Zildjian 18″ K Custom Dark Crash Cymbal

The Zildjian K Custom Dark Crash is a favorite among many drummers. This particular one is 18″.  It has a great sound, and I think it would be terrific in a jazz kit.

Specifications

  • Manufacturer Line: K Custom Dark
  • Type: Crash
  • Style: Medium
  • Alloy: B20 – CuSn20 – 80% Copper, 20% Tin
  • Diameter: 18″
  • Metal Work: Hand Hammered, Hand Lathed, Buffed Finish
  • Weight: 3.5 Pounds
  • MSRP: $511 USA; Street Price $295
  • Zildjian

The close-up photo below shows the unique hammering pattern. The cymbalsmith used a tool that is much smaller than the tool used to hammer most cymbals, and it has an odd shape to it. This is the “K” hammer mark (blue arrows). There are also some larger, more typically shaped hammer marks, and they are moderately deep (white arrows). The lathing is very regular, but not enough that I would think it was accomplished by machine (CNC). This is very fine hand lathing. The sound quality shows the craftmanship put into this cymbal.

zildjian-18-inch-k-custom-dark-crash-photo-closeup

The spectrum shows peaks at 600 Hz, 1.6 kHz, and 2.2 kHz, followed by some major peaks in the 3 kHz – 4 kHz range, then slowly drops off. In particular, it attenuates above 10 kHz. The major peaks at 600 Hz, 1.6 kHz, and 2.2 kHz give it the “Dark” sound. The initial crash frequencies extend to 50 kHz, and most of the spectrum decays evenly after 2 seconds.

zildjian-18-inch-k-custom-dark-crash-spectrum

The peak of the crash occurs at 0.22 seconds, so the sound builds noticeably after the initial attack (struck with the drumstick). It rides very well too, and reminds me of late 1950’s dark cymbal work, with the ping just noticeable above the wash.

zildjian-18-inch-k-custom-dark-crash-level-vs-time

Click HERE to listen to an audio sample, which will include crash (when appropriate), ride, and bell sounds (these are 24 bit, 176.4 kHz wav files, so be sure your sound card is capable of handling these high resolution sound files).

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