Pricing and availability
* 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.
Videos
Tobias Derer
Zildjian Series Comparison Video
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian Cymbals.
Use cases and applications
-
Some players prefer mixing A series hi-hats and splashes with K series rides and crashes for a versatile setup.
Source -
The A Custom series is favored by some users for heavy metal and power metal styles due to their durability and sound quality.
Source -
Zildjian A cymbals are heavily used in recording studios, often cited as present in 75% of recorded music over the last 60 years.
Source -
A Zildjians are praised for their versatility in recording and live settings, especially in classic rock due to their high energy crash.
Source
Comparisons
-
Users often recommend trying the AAX series in a natural finish for a modern sound, as an alternative to the A Custom series.
Source -
K Custom Hybrids are noted for their excellent recording sound, though some users find them less audible in live settings despite their impressive recorded presence.
Source -
A Custom cymbals are described as brighter and sweeter than the standard A series, with a more modern sound suited for contemporary rock.
Source -
Zildjian A series cymbals are often compared to Sabian's AAX line for their bright sound, while Sabian HHX is likened to Zildjian Ks for complexity.
Source -
K series undergo additional computer hammering, adding complexity and darker tones compared to the A series.
Source -
Players often contrast Zildjian A's brightness with the mellower, more complex sound of K series cymbals, noting the A's ability to cut through live mixes.
Source
User experience
-
The A Custom projection crash is specifically mentioned for its loudness, making it a preferred choice over standard A hats for certain users.
Source -
Despite claims of fragility, some owners report A Custom crashes lasting over 20 years without losing sound quality, even in heavy playing conditions.
Source -
A Custom crashes are appreciated for their ability to produce the perfect crash sound, particularly in 16 and 18-inch sizes.
Source -
A players in hard rock and heavy metal genres often find A series crashes more appealing than K series crashes.
Source -
A New Beat hi-hats and Sweet Ride are frequently highlighted as standout models in the Zildjian A line, favored for their consistent sound.
Source
Features and functionality
-
K cymbals are often lathed thinner for a darker, washier tone, but there are also heavier and drier K models available.
Source
Build quality
-
Owners note that A Zildjians from the 60s and 70s maintain their sound quality over decades, contributing to their strong used market presence.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings
Really nice
I love zildjian their my favorite brand of cymbal and I use them for about everything
Artist usage
Add artist
In the video titled "Josh Manuel - Kane Brown - Tour Kit Rundown," at 1:47, Josh Manuel confirms that he uses Zildjian cymbals with his drum kit. This information is provided by Modern Drummer Official on YouTube.
Casey Cooper incorporates a variety of Zildjian cymbals into his setup, frequently alternating between A Custom and K Custom models, as featured on Zildjian's artist page.
At 1:09 in the video titled "Clem Burke - Blondie - Tour Kit Rundown," Clem Burke explicitly mentions using Zildjian cymbals as part of his drum kit. This video was provided by Modern Drummer Official on YouTube.
Gene Trautmann uses Zildjian Cymbals, as confirmed in the credits/description on the UK version of the album "Rated R" (towards the bottom).
In this Instagram post, Mike Kennedy is shown using various models of Zildjian cymbals, highlighting his setup as he prepares for the tour.
Matt Johnson, drummer for Jeff Buckley, uses Zildjian Cymbals, as noted on MojoPin.org.
In the video titled "Hollywood Undead's ANTHONY GHAZEL || DRUM RUNDOWN" by Drum Rundown, Anthony Ghazel is seen using Zildjian Cymbals as part of his drum kit at the 17:28 mark.
In the music video, Ken can be seen playing these cymbals throughout the video.
In a video titled "Payton Taylor - JoJo - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, Payton Taylor confirms at 1:41 that she uses Zildjian cymbals in her drum kit setup.
In this post, Anthony can be seen using zildjian cymbals while recording some drum tracks
Album Usage
The Zildjian Cymbals 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 Cymbals, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursMore Zildjian Cymbal Packs
Similar
Most Popular Cymbal Packs
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
IitisleeannGear IQ 1371
-