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Description

The Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal is a testament to masterful craftsmanship, offering drummers a versatile and expressive tool for their sonic palette. Known for its unique blend of traditional K hammering and modern innovation, this cymbal delivers a rich, dark sound that is perfect for jazz, rock, and beyond. The medium-thin weight provides a perfect balance between stick definition and wash, allowing for complex sounds that respond dynamically to your playing style.

Whether you're in a studio setting or performing live, the 22” K Custom Complex Ride ensures that your sound remains articulate and full-bodied. The unlathed bell contributes to its distinct tonal character, providing a bright accent amidst the cymbal's darker tones. Crafted from a blend of copper, tin, and traces of silver, this cymbal showcases Zildjian's commitment to quality and sound excellence. Its unique lathing patterns and extensive hand-hammering result in a cymbal that is not only visually stunning but also sonically captivating.

Key Features:

  • 22" medium-thin ride cymbal
  • Rich, dark sound ideal for various music genres
  • Combination of traditional K hammering with modern techniques
  • Unlathed bell for bright, cutting accents
  • Crafted from a special alloy blend for durability and tonal quality
  • Extensive hand-hammering for a complex, unique sound
  • Suitable for both studio recordings and live performances

Product specs

Brand Zildjian
Model 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal
Year 2004 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Ride Cymbals
Diameter 22"

FAQs

What type of music is the Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal best suited for?

The Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal is ideal for jazz, fusion, and other styles that benefit from complex, dark tones and a versatile dynamic range.

How does the Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal sound?

This cymbal offers a rich, dark sound with a complex wash and a clear, cutting bell. It provides a balanced mix of stick definition and wash, making it versatile for various musical settings.

Is the Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal suitable for live performances?

Yes, its dynamic range and projection make it well-suited for live performances where a nuanced, expressive ride sound is desired.

How does the Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal compare to other K Custom models?

This model is known for its medium thin weight, which offers a unique combination of articulation and wash compared to heavier K Custom models, providing more versatility for dynamic playing.

What is the primary material used in the Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal?

The cymbal is crafted from Zildjian's proprietary bronze alloy, known for its durability and rich tonal characteristics.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 22" K Custom Complex Medium Thin Ride Cymbal.

Use cases and applications

  • The 22" Sabian HHX Complex Medium Ride handles classic rock mixes well, despite its washier sound profile, and is adaptable for metal or jazz gigs if needed.

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  • Istanbul Mehmet Nostalgia series cymbals blend the qualities of vintage A's and K's, offering a versatile jazzy sound without the high price of big brands.

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  • Bosphorus 1600 Era cymbals aim to replicate the old K sound, suitable for those seeking smooth and washy tones in jazz settings.

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  • A 22" Sabian Complex Medium Ride, despite being washier, is effective for classic rock gigs, holding its own in mixes with bands like Alice In Chains and Black Sabbath.

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  • Nylon sticks enhance ride definition, reducing the need for additional dampening like moongel.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Custom cymbal makers can fine-tune elements like weight, hammering, and bell size, offering more accurate vintage sound replication than mass-produced models.

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Features and functionality

  • Smaller bell sizes and profiles in vintage cymbals contribute to a darker, cooler sound, with less overtone spread compared to modern options.

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  • The 22" K Custom Medium Ride is praised for its beautiful sound, but some report a weird overtone issue.

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Comparisons

  • The Sabian Manhattan Jazz 20" ride is compared to Joe Morello's 1960s ride sound, offering an affordable second-hand option for vintage tones.

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  • Ibrahim Diril Jazz cymbals, particularly the 22" light ride, are highlighted as closely resembling the old A's for a classic jazzy vibe.

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  • The Paiste Masters Dark series has been noted to sound close to vintage K's, providing an alternative for users seeking that classic jazz sound.

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  • The 21" K Sweet Ride has a GLORIOUS crash sound but is not preferred for recording rock due to excessive wash.

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  • A 22" Sabian HHX Complex Medium Ride, under 2800g, is noted for its versatility, balancing wash and stick definition, suitable for both rock and jazz sessions.

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  • The Meinl Byzance Traditional Medium Ride 22" at 3000g offers more definition for louder music but may be too pingy for mellow styles.

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User experience

  • A 2900g Meinl Byzance Traditional Medium Ride is preferred for those seeking a balance between sensitivity and weight, offering more wash for softer songs.

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  • Owners of the 22" K Dark Medium Ride describe it as a workhorse versatile across genres, from acoustic jazz to metal, highlighting its dark, complex sound with significant stick definition.

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  • Owners note that boxed set cymbals are not tone-matched by Zildjian, affecting cohesiveness in sound.

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  • Multiple users report the Zildjian A Sweet Ride Traditional Finish as versatile but needing moongel to balance wash and ping.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Miking a ride from underneath can enhance wash, especially for rides with excessive ping.

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