A Custom Projection Series

[Hide]

I don't see lot of people using these cymbals...Am I the only one to enjoy my 20'' A Projection crash and my 17'' A projection crash?

Do you like them/ dislike them and why?

[evans_69]

there pretty cool.. i prefer the normal a custom crash.. but the projection has its place.i have 5 crashes and only one is a zildjian but i do like the a custom it has a certain trashy side to it which i like.....loads of people use em check www.zildjian.com... i know the linkin park drummer uses them.

[JumpMan]

I've got a 16". Its quite nice. It seems heavier to me that the other crashes I've used. I don't really know what I'm talking about, but it seems sturdier.

[Hide]

anything else...pupilles?

[jollymosher]

The ones i have played make me think they were just made to be really loud and not have much of a musical quality to them. they can sound good in heavy punk or metal i would guess.

[somedrummer]

I basically see them at every measly little local band metal/hardcore/etc... show that I've ever gone to, which has pretty much steered me away from them. I think they are that kind of "one dimensional" sound that steers people away from, say, Z Customs. Not to the same extent, but there is still some of that about them.

[moe.ron]

i thought carter beauford used some for awhile. maybe just the ride i don't really remember

[jollymosher]

he might of, it would sound good in his music! i would use it if i were him!

[TitanSound]

I think they are that kind of "one dimensional" sound that steers people away from, say, Z Customs. Not to the same extent, but there is still some of that about them.

I would not say this about them at all. They may not have as much versitility as the regular A Custom line because of the slightly heavier weight but I find my 17" to be far from one dimensional. They cut through the music but can be used in a much lower volume application too.

[ENRICO]

I don't like a customs because :the crashes sound too thin and splashy and the rides and the hi hats are too brigth .I only like the splashes.

[Avalanche]

I myself use the Projection 14" Hi-hats, wasn't to fond of the crashes though.

They're really good in most applications, acoustic or miked, they can be loud and roaring or a gentle tsss-tsss. Very good pies, and sit beautifully with my A custom medium crash and K custom hybrid ride!

[remoking]

I've got an 18" A Custom Projection crash. I love it. It's suuuuper thick and heavy, but it opens up just right with pop music....very bright with lots of sustain.

[eddiehimself]

I basically see them at every measly little local band metal/hardcore/etc... show that I've ever gone to, which has pretty much steered me away from them. I think they are that kind of "one dimensional" sound that steers people away from, say, Z Customs. Not to the same extent, but there is still some of that about them.

That's a stupid thing to say. I mean they work well with that genre but they're also a lot more versitile too. I've got the 17" projection crash and it's a lot better than a z custom since you don't have to muder it to get a good sound out of it.

[cjl71178]

i have quite a few a custom cymbals...as a matter of fact, my latest cymbal setup consists of all a customs.

i remember when they first came out. their "regular" crashes were thin. since then they released the fast (paper thin), projection (med thin) and the medium (medium) series.

when i was purchasing my last zildjian setup, i spoke with my main man Phil from the Long Island Drum Center in NY and some guys from zildjian. i've been a fan of the regular "a" series cymbals, but the "brilliant" finish.

nowadays, hardly any of the a "brillians" are available...meaning if you want a "brilliant" finish cymbal, they want you to go with the a customs.

i like mine, no complaints here!

[jer]

I like them, (I use a 16 and 18, will be replacing the 16 with a 17 soon...). Great attack and volume, they give a good wash when rode (hard). I enjoy the throaty sound without being gong like.

My only critique is that stick definition is on the washy side and bells aren't great for accents, I wouldn't bring them to a jazz gig.

[gibeachhead]

I will be buying an A custom projection 17" very soon. The reason I am buying it is primarily for use during heavier songs. I think it is versatile, but really stands out in the heavier rock/metal songs.

[gibeachhead]

Well I am still debating.........17" A Custom Crash or 17" A Custom Projection crash? I can't decide, they both sound so nice!!! Would the thickness of the projection be consider stronger? (I have heard that makes it brittle and more susceptible to cracking when hit hard, and I have also heard that it does not), etc....that will prob be the deciding factor.

Opinions?

[PlaysforFun]

I play a 19" projection with a 18" AAX plosion and it is very musical. I don't understand the comment about it being one dimensional. I find that not to be the case whatsoever.

I'll sell you my 19" if your considering it. Mint condition.

[PlaysforFun]

Well I am still debating.........17" A Custom Crash or 17" A Custom Projection crash? I can't decide, they both sound so nice!!! Would the thickness of the projection be consider stronger? (I have heard that makes it brittle and more susceptible to cracking when hit hard, and I have also heard that it does not), etc....that will prob be the deciding factor.

Opinions?

Man don't even worry about cracking a cymbal. Cymbals only crack if you abuse them. If your striking them in the proper manner it will never be a problem. I've been playing for 20 or so years and have never cracked a cymbal.
Guys that say they have need to learn how to strike a cymbal properly.

