What cymbals are included in the A391 set?

The A391 set typically includes a pair of hi-hats, a ride cymbal, and two crashes. A notable feature of this specific package is the inclusion of a free 18-inch Medium-Thin crash.

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

The typical price range for this Zildjian A Series cymbal box set is approximately GBP 900. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.

What kind of sound profile does the Zildjian A series offer?

The A Series is known for a highly versatile and rich expressive tone. It provides a blend of bright and dark tonality with sounds described as colourful, crisp, and full.

What weight are the cymbals in this box set?

The cymbals in the A391 set feature a mix of weights ranging from thin to medium. This variety allows for a broader spectrum of sound than a set consisting of a single weight category.

Are these cymbals suitable for recording?

Yes, Zildjian A cymbals are a studio standard due to their crisp highs and balanced sustain. They sit well in a mix across many genres, including pop, rock, and jazz.

How does the A Series compare to the Meinl HCS line?

The A Series is a professional-grade B20 bronze line, whereas the Meinl HCS is an entry-level brass series. The A Series offers significantly more harmonic complexity, durability, and a richer tone.

What makes the 18-inch Medium-Thin Crash special in this set?

The 18-inch Medium-Thin Crash is included as a 'free' add-on in this specific configuration. It provides a larger, fuller crash sound that complements the standard cymbals in the box.

Is this set better for live use or practice?

While these cymbals are excellent for practice, they are professional-grade instruments designed for live performance and recording. Their volume and projection are well-suited for the stage.

How does the A Series differ from the Paiste Giant Beat?

While both are professional cymbals, the A Series offers a more diverse range of weights from paper-thin to heavy. Giant Beats are known for a specific vintage multi-functional sound, whereas A Zildjians are more broadly versatile.

Can these cymbals handle heavy rock music?

Yes, the medium-weight components of the set provide enough projection and durability for rock. However, the 'thin' components require proper technique to avoid damage during high-volume play.

What is the material composition of Zildjian A cymbals?

They are made from Zildjian's proprietary B20 Bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin with traces of silver. This material is responsible for the rich, musical overtones.

Why should I buy a box set instead of individual cymbals?

Buying the A391 box set is generally more cost-effective than purchasing each cymbal separately. Additionally, Zildjian selects these cymbals to ensure they are sonically matched to work well together.

Gear article

Zildjian A391 Cymbal Box Set with 18-inch Medium-Thin Crash

The Zildjian A391 is a comprehensive cymbal collection featuring a selection of weights from thin to medium to achieve a balance of bright and dark tonality. This professional-grade set is part of the world-renowned A Series, known for its versatility and rich, expressive tones across various musical genres.

See live prices

Overview

The Zildjian A Series is one of the most widely used and popular cymbal lines in modern music history. This specific box set, the A391, is designed to provide drummers with a complete sonic palette in a single package. It typically includes hi-hats, a ride, and multiple crashes, including a bonus 18-inch Medium-Thin crash to expand the user's rhythmic options. The series is defined by its ability to span a wide dynamic range, from 'paper-thin' weights to 'heavy-weight' variations, though this specific set focuses on the versatile thin-to-medium range.

Construction and Key Features

The cymbals in this set are crafted from Zildjian's secret B20 bronze alloy. Key features include:

Weight Variety: A blend of thin and medium weights to ensure the cymbals can handle both delicate articulation and high-volume performance.
Versatility: Designed to be suitable for almost any musical environment, from jazz to rock.
Unified Sound: As a box set, the cymbals are chosen to complement one another, ensuring that the transition between the ride, crashes, and hi-hats is sonically cohesive.

Sound Character

The sound of the A391 set is characterised by a crisp and colourful response. By incorporating cymbals that range from thin to medium, the set achieves a blend of bright, shimmering highs and darker, warmer undertones. Each individual cymbal is described as having its own unique voice, yet they all share the signature 'A Series' richness. This makes them highly expressive for drummers who require nuanced feedback from their gear.

Target User

This set is ideal for professional drummers or serious students who need a high-quality, 'all-in-one' solution. Because of its balanced tonality, it suits session players who perform in varied environments. It is a significant investment for those looking to move away from entry-level brass or B8 bronze cymbals towards a professional B20 bronze standard.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional offerings, the Zildjian A Series sits as a middle-ground classic. In contrast to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash, which offers a much shorter, trashier decay, the A Series crashes provide a more traditional, full-bodied sustain. Compared to the Paiste Giant Beat, the A Series tends to have a slightly more complex, 'washy' character. For those on a strict budget, the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or Meinl HCS series serve as entry-level alternatives, but they do not offer the rich B20 alloy harmonic complexity found in the A391 set.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the A391 set?: The A391 set typically includes a pair of hi-hats, a ride cymbal, and two crashes. A notable feature of this specific package is the inclusion of a free 18-inch Medium-Thin crash.
What is the typical price for this set in the UK?: The typical price range for this Zildjian A Series cymbal box set is approximately GBP 900. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.
What kind of sound profile does the Zildjian A series offer?: The A Series is known for a highly versatile and rich expressive tone. It provides a blend of bright and dark tonality with sounds described as colourful, crisp, and full.
What weight are the cymbals in this box set?: The cymbals in the A391 set feature a mix of weights ranging from thin to medium. This variety allows for a broader spectrum of sound than a set consisting of a single weight category.
Are these cymbals suitable for recording?: Yes, Zildjian A cymbals are a studio standard due to their crisp highs and balanced sustain. They sit well in a mix across many genres, including pop, rock, and jazz.
How does the A Series compare to the Meinl HCS line?: The A Series is a professional-grade B20 bronze line, whereas the Meinl HCS is an entry-level brass series. The A Series offers significantly more harmonic complexity, durability, and a richer tone.
What makes the 18-inch Medium-Thin Crash special in this set?: The 18-inch Medium-Thin Crash is included as a 'free' add-on in this specific configuration. It provides a larger, fuller crash sound that complements the standard cymbals in the box.
Is this set better for live use or practice?: While these cymbals are excellent for practice, they are professional-grade instruments designed for live performance and recording. Their volume and projection are well-suited for the stage.
How does the A Series differ from the Paiste Giant Beat?: While both are professional cymbals, the A Series offers a more diverse range of weights from paper-thin to heavy. Giant Beats are known for a specific vintage multi-functional sound, whereas A Zildjians are more broadly versatile.
Can these cymbals handle heavy rock music?: Yes, the medium-weight components of the set provide enough projection and durability for rock. However, the 'thin' components require proper technique to avoid damage during high-volume play.
What is the material composition of Zildjian A cymbals?: They are made from Zildjian's proprietary B20 Bronze alloy, which consists of 80% copper and 20% tin with traces of silver. This material is responsible for the rich, musical overtones.
Why should I buy a box set instead of individual cymbals?: Buying the A391 box set is generally more cost-effective than purchasing each cymbal separately. Additionally, Zildjian selects these cymbals to ensure they are sonically matched to work well together.