What material is the Zildjian S Family 20" Thin Crash made from?

It is made from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is chosen for its balance between brightness and musical warmth.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

Yes, while it is marketed as an ideal choice for intermediate drummers, it serves as an excellent upgrade for any player looking for better sound quality than entry-level brass cymbals. It provides a more professional tone for those growing in their playing ability.

How does the 'thin' weight affect the sound?

The thin weight allows the cymbal to respond immediately when struck. It lowers the pitch slightly compared to a heavier cymbal of the same size and makes it easier to wash out or 'crash' at lower volumes.

Is a 20-inch crash too large for a standard drum kit?

Not at all; 20-inch crashes are very common in rock and contemporary music. They offer a bigger, fuller sound and more sustain than standard 16-inch or 18-inch crashes.

What kind of sustain does this cymbal have?

This model features a medium-long sustain. This means the sound rings out for a significant amount of time after being struck, which is ideal for filling space in rock music.

Can this cymbal be used for genres other than rock?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as 'musically versatile'. While it excels in rock due to its explosive nature, its developed tones make it suitable for pop, fusion, and other modern styles.

How does the S Family compare to the Zildjian ZBT or I Series?

The S Family is a higher-tier series than the ZBT or I Series. It uses B12 alloy instead of B8, offering a more refined, professional sound with a wider frequency range.

Does the 20" Thin Crash have a fast response?

Yes, it is designed for an 'immediate response'. Despite its large 20-inch diameter, the thin construction ensures the cymbal speaks the moment it is hit.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The typical price range for this specific 20" model is approximately £188. This places it in the mid-range bracket of the cymbal market.

Is the sound of this cymbal bright or dark?

It is generally on the brighter side due to the B12 alloy and lathing, but the 'Thin' weight adds a layer of warmth and prevents it from being overly piercing. It is described as having 'developed tones'.

How durable is the Zildjian S Series Thin Crash?

While 'Thin' cymbals are more flexible, the B12 alloy is robust. As long as it is played with proper technique, it is designed to withstand the rigours of regular performances and rehearsals.

Would this cymbal work as a light ride?

While primarily a crash, 20-inch thin crashes often have enough surface area for light riding. However, because it is a 'Thin' model, the stick definition will be washier compared to a dedicated ride cymbal.

Gear article

Zildjian S Family 20" Thin Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian S Family 20" Thin Crash is a high-performance cymbal constructed from B12 bronze alloy, designed to offer a balance of explosive response and musical versatility. Positioned as an ideal upgrade for intermediate drummers, it provides a larger 20-inch diameter that delivers medium-long sustain and developed tonal characteristics suitable for rock and contemporary genres.

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Background and Construction

The S Family represents a significant mid-tier offering from Zildjian, bridging the gap between entry-level brass or B8 bronze cymbals and professional B20 lines. The 20" Thin Crash utilizes a B12 alloy (88% copper, 12% tin), which is engineered to provide a broader frequency response than cheaper alternatives. The manufacturing process includes extensive hammering and lathing to ensure the cymbal reacts dynamically to the drummer's touch.

Technical Features

The primary defining characteristic of this model is the combination of a large 20-inch diameter with a thin weight profile. This allows the cymbal to open up quickly despite its size, offering an immediate response. The B12 alloy contributes to a sound that is brighter than B20 bronze but warmer than B8, resulting in 'developed tones' that sit well in a variety of musical mixes. It is specifically designed to offer a medium-long sustain, providing a shimmering tail that lasts longer than smaller crashes.

Sonic Character

In terms of audio performance, the Zildjian S Family 20" Thin Crash is described as 'explosive'. The thin weight ensures that it does not require excessive force to reach its full volume, making it sensitive to different striking velocities. While it is bright enough to cut through loud instrumentation, the B12 alloy ensures the sound remains musical rather than harsh, making it a versatile choice for drummers who need a cymbal that can handle both subtle accents and powerful crashes.

Player Profile

This cymbal is primarily aimed at intermediate drummers who are looking to improve their sound quality from a standard beginner set. Its size and sustain make it particularly well-suited for rock cymbal setups, where a large, washier crash can fill more sonic space. It serves as a tool for players who need a 'boost in excitement' and a more professional response during live performances or recording sessions.

Market Comparison

Within the wider market, the S Family 20" Thin Crash competes with other intermediate and professional cymbals. Compared to drier alternatives like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Zildjian S Series is more traditional and 'wet' in its resonance. It offers a significant step up in tonal complexity from entry-level series such as the Meinl HCS. While high-end boutique options like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Paiste Giant Beat series offer different tonal textures, the S Family remains a value-focused choice for those requiring B12 bronze performance at a mid-range price point.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Zildjian S Family 20" Thin Crash made from?: It is made from B12 bronze alloy, which consists of 88% copper and 12% tin. This alloy is chosen for its balance between brightness and musical warmth.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: Yes, while it is marketed as an ideal choice for intermediate drummers, it serves as an excellent upgrade for any player looking for better sound quality than entry-level brass cymbals. It provides a more professional tone for those growing in their playing ability.
How does the 'thin' weight affect the sound?: The thin weight allows the cymbal to respond immediately when struck. It lowers the pitch slightly compared to a heavier cymbal of the same size and makes it easier to wash out or 'crash' at lower volumes.
Is a 20-inch crash too large for a standard drum kit?: Not at all; 20-inch crashes are very common in rock and contemporary music. They offer a bigger, fuller sound and more sustain than standard 16-inch or 18-inch crashes.
What kind of sustain does this cymbal have?: This model features a medium-long sustain. This means the sound rings out for a significant amount of time after being struck, which is ideal for filling space in rock music.
Can this cymbal be used for genres other than rock?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as 'musically versatile'. While it excels in rock due to its explosive nature, its developed tones make it suitable for pop, fusion, and other modern styles.
How does the S Family compare to the Zildjian ZBT or I Series?: The S Family is a higher-tier series than the ZBT or I Series. It uses B12 alloy instead of B8, offering a more refined, professional sound with a wider frequency range.
Does the 20" Thin Crash have a fast response?: Yes, it is designed for an 'immediate response'. Despite its large 20-inch diameter, the thin construction ensures the cymbal speaks the moment it is hit.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The typical price range for this specific 20" model is approximately £188. This places it in the mid-range bracket of the cymbal market.
Is the sound of this cymbal bright or dark?: It is generally on the brighter side due to the B12 alloy and lathing, but the 'Thin' weight adds a layer of warmth and prevents it from being overly piercing. It is described as having 'developed tones'.
How durable is the Zildjian S Series Thin Crash?: While 'Thin' cymbals are more flexible, the B12 alloy is robust. As long as it is played with proper technique, it is designed to withstand the rigours of regular performances and rehearsals.
Would this cymbal work as a light ride?: While primarily a crash, 20-inch thin crashes often have enough surface area for light riding. However, because it is a 'Thin' model, the stick definition will be washier compared to a dedicated ride cymbal.