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Zildjian A Custom China - 18"

By Joseph "Stix" Davis - 4/5/19

The brightest of the Zildjian China cymbals, the A Custom China produces a fast and explosive sound with quick attack and decay.

 

Price

Prices listed are an average from several different online stores.

New: $300

Used: $170

 

Specifications

 

Size: 18"

Finish: Brilliant

Pitch: Medium / High

Sustain: Short

Volume: Loud

Sound: Bright

Weight: Thin

Full specs can be found on the Zildjian website - https://zildjian.com/cymbals/acustom-chinas.html

 

Sound Test

For this demonstration, I'm using my Audix Fusion Series microphones with no EQ, compression, reverb, or processing of any kind. I start with a close up of the crash cymbal. I then play the whole kit in a few different styles. I also play a beat using the bell of this cymbal.

Final Thoughts

 

As far as China cymbals go, this is the brightest and  "cleanest" I've heard. China cymbals are designed to have that trashy sound, but there's nothing saying trash can't sound pleasant. It cuts, but it's not harsh on the ears. They're more for harder genres of music, such as metal, but I've made use of this playing country rock / southern rock. I don't use this cymbal nearly as much as any other, so it usually stays in the studio, unless I'm playing a festival, where I bring out the big kit.