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Description

Unleash your percussive potential with the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride. This cymbal is the powerhouse your kit has been craving, delivering a commanding presence that's perfect for rock and metal drummers. Its robust construction ensures a well-defined stick articulation that cuts through even the most amplified settings, while its dynamic overtones add a layer of complexity to your sound. Whether you're driving the beat in a high-energy performance or laying down a solid groove in the studio, this ride cymbal is designed to support and enhance your musical expression.

Crafted with Zildjian's legendary craftsmanship, the 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride is built to withstand the demands of rigorous playing. Its medium-heavy weight offers the perfect balance of durability and responsiveness, allowing you to explore a wide range of dynamics with confidence. The cymbal's shimmering finish not only looks stunning but also contributes to its vibrant tonal quality. It's a true workhorse that will not only meet but exceed your expectations in any demanding musical environment.

Key Features:

  • Medium-heavy weight for balanced stick articulation and overtones
  • Designed for amplified rock and metal performances
  • Durable construction for extensive playing
  • Vibrant tonal quality with a shimmering finish
  • Legendary Zildjian craftsmanship

Product specs

Brand Zildjian
Model 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride Cymbal
Finish Brilliant, Brilliant
Year 2009
Made In United States
Categories Ride Cymbals
Diameter 20"

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride?

The Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride produces a bright, cutting sound with a pronounced ping, making it ideal for louder musical settings like rock or metal. Its brilliant finish enhances its projection and sustain.

Is the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride is well-suited for live performances due to its powerful projection and ability to cut through loud band mixes, especially in rock and metal genres.

How does the weight of the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride affect its sound?

The medium-heavy weight of this ride cymbal provides a bright, loud tone with a strong, defined stick attack and minimal wash, making it ideal for clear, articulate ride patterns.

Can the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride be used for jazz music?

While primarily designed for louder music styles, the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride can be used in jazz settings if a bright, cutting ride sound is desired, though it may lack the subtlety of lighter jazz-oriented cymbals.

What is the finish of the Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride and how does it affect the cymbal?

The Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride features a brilliant finish, which enhances its visual appeal and contributes to its bright, cutting sound by increasing the cymbal's reflectivity and sustain.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride Cymbal (Z30820-1111009J)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride Cymbal (Z30820-1111009J) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride Cymbal (Z30820-1111009J)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride Cymbal - Played by Paul Mazurkiewicz (Z30820-1080614C) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride Cymbal - Played by Paul Mazurkiewicz (Z30820-1080614C)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride.

Comparisons

  • The Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride is praised for its cutting power, similar to the Rock Rides, but is noted for lacking musical wash compared to lighter rides.

    Source
  • The Z3 is compared to heavier Sabian rides for its lack of wash, with some owners preferring the K Custom Hybrid for more musicality.

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  • Paiste 2002 series rides, known for their defined and clear sound, are recommended as alternatives to the Z3 for heavy rock recordings without excessive brightness.

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  • Paiste Signature Dark Energy rides provide a mix of cut and wash through their unique lathing pattern, offering a potential solution for drummers seeking a balance between ping and musicality.

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  • The Zil Bell is noted for its distinctive accent capabilities, preferred for rare accents over the Z3's ride bell in non-metal contexts.

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  • Owners find the Z3 Megabell Ride complements A Custom crashes and splashes, offering a suitable blend for heavy metal while still being compatible with the A Custom line.

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User experience

  • Owners report that the Z3's ping is highly defined, making it ideal for cutting through dense rock mixes without needing high volume levels in the mix.

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  • A user notes that 22" rides sit better under vocals during mixing, offering a smoother integration compared to 21" rides which might clash with vocal frequencies.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Z3 is favored for its articulation in rock and alternative recordings, especially when competing with loud guitars, but lacks versatility for softer styles.

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  • The 23" A Sweet Ride offers more volume and a lower pitch, potentially beneficial for recording scenarios where more cut is needed without harshness.

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  • The Z3 Megabell Ride is appreciated for its "chunky" sound in heavier music genres, though not ideal for jazz.

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Features and functionality

  • The Z3 Medium Heavy Ride is known for its pronounced stick definition, which is crucial for recording scenarios where clarity over wash is desired.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Miking the ride cymbal from underneath can enhance control over bleed and tone, offering a fresh perspective on capturing cymbal sounds in recordings.

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Value and pricing

  • There's speculation that merging the Z3 line into the A line might be a strategy to justify raising the price of Z3 cymbals.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Zildjian Z3 Cymbals review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride showcases impressive brightness and projection, making it a solid choice for rock drummers. Its strong bell response and light wash are notable, but the cymbal's volume can be overwhelming, bordering on harsh. While it excels in assertiveness, the ride's aggressive nature may not suit every player's taste, especially those seeking a more nuanced sound. The Z3 series captures the essence of rock drumming, yet the very qualities that make it stand out could deter players looking for subtlety. Overall, it’s a powerful option with clear strengths and distinct drawbacks.

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Singer uses Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride

Eric Singer

Singer, Drummer

Kiss

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This cymbal was shown in this video at 5:35

Album Usage

The Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Zildjian 20" Z3 Medium Heavy Ride, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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