z custom or a custom crash?

[justingrillz]

sorry if this has been posted before. i searched and i cant find a straight answer. i play alot of metal, hardcore i dont hit hard but i dont exactly hit light either. i was leaning towards the z custom 19" crash because it is cheaper and it is directed more for rock.. what do you think? should i spend the extra money and get an a custom? thanx.

[KLittle123]

hmm, I don't really like Z customs, but its not my cymbal. I don't like A's either. I think musically, A's sound better cause Z's are like hitting a big piece of sheet metal, but if you want some loudness then thats the Z's. But hmm, I'd say go with the A's

[Pedro]

Big A Custom cymbals can be really good for rock, because they project well and produce a really full soud!

I would choose for the A Custom in almost all rock purposes, except when I know I only need really hight pitched and short accents. In that case the A Custom can lack some projection maybe. Then I would maybe choose for the Z (but I think I'd raqther go with an other brand in this case - Paiste or something) But the A Custom is more all around, works well in rock settings and is good for softer playing at the same time.

So...I'd choose A Custom...except if you're the one in the "Z-case" I described.

[DoubleBassUrFace]

Depends on what finish and sound you like.
to my knowledge. z-customs are heavier and darker.
a customs are brighter.
a series nice, but i cant really describe them cuz i havent played them.
z-customs and a-customs have brilliant finished.
a series has both i think.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

i think either would suit your needs, but personally i think the a customs sound way better. much more musical.

[Drummerboy3940]

Definately A Customs. They are so versatile.

[cheen]

I think no question the A Custom is superior.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

I'm going to pretty much agree with what everyone else has said. There is a lot of marketing hype surrounding the thickness of the Z Customs and therefore how unlikely they are to break. It's pure hype, a thick cymbal can't flex and therefore absorbs much, much more impact than a thinner cymbal will. Hence why an A Custom may paradoxically (it seems) last longer if you're hitting hard.

Then it comes down to a musicality issue. Several forum members (including TitanSound) have remarked that the Z Custom can 'only' be hit hard. That is to say, it will only work at one dynamic level and when hit softly; it won't sound good at all. Z Customs are rather one-dimensional, thick, heavy noisemakers. If you like that sound, go for it but I honestly think you'll be more satisfied with the wider versatility and range of the A Custom. Plus you won't have to keep hitting it so hard, which can only be good for your wrist.

[justingrillz]

thanx everyone for your help everyone :D

[Stu_Strib]

Z's have no dynamic range at all...they are either on or off basically. I've seen more returned cracked Zs than any other model as well (probably a combo of the "hype" of thickness and the type of guy who buys into that hype, and how hard they bash that cymbal).

[Hemiola86]

i'd suggest checking out the sabian AAX series, i found that these were better for "harder" and projected better than the A customs, but still able to do whatever i wanted to do with them. if you're sticking with zildjian, definitely follow with what the others have said - go with the a's.

[AronMapex]

A custom .

[Tom B.]

I'd go with the A Customs. They are much more versataile, I really don't like the Z customs...

[tmv31]

I like both, they sound good in their styles. The a custom will (like everyone has previously stated) be more versatile, I might suggest something along the lines of an a custom projection crash (medium-thin) or even closer to the z customs(but with a better tone) an a custom medium crash. Both of those should project plenty, but also have a dynamic range. Tell us which one you choose.

[my sacred music]

i would go with the a custom medium crash in a larger size say 18" or 19"
being a thicker cymbals and larger you''ll have to give a good smack but i would def go for a customs.

just my $.2 i would recommend going to a music store and trying the z customs and the a customs and see which you prefer.

[emmerson]

z customs i personally dont like but a customs are always great

[RFEDrummer]

I have owned 3 different Z custom medium crashes (18" and 2 x 16") and they were loud but had no musicality and were absolutety useless when used at lower levels, they were also terrible to ride on and to top it off they broke within 6-8 months of use, the whole toughest cymbals you can buy is bull, my K dark medium thin crash is much more durable than my Z's ever were.

As for the a customs, a few months ago I purchased a 20" A custom medium crash and it is by far one of the best crash cymbal purchases ive ever made, sure itll set you back more than the Z, but it is louder, more musical, can be played in the low dynamic range, and sounds great as a ride too, If i were you i'd go for the A customs, i play everything from jazz to hip hop to hardcore and it fits in everything no problem.

to make a long story short, get the A custom...

[fusssion]

sorry if this has been posted before. i searched and i cant find a straight answer. i play alot of metal, hardcore i dont hit hard but i dont exactly hit light either. i was leaning towards the z custom 19" crash because it is cheaper and it is directed more for rock.. what do you think? should i spend the extra money and get an a custom? thanx.


How about calling a local guitar center, and going there to here them for yourself. Call the drum manager,.......have him grab what they have and set them up for you in the cymbal room (if they have a kit,...the larger stores have kits inside the cymbal room) ....regardless, HIT THEM FOR YOURSELF.......see what you think.

I personally never liked the Z custom.....I had a couple A customs and liked them a lot,....but since going to all Saluda......well that's another subject! :)

A CUSTOM for me........but its' YOUR EARS

[syaoran05]

a custom.

z customs sound like planet z's