, especially when sharp, cutting accents are needed.
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What material is the Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal made from?
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The cymbal is crafted from B12 cast alloy, which contributes to its durability and vibrant sound characteristics.
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How does the thin weight of the Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal affect its performance?
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The thin weight allows for quick response and fast decay, providing sharp, explosive accents that are ideal for dynamic musical passages.
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What is the finish of the Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal, and how does it affect the sound?
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The cymbal features a brilliant finish, which enhances its bright sound and visual appeal, making it stand out on stage.
Videos
Avedis Zildjian Company
Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" S Family China
Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" S Family China
Avedis Zildjian Company
Zildjian 18" S China Cymbal - 1282g (S18CH-1012616K)
Memphis Drum Shop
18" S Family China - S18CH
Avedis Zildjian Company
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers a sharp, explosive sound typical of China cymbals
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Integrates well with other Zildjian series, like A-Customs
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Offers great sound quality reminiscent of classic gongs
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Quick response and doesn't sustain too long
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Quality craftsmanship consistent with Zildjian standards
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Versatile across different playing styles (sticks, mallets, brushes)
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Excellent price-to-performance ratio for budget-conscious buyers
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Ideal for live shows and recording sessions
CONS
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Not top-tier in the Zildjian lineup
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Availability can be an issue; may require a wait to purchase
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 18" S Series China Cymbal.
Comparisons
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The Zildjian S Series China is slightly better than the ZBT line, but not significantly, making it worth the $10 price difference for a new cymbal.
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The 19" version is compared favorably to the typical A Custom China, with some users switching due to its aggressive tone and aesthetic appeal.
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Owners indicate the S Series is just above the ZBT line, suggesting limited musicality and a one-dimensional sound.
Source
Value and pricing
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Wuhan 18" Lion Chinas are described as the "platonic ideal" of china cymbals and offer better value at half the price of a Zildjian S Series.
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While budget-friendly, the S Series is often recommended only if gigging or recording isn't a priority; used A Customs are suggested for better value.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Wuhan chinas may require creative solutions for mounting due to their oddly shaped bells, potentially needing adjustments to the wing nut on the cymbal stand.
Source
Use cases and applications
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The 19" Zildjian S Series China is praised for its versatility in genres like deathcore and prog metal, offering musicality at various playing intensities.
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Inspired by its use in Slipknot by drummer Jay Weinberg, this cymbal is favored for its performance in heavy music contexts.
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The S Series is suitable for loud music but might not be the best choice for smaller rooms due to its volume and lack of subtlety.
Source
User experience
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Owners report that the 19" version delivers a bright tone and is loud yet musical, suitable for riding and shank playing.
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Some players find the S Series overly bright and shrill, lacking depth and warmth, particularly in smaller gig settings.
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A 20" S Series crash has been described as excessively ringy, especially noticeable in contrast to Byzance Dark and Sand Ride cymbals.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
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