[gibeachhead]

Man don't even worry about cracking a cymbal. Cymbals only crack if you abuse them. If your striking them in the proper manner it will never be a problem. I've been playing for 20 or so years and have never cracked a cymbal.
Guys that say they have need to learn how to strike a cymbal properly.

Thanks for the reassurance. I don't usually worry about that.......just getting anxious before the big purchase :).

[DrumEatDrum]

I don't see lot of people using these cymbals...Am I the only one to enjoy my 20'' A Projection crash and my 17'' A projection crash?

Do you like them/ dislike them and why?

I have a 20" A Custom Projection crash.

I think most people thought I was weird for wanting a 20" crash, but I love it.

[DrumEatDrum]

Well I am still debating.........17" A Custom Crash or 17" A Custom Projection crash? I can't decide, they both sound so nice!!! Would the thickness of the projection be consider stronger? (I have heard that makes it brittle and more susceptible to cracking when hit hard, and I have also heard that it does not), etc....that will prob be the deciding factor.

Opinions?

The projection will project better (hehe) which is better for rock, or any time you need volume.

The regular A custom is more designed for studio work or quiet gigs.

But it's all personnel preference.

[jer]

Well I am still debating.........17" A Custom Crash or 17" A Custom Projection crash? I can't decide, they both sound so nice!!! Would the thickness of the projection be consider stronger? (I have heard that makes it brittle and more susceptible to cracking when hit hard, and I have also heard that it does not), etc....that will prob be the deciding factor.

Opinions?

After playing (and cracking), both a 17" and 18" A Custom, I decided to go with the Projection series. Not sure if it makes a difference regarding if it's more durable or not, but it my experiance, I tend to go through thin cymbals faster than I do thicker.


Man don't even worry about cracking a cymbal. Cymbals only crack if you abuse them. If your striking them in the proper manner it will never be a problem. I've been playing for 20 or so years and have never cracked a cymbal.
Guys that say they have need to learn how to strike a cymbal properly.

The thing that confuses me is that my 14" AAX Studio crash has seen the same kind of abuse as a 16" AAX Studio, 2 x 17" AAX Studio, 17" A Custom, 18" A Custom and an 18" Zildjian marching cymbal (super heavy) that all cracked, yet this thing remains in great shape. If I somehow still haven't figured out how to strike a cymbal properly, why is this cymbal still in great shape?

Guys that say they've been playing for 20 years and have never broken a cymbal hit like wimps.

:)

[PlaysforFun]

Guys that say they've been playing for 20 years and have never broken a cymbal hit like wimps.

:)

ROFL...that was a good one.

I don't know I'm 6'2" 210lbs. and have always been a hard hitter. I do use 5a sticks and not tree branches like some people. I also tilt my cymbals towards me, instead of the "flat look" that seems to be the newest fad. I've owned 100 cymbals over the years and have never had an issue....never had a keyholing issue either.

[eddiehimself]

After playing (and cracking), both a 17" and 18" A Custom, I decided to go with the Projection series. Not sure if it makes a difference regarding if it's more durable or not, but it my experiance, I tend to go through thin cymbals faster than I do thicker.




The thing that confuses me is that my 14" AAX Studio crash has seen the same kind of abuse as a 16" AAX Studio, 2 x 17" AAX Studio, 17" A Custom, 18" A Custom and an 18" Zildjian marching cymbal (super heavy) that all cracked, yet this thing remains in great shape. If I somehow still haven't figured out how to strike a cymbal properly, why is this cymbal still in great shape?

Guys that say they've been playing for 20 years and have never broken a cymbal hit like wimps.

:)

I disagree. I hit really heavy with big sticks and i used to smash down right on the edge of the cymbal with the shoulder of the stick. I used to think "YEAH MAN THIS SOUNDS WAY GOOD!!!!" But when my z custom started to crack i've started to hit it on the edge with the tip and not only has it stopped cracking further, i also actually think it sounds better. The thing is that it doesn't matter about the weight of the cymbal, they'll still crack if you abuse them. I would also think that a marching cymbal is really not designed for stick work. Just because you don't crack 1 cymbal doesn't mean it somehow means your cymbal technique is not really bad. It'll probably go eventually.

[jer]

I would also think that a marching cymbal is really not designed for stick work. Just because you don't crack 1 cymbal doesn't mean it somehow means your cymbal technique is not really bad. It'll probably go eventually.

The marching cymbal was actually quite awesome as a kit crash, big sound, great stick definition and a bell that could cut like no other, it lasted me a good 5 years or so (after I got my hands on it, it was prolly an early 80's, I had it maybe 10 years ago now?). I was sad to see it go.

lol, I've actually not broken more than the 1 cymbal, I used it as a reference as it was on my kit for the longest period of time. Bad technique or not, I'm always curious as to why some cymbals will last me 15 years, others go in 6 months. Have been playing 5a's since forever.

Back to the topic at hand though...

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b226/jeremydrury/newsecks-1.jpg

I like A Customs.

