What cymbals are included in the Zildjian AP100 pack?

The pack includes 15-inch New Beat Hi-Hats, an 18-inch Thin Crash, a 20-inch Thin Crash, and a 23-inch Sweet Ride.

Is a hi-hat clutch included with this set?

No, the manufacturer specifies that a hi-hat clutch is not included with the AP100 pack.

What is the typical price for the AP100 cymbal pack?

The typical retail price for this specific Zildjian pack is approximately £994.

What are the characteristics of the 15-inch New Beat Hi-Hats?

These hi-hats deliver a sharp, defined sound with a responsive feel. They are designed to handle detailed sticking and fast grooves effectively.

How do the Thin Crashes in this pack perform?

The 18-inch and 20-inch Thin Crashes provide bright, fast accents that cut through a musical mix with clarity.

What makes the 23-inch Sweet Ride unique?

It offers a combination of clear stick definition and a smooth wash. This allows it to function effectively as both a ride cymbal and a crash cymbal.

For which musical genres is this pack suitable?

The AP100 is described as a versatile set suitable for a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and jazz, due to its expressive tonal character.

How does the sound of the A Series compare to Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?

The Zildjian A Series cymbals in this pack are generally brighter and more versatile, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series offers a much darker, drier, and more textured sound.

Are these cymbals suitable for low-volume practice?

No, these are professional-grade B20 bronze cymbals designed for full volume. For low-volume needs, one should look at dedicated products like the Gear4Music Low Volume series.

What is the benefit of the larger cymbal sizes in this pack?

The 15-inch hats and 23-inch ride provide a fuller, deeper tone and a larger playing surface compared to standard 14-inch and 20-inch configurations.

Does this pack include any cymbal stands or mounting hardware?

No, the pack consists only of the cymbals themselves; stands, boom arms, and the hi-hat clutch must be purchased separately.

What alloy are these cymbals made from?

While the manufacturer description does not state the specific alloy, Zildjian A Series cymbals are traditionally crafted from B20 Bronze (80% copper, 20% tin).

Gear article

Zildjian A Series Cymbal Pack (AP100)

The Zildjian A Series Cymbal Pack (AP100) is a professional-grade set of cymbals featuring the manufacturer's iconic 'A' family tonality. It comprises 15-inch New Beat Hi-Hats, 18-inch and 20-inch Thin Crashes, and a 23-inch Sweet Ride, providing a versatile sonic palette suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

Zildjian Avedis AP100 A Series Cymbal Pack

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Overview

The AP100 is a curated collection of Zildjian’s A Series cymbals, designed to offer drummers a complete, professional setup in a single package. The A Series is known for its bright, expressive, and versatile characteristics, making it one of the most widely used cymbal lines in contemporary music. This specific pack focuses on larger-diameter cymbals, providing a fuller, more immersive sound compared to standard starter sets. It is marketed as a comprehensive solution for drummers needing instruments that can adapt to different playing environments and styles.

Component Breakdown

The pack includes four distinct instruments:

15" New Beat Hi-Hats: These are widely considered the industry standard for versatility. The 15-inch diameter provides a lower pitch and larger surface area compared to traditional 14-inch models, resulting in a sharp, defined sound and a responsive feel.
18" and 20" Thin Crashes: These cymbals are designed for bright, fast accents. Because they are 'thin' weight, they open up quickly and offer a clear, cutting sound without excessive sustain.
23" Sweet Ride: This large-format ride cymbal is noted for its dual-purpose functionality. It offers distinct stick definition for rhythmic patterns while maintaining a smooth wash that allows it to be used as a large crash.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the AP100 pack is balanced and musical. The B20 bronze alloy provides a rich harmonic profile that is neither overly dark nor excessively piercing. The Thin Crashes provide immediate clarity, while the 23-inch Sweet Ride adds a deep, complex bed of sound to the mix. The 15-inch New Beats offer a chunky, solid 'chick' sound and a crisp closed-hat response, making them suitable for detailed sticking and quick grooves.

Target Audience

The AP100 pack is designed for intermediate to professional drummers who require a versatile and expressive setup. Its selection of sizes makes it particularly well-suited for studio recording and live performance across genres such as rock, pop, jazz, and fusion. Because it excludes hardware like the hi-hat clutch, it is aimed at players who already possess a hardware setup and are looking to upgrade their sonic capabilities with high-end bronze.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to other professional options like the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or the UFIP Bionic Series, the Zildjian A Series tends to offer a more 'middle-of-the-road' bright tone that fits into more diverse mixes. While cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry or Istanbul Agop Lenny White models provide more niche, dark, or trashy textures, the AP100 focuses on classic, clean projection. For drummers seeking lower volume alternatives, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate, as the AP100 is designed for full-volume musical applications.

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Frequently asked questions

What cymbals are included in the Zildjian AP100 pack?: The pack includes 15-inch New Beat Hi-Hats, an 18-inch Thin Crash, a 20-inch Thin Crash, and a 23-inch Sweet Ride.
Is a hi-hat clutch included with this set?: No, the manufacturer specifies that a hi-hat clutch is not included with the AP100 pack.
What is the typical price for the AP100 cymbal pack?: The typical retail price for this specific Zildjian pack is approximately £994.
What are the characteristics of the 15-inch New Beat Hi-Hats?: These hi-hats deliver a sharp, defined sound with a responsive feel. They are designed to handle detailed sticking and fast grooves effectively.
How do the Thin Crashes in this pack perform?: The 18-inch and 20-inch Thin Crashes provide bright, fast accents that cut through a musical mix with clarity.
What makes the 23-inch Sweet Ride unique?: It offers a combination of clear stick definition and a smooth wash. This allows it to function effectively as both a ride cymbal and a crash cymbal.
For which musical genres is this pack suitable?: The AP100 is described as a versatile set suitable for a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and jazz, due to its expressive tonal character.
How does the sound of the A Series compare to Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?: The Zildjian A Series cymbals in this pack are generally brighter and more versatile, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series offers a much darker, drier, and more textured sound.
Are these cymbals suitable for low-volume practice?: No, these are professional-grade B20 bronze cymbals designed for full volume. For low-volume needs, one should look at dedicated products like the Gear4Music Low Volume series.
What is the benefit of the larger cymbal sizes in this pack?: The 15-inch hats and 23-inch ride provide a fuller, deeper tone and a larger playing surface compared to standard 14-inch and 20-inch configurations.
Does this pack include any cymbal stands or mounting hardware?: No, the pack consists only of the cymbals themselves; stands, boom arms, and the hi-hat clutch must be purchased separately.
What alloy are these cymbals made from?: While the manufacturer description does not state the specific alloy, Zildjian A Series cymbals are traditionally crafted from B20 Bronze (80% copper, 20% tin).