Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$419.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (5)
$359.95
Amazon
4.4 (23)
$399.95 New
$263.70 Used (Very Good)
Reverb
5.0 (9)
$377.96 New
$264.00 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (66)
$419.95
Thomann
4.9 (16)
$379.00
Gear4Music
£368.50

Average Price: $380

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the potential of your drum set with the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin. A perfect blend of tradition and innovation, this cymbal offers a rich, dark sound that has been the secret weapon of jazz musicians for decades. With a wide range of high to low frequencies, the Zildjian K-series crash is designed to add character and depth to your music.

This special cymbal is crafted from Zildjian's secret alloy, undergoing a meticulous casting and rolling process to create an instrument with a distinctive voice and character. Its traditional finish not only complements your kit visually, but also contributes to its unique sonic qualities.

Whether you're playing jazz, country, or world styles, the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal is designed to deliver. It offers a full-sounding performance while adding a great accent to your setup. With this cymbal, you can bring out the timeless tone of Zildjian in your own performances.

Key Features:

  • Cast from Zildjian's secret alloy for a distinctive voice and character
  • Delivers a mellow, dark sound sought after by jazz musicians
  • Blends a broad range of high and low frequencies
  • Traditional finish for a timeless look and sound
  • Ideal for various music styles, from jazz to country to world styles
  • 18" size and medium-thin weight for a balanced sound and response
  • Individually cast and rolled for unique tonal qualities
  • Adds character and depth to your drum setup

Product specs

Available since November 2003
Hand Hammered Cymbal Yes
Finish Regular, Traditional
Alloy B20 Bronze

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal?

The Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal delivers a rich, dark, and warm sound with a fast decay, making it ideal for jazz, rock, and other genres that benefit from a complex tonal palette.

Is the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal suitable for live performances?

Yes, this cymbal is well-suited for live performances due to its dynamic range and ability to cut through a mix while maintaining a musical tone.

What material is the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal made from?

The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze alloy, known for its rich tonal characteristics and durability, contributing to its complex sound.

How does the hand-hammered construction affect the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal's sound?

The hand-hammered construction enhances the cymbal's tonal complexity and warmth, providing a unique character and musicality that is highly sought after by drummers.

Is the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal versatile for different music genres?

Yes, its dark and warm sound makes it versatile for various genres, including jazz, rock, and fusion, offering a balanced blend of projection and musical expression.

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash by Peter Lewis

Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis

Video thumbnail for Used Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1525g (UK0915-1052919J) by Memphis Drum Shop

Used Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1525g (UK0915-1052919J)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 18" K Zildjian Dark Crash Medium Thin - K0915 by Avedis Zildjian Company

18" K Zildjian Dark Crash Medium Thin - K0915

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18'' K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - Played By Chuck Silverman (K0915-1032911A) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18'' K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - Played By Chuck Silverman (K0915-1032911A)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1402g (K0915-1122121E) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1402g (K0915-1122121E)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1386g (K0915-1082021J) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1386g (K0915-1082021J)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1472g (K0915-1122019Q) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" K Dark Medium Thin Crash Cymbal - 1472g (K0915-1122019Q)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Blends seamlessly with various cymbal types and music styles

  • Warm, dark, and lush sound with brilliant overtones

  • Exceptionally well-suited for recording

  • Versatile use as both crash and left-side ride

  • Quick response and controlled sustain

  • Made of high-grade bronze, ensuring durability

  • Unique and complex tones for a distinctive sound

  • Enhances dynamic range, adding depth to performances

  • Consistent wash and even tone without pitch variations

  • Suitable for both live performances and studio recordings

CONS

  • Some frequencies may not appeal to everyone compared to other brands

  • The newer versions may differ slightly in sound from older models

  • Not as punchy in volume without a microphone setup

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin.

User experience

  • Thin and dark profiles like the 18" Zildjian K Dark Crash Medium-Thin are quieter, so excessive force won't increase volume and can lead to unnecessary wear.

