The Zildjian A Custom series premiered in 1992, paving the way for new cymbal production techniques. This series is now considered one of the most iconic and recognisable cymbal series in the world. A Custom cymbals are known for their bright, cutting sound, shiny, brilliant finish and are used by many of the world’s top artists regardless of the genre.
To celebrate its anniversary, Zildjian released a limited edition of the A Custom 25th Anniversary Ride in 2017 in an unusual 23″ size. There are only 1,000 cymbals in this model in the world.
We are testing the 23″ Zildjian 25th Anniversary A Custom Ride
1. Test
Being aware of how unique this instrument is, we started testing it all the more. At first contact, we noticed an alternative version of the well-known Zildjian logo, this time in white.
During the test, we also used a Sonor AQ1 drum kit, and a set of Zildjian cymbals (15″ K Custom Sweet hats and a 21″ A Custom 25th Anniversary Ride).
2. Basic product specification:
- Manufacturer: Zildjian
- Series: A Custom
- Type: Ride
- Finish: Brilliant
- Material: Bronze B20
- Style: Modern
- Sound: Clear, bright, cutting
- Weight: Medium light
3. Product and sound:
Having had experience with a wide range of Zildjian products, we expected this cymbal to have specific features or attributes. The A Custom series is not known for its dark sounds or vintage associations – it is rather the embodiment of modern timbre and bright sound. This is also the case with the model we tested. Despite the larger than usual size, the cymbal still has a clear and bright sound with a clearly defined bell. What distinguishes the A Custom series from other bright cymbals on the market, often associated only with Rock or Metal music, is their weight. Due to the relatively low weight, these cymbals are not your usual heavy, pingy instruments and can easily be crashed, which makes them exceptionally universal. There was a reason why they were used by such a drumming giant as Vinnie Coaliuta (who also had a hand in designing them). During the test, we tried to demonstrate how flexible in its usage this cymbal is. It worked perfectly in every situation, whether it was during dense playing à la fusion, where the beautifully resonating bell was often used, or in a all-around rock style, where we used it more as a crash. The 23″ Zildjian A Custom 25th Anniversary Ride will successfully fit many musical genres and although such a statement may sound like a cliché or an old slogan, it cannot be put better in this case.
Producer: https://zildjian.com/
Distributor in Poland: MUSIK MEYER Central Europe
OUR VERDICT: 5 out of 5
Advantages:
- Very well-crafted
- Incredible versatility
- Very good sound through microphones
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the 23″ Zildjian 25th Anniversary A Custom Ride to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Max Psuja!