What material is the Zildjian S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash made of?

The cymbal is made from a B12 bronze alloy. This consists of 88% copper and 12% tin, providing a balance between high-end clarity and mid-range depth.

Who is this cymbal designed for?

It is primarily designed for intermediate drummers. It serves as an ideal choice for those looking to expand their tonal range beyond entry-level equipment.

What is the weight of this specific crash cymbal?

This model is classified as a 'Medium Thin' weight. This weight profile allows for a faster response than a heavy crash while maintaining more body than a paper-thin model.

How does the 18" diameter affect the sound?

The 18" diameter provides a medium-low volume compared to larger crashes. However, because it is medium-thin, it retains the high-frequency response typically associated with smaller cymbals.

What kind of tones can I expect from the S Series?

The S Series is known for well-developed tones and focused high frequencies. It also adds specific depth in the mid-range frequencies to round out the sound.

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

The typical price range for the Zildjian S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash is approximately £147. This makes it a mid-tier option for most percussionists.

Does this cymbal have a fast or slow response?

It features a higher response rate. Despite its 18" size, the medium-thin weight ensures it reacts quickly to the drummer's strike.

How does B12 alloy compare to B20 alloy?

B12 alloy contains 12% tin, whereas B20 contains 20%. B12 cymbals like the S Family tend to be brighter and more focused than the darker, more complex B20 cymbals like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?

While it can be used in rock, it produces a medium-low volume. For extremely high-volume settings, a 'Medium' or 'Heavy' crash might be preferred over a 'Medium Thin' model.

How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Zildjian S Series is a higher-tier product than the Meinl HCS. While HCS cymbals are often made of brass, the S Family uses B12 bronze for a more professional and developed tone.

Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?

While primarily a crash, 18" medium-thin cymbals can offer light riding capabilities for low-volume settings. However, it will not have the definition of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21".

What is the main benefit of the S Family over entry-level cymbals?

The main benefit is the added 'colour and texture' provided by the B12 alloy. It offers a more sophisticated frequency response that helps intermediate players sound more professional.

Gear article

Zildjian S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash is a versatile percussion instrument designed to bridge the gap between entry-level brass and professional B20 bronze cymbals. Constructed from a B12 alloy, it is engineered to provide a balanced frequency response with focused highs and defined mid-range depth.

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Overview and Design

The Zildjian S Family represents a significant mid-tier offering in the Zildjian catalogue, specifically designed for drummers seeking a professional sound at a more accessible price point. The 18" Medium Thin Crash is a central component of this series, featuring a diameter that balances projection with a manageable decay.

The cymbal is manufactured using a B12 alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This specific metallurgical composition is chosen to produce a more musical and 'well-developed' tone compared to standard B8 entry-level cymbals, offering a more nuanced frequency spectrum.

Sonic Characteristics

The sonic profile of the S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash is characterised by focused high frequencies and a pronounced mid-range. While the 18" size typically leans towards a medium-low volume floor, the medium-thin weight ensures a higher response rate similar to that of smaller or lighter cymbals.

This combination allows the cymbal to speak quickly when struck, providing 'colour and texture' to a performance without the excessive sustain or overpowering volume often found in heavier crash models. The result is a 'well-developed' tone that fits comfortably in a variety of musical contexts.

Target Audience

Zildjian positions this cymbal primarily as an upgrade path for intermediate drummers. It is suited for players who have outgrown their initial starter sets and are looking to improve their range of tones. Because of its balanced weight, it is versatile enough for practice, studio recording, and live performance in genres that do not require extreme volume, such as pop, jazz-fusion, or light rock.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other cymbals in the market, the Zildjian S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash occupies a middle ground in terms of alloy and price.

Higher-end alternatives: Cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash offer more complex, darker tones due to their B20 construction and hand-hammering, but at a significantly higher price point.
Entry-level alternatives: It offers a substantial tonal upgrade over brass options such as the Meinl HCS series or practice-oriented gear like the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack.
Specialised alternatives: While the Paiste Giant Beat 14" Hi-Hats or UFIP Bionic Series focus on specific high-pressure or vintage applications, the S Family Crash remains a multipurpose tool for general performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Zildjian S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash made of?: The cymbal is made from a B12 bronze alloy. This consists of 88% copper and 12% tin, providing a balance between high-end clarity and mid-range depth.
Who is this cymbal designed for?: It is primarily designed for intermediate drummers. It serves as an ideal choice for those looking to expand their tonal range beyond entry-level equipment.
What is the weight of this specific crash cymbal?: This model is classified as a 'Medium Thin' weight. This weight profile allows for a faster response than a heavy crash while maintaining more body than a paper-thin model.
How does the 18" diameter affect the sound?: The 18" diameter provides a medium-low volume compared to larger crashes. However, because it is medium-thin, it retains the high-frequency response typically associated with smaller cymbals.
What kind of tones can I expect from the S Series?: The S Series is known for well-developed tones and focused high frequencies. It also adds specific depth in the mid-range frequencies to round out the sound.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Zildjian S Family 18" Medium Thin Crash is approximately £147. This makes it a mid-tier option for most percussionists.
Does this cymbal have a fast or slow response?: It features a higher response rate. Despite its 18" size, the medium-thin weight ensures it reacts quickly to the drummer's strike.
How does B12 alloy compare to B20 alloy?: B12 alloy contains 12% tin, whereas B20 contains 20%. B12 cymbals like the S Family tend to be brighter and more focused than the darker, more complex B20 cymbals like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud rock music?: While it can be used in rock, it produces a medium-low volume. For extremely high-volume settings, a 'Medium' or 'Heavy' crash might be preferred over a 'Medium Thin' model.
How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Zildjian S Series is a higher-tier product than the Meinl HCS. While HCS cymbals are often made of brass, the S Family uses B12 bronze for a more professional and developed tone.
Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?: While primarily a crash, 18" medium-thin cymbals can offer light riding capabilities for low-volume settings. However, it will not have the definition of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21".
What is the main benefit of the S Family over entry-level cymbals?: The main benefit is the added 'colour and texture' provided by the B12 alloy. It offers a more sophisticated frequency response that helps intermediate players sound more professional.