Pricing and availability
Average Price: $493
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
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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
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What sound characteristics can I expect from the Zildjian 19" Kerope cymbal?
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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.
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Is the Zildjian 19" Kerope suitable for both crash and ride applications?
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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.
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What type of music is the Zildjian 19" Kerope best suited for?
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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.
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How does the traditional finish affect the sound of the Zildjian 19" Kerope cymbal?
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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.
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What is the diameter of the Zildjian 19" Kerope cymbal, and how does it impact playability?
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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.
Videos
Avedis Zildjian Company
Zildjian Sound Lab - 19" Kerope
Reviews
PROS
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Beautiful, dark, and warm crash sound
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Integrated bell design adds versatility
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Offers interesting and unique overtones
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Excellent stick definition with residual wash
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Perfect for various musical styles
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Fun to play, enhances musical expression
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Suitable for quiet gigs as a single setup
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Versatile as both crash and ride
CONS
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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
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Many owners view the $1,200 price as excessively high, suggesting comparable custom cymbals can be obtained for $600-$700.
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Comparisons
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Istanbul Mehmet Nostalgia line is noted as offering a similar sound to the Kerope series at a third of the price.
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The Agop Jazz Medium cymbals are suggested as an alternative, with a similar sound profile, costing around $500, much less than the Kerope.
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The 20" Kerope ride (2180g) is noted for its dark complexity and exceptional crash sound, compared favorably for lighter playing against other cymbals.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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User experience
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Some users report inconsistencies and quality control issues in the Kerope series, such as dead spots and shape issues.
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Some drummers prefer used K Constantinople cymbals or Agop 30th Anniversary models for their sound quality and affordability compared to the new Kerope line.
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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.
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Owners appreciate the subtlety of the Kerope's logo, contrasting it with the larger logos found on other Zildjian cymbals.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners frequently opt for custom cymbalsmiths like Paul Francis, noting the potential for bespoke adjustments and sound personalization at a lower cost.
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Use cases and applications
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video "Zildjian LIVE! - Stanton Moore," Stanton Moore plays a Zildjian 19" Kerope crash cymbal.
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
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