What is the primary difference between a standard A Custom and a Projection crash?

The Projection crash is designed with more power and body than the standard model. It features a medium-thin weight that allows it to project more effectively in loud environments.

How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?

The brilliant finish on the Zildjian A Custom series helps to brighten the overall tone. It contributes to the high-end shimmer and 'cut' that allows the cymbal to be heard clearly.

Is the 17" Projection Crash suitable for heavy metal?

Yes, its medium-thin weight is designed to withstand more punishment during heavier playing. The increased projection makes it a viable choice for loud genres like metal and hard rock.

Will this cymbal drown out the vocals in a live mix?

No, the cymbal is voiced specifically to avoid sitting over vocals or guitars. Its bright high-end is designed to cut through the mix without masking the frequencies of other instruments.

What is the weight classification of this cymbal?

The Zildjian A Custom 17" Projection Crash is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This provides a balance between durability and a responsive, musical feel.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price for a new Zildjian A Custom 17" Projection Crash is approximately GBP 312. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.

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

The A Custom Projection is much brighter and louder than the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash. While the Meinl is dark and has a short decay, the Zildjian is bright with more sustain and projection.

Can this cymbal be used for recording?

Yes, the A Custom series is known for its clean and consistent sound in the studio. Its bright tone and controlled decay make it easy to mix and capture with overhead microphones.

Does this cymbal have a fast or slow response?

As a 17-inch medium-thin crash, it offers a relatively fast response. It opens up quickly when struck, though the 'Projection' design ensures it has more body than a smaller or thinner crash.

How does the 17" size affect its pitch?

The 17-inch diameter typically offers a higher pitch than an 18-inch or 19-inch crash but more depth than a 16-inch model. It serves as a versatile mid-sized crash for various musical setups.

Is this cymbal more durable than a standard thin crash?

Yes, the medium-thin construction is specifically marketed as being able to withstand more punishment. This makes it less prone to damage during high-impact performances compared to ultra-thin models.

How does it compare to UFIP Bionic series cymbals?

The Zildjian A Custom Projection Crash offers a classic bright American sound, whereas the UFIP Bionic series is known for being extremely powerful and heavy. The Zildjian typically offers a slightly more balanced 'all-rounder' character.

Gear article

Zildjian A Custom 17" Projection Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian A Custom 17" Projection Crash is a professional-grade cymbal designed for drummers who require increased volume and body compared to standard crashes. Featuring a brilliant finish and a medium-thin weight, it is engineered to cut through dense musical arrangements without interfering with vocal or guitar frequencies.

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Overview

The Zildjian A Custom 17" Projection Crash belongs to one of the most popular cymbal lines in modern drumming. As part of the A Custom range, it is manufactured using rotary hammering techniques and a unique lathing process that contributes to its signature sound. The 'Projection' designation indicates a design focused on higher volume levels and a fuller body, bridging the gap between standard crashes and heavier rock-oriented cymbals.

Design and Construction

This cymbal is constructed from the industry-standard Zildjian Secret Alloy and features a brilliant finish, which adds to its high-end sparkle. Weighing in at a medium-thin grade, it is slightly heavier than the standard A Custom crash. This extra mass allows the cymbal to withstand 'punishment' during aggressive playing styles while ensuring the decay is sustained long enough to fill the soundstage.

Sound Character

The primary sonic characteristic of the 17" Projection Crash is its bright, shimmering high-end. It is specifically voiced to ensure that the frequencies do not 'sit over' or mask vocals and guitars during live performances. By focusing on a specific range of high-end cut, the cymbal achieves maximum projection, allowing it to remain audible in loud environments without sounding harsh or abrasive.

Target Audience

This model is particularly suited for drummers who perform in amplified settings where volume and presence are essential. Because it can withstand heavier playing than a standard thin crash, it is a frequent choice for rock, pop, and metal drummers. However, its sophisticated A Custom tonal DNA ensures it remains musical enough for studio recording where clarity and a clean decay are required.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional options, the A Custom Projection Crash offers a different utility than the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, which provides a darker, trashier tone. While a Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash might offer more complex, earthy overtones, the Zildjian Projection series focuses on consistency and cutting power. It provides a more robust alternative for those who find standard thin hi-hats, like the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats, too delicate for high-energy performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between a standard A Custom and a Projection crash?: The Projection crash is designed with more power and body than the standard model. It features a medium-thin weight that allows it to project more effectively in loud environments.
How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?: The brilliant finish on the Zildjian A Custom series helps to brighten the overall tone. It contributes to the high-end shimmer and 'cut' that allows the cymbal to be heard clearly.
Is the 17" Projection Crash suitable for heavy metal?: Yes, its medium-thin weight is designed to withstand more punishment during heavier playing. The increased projection makes it a viable choice for loud genres like metal and hard rock.
Will this cymbal drown out the vocals in a live mix?: No, the cymbal is voiced specifically to avoid sitting over vocals or guitars. Its bright high-end is designed to cut through the mix without masking the frequencies of other instruments.
What is the weight classification of this cymbal?: The Zildjian A Custom 17" Projection Crash is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This provides a balance between durability and a responsive, musical feel.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price for a new Zildjian A Custom 17" Projection Crash is approximately GBP 312. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: The A Custom Projection is much brighter and louder than the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash. While the Meinl is dark and has a short decay, the Zildjian is bright with more sustain and projection.
Can this cymbal be used for recording?: Yes, the A Custom series is known for its clean and consistent sound in the studio. Its bright tone and controlled decay make it easy to mix and capture with overhead microphones.
Does this cymbal have a fast or slow response?: As a 17-inch medium-thin crash, it offers a relatively fast response. It opens up quickly when struck, though the 'Projection' design ensures it has more body than a smaller or thinner crash.
How does the 17" size affect its pitch?: The 17-inch diameter typically offers a higher pitch than an 18-inch or 19-inch crash but more depth than a 16-inch model. It serves as a versatile mid-sized crash for various musical setups.
Is this cymbal more durable than a standard thin crash?: Yes, the medium-thin construction is specifically marketed as being able to withstand more punishment. This makes it less prone to damage during high-impact performances compared to ultra-thin models.
How does it compare to UFIP Bionic series cymbals?: The Zildjian A Custom Projection Crash offers a classic bright American sound, whereas the UFIP Bionic series is known for being extremely powerful and heavy. The Zildjian typically offers a slightly more balanced 'all-rounder' character.