A Custom 14" Medium Crash

Group: Crashes
Type: Medium Crash
Size: 14 Inch
Series: A Custom
Weight: 871g
Years of production: 2005 -
Sound file: A Custom 14" Medium Crash
Zildjian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "To begin with, the 14" seems to be suffering from an identity crisis. It thinks it's a hi-hat bottom - and it would probably be a good one. But when hit hard as a crash, it hit a bell-like sound, that I might associate more with a Zildjian ZBT cymbal."

Review written by Robin Tolleson ("Product Close-Up - New Zildjian A Custom and K Custom Models - Variations On Several Themes", Modern Drummer, July 2005, p. 30)

Review: "The A Customs were originally developed by Zildjian with input from Vinnie Colaiuta to add a bright and modern edge to the classic A Zildjian sound. They were a great success, and Zildjian extended the range with seven more crashes. Described as medium weight, they are in fact the heaviest A Customs so far, which means they are louder and higher pitched than previous models, and are more practical for many hard-hitters of today.

However, there is a potential contradiction here because the original idea for the A Customs was that they were thin cymbals, which harked back to '40s-style A Zildjians. So presumably there's a limit to how heavy Zildjian can make A Customs before they lose their raison d'etre? Luckily, so far as we can judge, this batch doesn't seem to have passed that limit, as they retain a quick response, particularly when they are struck firmly, and unleash plenty of volume with no sign of choking.

The heightened pitch is definitely noticeable and the overall impression is of a bright, glassy crash followed by a smooth, medium length decay."

Review written by Music Radar Team ("Zildjian Z Custom Series Splash 14" review", MusicRadar.com, December 11, 2007)

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