Guide to zildjian cymbals

During 1618, an Armenian alchemist named Avedis was working out a formula for the creation of gold. However, he struck it in another way completely. He stumbled upon a material that became the bedrock for one of the finest cymbal materials ever known to man. This top-secret alloy is still used to this day, and is present in every single cymbal that comes out of the Zildjian factories.

Fast forward to 1623 and the Sultan of Turkey bestowed the name Zildjian upon Avedis; the word literally meaning “cymbal smith”. This was the year that the company officially formed and began to perfect their cymbal creation on a larger scale. Initially, these cymbals were created for the Sultans Janissary soldiers and palace bands – but they’ve since been used for pioneering moments in classical, Jazz, Big-Band, Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop and many other styles down the years.

The company didn’t just leave an indelible mark on cymbals as we know them either, but the vocabulary and conversation around drumming itself too. Avedis Zildjian III introduced the terms crash, ride, and effects – in an effort to help drummers to describe the exact sound they were searching for.

Now during current day, Zildjian remain at the forefront of cymbal production and continue to do their utmost to produce equipment of the highest quality. Attention to detail is paramount. 15 people work together to make every single Zildjian alloy cymbal, while specific ranges are pored over and handcrafted using an intense 14-step process. Each cymbal is then sonically tested by a team of experts (with a combined experience numbering nearly 100 years) to ensure that they meet the lofty standards you’ve now come to expect from their products.

Just a few of the drummer’s past and present endorsed by Zildjian include Aaron Spears, Gavin Harrison, Buddy Rich, Ringo Starr and Andrew Hurley (Fall Out Boy). Prestigious company indeed.  

A Zildjian Series (Avedis) - Bright, balanced, classic

An A Series cymbal is an iconic choice. It can be heard in a multitude of classic recordings (across a number of contrasting genres) from some of the world’s greatest drummers. This is due to their impressive versatility. A bright and sweet sound is projected across the range – no matter if you select from a thinner model or a heavier, thicker variant.

A steeper curve gives these cymbals a higher profile, while each one is cast from a B20 bronze. This is the most commonly used kind of bronze in cymbal manufacturing, as it offers a much wider frequency range when compared to other metals. This leads to tones of great clarity that will cut through with impressive articulation in just about any band setup.

• Sonic Profile: Bright, full-bodied, with smooth high-end frequencies and balanced overtones. These cymbals offer a fast attack and a relatively short decay, delivering a crisp response ideal for rhythmic clarity.
• Musical Application: Exceptionally versatile - used across pop, rock, country, jazz, and more. Their clean projection and classic tonal profile make them suitable for both studio and live performance.
• Best For: Drummers seeking a timeless, adaptable sound that fits comfortably in nearly any genre or musical context.

A Custom Series - Bright, modern, refined

The A Custom series is characterised by a brilliant finish and an equally brilliant sound. It is slightly lower profile than a standard A Zildjian and has been carefully and symmetrically hammered. The end result is a set of cymbals that is bright, sweet and smooth sounding – with an overall glassier tone. This makes them especially well suited to studio recording scenarios.

Each of the cymbals are characterised by a sharp attack without an extended amount of sustain. It makes for a higher volume which isn’t overpowering. The sound really doesn’t outstay its welcome. You can comfortably use these cymbals for a multitude of different styles of music and drumming too thanks to their excellent balance.

• Sonic Profile: Polished and refined with a contemporary edge. These cymbals are known for their brilliant finish, crisp articulation, and bright tonal character. The attack is immediate, and the decay is short and controlled, with minimal overtone build-up.
• Musical Application: Ideal for pop, gospel, fusion, and other genres requiring clean definition and modern sonic clarity. Particularly effective in studio environments.
• Best For: Drummers looking for cymbals that cut cleanly through mixes without sounding overly harsh or aggressive.

K Zildjian Series - Dark, warm, complex

The K Series pays sonic tribute to the original, iconic K cymbals that were produced in Turkey during the 19^th century. They are warm, rich and dark just like their precursors; however, they are far more consistent. Every strike offers you the same thick, enveloping sound – making for a set that can be applied especially well to rock, jazz and country music. This is proven by the drummers (of contrasting styles) that use them. Steve Gadd (Eric Clapton), Dave Weckl and Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band) are just a few of the legendary names that have made the K Series their number one choice.

Clarity and brilliant projection are present in each of the ranges hi-hats, crashes and rides. The rides ping and shimmer, while the crashes dark tones resist becoming muddied. The hats are precise and sensitive, with a wash that isn’t too overstated.

• Sonic Profile: Rich, dark, and complex with a warm low-end and smoky overtones. These cymbals have a smooth, buttery stick feel and offer a nuanced response across dynamic ranges. Sustain is moderate and musical.
• Musical Application: Suited to jazz, fusion, indie, and other styles that value tonal depth and expressive control. These cymbals respond beautifully to touch and dynamic playing.
• Best For: Players seeking a classic, character-driven cymbal with deep harmonic complexity.

K Custom Series - Dark, articulate, contemporary

The K Custom series is one of the most popular ranges of cymbals that Zildjian make. You’ll find drummers using them across pretty much all genres due to their versatile nature and amazing playability. They project a dark, dry sound which is generated due to the unique manner in which they are constructed. A combination of traditional K hammering and modern hammering techniques has led to the aforementioned tones, plus a whole host of unique, striking finishes.

