The “K” line of Zildjian cymbals have a characteristic “dark” sound, meaning there is quite a strong low frequency component. The K Custom line is stated to retain some of the original K sound, but with the addition of modern hammering techniques that “enhance the K character.”
The Zildjian 18″ K Custom Fast Crash Cymbal has the K hammering, plus some bolder hammer strokes. The bell is a bit different than other K cymbals, which gives it a faster response, and also a quicker decay.
The sound is bright and fast, but I can hear that old K background. Nothing more needs to be said about the overall crash sound, because you can hear it for yourself in the sound sample. The cymbal is on the thin side, so it does not suitable for riding due to the ping getting buried in the wash. The bell ride is not intense enough to be useful either.
The close-up photo shows the small K hammer marks along with the larger strokes. The lathing is very fine, and includes the bell, but the bell is not hammered.
Spectral analysis indicates peaks at 140 Hz, 230 Hz, 280 Hz, 330 Hz, 450 Hz, and 650 Hz. These peaks give it the K (“dark”) sound. There are also lower (loudness) peaks at 1.5 kHz and 2.1 kHz, followed by a span of higher (loudness) peaks from 2.8 kHz – 6 kHz, then declining to 48 kHz.
The attack is quick, with a peak response at 0.15 seconds, followed by a rapid decay.
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).
If your sound card cannot play the high resolution file, click HERE to listen to an MP3 sound file.
In this edition we bring you four selections of vinyl for you to enjoy in…
The power cords we use today in our high-end audio systems are far more sophisticated…
The SRS3100 Replacement Aims to Fulfil An Expectant Market Worldwide, May 9, 2024 — STAX…
My favorite bookshelf speaker has been the B&W 685 S1. It has been my favorite…
Even if you only have a modest collection of records, keeping them clean is a…
May 9, 2024 — Sonus faber is pleased to announce the launch of the Sonetto…