[henhog]

I've got a projection ride - its heavy and has a nice ping and stick definition but not that annoying type like the Z Customs. In fact it's pretty versatile. The bell is amazing The only annoying thing is the sustain - it goes for like 5 minutes. anyway - i use it in a rock/pop context along with standard A custom crashes and when I'm with my jazz band i'll switch over to either my K Constantinople or my old Stagg 'Dirt' ride - i buried it - sounds cool!

[gibeachhead]

Got the 17" projection today. Sounds damn fine. This is my first high quality crash cymbal. All my other cymbals have been upgraded over the past year, but I never upgraded my Paiste 201 bronze crashes because they sounded damn fine to me.

The Projection I think works great with my set, it has the same thickness as the Paiste 201bronze. It sounds bright (but a bit deeper than the a custom), the sound is very rich. The only thing is that it feels different when I hit it, because the end of the cymbal arcs and the Paiste are just flat. So I have to get use to the feeling, but overall I am pleasantly pleased. And I will be upgrading my 16" and 18" Paiste sometime this year :D.

By the way, does anyone have both in their set? An A custom and an A custom Projection? I was thinking about when I do upgrade it that I would get a 16" a custom Projection and an 18" A Custom regular (as I don't like the deepness in tone of the 18" projection).

[eddiehimself]

The only thing is that it feels different when I hit it, because the end of the cymbal arcs and the Paiste are just flat. So I have to get use to the feeling, but overall I am pleasantly pleased. And I will be upgrading my 16" and 18" Paiste sometime this year :D.

That's one really bad thing about the A customs, where it sort of comes down in the middle there is a little ring and you would not BELIEVE the number of A customs in my local drum shop sat on the floor with huge cracks on that line where it is thinner. The outer part literally just starts to seperate from the inner part of the cymbal. Personally i think it's a bit of a design flaw.

[Guz2]

Doesn't Lars Ulrich use A Custom Projection crashes? I really don't like the sound of them on Death Magnetic, they're too high-pitched

[gibeachhead]

Dpesn#t Lars Ulrich use A Custom Projection crashes? I really don't like the sound of them on Death Magnetic, they're too high-pitched

Yes he does, but they don't sound exactly like they do on Death Magnetic. They sound different when you play them yourself. They don't sound as high pitched like they do on the recording, maybe they altered the sound of the drums a bit (who knows, do we know for sure that he used Projections on D. Magnetic?). But if you think they are high pitched, then the A customs would be even more high-pitched. Lars does hit the shit out of his cymbals though. Either way don't worry, they sound amazing!

That's one really bad thing about the A customs, where it sort of comes down in the middle there is a little ring and you would not BELIEVE the number of A customs in my local drum shop sat on the floor with huge cracks on that line where it is thinner. The outer part literally just starts to seperate from the inner part of the cymbal. Personally i think it's a bit of a design flaw.

I can see that happening. All the A customs at the drum shop yesterday had that ring where it comes down, it was visible on all. But the sound is so rich and nice, I hope it won't crack on me (crosses fingers).

[drumhead61]

I like a whole lot of A customs that I am saving for a whole lot of them to outfit my kit all at once...I LOVE THEM. What I am saving to get:

8in A Custom splash
10in A custom splash
14in A custom mastersound hats
18in A custom EFX
20in A custom rezo crash
20in A custom ping ride

heard them all live and WANT them...in time!

[Drifter in the Dark]

I have a 20" A Custom Projection crash.

I think most people thought I was weird for wanting a 20" crash, but I love it.

I'm normally not a big fan of A Custom crashes, but I played a 19 inch crash (regular weight-- thin) at my local music store a few weeks ago, and it sounded divine!

[Guz2]

I've just listened to some sound samples from the Zildjian site and I don't particularly like them. But I'm a Paiste person anyway

[Strangelove]

If I'm not mistaken, I heard that Guitar Center was having a good sale on these cymbals for this weekend only. I will check it out and report back tommorrow.

[gibeachhead]

If I'm not mistaken, I heard that Guitar Center was having a good sale on these cymbals for this weekend only. I will check it out and report back tommorrow.

Please let us know what you find out!

[larryace]

yeah color me not fond of the projections, not my cup of tea

[Strangelove]

GC is doing 55 percent off MSRP through tomorrow.

[Strangelove]

Yeah just figuring in my head at the prices they have listed on their site, MSRP of their most expensive crash is $495. 55 percent of that sb around $270 off, making it go for about $225. They are priced at $284 on their website, so that makes for a good $59 savings - excellent for a professional cymbal of this caliber.

[gibeachhead]

Yeah just figuring in my head at the prices they have listed on their site, MSRP of their most expensive crash is $495. 55 percent of that sb around $270 off, making it go for about $225. They are priced at $284 on their website, so that makes for a good $59 savings - excellent for a professional cymbal of this caliber.

Thanks again for the heads up!

Went in today and got what I needed!