• Sonic Profile: A more contemporary interpretation of the K sound—still dark and warm, but with enhanced articulation, clarity, and tonal variation. Many models feature hybrid or un-lathed surfaces for added dryness and sonic texture.
• Musical Application: Designed for fusion, progressive jazz, and modern genres where intricate cymbal work is essential. Offers excellent definition under both sticks and brushes.
• Best For: Advanced players who need both subtlety and cut in a single cymbal line.

K Constantinople Series - Vintage, nuanced, expressive

The Constantinople range sits at the higher end of the Zildjian price spectrum. They’ve been described by the company as the “pinnacle of Zildjian craftsmanship” and its easy to see why. Made in small batches, a complex 14-step hammering process (leaving deep hammer marks) has produced cymbals with gradual curves and a perfectly blended, balanced sound.

The production style means each model features an almost unique sonic personality of its own too. Rich, dark tones are the main characteristics – however, this can appear both smooth and cutting across the breadth of the range. They were originally designed as the perfect companion for jazz drumming, but they have since outgrown that tag and are now used regularly in pop, funk and even rock.

• Sonic Profile: Deeply complex and vintage inspired. These cymbals are hand-hammered and crafted to emulate the sound of classic Turkish cymbals. They offer a broad dynamic range, nuanced sustain, and a woody stick definition with gentle wash.
• Musical Application: Predominantly used in traditional and modern jazz, as well as acoustic and orchestral settings where subtlety and authenticity are paramount.
• Best For: Professionals and purists seeking a historically accurate, handcrafted cymbal sound.

Z Custom - Loud, cutting, heavy

After a 15-year hiatus, the coveted Z Custom cymbal series has returned to the Zildjian portfolio. Z Custom addresses Metal’s growing worldwide popularity, delivering explosive, bright and loud sounds that drummers have been requesting for years, with reimagined durability. Z Custom is built for the stage or studio, allowing for limitless musical expression.

• Sonic Profile: Extremely bright, aggressive, and cutting. These cymbals are heavy and powerful, with pronounced attack and minimal sustain—designed to project through the loudest of environments.
• Musical Application: Geared toward hard rock and metal, where maximum volume and intensity are required.
• Best For: High-energy players and heavy hitters who need cymbals that can withstand aggressive playing and still dominate the mix.

S Family - Bright, assertive, durable

The S Family of cymbals is made from a B12 alloy. B12 sits between B8 (used for entry-level cymbals) and B-20 (which is used for the majority of Zildjian’s other cymbal products). While not featuring as wide of a frequency response as B20, B12 excels with its balance instead. It has spawned a range which is bold, dynamic and versatile.

Each member of the S Family has been subjected to an enhanced lathing and hammering process, as well as receiving an eye-catching brilliant finish. This doesn’t just mean that these cymbals look good either. These design and production considerations result in a sound that shimmers and shines – with open and bright tones emitting from each individual model in the range.

• Sonic Profile: Bright, punchy, and energetic with clear attack and lively projection. Made from B12 alloy, these cymbals offer a durable and cost-effective alternative to the premium lines, with a balanced but bold presence.
• Musical Application: Designed for rock, pop, and general-purpose playing. Particularly suitable for intermediate players or those needing reliable performance cymbals at a mid-range price.
• Best For: Drummers seeking modern brightness and durability without a premium price tag.

FX Series (Effects Cymbals) - Trashy, experimental, accent-focused

Experiment with a variety of effects and accents with this unique, innovative line of cymbals from Zildjian. Add exotic colors and character to your sound with quick and bright stacks, big and trashy crashes and china cymbals, and variety of distinct accents and stackables.

• Sonic Profile: Designed for specialty use, the FX series includes cymbals with trashy, explosive, dry, or exotic character. These cymbals often feature unorthodox shapes, cutouts, or stacking capabilities for unique sounds.
• Musical Application: Used across all genres to create accent hits, transitions, and textures. Common in electronic, experimental, and cinematic music.
• Best For: Drummers looking to expand their sound palette with auxiliary and effects cymbals.
• Notable Models: FX Oriental China Trash, FX Spiral Stacker, FX Stacks

Zildjian l80 series - Low Volume, Ideal for Practice.

These L80 cymbals are designed to offer the same playing feel as traditional cymbals, however they are 80% quieter. This makes them ideal for practicing at low volumes – which is especially useful in places like a flat where you don’t want to annoy the neighbours! The lower volume is achieved due to the 1000’s of holes found on the cymbals surface. These let air flow through its body while you play, instead of driving the sound away from where you’re sat.

Zildjian Kerope series - unique, dark, timeless

The Kerope series is named after Kerope Zildjian – the man at the helm of the company during one of the most successful periods in the brands entire history. They are authentic recreations of their iconic vintage K models. Each cymbal here is meticulously handcrafted and is made using a 4-step hammering process that utilises techniques from their storied past. This contributes to a range of cymbals where each and every one produced in the factory is truly unique. These distinctions between separate models even extends to each bell being unique to that particular cymbal (with each bell being hammered out one at a time).

This level of attention to detail leads to complex, dark sounding cymbals with a low profile and a smart patina finish. Their classic tones make them especially suited to jazz, big-band and swing music.

please note - we often do not carry stock of these, but they are avialable for special order. Just reach out to our drum experts!