Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $175
Budget/Beginner
$200
$501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18"". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your drumming experience with the Zildjian 18" S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal, a harmonious blend of modern innovation and classic craftsmanship. Crafted with precision, this cymbal is a testament to Zildjian's commitment to producing high-quality percussion instruments. Made from a B12 bronze alloy, it delivers a balanced frequency range that is both bright and expressive, making it suitable for any genre from rock to jazz.
Designed for the modern drummer who values versatility, the Medium-Thin Crash responds to the lightest touch with a full, crashing sound that resonates with a stunning shimmering sustain. Whether you're delivering powerful accents or exploring subtle dynamics, its sensitive, responsive nature makes it an ideal choice. The brilliant finish not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances the cymbal's ability to cut through the mix with clarity.
Beyond its stunning sound, this cymbal's medium-thin weight allows it to function superbly as a stacker, unlocking new tonal possibilities when combined with other cymbals. Hand-hammered and fully lathed, the Zildjian S Series ensures a consistent weight and feel, providing drummers with the reliability and sound quality they've come to expect from a renowned brand.
Key Features:
- Size: 18"
- Material: B12 bronze alloy (88% copper, 12% tin)
- Finish: Brilliant
- Weight: Medium-Thin
- Hand-hammered and fully lathed for precision
- Bright, full crash sound with shimmering sustain
- Versatile for various musical styles and stacking configurations
Product specs
| Type | Crash |
| Size | 18" |
| Weight | Medium Thin |
| Material | B12 |
| Finish | Brilliant |
| Sound | Bright, Full-bodied |
| Pitch | Mid |
| Volume | Loud |
| Sustain | Long |
FAQs
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What genre of music is the Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18" best suited for?
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The Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash is versatile and well-suited for various genres, including rock, pop, and jazz, due to its bright, full-bodied sound and loud volume.
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How does the sustain of the Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18" affect its performance?
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This cymbal features a long sustain, which allows for a lingering, resonant sound that enhances musical dynamics and adds depth to performances.
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What material is used in the Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18" and how does it impact the sound?
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Made from B12 bronze, consisting of 88% copper and 12% tin, this cymbal delivers a balanced range of lows, mids, and highs, resulting in a bright, shimmering sound.
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Is the Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18" suitable for live performances?
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Yes, its loud volume and bright sound make it ideal for cutting through the mix in live performance settings, ensuring it is heard clearly.
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How does the weight of the Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18" influence its playability?
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The medium-thin weight provides a quick response and easy crash, making it suitable for dynamic playing styles and allowing for expressive performance.
Videos
BONZOLEUM
Paiste Versus Zildjian Cymbal Comparison 18" 2002 MEDIUM vs. 18" S Series Medium Thin Crash
Reviews
PROS
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Bright, brilliant sound that cuts through with clarity
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Versatile for various music genres like rock, blues, and jazz
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Excellent price-to-quality ratio for an 18" crash cymbal
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Quick response and strong projection when struck
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Beautiful shiny finish enhances visual appeal
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Comfortable pitch for high-energy rock performances
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Long sustain that complements its sharp ring
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Integrates well with other cymbals from Zildjian's A and A Custom series
CONS
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Some users find it thicker than expected for a medium-thin cymbal
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High volume may overpower softer music styles
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Reports of cracks developing over time
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Occasional cosmetic imperfections like black lines affecting appearance
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18".
Comparisons
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Some users favor the 20" thin crashes from the S Series, influenced by recommendations from known drummers, suggesting a preference for larger cymbals within this lineup.
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Compared to the A Custom Series, the S Series Medium-Thin Crash is described as lighter with a shorter sustain, offering a brighter sound.
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The S Series is described as very bright and explosive, similar to Paiste 2002, but lacks depth and warmth, making it less versatile compared to A Customs or AAX.
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Value and pricing
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It's often noted that the S Series offers significant sound quality improvements over ZBTs, attributed to better lathing techniques since the introduction of the S Series.
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Availability issues are mentioned, with some retailers like Sweetwater running out of stock, while others like Guitar Center are perceived as more expensive.
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One buyer noted a Black Friday deal priced at $160 before tax, highlighting the potential for significant savings during sales events.
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It's suggested to purchase used cymbals when possible to expand budget, as the S Series is considered just above beginner pack quality.
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User experience
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Initial owner excitement for the Zildjian brand is high, with early impressions highlighting satisfaction even within hours of use, hinting at strong brand loyalty.
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Several users praise the cymbal's bright, punchy sound and responsiveness, noting it requires a lighter touch compared to heavier models like the 20” A Custom.
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Some users mention using this cymbal alongside a 16" model, finding the combination perfect for blending in a variety dance band setting.
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Some find the S Series to have excessively ugly ringing and overtones, particularly in the larger 20" crashes, which can be overwhelming in smaller rooms.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners find the 18" Zildjian S Series Medium-Thin Crash versatile for multiple music styles, with a sweet spot of responsiveness suitable for various volume levels.
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The S Series is more suited for loud music genres due to its brightness and cutting power, but may not perform well in smaller venues or recording settings.
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The S Series crashes are seen as one-dimensional and not particularly musical, making them less ideal for diverse musical applications.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
132
A good and versatile crash cymbal
This Zildjian S medium thin 18'' crash cymbal is made of B12 bronze with a brilliant finish. It speaks quite quickly when struck and cuts immediately with strength and loud volume. Strangely, I have found that the best purpose for this cymbal is riding it during high-energy parts of a rock song. It really brings out the power you would look for at that moment. The pitch is also quite comfortable to listen to. As an occasional crash for softer rock or pop I would not recommend it as the volume can overcome the mix.
Artist usage
Add artistGenre 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 S Series Medium-Thin Crash Cymbal - 18", it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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