What is the main sound characteristic of the Zildjian 19" Trash Crash?

It produces a trashy, dry tone with dark elements and a unique white noise effect. The sound is focused in the mid-frequency range.

What material is used to make this cymbal?

The cymbal is crafted from Zildjian's proprietary 80/20 bronze secret alloy. This alloy is a standard for high-end professional cymbal manufacturing.

How heavy is the 19" Trash Crash?

This model is classified as an extra thin weight cymbal. This allows for a very fast attack and a physical feel that responds to light touches.

Is this cymbal suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is designed to project through live performances. Its white noise character helps it cut through the mix during loud stages.

What kind of hammering process does Zildjian use for this model?

Zildjian utilises a specific three-hammer process for the Special Dry range. This process helps shape the unique dry tonal profile of the cymbal.

Does the 19" Trash Crash have a long sustain?

It is designed for a fast attack and a quick decay. However, Zildjian notes that it still retains a good amount of sustain relative to its dry character.

What musical styles best suit this cymbal?

It has been remastered for today's modern musical styles. It works well in any genre where dry, trashy accents and controlled overtones are desired.

How does the price of the 19" Trash Crash compare to other K Custom cymbals?

The typical price is approximately £413. This places it in the premium professional category, reflecting its complex manufacturing and secret alloy composition.

Can this cymbal be used in a studio setting?

Yes, its controlled decay and dry character make it excellent for recording. It avoids the overwhelming wash that can sometimes complicate drum miking.

What makes the 'Trash Crash' different from a standard K Custom Special Dry Crash?

The 'Trash' designation refers to the specific shaping and tonal goal of producing a white-noise, effect-like sound. It is generally more abrasive and faster than a standard crash.

Is the 19" Trash Crash more durable than other thin cymbals?

While extra thin cymbals are flexible, they require proper technique to avoid damage. Its high-quality 80/20 bronze ensures professional-grade durability under normal use.

Does this cymbal sit in the high or low frequency range?

According to the manufacturer, this cymbal sits primarily in the mid-frequency range. This provides a balance between dark low-end and cutting high-end 'trash' sounds.

Gear article

Zildjian K Custom Special Dry 19" Trash Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian K Custom Special Dry 19" Trash Crash is an extra-thin cymbal designed to provide a dark, trashy white noise effect with a fast attack. Constructed from Zildjian's proprietary 80/20 bronze alloy, it is remastered for modern musical styles to suit both studio recording and live performance settings.

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Overview

The Zildjian K Custom Special Dry 19" Trash Crash is a specialised effect cymbal within the K Custom range. It is engineered to deliver a distinctive 'white noise' character that provides a contrast to traditional clean crashes. The cymbal is notably thin and features a specific shape designed to encourage a fast response and a rapid decay, making it highly effective for punctuated accents in various musical contexts.

Manufacturing and Design

This cymbal is crafted using Zildjian’s renowned 80/20 bronze secret alloy. The production involves a specific three-step hammering process which contributes to its unique surface texture and tonal properties. As an 'extra thin' weight cymbal, it is designed to vibrate easily, allowing for a low-tension feel and immediate sound production upon striking. The 'Special Dry' remastering ensures the cymbal meets the requirements of contemporary music production, offering controlled overtones.

Sonic Characteristics

The sonic profile of the 19" Trash Crash is defined by its mid-frequency focus and dark, dry tonality. It produces a trashy sound often compared to white noise, which is intended to cut through live mixes without lingering excessively. Despite its fast attack and quick decay, the cymbal maintains a functional amount of sustain, allowing the 'dirty' character of the bronze to be heard clearly before the sound dissipates.

Applications

Given its projection and unique tonal colour, the 19" Trash Crash is suitable for both studio and live environments. Its ability to produce quick accents makes it a popular choice for drummers looking to add texture to their kit. It is particularly effective in genres that require modern, dry cymbal sounds, providing a professional alternative to standard bright crashes.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other dry cymbals, such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Trash Crash offers a distinct 'trashy' element that sits firmly in the mid-range. While products like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash focus on different jazz-influenced textures, the Zildjian model prioritises a faster attack and a more processed white noise effect suited for modern versatility. It represents a significant upgrade over entry-level options like the Gear4music Low Volume or HCS series in terms of alloy quality and complexity.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main sound characteristic of the Zildjian 19" Trash Crash?: It produces a trashy, dry tone with dark elements and a unique white noise effect. The sound is focused in the mid-frequency range.
What material is used to make this cymbal?: The cymbal is crafted from Zildjian's proprietary 80/20 bronze secret alloy. This alloy is a standard for high-end professional cymbal manufacturing.
How heavy is the 19" Trash Crash?: This model is classified as an extra thin weight cymbal. This allows for a very fast attack and a physical feel that responds to light touches.
Is this cymbal suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is designed to project through live performances. Its white noise character helps it cut through the mix during loud stages.
What kind of hammering process does Zildjian use for this model?: Zildjian utilises a specific three-hammer process for the Special Dry range. This process helps shape the unique dry tonal profile of the cymbal.
Does the 19" Trash Crash have a long sustain?: It is designed for a fast attack and a quick decay. However, Zildjian notes that it still retains a good amount of sustain relative to its dry character.
What musical styles best suit this cymbal?: It has been remastered for today's modern musical styles. It works well in any genre where dry, trashy accents and controlled overtones are desired.
How does the price of the 19" Trash Crash compare to other K Custom cymbals?: The typical price is approximately £413. This places it in the premium professional category, reflecting its complex manufacturing and secret alloy composition.
Can this cymbal be used in a studio setting?: Yes, its controlled decay and dry character make it excellent for recording. It avoids the overwhelming wash that can sometimes complicate drum miking.
What makes the 'Trash Crash' different from a standard K Custom Special Dry Crash?: The 'Trash' designation refers to the specific shaping and tonal goal of producing a white-noise, effect-like sound. It is generally more abrasive and faster than a standard crash.
Is the 19" Trash Crash more durable than other thin cymbals?: While extra thin cymbals are flexible, they require proper technique to avoid damage. Its high-quality 80/20 bronze ensures professional-grade durability under normal use.
Does this cymbal sit in the high or low frequency range?: According to the manufacturer, this cymbal sits primarily in the mid-frequency range. This provides a balance between dark low-end and cutting high-end 'trash' sounds.