What is the weight class of the Zildjian A Custom 16" Medium Crash?

It is classified as a 'Medium' weight, which is the heaviest weight available in the A Custom crash series. This makes it more durable and louder than the standard thin A Custom crashes.

How does the finish affect the sound of this cymbal?

The Brilliant Finish is achieved by high-pressure buffing, which smooths the surface. Sonically, this results in a brighter, shimmering sound with fewer dark overtones than a traditional finish.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

Yes, its medium weight and large cup are specifically designed to provide a sharp cutting attack. It has the necessary projection to be heard over loud amplifiers and high-volume stage environments.

What is the typical price for the Zildjian A Custom 16" Medium Crash?

The typical retail price is approximately £319. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer, but it sits within the premium professional price bracket.

How does the cup size influence the performance?

The 16" Medium Crash features a large cup, which increases the volume and gives the cymbal a higher pitch. It also provides a clear, articulate bell sound when struck.

Can this cymbal be used for subtle musical accents?

Yes, despite its heavier weight, the manufacturer describes it as retaining musicality and shimmer. It is capable of light accents as well as loud punctuations.

What alloy is used in its construction?

Like most professional Zildjian cymbals, it is made from B20 bronze. This alloy consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, providing a wide frequency range.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

The A Custom Medium Crash is much brighter and higher in pitch than the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series. While the Meinl is dark and earthy, the Zildjian is shimmering and brilliant.

Does the 16" size offer a fast decay?

The 16" diameter naturally has a relatively quick decay compared to larger 18" or 19" crashes. However, because it is a Medium weight, it has slightly more sustain than a 16" Thin crash.

Is the A Custom series related to Vinnie Colaiuta?

Yes, the A Custom series was originally developed in collaboration with legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The goal was to create a modern, refined version of the classic A Zildjian sound.

How does the 16" Medium Crash differ from a Paiste Giant Beat?

The A Custom is a modern B20 cymbal with a brilliant finish, resulting in a very bright, 'glassy' sound. The Paiste Giant Beat uses B8 bronze and has a more vintage, warm, and airy character.

Would this cymbal suit a beginner drummer?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, its durability and versatility make it suitable for any skill level. However, beginners may find the £319 price point significantly higher than entry-level series like Meinl HCS.

Gear article

Zildjian A Custom 16" Medium Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian A Custom 16" Medium Crash is the heaviest weight offering within the A Custom crash series, designed for drummers requiring high-pitched projection and brilliance. Developed in collaboration with Vinnie Colaiuta, this cymbal features a large cup and a brilliant finish to deliver a sharp, cutting attack suitable for various musical genres.

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Overview

The Zildjian A Custom 16" Medium Crash occupies a specific niche within the iconic A Custom line. While the standard A Custom crashes are known for their thin to medium-thin weights, the Medium Crash variant is engineered for increased volume and durability. It utilises the brand's proprietary B20 bronze alloy and is finished with a high-buff brilliant treatment that contributes to its aesthetic and sonic clarity.

Technical Features

The design of the 16" Medium Crash is defined by three primary physical characteristics:

Weight: As the heaviest weight in the A Custom crash category, it provides more resistance and a slower decay than its thinner counterparts.
Large Cup: The oversized bell (cup) increases the cymbal's volume potential and adds to the overall structural strength, allowing for a more pronounced bell sound if struck directly.
Brilliant Finish: The surface is highly polished, which helps to smooth out some of the lower overtones and emphasises the shimmering high-end frequencies.

Sound Profile

This cymbal is characterised by a sharp, cutting attack that can penetrate dense musical mixes. Despite its heavier weight, it retains the shimmer and musicality associated with the A Custom range. It produces a high-pitched note that functions well for both light musical accents and loud, punctuating crashes. The additional mass provides a broader dynamic range compared to lighter cymbals, though it requires slightly more force to 'open up' fully.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market, the A Custom 16" Medium Crash sits between traditional warm cymbals and modern dry options. It offers more projection than the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which prioritises a darker, earthier tone. Compared to budget options like the Gear4Music Low Volume Pack or Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats, the Zildjian is a professional-grade instrument with significantly more harmonic complexity. While the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats lean towards vintage or jazz-oriented textures, the A Custom Medium Crash is firmly rooted in a modern, bright pop/rock sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weight class of the Zildjian A Custom 16" Medium Crash?: It is classified as a 'Medium' weight, which is the heaviest weight available in the A Custom crash series. This makes it more durable and louder than the standard thin A Custom crashes.
How does the finish affect the sound of this cymbal?: The Brilliant Finish is achieved by high-pressure buffing, which smooths the surface. Sonically, this results in a brighter, shimmering sound with fewer dark overtones than a traditional finish.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: Yes, its medium weight and large cup are specifically designed to provide a sharp cutting attack. It has the necessary projection to be heard over loud amplifiers and high-volume stage environments.
What is the typical price for the Zildjian A Custom 16" Medium Crash?: The typical retail price is approximately £319. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer, but it sits within the premium professional price bracket.
How does the cup size influence the performance?: The 16" Medium Crash features a large cup, which increases the volume and gives the cymbal a higher pitch. It also provides a clear, articulate bell sound when struck.
Can this cymbal be used for subtle musical accents?: Yes, despite its heavier weight, the manufacturer describes it as retaining musicality and shimmer. It is capable of light accents as well as loud punctuations.
What alloy is used in its construction?: Like most professional Zildjian cymbals, it is made from B20 bronze. This alloy consists of 80% copper and 20% tin, providing a wide frequency range.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: The A Custom Medium Crash is much brighter and higher in pitch than the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series. While the Meinl is dark and earthy, the Zildjian is shimmering and brilliant.
Does the 16" size offer a fast decay?: The 16" diameter naturally has a relatively quick decay compared to larger 18" or 19" crashes. However, because it is a Medium weight, it has slightly more sustain than a 16" Thin crash.
Is the A Custom series related to Vinnie Colaiuta?: Yes, the A Custom series was originally developed in collaboration with legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. The goal was to create a modern, refined version of the classic A Zildjian sound.
How does the 16" Medium Crash differ from a Paiste Giant Beat?: The A Custom is a modern B20 cymbal with a brilliant finish, resulting in a very bright, 'glassy' sound. The Paiste Giant Beat uses B8 bronze and has a more vintage, warm, and airy character.
Would this cymbal suit a beginner drummer?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, its durability and versatility make it suitable for any skill level. However, beginners may find the £319 price point significantly higher than entry-level series like Meinl HCS.