Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (3)
$419.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (14)
$419.95
Amazon
4.6 (71)
$419.95
Reverb
5.0 (6)
$296.09 New
$279.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (17)
$419.95
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$419.95
Thomann
4.7 (24)
$388.00 $387.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£344.50

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

What type of sound can I expect from the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal?

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.

Is the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX suitable for rock music?

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.

What material is the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX made from?

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.

How does the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX differ from a regular crash cymbal?

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.

Can the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX be used in a cymbal stack?

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.

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom EFX

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom EFX by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" A Custom EFX

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1239g (A20818-1012418F) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1239g (A20818-1012418F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Crash by Denver Percussion

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Crash

Denver Percussion

Denver Percussion

Video thumbnail for 18" A Custom EFX - A20818 by Avedis Zildjian Company

18" A Custom EFX - A20818

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal (A20818-1062311K) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal (A20818-1062311K)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1203g (A20818-1072420G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1203g (A20818-1072420G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian A Custom EFX Cymbal 18" by Drum Center of Portsmouth

Zildjian A Custom EFX Cymbal 18"

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1239g (A20818-1071222K) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1239g (A20818-1071222K)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1244g (A20818-1082317R) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1244g (A20818-1082317R)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1244g (A20818-1082719F) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX Cymbal - 1244g (A20818-1082719F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Bright and clean sound, perfect for a variety of musical styles

  • Excellent for stacking and solo use

  • Unique blend of crash and china sound, offering versatility

  • Fast decay with a short, full crash effect

  • Shimmering, modern sound enhances musical arrangements

  • Great for recording, not overwhelming in live settings

  • Attractive design complements any drum setup

  • Explosive sound with minimal effort, ideal for dynamic playing

  • Works well as a transition cymbal or snare accent

CONS

  • Prone to cracking, especially under heavy hitting

  • Not as durable as some other A Custom models

  • Long overtone may not cut through loud live performances

  • Louder than expected for small practice spaces

  • 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

  • The Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX pairs well with the 18" K Custom Hybrid, providing a complementary sound profile.

    Source
  • An 18” A Custom EFX offers a distinct voice compared to the 18” A Medium Thin, making it a good secondary crash option.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A Custom EFX is ideal for adding a mix of crash and china sounds, enhancing versatility in rock music.

    Source
  • It’s suggested that the A Custom EFX can effectively add variety to setups that feel monotonous with just a single crash.

    Source
  • 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

  • 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

  • Allowing cymbals to wobble freely when stacked may reduce the risk of cracking, as energy can dissipate through larger cymbals.

    Source

User experience

  • Tightening smaller cymbal stacks too much, like a 10" splash with china, can lead to cracking, but some users prefer the altered sound post-crack.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
bradrummer

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
See how Josh Dun uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Josh Dun

Drummer, Composer

Twenty One Pilots

...
Verified via Zildijan

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.

See how George Daniel uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

George Daniel

Drummer, Composer

The 1975

...
Verified via YouTube

George mentions at 2:18 using the 18" A Custom EFX.

See how Jay Weinberg uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Jay Weinberg

Drummer

Slipknot

...
Verified via Zildjian

The official gear page of Jay: https://zildjian.com/artists/jay-weinberg

See how Matt Nicholls uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Matt Nicholls

Drummer

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Carter Beauford uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Carter Beauford

Drummer

Dave Matthews Band

...
Verified via Dave Matthews Band
See how Dan Pawlovich uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Dan Pawlovich

Drummer

Panic! at the Disco

...
Verified via Photo

Used as an effect crash on the Pray for the Wicked tour

See how Samus Paulicelli uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Samus Paulicelli

Guitarist, Bassist

Decrepit Birth

...
Verified via YouTube

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

See how Bob Hall uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Bob Hall

Drummer

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Eric Moore uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Eric Moore

Drummer

Suicidal Tendencies

...
Verified via Facebook

Eric Moore is associated with the Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX cymbal, as highlighted in a post by the Zildjian Company on Facebook.

See how Matt Flynn uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Matt Flynn

Drummer

Maroon 5

...
Verified via YouTube

Matt plays this cymbal in a concert in Argentina in 2012. We can see this cymbal at 2.24 minutes.

See how Casey Cooper uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Casey Cooper

Drummer

...
Verified via Zildjian

Casey uses an 18 inch efx crash in his setup. he uses this as a effects cymbal in adition to the other cymbals he has in his setup

See how Art Cruz uses Zildjian 18" A Custom EFX

Art Cruz

Drummer

Lamb of God

...
Verified via ART CRUZ

Art switched from Meinl to Zildjian. Listed as a part of his gear setup

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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max_shtoma

Gear IQ 148

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