Zildjian A series or Z series??

[philmurphy10]

I am upgrading my crash cymbals.

any suggestions?

i've heard good things about the A series and the Z series. any advice and recommendations would be much appreciated.

thanks!!

[cjl71178]

It all depends on what type of music you're primarily playing. The Z's are designed for more harder rock/metal situations...their crashes are explosive and loud. However, you can't go wrong with the A's, I have a bunch of A's in both of my setups. The A Customs are nice too (I have some of them as well). If you're looking for an all-around cymbal, definately the a's or a customs.

I'd suggest getting out to a music store or drum shop that carries both brands so you can try some out.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

the z series is basically a one trick pony: they're meant to be played LOUD

i think you'll find As or a customs to be a bit more versatile.

[Deathmetalconga]

I only play A Customs: 13 hats, 20 ping ride, 8 splash, 12 splash, 17 crash, 18 China. I love the versatility and musicality of the line. However, they aren not ideal for high-volume situations and they are somewhat expensive. Look at your own situation and then decide.

[ege_the_drummer]

Wow its been a while......

Now back to the topic. Like the others have said, it really depends on what kind of music you play. My personal choice would be to go with the A's, mainly beause their much more versatile. I tend to play jazz, funk, and rock so the A's suit me as a good all-around cymbal. Z's are ment to be hit hard and played in a loud rock setting (not mainstream rock or soft rock...more like metal).

Just my $0.02

[Drummer Karl]

Mhhh, I would prefer the A series...but also depends on the style you`re playing.
Though I find that the Avedis line is so versatile. It is just that traditional sound. the rock Rides, Rock crashes, hats sound heavy, great for Rock music, higher pitched but mainly with that hint of traditional sound. The typical Avedis sound.
Z cymbals sound rather high pitched, pingy, "modern", clean. I don`t like that mechanical sound very much...

How much do you wanna invest in those cymbals?

Karl

[figure_02]

Well my friend, do you want terrible sounding trashcan-lids or musical and versatile cymbals? Your choice.

[hauk]

like the others, i'd say A. more professional, versatile, etc

[hardrocker74]

I would have to say the a's! i have a couple a's and they are great! the z customs are good too...but they sound like tin!

[Cymbalrider]

A series will work for anything. Especially the bigger crashes. The Thin and Medium Thin work for anything. I can't imagine how loud the medium, rock weights are but if that's what you want... I've seen occasional Z Customs and these things are ridiculous, and not in a good way. You're better off with 18" or bigger A Zildjian Medium-Thin or Medium crashes. The Rock crashes aren't bad either, just really loud. The Z line gives you the sound of hitting a metal fence post. Also, the 18" crash/ride makes a fun cymbal for a loud crash and power ride.

[hawk9290]

A series any day over the Z series- even played loud, I still think the Z series sounds bad. Don't limit yourself just to Zildjian though! look around- sabian, meinl, bosphorous, istanbul, saluda, etc...

[FunkyJazzer]

Zildjian Planet Z series...*CLANG CLANG*

[Dr_Funky]

The A series is good and versatile, but I found them to be a bit more expensive than other cymbal brands.

On top of that, many fellow drummers have complained to me about how easily than break.

[autonomos]

Like everybody else, I'd pick As over Zs in a heartbeat. Don't like Zs at all really, even for the heaviest stuff. A rock crashes are the heaviest I think most would ever need. If you need more, go for the bigger sizes. As a side note, a 16" Z crash is one of the few cymbals I've ever broken in over 20 years of playing.

[Abstsbtsb]

Z'S! T0T411Y M3T4L!

I play thrash metal and love the way they work for me. But they only sound good for metal. If you isn't metal, dont buy them.

My dad uses A's and they are awesome cymbals for what he plays. He plays classic rock.

And to defend the Z's... They only sound good in loud settings. I love the way they punch through in my bands recordings. they are really great cymbals when used for what they are made for.

P.S. never buy Z hi-hats... Too loud for any music genre. quieter hi-hats are good in my opinion anyways. Hi-hats have a way of drowning out the snare during live setups anyways. Especially the way i pound on them!

[ammarolli]

The A line is more versatile then Z cust.
The Z is heavy loud line but the A Cymbals are more Musicals.

http://tinyurl.com/429sy4

[Vintagedrummer]

Aw come on folks....You left out these fine plates:

Pulse
Planet Z
Solar's

These beauty's have to be heard to really appreciate your new A's. Seriously, the A/A Customs would be the way to go.

Peace