Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (2)
$189.95
Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$189.95
Amazon
4.5 (65)
$189.95
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$189.95
zZounds
5.0 (1)
$189.95
Thomann
4.4 (15)
$174.00
Gear4Music
£152.00

Average Price: $187

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Zildjian S 18" China". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash a wave of sonic brilliance with the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal, designed for drummers who crave a vibrant and dynamic presence in their percussion setup. Crafted from a B12 bronze alloy, this cymbal strikes a harmonious balance between lows, mids, and highs, delivering a bright, explosive sound that’s perfect for dramatic accents and powerful hits. With its distinctively trashy tone, the S 18" China adds a unique color to any musical arrangement, whether you're playing rock, jazz, or fusion.

This cymbal is not just about sound—it's about the feel. The Zildjian S 18" China is fully lathed and machine-hammered, ensuring a consistent weight and sound quality that speaks quickly with a short sustain, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles. The brilliant finish not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to its shimmering sound profile, ensuring that each note cuts through with clarity.

Whether you're an experienced drummer or a passionate beginner, the Zildjian S 18" China offers a modern cymbal voice that fits seamlessly into any kit, redefining your sonic experience with every strike. Join the community of musicians who have discovered the expressive potential of the S Family series.

Key Features:

  • Size: 18"
  • Material: B12 bronze alloy (88% copper, 12% tin)
  • Brilliant finish for enhanced shimmer
  • Bright, open sound with a trashy tone
  • Fully lathed and machine-hammered for consistent quality
  • Quick response with short sustain

Product specs

Type China
Size 18"
Weight Thin
Finish Brilliant
Material B12
Pitch Mid
Sound Bright/Mid
Sustain Short
Volume General

FAQs

What is the sound characteristic of the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal?

The Zildjian S 18" China cymbal offers a bright and mid-range sound with a short sustain, making it suitable for accents and explosive effects in various musical settings.

What material is the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal made from?

This cymbal is crafted from B12 alloy, consisting of 88% copper and 12% tin, which provides a balanced tonal range with a distinctive shimmer.

Is the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal's general volume and bright sound make it well-suited for live performances, delivering impactful accents that cut through a mix.

How does the finish of the Zildjian S 18" China affect its sound?

The brilliant finish of the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal enhances its bright sound and adds a visual appeal, contributing to its overall shimmering effect.

Can the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal be used in a studio setting?

Yes, the Zildjian S 18" China cymbal's short sustain and bright tone make it a great choice for adding dynamic accents in studio recordings.

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" S Family China

Video thumbnail for Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" S Family China by Avedis Zildjian Company

Zildjian Sound Lab - 18" S Family China

Avedis Zildjian Company

Avedis Zildjian Company

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" S China Cymbal - 1283g - Played by Casey Cooper (S18CH-1050316ZZ) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" S China Cymbal - 1283g - Played by Casey Cooper (S18CH-1050316ZZ)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Zildjian 18" S China Cymbal - 1282g (S18CH-1012616K) by Memphis Drum Shop

Zildjian 18" S China Cymbal - 1282g (S18CH-1012616K)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a unique, fun sound reminiscent of cinematic noise

  • Quick response with explosive sound, even when played gently

  • Great sound quality for its price range

  • Integrates well with other cymbals, especially within the Zildjian S series

  • Comparable to higher-end models like the 13" Oriental China Trash

  • Clean craftsmanship typical of Zildjian products

  • Ideal for enhancing accents in drumming

  • Versatile sound when played with different sticks or mallets

  • Strong performance in both live shows and recordings

  • Highly recommended for budget-conscious musicians

CONS

  • Some users find the tone could be improved

  • Extremely loud, may not be suitable for all environments

  • Minor quality control issues, such as scratches or logo paint lines

  • Preference for other brands like Wuhan by some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian S 18" China.

Comparisons

  • The S Series China is noted for being less versatile and more one-dimensional than A Customs or AAX, especially for styles beyond loud rock music.

    Source
  • The tonal brightness of the S Series is compared to the Paiste 2002 but is seen as lacking depth and warmth in comparison.

    Source
  • The A Sweet Ride pack includes a 15” New Beats, 23” Sweet Ride, and 18” & 20” Thin Crashes, offering a fuller tone compared to the S dark pack.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the S Series China as having an excessively bright and shrill tone that can be overpowering in smaller gig settings.

    Source
  • Owners suggest that Zildjian A series cymbals integrate better with Sabian HH cymbals, enhancing overall tonal cohesion in mixed setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The S Series China may fit well in loud, aggressive music contexts but is less suited for nuanced or softer musical styles.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Buying used A series cymbals can be cost-effective, with prices like $150 for an A Ping Ride, providing great value compared to new S series options.

    Source
  • Drum Center Portsmouth (DCP) offers an exclusive A Sweet pack for $999, which is considered a bargain by several users due to its comprehensive inclusion of versatile cymbals.

    Source

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