What material is the Zildjian S Family 16" Medium Thin Crash made from?

It is manufactured using a B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is chosen to provide a more developed tone than standard entry-level B8 bronze.

What is the weight classification of this cymbal?

This model is classified as 'Medium Thin'. This weight profile allows for a fast response and a balance of high-end shimmer and mid-range depth.

How long does the sound of this crash last?

The 16" Medium Thin Crash is designed to have a medium sustain. It provides an immediate response when struck and decays at a moderate rate that doesn't overwhelm the mix.

Who is the primary target audience for this cymbal?

It is an ideal choice for intermediate drummers. It serves as a professional-sounding upgrade for those looking for a broader range of tones than what is found in beginner cymbals.

What frequencies does this cymbal focus on?

The cymbal offers focused high frequencies. Additionally, the medium-thin weight and B12 alloy provide extra depth in the mid-range frequencies.

Is this cymbal suitable for all music genres?

Yes, its versatile design and balanced sustain make it suitable for a wide variety of performances. It provides the colour and texture needed for most contemporary music styles.

How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Zildjian S Family is generally considered an upgrade over the Meinl HCS series. While HCS cymbals are often made of brass or B8 bronze, the S Family uses B12 bronze for a richer tonal character.

Is the 16" diameter large enough for a main crash?

A 16" crash is a standard size for a primary or secondary crash cymbal. It offers a bright, fast accent that complements larger crashes, such as 18" models.

How does the B12 alloy affect the price?

The use of B12 bronze places the cymbal in a mid-range price bracket, typically around GBP 133. This makes it more expensive than brass but more affordable than professional B20 cymbals.

Does this cymbal have a fast response?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having an immediate response. This is due to its medium-thin thickness, which allows the metal to vibrate quickly upon impact.

How does it compare to a Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hat?

These are different types of cymbals; the Zildjian is a 16" crash meant for accents, while the Giant Beat 14" is a hi-hat set for timekeeping. However, both represent high-quality musical tools with distinct tonal signatures.

Can this cymbal be used for low-volume practice?

While it is a standard acoustic cymbal, it is not specifically a 'low volume' cymbal like the Gear4music Silver series. It is designed for full-volume performance and practice.

Gear article

Zildjian S Family 16" Medium Thin Crash

The Zildjian S Family 16" Medium Thin Crash is a versatile percussion instrument crafted from B12 bronze alloy, designed to offer a balance of brightness and depth. Positioned as an intermediate-level cymbal, it provides a focused high-frequency response with a medium sustain suitable for various musical genres.

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Overview

The Zildjian S Family 16" Medium Thin Crash is part of Zildjian's 'S' series, a line developed to provide drummers with a high-quality alternative to traditional B8 and B20 bronze cymbals. By utilising a B12 alloy (88% copper, 12% tin), Zildjian has engineered a cymbal that occupies the sonic space between entry-level brass or B8 models and the premium professional lines. This specific 16-inch model is designed to be a workhorse crash that delivers immediate response and musicality.

Construction and Features

The primary defining feature of this cymbal is its B12 alloy construction. This specific ratio of copper to tin allows for a more developed tonal range than lower-tier alloys. The 'Medium Thin' weight is a critical design choice; it ensures the cymbal is light enough to open up quickly with a light touch, yet substantial enough to maintain a focused sound under harder striking. The 16-inch diameter results in a medium sustain, ensuring the sound does not wash out or linger excessively in a mix.

Sonic Character

Tonally, the S Family 16" Medium Thin Crash is characterised by its emphasis on high frequencies. However, unlike budget cymbals that can sound brittle, the B12 alloy adds a layer of depth to the mid-range. This creates a balanced 'colour' and 'texture' that allows it to cut through a band's performance without sounding overly harsh. Its immediate response makes it particularly effective for accents and quick transitions during a performance.

Intended User

This cymbal is primarily aimed at the intermediate drummer. It serves as a significant upgrade for those moving away from beginner cymbal packs, such as the Gear4music Low Volume sets or basic brass cymbals. Because of its balanced sustain and frequency response, it is highly versatile, suiting drummers who require a wide range of tones for practice, recording, or live performance across various contemporary styles.

Market Comparison

Within the wider market, the Zildjian S Family competes with other mid-to-high range alloys. While it offers more tonal complexity than the Meinl HCS series, it remains more affordable than professional boutique options like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch or the Paiste Giant Beat series. In terms of weight and response, it provides a more traditional crash sound compared to specialised items like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash, which offers a much shorter, darker decay.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Zildjian S Family 16" Medium Thin Crash made from?: It is manufactured using a B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is chosen to provide a more developed tone than standard entry-level B8 bronze.
What is the weight classification of this cymbal?: This model is classified as 'Medium Thin'. This weight profile allows for a fast response and a balance of high-end shimmer and mid-range depth.
How long does the sound of this crash last?: The 16" Medium Thin Crash is designed to have a medium sustain. It provides an immediate response when struck and decays at a moderate rate that doesn't overwhelm the mix.
Who is the primary target audience for this cymbal?: It is an ideal choice for intermediate drummers. It serves as a professional-sounding upgrade for those looking for a broader range of tones than what is found in beginner cymbals.
What frequencies does this cymbal focus on?: The cymbal offers focused high frequencies. Additionally, the medium-thin weight and B12 alloy provide extra depth in the mid-range frequencies.
Is this cymbal suitable for all music genres?: Yes, its versatile design and balanced sustain make it suitable for a wide variety of performances. It provides the colour and texture needed for most contemporary music styles.
How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Zildjian S Family is generally considered an upgrade over the Meinl HCS series. While HCS cymbals are often made of brass or B8 bronze, the S Family uses B12 bronze for a richer tonal character.
Is the 16" diameter large enough for a main crash?: A 16" crash is a standard size for a primary or secondary crash cymbal. It offers a bright, fast accent that complements larger crashes, such as 18" models.
How does the B12 alloy affect the price?: The use of B12 bronze places the cymbal in a mid-range price bracket, typically around GBP 133. This makes it more expensive than brass but more affordable than professional B20 cymbals.
Does this cymbal have a fast response?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as having an immediate response. This is due to its medium-thin thickness, which allows the metal to vibrate quickly upon impact.
How does it compare to a Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hat?: These are different types of cymbals; the Zildjian is a 16" crash meant for accents, while the Giant Beat 14" is a hi-hat set for timekeeping. However, both represent high-quality musical tools with distinct tonal signatures.
Can this cymbal be used for low-volume practice?: While it is a standard acoustic cymbal, it is not specifically a 'low volume' cymbal like the Gear4music Silver series. It is designed for full-volume performance and practice.