Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $383
Standard/Professional
$200
$501+
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Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX sits comfortably in the intersection of smoothness and aggressiveness, presenting you with a versatile cymbal ready to deliver an array of sounds. This 18" crash cymbal is a part of Zildjian's A Custom series, known for its crisp and distinct sound, and is built to serve both live performers and recording artists. It's a unique blend of the renowned A Custom smoothness and a distinct, trashy bite that sets it apart.
The EFX crash transitions from a soft, shimmering crash to a raw, distorted roar, depending on your playing intensity. It starts with a musical wash reminiscent of a traditional thin crash when played lightly. As you dig in, it reveals its true character, a jagged, overdriven sound that adds an edge to your performance.
The secret behind its versatility lies in the laser-generated "cut outs" strategically placed across the cymbal's brilliant bronze surface. These allow the cymbal to produce a fast, dry, trashy tone, perfect for punctuation and accents. Played hard, the cut outs become more pronounced, transforming the EFX Crash's tone from a traditional crash into a distorted, ragged bark. This innovative cymbal provides a range of sounds in a single instrument, making it an ideal choice for drummers seeking a minimal setup.
Constructed from B20 bronze, a premium alloy renowned for its musicality, the EFX Crash embodies the meticulous craftsmanship found throughout Zildjian's prestigious A Custom line. Its brilliant finish and perfectly balanced weight give the EFX Crash a shimmering look and feel consistent with the A Custom series.
Key Features:
- Part of the renowned A Custom series
- Unique laser-generated cut-outs for versatile sounds
- Transitions from a traditional crash to a distorted bark
- Ideal for live performers and recording artists
- Constructed from B20 bronze for superior musicality
- Brilliant finish and perfectly balanced weight
- Wide tonal range, great for minimalist drummers
- Fast, dry, trashy tone for punctuation and accents
- Meticulous craftsmanship in line with Zildjian's prestigious A Custom line
- Dark and trashy bite with a smooth, musical bloom.
Product specs
| Type | Crash |
| Size | 18" |
| Weight | Extra Thin |
| Material | B20, Cast Bronze |
| Finish | Brilliant |
| Sound | Medium/Bright |
| Pitch | Medium |
| Balance | Cut |
| Bell Size | Medium |
| Volume | Loud |
| Sustain | Short |
FAQs
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What type of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal?
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The Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX produces a medium-bright sound with a loud volume and short sustain. Its unique cut-out design delivers a trashy, explosive crash, making it ideal for adding dynamic accents to your drumming.
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Is the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX suitable for rock music?
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Yes, the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX is well-suited for rock music due to its loud volume and medium-bright sound. The cymbal's explosive and trashy crash can effectively cut through the mix in a rock setting.
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What material is the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX made from?
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The Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX is crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities, contributing to the cymbal's distinctive sound.
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How does the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX differ from a regular crash cymbal?
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The Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX features a unique laser cut-out design, which produces a trashier and more explosive sound compared to regular crash cymbals, offering distinct and dynamic accents.
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Can the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX be used in a cymbal stack?
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Yes, the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX can be effectively used in a cymbal stack, providing additional articulations and effects due to its unique cut-out design and sound characteristics.
Videos
Avedis Zildjian Company
Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom EFX
Reviews
PROS
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Bright and clean sound, perfect for a variety of musical styles
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Excellent for stacking and solo use
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Unique blend of crash and china sound, offering versatility
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Fast decay with a short, full crash effect
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Shimmering, modern sound enhances musical arrangements
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Great for recording, not overwhelming in live settings
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Attractive design complements any drum setup
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Explosive sound with minimal effort, ideal for dynamic playing
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Works well as a transition cymbal or snare accent
CONS
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Prone to cracking, especially under heavy hitting
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Not as durable as some other A Custom models
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Long overtone may not cut through loud live performances
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Louder than expected for small practice spaces
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Can warp if hit too aggressively
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX.
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The A Custom EFX is ideal for adding a mix of crash and china sounds, enhancing versatility in rock music.
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It’s suggested that the A Custom EFX can effectively add variety to setups that feel monotonous with just a single crash.
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Stacking the 18" A Custom EFX on a 22" Meinl sand ride creates a unique, trashy sound that users find appealing.
Source
Features and functionality
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The A Custom EFX is noted for blending well with other cymbals, providing a unique sound that mixes crash and china tones.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Allowing cymbals to wobble freely when stacked may reduce the risk of cracking, as energy can dissipate through larger cymbals.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
222
fast, cutting, and trashy
I loved this cymbal. In our song 100 Foxes, this is the cymbal that creates that big bright sound when the full band comes in. The only downside, is this cymbal is not durable. I hit my cymbals hard but I hit them right. I have had cymbals for yeeeeeears. But this guy cracked in a year.
Artist usage
Add artist
Josh Dun uses the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX cymbal, as shown on the Zildjian website. The cymbal's distinctive size and sound distinguish it from his other cymbals.
The official gear page of Jay: https://zildjian.com/artists/jay-weinberg
In this YouTube video of Matt Nicholls performing Happy Song at Worchester Palladium, Worchester, MA, it states in the description posted by Zildjian his drum set up for the tour.
In this video Samus runs down the gear he has in his home studio. On his kit He has an a custon efx crash. Samus has since switched to Meinl cymbals
At 00:36 you can see that Bob uses a Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX which he doesn't use in the studio but uses it for live performances throughout 2015 and now as part of his new set up for the end of 2015 and 2016.
Eric Moore is associated with the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX cymbal, as highlighted in a post by the Zildjian Company on Facebook.
Matt plays this cymbal in a concert in Argentina in 2012. We can see this cymbal at 2.24 minutes.
Album Usage
The Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX has been featured on the following albums:
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 18" A Custom EFX, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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