Pricing and availability

Average Price: $493

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* 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

Discover the soulful resonance and expressive dynamics of the Zildjian 19" Kerope. This cymbal embodies the essence of musical heritage, blending the time-honored Turkish lathing techniques with the craftsmanship of Zildjian's master artisans. Perfect for drummers and percussionists seeking a cymbal with a rich, warm character and versatile performance, the Kerope offers a distinctive voice that complements both contemporary and traditional drum setups. Its unique tonal qualities and responsive touch make it a standout choice for those looking to add depth and texture to their musical expression.

Key Features:

  • Crafted using traditional Turkish lathing processes by Zildjian master craftsmen.
  • Features a warm, antique character with a wider spread of darker overtones.
  • Each cymbal boasts a unique character, with the individual weight in grams noted under the bell.
  • Offers a lower-end tonality, making it versatile as both a left-side ride and a dedicated crash.
  • Ideal for achieving expressive dynamics in a variety of musical styles.

Product specs

Brand Zildjian
Model 19" K Kerope Crash/Ride Cymbal
Finish Traditional, Traditional
Year 2014 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Crash Cymbals, Ride Cymbals
Diameter 19"

FAQs

What sound characteristics can I expect from the Zildjian 19" Kerope cymbal?

The Zildjian 19" Kerope cymbal offers a dark, complex sound with a warm, vintage character. It is designed to replicate the classic tones of traditional Turkish cymbals, providing a rich blend of crash and ride capabilities.

Is the Zildjian 19" Kerope suitable for both crash and ride applications?

Yes, the Zildjian 19" Kerope is versatile enough to function as both a crash and a ride cymbal, offering a smooth transition between the two with its responsive dynamics and nuanced tonal palette.

What type of music is the Zildjian 19" Kerope best suited for?

The Zildjian 19" Kerope is ideal for jazz, blues, and other genres that benefit from its warm, vintage sound. Its dark, complex tones make it a favorite among drummers seeking a classic, versatile cymbal.

How does the traditional finish affect the sound of the Zildjian 19" Kerope cymbal?

The traditional finish of the Zildjian 19" Kerope enhances its warm, dark tones and provides a more natural, organic sound. It contributes to the cymbal's vintage aesthetic and sonic character.

What is the diameter of the Zildjian 19" Kerope cymbal, and how does it impact playability?

The Zildjian 19" Kerope has a 19-inch diameter, offering a balance between projection and control. This size provides a versatile range, making it suitable for both crash and ride applications in various musical settings.

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 19" Kerope

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - 19" Kerope by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 19" Kerope

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 19" Kerope Crash Cymbal - 1514g (KR19C-1120921F) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 19" Kerope Crash Cymbal - 1514g (KR19C-1120921F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautiful, dark, and warm crash sound

  • Integrated bell design adds versatility

  • Offers interesting and unique overtones

  • Excellent stick definition with residual wash

  • Perfect for various musical styles

  • Fun to play, enhances musical expression

  • Suitable for quiet gigs as a single setup

  • Versatile as both crash and ride

CONS

  • Odd size might not blend as well in some setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 19" Kerope.

Value and pricing

  • Many owners view the $1,200 price as excessively high, suggesting comparable custom cymbals can be obtained for $600-$700.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Istanbul Mehmet Nostalgia line is noted as offering a similar sound to the Kerope series at a third of the price.

    Source
  • The Agop Jazz Medium cymbals are suggested as an alternative, with a similar sound profile, costing around $500, much less than the Kerope.

    Source
  • The 20" Kerope ride (2180g) is noted for its dark complexity and exceptional crash sound, compared favorably for lighter playing against other cymbals.

    Source
  • The 19" Kerope crash is praised for its versatility in quieter music genres like R&B and hip-hop, compared favorably to the Dream Dark Matter series.

    Source
  • Pairing a Kerope with an 18" Dream "Vintage Bliss" crash/ride can enhance tonal clarity and volume, with the Dream's bell outperforming the Kerope's weaker bell.

    Source
  • The Kerope is described as having a wetter sound compared to the Sabian HH Vanguard, providing a different timbre and pitch for a crash ride.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users report inconsistencies and quality control issues in the Kerope series, such as dead spots and shape issues.

    Source
  • Some drummers prefer used K Constantinople cymbals or Agop 30th Anniversary models for their sound quality and affordability compared to the new Kerope line.

    Source
  • Owners mention that the Kerope rides have a weaker bell sound, but excel in wash and crash sound, making them ideal for settings where bell volume is less critical.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the subtlety of the Kerope's logo, contrasting it with the larger logos found on other Zildjian cymbals.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners frequently opt for custom cymbalsmiths like Paul Francis, noting the potential for bespoke adjustments and sound personalization at a lower cost.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A 19" Kerope crash at 1550g is described as suitable for low-volume gigs and home play, highlighting its quiet and subtle character.

    Source
  • The 20" Kerope is noted for its versatility across different dynamics, offering a range of sounds from bow to bell suitable for dynamic playing.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ben Thatcher uses Zildjian 19" Kerope

Ben Thatcher

Drummer

Royal Blood

...
Verified via YouTube

Ben says that he uses two Kerope crashes, one being a 19".

See how Jason McGerr uses Zildjian 19" Kerope

Jason McGerr

Drummer, Composer

Death Cab for Cutie

...
Verified via Photo

In the Instagram post description it says he uses 15"/19"/22" Keropes

See how Stanton Moore uses Zildjian 19" Kerope

Stanton Moore

Drummer

Corrosion of Conformity

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video "Zildjian LIVE! - Stanton Moore," Stanton Moore plays a Zildjian 19" Kerope crash cymbal.

See how Tamagoh uses Zildjian 19" Kerope

Tamagoh

Drummer

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed in his artist page

See how Derek Mixon uses Zildjian 19" Kerope

Derek Mixon

Drummer

...
Verified via Facebook

A Facebook post by Zildjian Company confirms that drummer Derek Mixon uses the Zildjian 19" Kerope Crash cymbal.

See how Richard Jupp uses Zildjian 19" Kerope

Richard Jupp

Drummer

Elbow

...
Verified via Zildjian

Listed under Jupp's official Zildjian artist page.

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 19" Kerope, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
mikeyjoe

mikeyjoe

Gear IQ 92

More Zildjian Crash Cymbals

Accessories & Related Items

Similar

Gear Guides