    Source
  • Owners of the K Dark Thin crashes appreciate their fullness and durability, feeling more comfortable using them due to their slightly thicker profile compared to Sweets.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Byzance Traditional Medium crash is noted for superior dark tones due to its hand-hammered uniqueness, but be aware of the variance in sound among identical models.

    Source
  • The 20" K Crash Ride is noted to have similar dark crash characteristics, potentially serving as an alternative to a larger K Dark Medium Thin Crash.

    Source
  • The K Sweet crashes are described as having a "trashy/splashy" quality lacking punch and cut, while K Dark Thins maintain versatility and definition across genres.

    Source
  • The K Sweet line's raw bells contribute to their louder projection despite their thinner construction, contrasting with the more controlled sound of Dark Thins.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 18" Zildjian K Dark Crash Medium-Thin is versatile enough to complement any musical style, though its projection may vary based on bell size and model.

    Source
  • Vintage 80s/90s Zildjian Ks labeled "Dark Crash" are identified as Medium Thins, suggesting these may suit those seeking specific legacy sound profiles.

    Source
  • K Dark Thin crashes have been praised for their ability to blend well with various musical styles, particularly indie rock and post-punk, while retaining clarity in recordings.

    Source

Other

  • It’s suggested to contact Zildjian or Sweetwater for clarification on availability or alternatives, indicating a proactive approach might reveal additional options or discontinued models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The combination of a 19" K Dark Thin crash and a 21" K Sweet ride is reported to blend beautifully, balancing fullness and defined tone.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Alan Wilder uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Alan Wilder

Drummer, Keyboardist

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Recoil

Used on the Devotional tour

See how Carter Beauford uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Carter Beauford

Drummer

Dave Matthews Band

...
Verified via Dave Matthews Band
See how Roger Taylor uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Roger Taylor

Drummer

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Photo

The picture shows Taylor using the item on stage.

See how Peter Erskine uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Peter Erskine

Drummer

Weather Report

...
Verified via Zildjian

Peter Erskine's page on the Zildjian official website lists the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin as among his gear.

See how Eddy Thrower uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Eddy Thrower

Drummer

Lower Than Atlantis

...
Verified via YouTube

The description of this video, by the Avedis Zildjian Company, lists an 18" K Dark Crash thin cymbal as part of Eddy Thrower's live setup.

See how Bryan Hitt uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Bryan Hitt

Drummer

REO Speedwagon

...
Verified via Bryanhitt

As mentioned on Hitt's set-up on his official website.

See how Matt Donnelly uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Matt Donnelly

Drummer

Don Broco

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram picture Matt Donnelly plays in a concert with the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

See how Anthony Tillmon Williams uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Anthony Tillmon Williams

Drummer

Miles Davis Quintet

...
Verified via Behindthedrums

Anthony Tillmon Williams is noted for using the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin cymbal, as detailed on the "Tony Williams Drum Equipment" page on Behindthedrums.

See how Loniel Robinson uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Loniel Robinson

Drummer

Letlive

...
Verified via Photo

According to a Facebook post by Zildjian, Loniel Robinson uses the Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin as part of his cymbal setup.

See how Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan

Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "J-Rod Sullivan - Janet Jackson - Tour Kit Rundown" by Modern Drummer Official, at 7:29, Jerrod "J-Rod" Sullivan demonstrates using a Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin Cymbal, identifying it as his main cymbal.

See how Arya Goggin uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Arya Goggin

Drummer

Skindred

...
Verified via YouTube

at 18:07, he states that he uses this symbol

See how Hrafnkell Örn Guðjónsson uses Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin

Hrafnkell Örn Guðjónsson

Drummer

Agent Fresco

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

"I’m proud to be a part of the Zildjian family and I’m currently using an 18? Dark Medium-Thin crash, 22? K Light ride, 17? K China, 14? K hi-hat, and a stack containing a 16? A Custom EFX and another 17? K China."

Album Usage

The Zildjian K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin 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 K 18" Dark Crash Medium-Thin, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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jackdengls7

jackdengls7

Gear IQ 2270

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