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Crash Cymbal

  • Size: 16"
  • A-Custom crash
  • Brilliant finish
  • Natural, bright
  • Not too thick - not too loud
  • Very quick response
  • Warm, round, soft sustain behaviour
  • Item number 100716
  • Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
  • Hand Hammered Cymbal Yes
  • Finish Brilliant, Glossy
  • Alloy B20 Bronze
$319
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A Custom crash, quick and clean

The Zildjian A Custom Series is a variation on the iconic A Series – as such, it belongs to one of the most widely played cymbal ranges in the world. Compared with the classic Avedis models, the generally thinner A Custom cymbals offer a brighter, exceptionally clean character. Their tonal qualities are further enhanced by the highly polished Brilliant Finish. The range itself covers a broad spectrum, including hi-hats and rides in various configurations, thin to medium crashes, and a selection of effects cymbals. The regular A Custom crashes, especially the 16" and 18" models, are really the standard-bearers for the entire series, offering as they do an unusually fast response and a very short, clean decay.

Zildjian A-Custom 16" Crash Cymbal

Precisely crafted B20 cymbals

Like all of the manufacturer's current cymbal lines, the Zildjian A Custom Series is produced entirely in the company's own factory in Norwell, Massachusetts. The cymbals are made from B20 bronze, the established standard in the premium segment and an alloy widely associated with a full, warm and complex character. Even more important to the sound of the A Custom Series, however, is the manufacturing process. Highly precise rotary hammering creates broader and flatter hammer marks than those found on the classic A Series. The cymbals are also more noticeably curved, while the lathing pattern adds particularly fine tonal grooves that further extend the upper frequency range. The wholly mechanical production process ensures tonal consistency throughout the series.

A custom all-rounder

As a modern variation of the classic Zildjian A Series, the cymbals of the A Custom range are also extremely versatile premium instruments. Tonally, they lean more towards Rock and Pop, while also enjoying a strong following among Metal drummers. The bright, present character of A Custom cymbals, often described as glassy, is particularly popular in studio environments and excels in modern, powerful productions that demand a pronounced and articulate top end. In this respect, the A Custom Series can be regarded as something of a counterpart to the darker and more complex-sounding K family.

Zildjian A-Custom 16" Crash Cymbal

About Zildjian

The Avedis Zildjian company is one of the world's oldest manufacturers of musical instruments. In addition to cymbals and gongs, the Zildjian range also includes drumsticks, percussion mallets, and accessories. The company's history dates back to 1618, when an Armenian, Avedis Zildjian, made his first cymbals from tin, copper, and silver near Constantinople. In the early 20th century, the company moved its headquarters to the United States, where a short time later the era of big bands and Swing music began. Zildjian worked closely with the most famous drummers of that era and over the decades earned an excellent reputation among Jazz drummers. Since Ringo Starr led the way more recently, Zildjian cymbals have also become increasingly popular among Rock drummers, and today the range includes cymbals for every conceivable genre, ranging from affordable entry-level cymbals to handmade models of the very highest quality.

Zildjian A-Custom 16" Crash Cymbal

A benchmark for crisp articulation

The Zildjian A Custom Series was developed during the 1990s in collaboration with renowned drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa and many others) with the aim of creating a contemporary variation of the classic A Series. Today, A Custom cymbals are regarded as the benchmark for bright, clean cymbal sounds, making them suitable for virtually any style of music that benefits from a clear presence in the upper frequencies. While a complete A Custom setup is a popular choice, combining A Custom cymbals with other Zildjian series is equally common. One particularly popular approach is to pair A Custom effects with hi-hats and a ride from the classic A Series, creating a warmer overall foundation accented by crisp, articulate crash sounds. More adventurous combinations can also be highly effective when the drummer knows how to make deliberate use of each cymbal's individual musical characteristics.

64 Customer ratings

4.9 / 5

sound

quality

40 Reviews

J
Brilliant beauty
JozefRzepkowski 29.06.2020
I used to play heavy rock using louder cymbals "Z Heavy 18"" before, but "A-Custom crash" 16" is a poetry in its range. Now I am more focused on sound and A-Custom is perfect. Not only sounds beautiful (B20 alloy), but also makes huge impression visually.
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Absolute Clarity
Cymbal Monkey 08.08.2021
Nothing cuts through the mix, in my opinion, quite like A Customs. This Crash strikes a balance between meaty attack with a bright clarity, and a warm decay that keeps swells ringing out, and will keep an audience's attention.

Crash's are for punctuating a phrase or to help make a point, which this crash absolutely nails with class.
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Zildjian a custom 16' Crash
Colm D. 21.05.2013
Very happy with the product. A very bright & glassy crash, would recommend
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Better than the price tag!
Anonymous 15.03.2023
I bought this crash roughly 2 and a half years ago as my first cymbal purchase to replace the stock crash that came with my kit. For the price, it is more than worth it. It has a lovely bright tone that cuts through the guitars with piercing force.
As I advance in my drumming career, I appreciate this cymbal more and more. I like the sound of the bell. The crash itself is quite loud, which is not ideal for my practice setting, but a pair of noise cancelling earbuds does the trick. Would highly recommend this cymbal
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