A Customs, Used once....any recommendations?

[PacifRick]

I have been a drummer for many years, in and out of playing as I went off to school and most recently working. I have started playing again with a band and will be gigging probably starting in the spring. I bought a Pacific FS Birch kit, added Evans G2 batter heads (EMAD on bass) and unfortunately bought Zildjian ZHT rock cymbals without researching completely before hand. I have also recently replaced the stock snare with a 1968 Supraphonic ('tis sweeeet). So after all, I LOVE my kit, all except for the cymbals. They aren't terrible, they just aren't what I want now after playing them for a while.

Now, after reading through many threads here at this wonderful website, I have somewhat decided to boot out the ZHT's in exchange for some A customs. I am determined to buy used as is well preached around here, but it looks like my only choice to find a deal will be through ebay. Craiglist in my area is somewhat non-existent as far as music equipment is concerned, and only one rinky-dink music store that would be a miracle to see used cymbals in. Considering all, I have found this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Zildjian-A-Custom-Cymbal-Box-Set-w-FREE-18-Fast-Crash_W0QQitemZ380096441760QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_D efaultDomain_0?hash=item380096441760&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|2 93:1|294:50

Any ideas on whether or not this is reasonable ? I realize that I could shop around and save maybe a few dollars on more used cymbals individually, but I am almost ready to click Buy. I just wanted to chime in and see what you guys think because I know you want to help! This pack would give me exactly what I need now, and could easily be expanded later. Thanks ahead of time!

[jimmyakaspanky]

Considering the box set is nearly $750 on Musicians friend, I'm guessing it's an alright deal.
Also, I have a 14" A custom, never used if you want to add another one.
I'm selling it for $125 OBO.
I might be willing to put it on eBay if you're interested.

[rmandelbaum]

I personally would never buy a cymbal without playing it first.

[mugglesport]

Good advice for cymbals close to retail. Every cymbal sounds different.

I do buy vintage cymbals off ebay unheard if the price is right. I unload the ones I don't like on craigslist. The key is not to pay more than you can sell for. I've tried many cymbals this way and found a few winners. I've even made a small profit on some.

Wayne

What do you typically pay / sell vintage cymbals for? Do you use an X dollars per inch figure or is it more of on an individual basis?

Such as, "a good price for vintage zildjians is $5/per inch" (or $100 for a 20" cymbal)

[remoking]

I use mostly A customs in my setup right now, and they're great. I agree with rmandelbaum though...I would play them first.

[Ian]

A Customs are great, but like everyone else, I would play before I buy.

I notice, especially with Zildjian, how some expensive cymbals can just be duds. I have played a 16" A Custom right next to an 18" A Custom, both thin, and the 16" had a lower pitch than the 18". If you ask me, this is poor construction and quality control.

[PacifRick]

Thanks for the help guys! I have taken what everyone has said for consideration. I agree, my only concern was not being able to hear them first. Considering what I stated above about my situation in this area, I really don't have a choice to hear them first. It would almost be easier to win the lottery than for me to stumble upon decent used cymbals in my area (within short driving distance) to where I could personally check them out. I feel though, that if that are not satisfactory to my ears, I could still get my money back out of them.

On a side note, what would be a reasonable asking price for a set of ZHT Rock, used but in excellent condition (need fingerprints removed only)?
14" Rock hats
16" Rock crash
18" Rock crash
20" Rock ride

Maybe $200-$250?



Thanks again!

[PacifRick]

Sorry double post.........

[shoedaddy]

If you really have no choice, that is a good price for what is essentially a new (or nearly new) set of A Customs. I agree with what the others say about the value of trying them first, especially with Zildjian. Paiste makes its reputation on making cymbals that sound exactly the same within a model line, but Zildjians tend, by design, to have more variation (some would say personality). Having said that, A Customs are great cymbals and, even allowing for the variation, they're going to be light years ahead of what you have. If you don't have the option of trying a million different cymbals out, that looks like a pretty good deal.

[PacifRick]

ZXT. Puke
Not in the same ballpark

I will overlook the fact that your comments do not help answer any of my concerns. I'm not asking whether or not to buy ZHT cymbals, rather, trying to replace them. So if you have anything to help me in MY situation, I would love to hear it. Either way, they are ZHT, not ZXT, and they are far better than the ZXT according to my ear. Either way, still not remotely close to cast cymbals which is why I am looking at the A customs.

Shoedaddy, thanks for your insight!

