Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$564.95
Guitar Center
4.5 (3)
$564.95
Amazon
5.0 (6)
$564.95
Reverb
$449.99 New
$449.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (2)
$524.95
Thomann
$499.00 $498.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£432.00

Average Price: $518

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash 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

Embrace the essence of explosive sound and nuanced artistry with the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal. This remarkable cymbal combines the timeless expertise of Zildjian's 400-year legacy with modern innovation, bringing you one of the most delicate yet dynamically powerful crash cymbals ever crafted. Crafted with a proprietary three-step hammering process, this cymbal delivers a dark, explosive crash with a quick decay, perfect for adding dramatic accents to any musical piece.

The K Series Paper Thin Crash's ultra-thin design offers an effortless, buttery feel under the stick, allowing drummers to explore a wide range of dynamics with ease. Its larger size not only ensures a lower pitch and more substantial overtones but also makes it ideal for creating soft cymbal rolls that seamlessly blend into the music. Whether you're playing delicate jazz or driving rock, this cymbal promises a versatile performance that will captivate audiences.

Experience the shimmering resonance and quick response that these cymbals provide, making them an indispensable addition to any drummer's arsenal. With the Zildjian K Series Paper Thin Crash, you're not just playing music; you're making history.

Key Features:

  • 21" Paper Thin Crash from the iconic Zildjian K Series
  • Crafted with a three-step hammering process for a nuanced sound
  • Explosive, dark crash with quick decay
  • Buttery, smooth under-stick feel
  • Larger size for lower pitch and richer overtones
  • Ideal for dynamic and dramatic musical accents

Product specs

Type Crash
Size 21"
Weight Thin
Sound Dark, Rich

FAQs

What is the tonal character of the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal?

The Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal is known for its dark and rich tonal character, offering a quick decay with extra shimmer and low-end resonance, making it suitable for various music styles.

Is the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the dark and rich sound of the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal, combined with its quick decay, makes it particularly well-suited for jazz and other genres that benefit from a nuanced, expressive cymbal sound.

How does the size of the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal affect its sound?

The 21" size of the Zildjian K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal provides a broader sound with more low-end resonance, while still maintaining a quick decay, making it versatile for both live and studio settings.

What materials are used in the construction of the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal?

The Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal is crafted from bronze, which contributes to its dark, rich sound and provides durability for frequent playing.

How does the weight of the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal influence its performance?

As a thin cymbal, the Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash offers a fast response and quick decay, making it ideal for accents and dynamic playing where a swift, shimmering crash is desired.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 21" K Paper Thin Crash Cymbal - 1769g (K2821-1062423Q)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 21" K Paper Thin Crash Cymbal - 1769g (K2821-1062423Q) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 21" K Paper Thin Crash Cymbal - 1769g (K2821-1062423Q)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 21" K Paper Thin Crash Cymbal - 1747g (K2821-1022625GGG) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 21" K Paper Thin Crash Cymbal - 1747g (K2821-1022625GGG)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally light, warm, and open sound with K complexity

  • Responds immediately, even with light sticks like Vater Whips

  • Versatile for both crashing and riding without overwhelming volume

  • Consistently high-quality and long-lasting craftsmanship from Zildjian

  • Unique characteristics differentiate it from K Sweet crashes

CONS

  • Pricey compared to other options

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal.

Comparisons

  • K Custom Darks mix well with A Customs, offering a complex lower pitch like explosive white noise, ideal for varied tonal contrasts.

    Source
  • A Custom Fast Crashes have larger bells and higher profiles, making them more cutting and less dark compared to flatter-shaped K Paper Thin Crashes.

    Source
  • Byzance Traditional line cymbals are similar to the general K line and excel in darker, trashier sounds, offering an alternative to the K Paper Thin Crash.

    Source
  • The 19" K Paper Thin Crash is noted for potentially offering a better tonal complement to an 18" K Thin Crash, providing a subtle yet effective size contrast.

    Source
  • The 19" and 20" K Paper Thin Crashes are favored for their versatility in both crash and ride applications, particularly in pop/rock/alternative genres.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 20" K Paper Thin Crash excels in quieter settings like jazz or small club gigs, but may not suit amplified rock/hard rock.

    Source
  • The K Paper Thin Crash might be too quiet when trying to achieve higher volume levels, particularly in louder music settings.

    Source

User experience

  • An 18" and 20" K Dark Thin combination was found to be too similar, but pairing an 18" A Custom with a 20" K Dark Thin provided excellent tonal contrast.

    Source
  • Byzance cymbals are handmade, resulting in each cymbal having a unique sound, unlike Zildjian's more consistent production.

    Source
  • Users suggest a size difference of at least 2" between crashes to ensure an audible tonal distinction in a band mix.

    Source
  • It's been observed that Zildjian cymbals, including the K line, can have some variability in sound due to manufacturing processes, unlike more consistent brands like Paiste.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The K Dark Thin series offers great bell sound, stick response, and a dark crash, fitting the quintessential K sound profile.

    Source

Build quality

  • Zildjian cymbals are made with a level of consistency, being computer-manufactured, but are less consistent than Sabian and Paiste cymbals.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Marcelo Novati uses Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal

Marcelo Novati

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Marcelo Novati - Juanes - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, Marcelo Novati is shown at the 3:25 mark displaying a Zildjian 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal as part of his drum kit setup.

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 21" K Series Paper Thin Crash Cymbal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Zildjian Crash Cymbals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides