Who helped design the Zildjian K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash?

The cymbal was developed in conjunction with the leading drum stylist and Zildjian artist Akira Jimbo.

What is unique about the finish on this cymbal?

It features a dual finish: the inner half is an unlathed brilliant finish, while the outer half is traditionally lathed.

What is the benefit of the unlathed inner section?

The unlathed section helps control the wash and sustain of the cymbal, making it more predictable in recording and live settings.

How does the thickness of this crash affect its sound?

The cymbal has a relatively thin design, which makes it very responsive and allows it to open up quickly when struck.

Can this cymbal project in loud musical environments?

Yes, despite its thin weight, the unlathed bell and inner section allow it to project loudly and cut through dense mixes.

What tonal profile does the K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash offer?

It offers a 'musical darkness with brilliance' combination, providing both deep overtones and bright, clear highs.

Is the K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash suitable for recording?

Yes, it is considered ideal for recording because the unlathed section helps to control sustain and prevent excessive wash.

How does the bell sound on this model?

The bell is part of the unlathed, brilliant section, which gives it a clear, penetrating sound that cuts through other instruments.

What series of cymbals is the outer edge lathing based on?

The outer half features the traditional lathing found on the standard Zildjian K Series cymbals.

Does the sound change depending on where you hit the cymbal?

Yes, the innovative finish ensures that different tones are produced depending on whether you play the inner brilliant section or the outer lathed section.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

The typical price for the Zildjian K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash is approximately GBP 357.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

While both are professional cymbals, the Zildjian Hybrid has more brilliance and projection, whereas the Meinl Extra Dry is generally much darker and shorter in sustain.

Gear article

Zildjian K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash Cymbal is a professional-grade percussion instrument developed in collaboration with Japanese drummer Akira Jimbo. It features a unique dual-finish design that combines an unlathed brilliant centre with a traditionally lathed outer edge to achieve a blend of dark and bright tonal characteristics.

See live prices

Background and Design

The K Custom Hybrid series was established to meet the needs of drummers requiring a versatile cymbal that bridges the gap between traditional darkness and modern brilliance. The 17-inch model was designed alongside renowned drum stylist Akira Jimbo. The primary innovation lies in its split surface treatment: the inner half near the bell features an unlathed, brilliant finish similar to that of a K Custom Ride, while the outer half utilizes the traditional lathing associated with the standard Zildjian K series.

This structural design is intended to provide varying sonic responses based on where the stick strikes the surface. The unlathed section serves to control the overall wash and sustain, preventing the cymbal from becoming sonically overwhelming in controlled environments.

Performance and Sound Character

Due to its thin weight, the 17-inch Hybrid Crash is highly responsive, opening up quickly even with lighter strokes. It offers a unique 'darkness with brilliance' combination. The unlathed bell and inner section allow the cymbal to project with sufficient volume to cut through dense musical mixes, while the lathed outer edge provides a musical, shimmering crash sound.

The cymbal is noted for its versatility in recording and live situations. The controlled sustain provided by the unlathed portion makes it easier for engineers to capture a clean signal without excessive overtones, yet it retains enough power for live stage projection.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional cymbals, the Zildjian 17 Hybrid Crash occupies a middle ground between extremely dry and traditional cymbals:

Compared to Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash: The Zildjian offers more brilliance and projection due to its unlathed bell, whereas the Meinl is significantly drier and faster in its decay.
Compared to Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash: The Zildjian provides a more modern, bright attack, while the Istanbul leans towards a darker, jazz-oriented aesthetic.
Compared to Paiste Giant Beat: The Paiste series typically offers a glassy, retro shimmer, whereas the K Custom Hybrid provides a more complex, dual-layered tonal profile.

Recommended Applications

The Zildjian K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash is suitable for a wide variety of musical genres due to its hybrid nature. It is particularly effective for:

Studio Recording: The controlled wash and quick response make it a favourite for session drummers.
Modern Fusion and Pop: The projection of the brilliant bell fits well in contemporary styles.
Hybrid Setups: It pairs well with both traditional K series cymbals and more modern, bright cymbals like the A Custom series.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

Who helped design the Zildjian K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash?: The cymbal was developed in conjunction with the leading drum stylist and Zildjian artist Akira Jimbo.
What is unique about the finish on this cymbal?: It features a dual finish: the inner half is an unlathed brilliant finish, while the outer half is traditionally lathed.
What is the benefit of the unlathed inner section?: The unlathed section helps control the wash and sustain of the cymbal, making it more predictable in recording and live settings.
How does the thickness of this crash affect its sound?: The cymbal has a relatively thin design, which makes it very responsive and allows it to open up quickly when struck.
Can this cymbal project in loud musical environments?: Yes, despite its thin weight, the unlathed bell and inner section allow it to project loudly and cut through dense mixes.
What tonal profile does the K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash offer?: It offers a 'musical darkness with brilliance' combination, providing both deep overtones and bright, clear highs.
Is the K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash suitable for recording?: Yes, it is considered ideal for recording because the unlathed section helps to control sustain and prevent excessive wash.
How does the bell sound on this model?: The bell is part of the unlathed, brilliant section, which gives it a clear, penetrating sound that cuts through other instruments.
What series of cymbals is the outer edge lathing based on?: The outer half features the traditional lathing found on the standard Zildjian K Series cymbals.
Does the sound change depending on where you hit the cymbal?: Yes, the innovative finish ensures that different tones are produced depending on whether you play the inner brilliant section or the outer lathed section.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: The typical price for the Zildjian K Custom 17 Hybrid Crash is approximately GBP 357.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both are professional cymbals, the Zildjian Hybrid has more brilliance and projection, whereas the Meinl Extra Dry is generally much darker and shorter in sustain.