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Tobias Derer

Tobias Derer

Zildjian Series Comparison Video

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Series Comparison Video by Tobias Derer

Zildjian Series Comparison Video

Tobias Derer

Tobias Derer

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - Cymbal Comparison Video - Full Version by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - Cymbal Comparison Video - Full Version

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Cymbal Pack Comparison by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Cymbal Pack Comparison

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Drum Set Cymbals 101 by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Drum Set Cymbals 101

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

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.

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  • Zildjian A cymbals are heavily used in recording studios, often cited as present in 75% of recorded music over the last 60 years.

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  • A Zildjians are praised for their versatility in recording and live settings, especially in classic rock due to their high energy crash.

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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.

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  • A Custom cymbals are described as brighter and sweeter than the standard A series, with a more modern sound suited for contemporary rock.

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  • 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.

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  • K series undergo additional computer hammering, adding complexity and darker tones compared to the A series.

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  • 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.

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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.

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  • Despite claims of fragility, some owners report A Custom crashes lasting over 20 years without losing sound quality, even in heavy playing conditions.

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  • A Custom crashes are appreciated for their ability to produce the perfect crash sound, particularly in 16 and 18-inch sizes.

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  • A players in hard rock and heavy metal genres often find A series crashes more appealing than K series crashes.

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  • A New Beat hi-hats and Sweet Ride are frequently highlighted as standout models in the Zildjian A line, favored for their consistent sound.

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Features and functionality

  • K cymbals are often lathed thinner for a darker, washier tone, but there are also heavier and drier K models available.

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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.

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Value and pricing

  • The extensive used market for Zildjian A cymbals keeps prices competitive, making them accessible despite being professional-grade instruments.

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Critic Reviews

Zildjian ZBT And ZHT Cymbals Reviewed | DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

Zildjian's ZBT and ZHT cymbals are a mixed bag aimed at students and budget-conscious drummers. The standout is the ZBT 20" crash/ride, praised for its clear ping and decent crash performance, making it excellent value for beginners. However, the ZBT 16" China falls short, lacking the expected sonic depth. The ZBT 12" splash leans more towards a small crash, while the ZHT 8" and 10" China splashes offer quirky, fun sounds, though they might not suit traditional splash needs. Overall, great for those seeking affordable, versatile cymbals without high-end expectations.

positive

REVIEW: Zildjian K Sweet Series Cymbals - DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

The Zildjian K Sweet Series impresses with its blend of the A Sweet rides' versatility and the darker, warmer tones of the K line. These cymbals deliver vibrant, clear sounds, ideal for low to medium-volume settings. Rides offer a mellowed ping and controlled response, while crashes bloom with full sound and stunning bell response. The hats, though slightly less traditional, bring agility and dynamic range. Overall, these cymbals are excellent for drummers seeking rich, expressive tones without overwhelming volume, marking a strong addition to Zildjian's Sweet legacy.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
C

Really nice

I love zildjian their my favorite brand of cymbal and I use them for about everything

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Josh Manuel uses Zildjian Cymbals

Josh Manuel

Drummer

Issues

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Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Casey Cooper uses Zildjian Cymbals

Casey Cooper

Drummer

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Verified via Zildjian

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.

See how Clem Burke uses Zildjian Cymbals

Clem Burke

Drummer

Ramones

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Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Gene Trautmann uses Zildjian Cymbals

Gene Trautmann

Drummer

Queens of the Stone Age

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Verified via Photo

Gene Trautmann uses Zildjian Cymbals, as confirmed in the credits/description on the UK version of the album "Rated R" (towards the bottom).

See how Mike Kennedy uses Zildjian Cymbals

Mike Kennedy

Drummer

Drive Like Jehu

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Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post, Mike Kennedy is shown using various models of Zildjian cymbals, highlighting his setup as he prepares for the tour.

See how Matt Johnson (drummer) uses Zildjian Cymbals

Matt Johnson (drummer)

Drummer

Jeff Buckley(band)

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Verified via Mojopin

Matt Johnson, drummer for Jeff Buckley, uses Zildjian Cymbals, as noted on MojoPin.org.

A

Anthony Ghazel

Drummer

Hollywood Undead

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Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Ken Jay uses Zildjian Cymbals

Ken Jay

Drummer, Keyboardist

Static?X

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Verified via YouTube

In the music video, Ken can be seen playing these cymbals throughout the video.

See how Payton Taylor uses Zildjian Cymbals

Payton Taylor

Drummer

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Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Anthony Del Grosso uses Zildjian Cymbals

Anthony Del Grosso

Guitarist, Drummer

This Wild Life

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Verified via Instagram

In this post, Anthony can be seen using zildjian cymbals while recording some drum tracks

See how Christopher Ghazel uses Zildjian Cymbals

Christopher Ghazel

Drummer, Music Producer

Rest, Repose

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Verified via YouTube

in this drum cover chris can be seen using zildjian cymbals

See how Nik Hughes uses Zildjian Cymbals

Nik Hughes

Drummer

Bush

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Verified via YouTube

In a video by Modern Drummer Official, Nik Hughes, the drummer for the band Bush, is seen discussing the Zildjian Cymbals he uses with his drum kit at the 6:43 mark.

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 yours
jeffyahrmatter

jeffyahrmatter

Gear IQ 72

chad_lester

chad_lester

Gear IQ 82

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