A Custom 20" Medium Crash

Group: Crashes
Type: Medium Crash
Size: 20 Inch
Series: A Custom
Weight: 2374g
Years of production: 2005 - 2008
Sound file: unknown
Zildjian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "It's tempting to ride on the 20" crash, too. And this can be done - in short bursts. But the overtone buildup will prevent any lengthy riding. Leave the 20" crash for that very heavy situation."

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. 31)

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.

Despite this filling out, the bigger crashes (19" and 20") still responded nimbly. And the 19" was noticeably faster than the 20", which felt more than a mere inch bigger as it had a surprisingly deeper pitch.

As an added bonus, both the 19" and 20" have big, clean-sounding bells, ideal for riding on. In fact, we thought the 20" made a great all-round ride cymbal as well as a big-hearted crash. Being medium weight it readily falls into that once-popular category of crash-ride."

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

Artist/song where it can be heard: Raymond Herrera