What is the diameter of this Zildjian K Custom Ride?

The cymbal has a diameter of 22 inches. This larger size contributes to its sustain and the breadth of its warm undertones.

What finishes are used on the 22" Medium Ride?

The cymbal features a dual finish. The top side has a Traditional Zildjian finish, while the underside is un-lathed with a Brilliant finish.

How would you describe the stick definition of this cymbal?

The stick definition is described as excellent and clear. It allows individual strokes to remain audible even when the cymbal's warm undertones are present.

Is the bell on the K Custom 22" Medium Ride distinct?

Yes, the manufacturer describes the bell as clear. It is designed to be articulate and capable of cutting through a musical mix.

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

The typical retail price for the Zildjian K Custom 22" Medium Ride is approximately £539. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

What genre of music is this ride cymbal best suited for?

It is an all-round versatile cymbal. Its combination of warmth and stick clarity makes it suitable for genres ranging from jazz and fusion to rock.

How does the underside lathing affect the sound?

The underside is un-lathed, which generally helps in controlling the wash and focusing the stick sound. The Brilliant finish on this side also adds to the cymbal's unique character.

Is this cymbal considered a heavy or light ride?

This model is classified as a 'Medium' ride. This weight provides a balance between the easy wash of a light ride and the heavy volume of a power ride.

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

While the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is known for being very short and trashy, the Zildjian K Custom Medium Ride offers more warmth and a more traditional, versatile sustain.

Can this ride cymbal be used for crashing?

While primarily a ride cymbal, its medium weight and 22-inch diameter allow for occasional crashing with a deep, full-bodied response. However, it is primarily designed for stick definition.

What makes the K Custom line different from the standard K Zildjian line?

The K Custom line typically uses modern hammering and finishing techniques to provide more specific tonal colors and enhanced clarity compared to the more traditional K series.

Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?

No, this is a full-volume professional cymbal. For low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music Silver Low Volume pack would be more appropriate.

Gear article

Zildjian K Custom 22" Medium Ride

The Zildjian K Custom 22" Medium Ride is a professional-grade ride cymbal known for its versatility and distinct manufacturing finishes. It is designed to provide clear stick definition alongside warm undertones, serving as a foundational piece in diverse drumming setups.

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Overview

The Zildjian K Custom 22" Medium Ride represents a modern evolution of the legendary K Zildjian line. It is engineered as an all-round instrument that balances the complex, dark character associated with the 'K' family with the clarity and projection required for contemporary musical styles. The cymbal is distinguished by its dual-finish construction and medium weight, which contribute to its specific acoustic properties.

Design and Construction

This ride cymbal features a unique manufacturing approach. The top surface utilizes a Traditional Zildjian finish, while the underside remains un-lathed with a Brilliant finish. This combination is intended to control the wash while maintaining a pleasing aesthetic and tactile response. The 22-inch diameter provides a larger surface area compared to standard 20-inch models, allowing for a broader range of tonal dynamics and a more pronounced presence in a mix.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of the K Custom 22" Medium Ride is its excellent stick definition. Each stroke produces a clear 'ping' that sits above the underlying wash. Despite this clarity, the cymbal produces warm undertones that prevent the sound from becoming overly harsh or clinical. The bell is specifically designed to be clear and cutting, making it suitable for accents and rhythmic patterns that need to pierce through high-volume instrumentation.

Target Audience

Due to its versatile nature, this cymbal is suited for drummers who perform across multiple genres, including jazz, fusion, rock, and pop. Its ability to provide both warmth and articulation makes it a reliable choice for session musicians who require a single ride cymbal that can adapt to different studio or live environments. It is positioned as a premium professional instrument, reflected in its typical retail price of approximately £539.

Market Comparisons

Within the high-end cymbal market, the K Custom 22" Medium Ride competes with other premium models such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride, which also seeks a balance of character and clarity. While it offers more volume and sustain than smaller alternatives like the 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or thin hi-hats like the UFIP Class Series 14" Light, it remains more focused than 'dry' cymbals like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series. Unlike budget-friendly options such as the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or Meinl HCS series, the Zildjian K Custom is designed for full-frequency professional performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of this Zildjian K Custom Ride?: The cymbal has a diameter of 22 inches. This larger size contributes to its sustain and the breadth of its warm undertones.
What finishes are used on the 22" Medium Ride?: The cymbal features a dual finish. The top side has a Traditional Zildjian finish, while the underside is un-lathed with a Brilliant finish.
How would you describe the stick definition of this cymbal?: The stick definition is described as excellent and clear. It allows individual strokes to remain audible even when the cymbal's warm undertones are present.
Is the bell on the K Custom 22" Medium Ride distinct?: Yes, the manufacturer describes the bell as clear. It is designed to be articulate and capable of cutting through a musical mix.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Zildjian K Custom 22" Medium Ride is approximately £539. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
What genre of music is this ride cymbal best suited for?: It is an all-round versatile cymbal. Its combination of warmth and stick clarity makes it suitable for genres ranging from jazz and fusion to rock.
How does the underside lathing affect the sound?: The underside is un-lathed, which generally helps in controlling the wash and focusing the stick sound. The Brilliant finish on this side also adds to the cymbal's unique character.
Is this cymbal considered a heavy or light ride?: This model is classified as a 'Medium' ride. This weight provides a balance between the easy wash of a light ride and the heavy volume of a power ride.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is known for being very short and trashy, the Zildjian K Custom Medium Ride offers more warmth and a more traditional, versatile sustain.
Can this ride cymbal be used for crashing?: While primarily a ride cymbal, its medium weight and 22-inch diameter allow for occasional crashing with a deep, full-bodied response. However, it is primarily designed for stick definition.
What makes the K Custom line different from the standard K Zildjian line?: The K Custom line typically uses modern hammering and finishing techniques to provide more specific tonal colors and enhanced clarity compared to the more traditional K series.
Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume practice?: No, this is a full-volume professional cymbal. For low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music Silver Low Volume pack would be more appropriate.