A Custom 16" Medium Crash

Group: Crashes
Type: Medium Crash
Size: 16 Inch
Series: A Custom
Weight: 1162g, 1209g, 1243g, 1252g, 1268g, 1292g
Median Weight: 1248g (n=6)
Years of production: 2005 - Present
Sound file: A Custom 16" Medium Crash
A Custom 16" Medium Crash
A Custom 16" Medium Crash
A Custom 16" Medium Crash vs. K Zildjian 16" Crash
A Custom 16" Medium Crash
A Custom 16" Medium Crash
Zildjian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "If I were putting together a versatile fusion kit, I might use the 16" and 18" A Custom mediums for my for my mid- to low- sustained crashes."

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.

We particularly liked the 16" and 17" crashes, as they retained the speed of response while giving more volume. These are real, full-bodied crashes, but they never lose their clarity. For the crashes above this size, the extra weight starts to make more of an impression."

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

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