What is the primary musical application for the Zildjian Kerope 20" Thin High Ride?

It is primarily designed for jazz, blues, and acoustic music. Its dark tone and articulate stick definition make it ideal for nuanced playing styles where a vintage sound is desired.

Does the 'High' in the name mean it has a high pitch?

No, 'High' refers to the profile or 'bell height' of the cymbal shape rather than the musical pitch. This physical attribute affects the tension and the way the wash behaves compared to a standard Kerope ride.

How does the thin profile affect the sound?

The thin profile allows the cymbal to open up easily, providing a smooth wash and excellent crashability. It also ensures the stick response feels soft and buttery under the hand.

Is this cymbal suitable for rock music?

It is generally not recommended for loud rock due to its thin weight and dark tone, which may lack the necessary volume and cut. However, it can work in low-volume indie or alternative rock settings.

What does 'broken-in' feel mean?

It refers to the cymbal's lack of initial stiffness. Zildjian uses specific hammering and aging techniques so the cymbal responds with the warmth and flexibility usually only found in instruments played for decades.

Can the 20" Thin High Ride be used as a crash?

Yes, its thin weight and responsive nature make it an excellent crash-ride. It provides a rich, warm crash sound that decays smoothly without harsh frequencies.

How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch?

Both cymbals share a handcrafted, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The Kerope tends to have a slightly more 'buttery' feel, while the Istanbul Agop might offer a different harmonic complexity based on Turkish tradition.

What is the typical price range for this cymbal?

In the UK market, this premium cymbal typically retails for approximately GBP 999. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current stock availability.

Does the cymbal come with a warranty?

Like most professional Zildjian cymbals, it typically carries a manufacturer's warranty against defects. However, users should be mindful that very thin cymbals require proper technique to avoid damage.

Is each Kerope cymbal identical?

No, because they are handcrafted, there are slight variations in weight and tonal character between individual cymbals. This individuality is a key selling point for the Kerope line.

How should I clean a Kerope cymbal?

It is generally recommended to avoid harsh cleaners, as the Kerope features a natural patina essential to its sound and look. A simple wipe with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to maintain its appearance.

How does it differ from a standard K Custom ride?

The Kerope is much darker and more traditional in its construction compared to the K Custom series. K Customs often have more modern brilliance and clarity, whereas Keropes focus on warmth and vintage texture.

Gear article

Zildjian Kerope 20" Thin High Ride

The Zildjian Kerope 20" Thin High Ride is a premium, handcrafted cymbal designed to replicate the look, feel, and sound of vintage instruments from the mid-20th century. Part of the boutique Kerope line, it is specifically voiced for jazz and traditional applications where nuance and a dark, buttery response are paramount.

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Overview and History

The Kerope series represents a dedicated effort by Zildjian to recreate the specific sonic characteristics of cymbals from the 1950s and 60s. The 20" Thin High Ride is developed to offer a 'broken-in' feel immediately upon purchase, avoiding the harshness often associated with brand-new bronze. Each cymbal is handcrafted using traditional methods to achieve a naturally aged appearance and a mature, musical tone that mirrors sought-after vintage examples.

Design and Construction

This cymbal features a thin profile and a unique 'High' voicing, which refers to the profile/arc of the cymbal rather than its pitch. The construction involves extensive hand-hammering and a proprietary aging process that gives the surface its distinct patina. Because they are handcrafted, each unit possesses individual character while maintaining the series' signature buttery stick response and ease of control.

Sound and Performance

The sound profile of the Kerope 20" Thin High Ride is dark, warm, and highly articulate. It is designed to provide clear ride patterns that sit atop a smooth, controlled wash. The thin weight ensures it is highly responsive to dynamic changes, allowing the drummer to transition from subtle tip work to full crashes without the wash becoming overwhelming or dissonant. The overall character is described as 'mature' and 'expressive'.

Target Audience

This cymbal is primarily aimed at jazz players, session drummers, and fans of vintage equipment. It suits musicians who require a cymbal that 'speaks' with clarity and depth at lower to medium volumes. Because of its sensitive nature and dark tonality, it is less suited for high-volume rock environments where a piercing ping is required.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to modern cymbals like the Meinl HCS 13" Hi Hats or the UFIP Bionic Series, which focus on projection and brightness, the Kerope is significantly darker and more complex. It shares a similar artisanal philosophy with the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, prioritizing character over uniform mass-production. While the Paiste Giant Beat offers a different brand of vintage shimmer, the Kerope remains more focused on the 'dry' and 'dark' jazz aesthetic.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary musical application for the Zildjian Kerope 20" Thin High Ride?: It is primarily designed for jazz, blues, and acoustic music. Its dark tone and articulate stick definition make it ideal for nuanced playing styles where a vintage sound is desired.
Does the 'High' in the name mean it has a high pitch?: No, 'High' refers to the profile or 'bell height' of the cymbal shape rather than the musical pitch. This physical attribute affects the tension and the way the wash behaves compared to a standard Kerope ride.
How does the thin profile affect the sound?: The thin profile allows the cymbal to open up easily, providing a smooth wash and excellent crashability. It also ensures the stick response feels soft and buttery under the hand.
Is this cymbal suitable for rock music?: It is generally not recommended for loud rock due to its thin weight and dark tone, which may lack the necessary volume and cut. However, it can work in low-volume indie or alternative rock settings.
What does 'broken-in' feel mean?: It refers to the cymbal's lack of initial stiffness. Zildjian uses specific hammering and aging techniques so the cymbal responds with the warmth and flexibility usually only found in instruments played for decades.
Can the 20" Thin High Ride be used as a crash?: Yes, its thin weight and responsive nature make it an excellent crash-ride. It provides a rich, warm crash sound that decays smoothly without harsh frequencies.
How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch?: Both cymbals share a handcrafted, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The Kerope tends to have a slightly more 'buttery' feel, while the Istanbul Agop might offer a different harmonic complexity based on Turkish tradition.
What is the typical price range for this cymbal?: In the UK market, this premium cymbal typically retails for approximately GBP 999. Prices may vary slightly based on the specific retailer and current stock availability.
Does the cymbal come with a warranty?: Like most professional Zildjian cymbals, it typically carries a manufacturer's warranty against defects. However, users should be mindful that very thin cymbals require proper technique to avoid damage.
Is each Kerope cymbal identical?: No, because they are handcrafted, there are slight variations in weight and tonal character between individual cymbals. This individuality is a key selling point for the Kerope line.
How should I clean a Kerope cymbal?: It is generally recommended to avoid harsh cleaners, as the Kerope features a natural patina essential to its sound and look. A simple wipe with a dry cloth is usually sufficient to maintain its appearance.
How does it differ from a standard K Custom ride?: The Kerope is much darker and more traditional in its construction compared to the K Custom series. K Customs often have more modern brilliance and clarity, whereas Keropes focus on warmth and vintage texture.