Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$409.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (36)
$409.95
Amazon
4.7 (206)
$409.95
Reverb
4.0 (3)
$359.95 New
$199.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (119)
$409.95
zZounds
5.0 (3)
$379.95
Thomann
5.0 (9)
$369.00
Gear4Music
£330.50

Average Price: $368

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your drumming experience with the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18—a cymbal that offers a dazzling blend of speed, brightness, and expressiveness. Crafted with Zildjian's proprietary alloy formula and radical rotary hammering techniques, this cymbal is designed for dynamic soundscapes, making it a favorite among drummers from diverse genres like rock, jazz, and pop. The A Custom Fast Crash is notably thinner than its counterparts, providing an explosive attack and an exceptionally short decay that allows for crisp, quick accents. Ideal for musicians who crave a vibrant, airy sound that can cut through any mix, this cymbal’s brilliant finish not only enhances its tonal qualities but also adds a striking visual appeal to your drum kit.

Developed with input from legendary drummers like Vinnie Colaiuta, the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash combines modern innovation with classic A Series tonalities. Each cymbal is individually cast, ensuring a unique voice and character, perfect for adding a distinctive edge to your performances. Whether you're laying down tracks in a studio or rocking out on stage, this crash cymbal will deliver the clarity and projection you need.

Key Features:

  • Size: 18 inches
  • A Custom Series
  • Brilliant finish for enhanced visual and tonal brilliance
  • Paper-thin weight for fast response
  • Mid pitch with bright sound characteristics
  • Medium bell size and profile
  • Short sustain ideal for quick, sharp accents
  • Suitable for various genres: rock, jazz, pop, and more
  • Crafted with Zildjian's secret alloy formula
  • Developed with input from renowned drummer Vinnie Colaiuta

Product specs

Type Crash
Size 18"
Weight Extra Thin
Material B20, Cast Bronze
Finish Brilliant
Sound Medium/Bright
Pitch Medium
Balance Blend
Bell Size Medium
Volume General
Sustain Short

FAQs

What is the primary sound characteristic of the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18"?

The Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" cymbal produces a medium-bright sound with a short sustain, making it ideal for quick, punchy accents in various musical styles.

Is the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" is suitable for live performances due to its brilliant finish and medium volume, which allows it to cut through the mix effectively.

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

The Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" is crafted from B20 cast bronze, known for its durability and rich tonal qualities.

How does the weight of the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" affect its sound?

Being extra thin, the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" offers a fast response and quick decay, providing a crisp and explosive sound that is ideal for dynamic playing.

What type of music is the Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" best suited for?

The Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" is versatile and works well across various genres, particularly in rock, pop, and fusion, where a bright and cutting crash is desired.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal - 1285g (A20534-1020520L)

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal - 1285g (A20534-1020520L) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal - 1285g (A20534-1020520L)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 18" A Custom Fast Crash - A20534 by Avedis Zildjian Company

18" A Custom Fast Crash - A20534

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian A Custom 18" Fast Crash Cymbal by VicsDrumShop

Zildjian A Custom 18" Fast Crash Cymbal

VicsDrumShop

VicsDrumShop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18'' - The Drum Shop North Shore by Nate Morrison Drums

Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18'' - The Drum Shop North Shore

Nate Morrison Drums

Nate Morrison Drums

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal - 1180g (A20534-1090221J) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal - 1180g (A20534-1090221J)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal - 1180g (A20534-1060617S) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal - 1180g (A20534-1060617S)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Bright and defined sound with excellent projection

  • Quick decay for sharp accents in rhythms

  • Shimmering, brilliant finish adds elegance to drum kits

  • Integrates well with other A Custom series cymbals

  • Durable despite being thinner than other A Customs

  • Offers a classic warm sound with fast decay

  • Suitable for both studio and live performances

  • Versatile, can be used as a crash ride with added effects

CONS

  • Thinner build may raise durability concerns for heavy hitters

  • May not cut through as well in very loud settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18.

Features and functionality

  • The Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18 is known for its fast decay and big attack, making it ideal for quick accents in a mix.

    Source
  • A Custom Projection Crash is heavier with more cut than the regular A Custom, offering a different tonal presence.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners compare the fast decay of the A Custom Fast Crash to standard crashes, noting that it is thinner and offers a more immediate response.

    Source
  • A Custom Fast Crash is described as an "extra thin crash with a small bell," opening up quickly with high frequencies, unlike the heavier A Custom Projection Crash.

    Source

User experience

  • One owner mentions the cymbal's ability to cut through a mix effectively, while also highlighting its recording quality.

    Source
  • Some owners report that A Custom crashes flex significantly under sticks, which can affect timing, particularly for those used to thicker cymbals like Sabian AA Metal-X.

    Source
  • Zildjian does not provide specific weights for their cymbals on their website, causing difficulty for buyers seeking detailed specifications.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Acquiring this cymbal for $100 is considered an exceptional deal among enthusiasts, often compared to "stolen" level pricing due to its high quality.

    Source

Build quality

  • It's noted that Zildjian's A Custom cymbals from the early 1990s were thicker and fuller-bodied compared to current models, which are perceived as thinner.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A Custom Fast Crash is considered unsuitable for rock music due to its quick decay and extra thin build, which may not provide the desired power.

    Source

Critic Reviews

One Versatile Crash Cymbal Every Drummer Ought To Have - Von Baron Music

vonbaronmusic.com

The Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18" cymbal is praised for its versatility, making it a must-have for drummers across various genres like Jazz, Funk, and Soul. Its clean, consistent sound and quick decay allow it to blend seamlessly with other instruments, both in studio and live settings. Lightweight and compact, it's perfect for travel and smaller drum sets. However, while its sound is consistent, the review lacks detailed criticism, focusing heavily on its positives. Overall, it’s a glowing endorsement for the cymbal's adaptability and quality.

positive
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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dario_mannu

Fast crash of my dreams!

It's a very fast crash, with a great sound. So powerful and rich. It can be use like a crash ride... with a chain to emulate the rivets sounds SO amazing!

vilmand

Super nice sound

Really fast and responsive crash, Can be used to all kinds of music.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jim Sonefeld uses Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18

Jim Sonefeld

Singer, Guitarist

Hootie & the Blowfish

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Jim Sonefeld - Hootie & The Blowfish - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, at the 9:30 mark, Jim Sonefeld is seen displaying an 18" Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash cymbal as part of his cymbal setup.

See how Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan uses Zildjian A Custom Fast Crash 18

Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Modern Drummer Official titled "J-Rod Sullivan - Janet Jackson - Tour Kit Rundown," Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan is seen showcasing a Zildjian 18" A Custom Fast Crash Cymbal as part of his cymbal set at the 7:20 mark.

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 A Custom Fast Crash 18, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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