[wloeb]

I I get it, You are selling the ZHT's, I thought you were going to buy another set.
Sorry
Wayne

[PacifRick]

I I get it, You are selling the ZHT's, I thought you were going to buy another set.
Sorry
Wayne

No problem, maybe if my first post wasn't so lengthy it might have been read more thoroughly!

BTW you didn't have to delete all of your comments. I just took your puke comment originally as a direct insult, no problems otherwise.

[dkerwood]

A Customs are an acquired taste, especially in the hats and ride. I like their crashes, but even those are starting to tire my ear out- pretty bright and dry. I'm moving ever more toward K's and HH and moving away from A Custom and AA. Actually, I'm even heading more toward hand crafted cymbals rather than machine crafted...

Is it possible for you to try SOME A Customs before you buy these? Although Zildjians certainly do have a lot of personality between pies, you'll at least be able to hear the character of the rides, hats, etc. If not, it's still a pretty good price.

[PacifRick]

Yes, I have played them a few times, ending up being jealous of the owner! Actually, I have always liked their sound, especially recorded which I will also be using them for. I always figured on adding some K's in the mix as well.

I have vintage 60's Avedis zildjian hats/crash/ride that I refuse to play on. For one, I am afraid of gigging with them (getting damaged or stolen), and they are just a bit too dark for my taste. I realize the A customs will be up for the same punishment, but it won't be nearly as sentimental as the vintage pies.

I am beginning to consider more and more just buying one cymbal at a time, seems like I might find better deals this way. But the set linked above is a fair price in my opinion...who knows! Thanks again to everyone.

[drumhead61]

Yes, I have played them a few times, ending up being jealous of the owner! Actually, I have always liked their sound, especially recorded which I will also be using them for. I always figured on adding some K's in the mix as well.

I have vintage 60's Avedis zildjian hats/crash/ride that I refuse to play on. For one, I am afraid of gigging with them (getting damaged or stolen), and they are just a bit too dark for my taste. I realize the A customs will be up for the same punishment, but it won't be nearly as sentimental as the vintage pies.

I am beginning to consider more and more just buying one cymbal at a time, seems like I might find better deals this way. But the set linked above is a fair price in my opinion...who knows! Thanks again to everyone.


I have been looking at the A customs as well and for what you are getting in that offer it is a good price...I personally prefer the mastersound hats over those and that is what keeps me from going for an offer like that, but it is a good price.

Best of Luck and Welcome to the Forum!!!

[wloeb]

I have vintage 60's Avedis zildjian hats/crash/ride that I refuse to play on. For one, I am afraid of gigging with them (getting damaged or stolen), and they are just a bit too dark for my taste. I realize the A customs will be up for the same punishment, but it won't be nearly as sentimental as the vintage pies.
.


What do you do with them if you don't play them. If you like 60's Zildjians and you want them on the brighter side you are in luck. The thin ones tend to be darker and the med to heavy ones are brighter but not as bright as modern A's.

60's A. Zildjians on the heavier side are some of the best bargains availible on ebay today. You can get a Ride, Crash and hats for around $300.

[PacifRick]

What do you do with them if you don't play them. If you like 60's Zildjians and you want them on the brighter side you are in luck. The thin ones tend to be darker and the med to heavy ones are brighter but not as bright as modern A's.

60's A. Zildjians on the heavier side are some of the best bargains availible on ebay today. You can get a Ride, Crash and hats for around $300.

To be honest I do play them, just not on my new kit. I actually have them surrounding my red sparkle 1968 Ludwigs. These (cymbals and ludwigs) were a gift from my dad. He still uses them very rarely, although he gave them to me years ago. Obviously, I don't get too wild on this set anymore, even though I used to as a teenager. I will use the cymbals for various recording projects, but I actually like the sound of my newest kit better, just preference I suppose.

As far as the A customs go, I am dead set on them rather than anything else. As stated, I already have a more traditional setup, so the customs will go with my more modern setup.

Thank for the welcome drumhead61, I too have the same reservations, but I think I can live will the standard hats.

[PacifRick]

To make things more clear, my dad and I share his basement/studio for all of our musical needs. We have 2 acoustic drum sets, 1 electronic set, many guitars, many amps, and a full blown studio. We mostly have the studio for fun, but we try to help out locals as they need it as long as it isn't too time consuming. Sometimes I get on guitar and he gets on the ludwigs for a while. Then he gets on guitar/keys and I get on the ludwigs for a classic rock session. Then I switch to my new kit for a modern rock session all in fun. Then when my band practices I use my new setup as well. Just trying to help those trying to sort out my above posts about who/what plays what, when, why and..........yeah, all that!