What alloy is the Zildjian S Family 18" Thin Crash made from?

It is made from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy provides a balance between the bright cut of B8 bronze and the musical complexity of B20 bronze.

What is the weight class of this specific cymbal?

This cymbal is classified as 'Thin'. This weight allows for a faster explosive response and an easier 'wash' compared to medium or heavy crashes.

How does the sustain of the 18" Thin Crash compare to other sizes?

The 18" version has a medium sustain. It provides a fuller sound than a 16" crash but decays faster than a larger 20" model, making it versatile for various musical transitions.

Is this cymbal suitable for rock music?

Yes, it is considered an ideal addition to a rock cymbal setup. Its explosive response and bright tone allow it to cut through high-volume amplified instruments.

Who is the primary target user for the Zildjian S series?

It is primarily designed for intermediate drummers. It serves as an upgrade for those looking for improved sound quality and more professional performance characteristics than beginner packs offer.

What is the response time of the S Family 18" Thin Crash?

The cymbal features an 'immediate response'. Because of its thin profile, it activates quickly upon impact, reaching its peak volume almost instantly.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz?

While it is marketed for rock and general versatility, its thin weight allows for some musical sensitivity. However, it may be brighter and more explosive than traditional dark jazz crashes like the Istanbul Agop series.

How does the B12 alloy affect the price of the Zildjian S compared to other series?

B12 alloy is more expensive to produce than the brass or B8 bronze found in entry-level cymbals, placing the S Family at a mid-range price point of approximately £156. It is generally more affordable than professional B20 bronze series.

Is this cymbal a low-volume model?

No, this is a standard volume cymbal. For drummers needing reduced volume for practice, options like the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more suitable.

What tonal qualities does the manufacturer highlight for this model?

Zildjian highlights 'developed tones' and 'explosive responses'. The B12 alloy is credited with providing these more complex, musically versatile sounds.

How does the size impact the sound compared to a 14" crash?

An 18" crash offers a deeper pitch and more volume than a 14" crash. It is less like an 'accent' cymbal and more like a primary crash that provides a substantial wash.

Does the Zildjian S 18" Thin Crash have a bright or dark character?

It generally has a bright and brilliant character. The combination of B12 alloy and top-side lathing is designed to produce high-end shimmer and clarity.

Gear article

Zildjian S Family 18" Thin Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian S Family 18" Thin Crash is a versatile percussion instrument crafted from B12 bronze alloy, designed to bridge the gap between entry-level and professional cymbals. Known for its explosive response and developed tonal range, it is specifically engineered to provide an immediate wash and medium sustain for intermediate drummers.

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Overview and Construction

The Zildjian S Family 18" Thin Crash represents a significant shift in Zildjian’s mid-tier catalogue, utilising a B12 bronze alloy (88% copper, 12% tin). This specific metallurgical composition is chosen to balance durability with musicality. The 'Thin' weight designation ensures that the cymbal requires less force to reach its full resonance, making it highly responsive to nuanced sticking as well as heavy accents.

The 18-inch diameter offers a larger surface area than standard 16-inch crashes, resulting in a fuller, more complex sound. The manufacturing process includes extensive hammering and lathing, which contributes to the 'S' series' distinctive aesthetic and performance characteristics.

Sound Character and Response

This cymbal is characterised by an 'explosive' response. Because of its thinner profile, the 18" Thin Crash speaks quickly when struck, providing an immediate burst of high-frequency shimmer. It provides a medium sustain, meaning it does not linger excessively, allowing it to cut through a mix without muddying subsequent notes.

The tonal profile is described as 'developed,' suggesting a rich frequency spectrum that avoids the one-dimensional 'clang' often associated with budget brass cymbals. This makes it particularly effective in rock cymbal setups where both volume and musical sensitivity are required.

Target Audience

Zildjian identifies this model as an ideal choice for intermediate drummers. It serves as an upgrade for those transitioning away from beginner-level brass or B8 bronze kits who require a boost in excitement and sound quality during their performances. Its versatility also makes it suitable for semi-professional applications, particularly in genres like rock, pop, and blues where a bright, fast crash is standard.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the marketplace, the Zildjian S 18" Thin Crash occupies a middle ground between entry-level models and artisanal series.

Versus Professional Models: Compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Zildjian S is brighter and more focused, whereas the Byzance is darker and more 'trashy'.
Versus Entry-Level: Compared to the Meinl HCS series, which uses brass, the S Family B12 alloy provides far more sustain and a broader frequency range.
Versus Alternative Manufacturers: While boutique options like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash offer a more niche, dark character, the Zildjian S focuses on a traditional, bright rock sound. For those requiring reduced volume, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate, as the 18" Thin Crash is designed for standard volume performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What alloy is the Zildjian S Family 18" Thin Crash made from?: It is made from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy provides a balance between the bright cut of B8 bronze and the musical complexity of B20 bronze.
What is the weight class of this specific cymbal?: This cymbal is classified as 'Thin'. This weight allows for a faster explosive response and an easier 'wash' compared to medium or heavy crashes.
How does the sustain of the 18" Thin Crash compare to other sizes?: The 18" version has a medium sustain. It provides a fuller sound than a 16" crash but decays faster than a larger 20" model, making it versatile for various musical transitions.
Is this cymbal suitable for rock music?: Yes, it is considered an ideal addition to a rock cymbal setup. Its explosive response and bright tone allow it to cut through high-volume amplified instruments.
Who is the primary target user for the Zildjian S series?: It is primarily designed for intermediate drummers. It serves as an upgrade for those looking for improved sound quality and more professional performance characteristics than beginner packs offer.
What is the response time of the S Family 18" Thin Crash?: The cymbal features an 'immediate response'. Because of its thin profile, it activates quickly upon impact, reaching its peak volume almost instantly.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz?: While it is marketed for rock and general versatility, its thin weight allows for some musical sensitivity. However, it may be brighter and more explosive than traditional dark jazz crashes like the Istanbul Agop series.
How does the B12 alloy affect the price of the Zildjian S compared to other series?: B12 alloy is more expensive to produce than the brass or B8 bronze found in entry-level cymbals, placing the S Family at a mid-range price point of approximately £156. It is generally more affordable than professional B20 bronze series.
Is this cymbal a low-volume model?: No, this is a standard volume cymbal. For drummers needing reduced volume for practice, options like the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more suitable.
What tonal qualities does the manufacturer highlight for this model?: Zildjian highlights 'developed tones' and 'explosive responses'. The B12 alloy is credited with providing these more complex, musically versatile sounds.
How does the size impact the sound compared to a 14" crash?: An 18" crash offers a deeper pitch and more volume than a 14" crash. It is less like an 'accent' cymbal and more like a primary crash that provides a substantial wash.
Does the Zildjian S 18" Thin Crash have a bright or dark character?: It generally has a bright and brilliant character. The combination of B12 alloy and top-side lathing is designed to produce high-end shimmer and clarity.