Cracked Crash

[jcpc88]

Wad'up everybody!

I recently decided to go pro for my cymbals (Zildjian A 17'' Medium Crash & Zildjian A 14'' Fast Crash).

I bought my starter crash cymbals of ZBT's around 2 years ago, but I just cracked my 14'' ZBT. They've told me no to go with the A crashes, since they are Paper-Thin and Medium-Thin crashes, I will break them very fast.

My question is....do you think that the ZBT cracked because of the low-quality and the years of usage and the A Crashes will do just fine? Or should I get some crashes maybe a little more thick for the type of music I'll be playing (pop-rock, alternative rock)?

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

A medium or medium/thin crash should hold up just fine for the style of music you play.......providing you don't hit them like you're swinging a sledge hammer that is. Treat them with a little respect and they'll last you for years.

FWIW, I've always played similar styles to you, with a medium/thin A and never had a problem. I'm no basher....but I do "crash" them with a solid swipe and haven't had an issue.

[alparrott]

Part of the problem might also be that you're getting a 14" and a 17". 17", ok, maybe that'll put out some respectable volume, but a 14" is really an oversized splash. it doesn't put out enough volume for most crash applications, which means you whale on it harder to get it to speak at all, and next thing you know, they... break.

I use a 15" medium for some accents, but my other crashes are all 17" and larger to get more volume.

The other thing, too, is that the B20 that the As are made out of is a better and more forgiving alloy than the ZBT alloy, which is quite honestly more brittle and not made to last like the B20 is. They should last you longer so long as you don't mistreat them.

[jcpc88]

Thank you! Yeah, I'm no basher or treat cymbals like I'm hammering them, but I do play strong. Looks like the ZBT's are no good....

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Originally Posted by jcpc88

Looks like the ZBT's are no good....

Personally, I'll never be convinced that they are anything but complete junk designed to rip off the unsuspecting newbie.........but many dig 'em, or have few other options. To each his own.