To the page content

EFX Cymbal

  • A-Custom Series
  • Size: 16"
  • Brilliant finish
  • This special effects crash cymbal has a unique set of laser-cut holes and openings
  • This construction technique provides a fast, dry cymbal response that is perfect for punctual crash accentuation
  • Available since May 2010
  • Item number 248162
  • Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
  • Hand Hammered Cymbal No
  • Finish Brilliant, Glossy
  • Alloy B20 Bronze
£269
All prices incl. VAT
Available at short notice (usually 2-5 days)
1

A Custom effect, bright and dry

The Zildjian A Custom Series is a variation on the iconic A Series – as such, it belongs to one of the most widely played cymbal ranges in the world. Compared with the classic Avedis models, the generally thinner A Custom cymbals offer a brighter, exceptionally clean character. Their tonal qualities are further enhanced by the highly polished Brilliant Finish. The range itself covers a broad spectrum, including hi-hats and rides in various configurations, thin to medium crashes, and a selection of effects cymbals. The perforated EFX models are something of an exception within the range, with a trashier overall character. The 16" A Custom EFX is an interesting alternative to its darker counterparts in the K Series.

Zildjian 16" A-Custom EFX Cymbal

Precisely crafted B20 cymbals

Like all of the manufacturer's current cymbal lines, the Zildjian A Custom Series is produced entirely in the company's own factory in Norwell, Massachusetts. The cymbals are made from B20 bronze, the established standard in the premium segment and an alloy widely associated with a full, warm and complex character. Even more important to the sound of the A Custom Series, however, is the manufacturing process. Highly precise rotary hammering creates broader and flatter hammer marks than those found on the classic A Series. The cymbals are also more noticeably curved, while the lathing pattern adds particularly fine tonal grooves that further extend the upper frequency range. The wholly mechanical production process ensures tonal consistency throughout the series.

A custom all-rounder

As a modern variation of the classic Zildjian A Series, the cymbals of the A Custom range are also extremely versatile premium instruments. Tonally, they lean more towards Rock and Pop, while also enjoying a strong following among Metal drummers. The bright, present character of A Custom cymbals, often described as glassy, is particularly popular in studio environments and excels in modern, powerful productions that demand a pronounced and articulate top end. In this respect, the A Custom Series can be regarded as something of a counterpart to the darker and more complex-sounding K family.

Zildjian logo

About Zildjian

The Avedis Zildjian company is one of the world's oldest manufacturers of musical instruments. In addition to cymbals and gongs, the Zildjian range also includes drumsticks, percussion mallets, and accessories. The company's history dates back to 1618, when an Armenian, Avedis Zildjian, made his first cymbals from tin, copper, and silver near Constantinople. In the early 20th century, the company moved its headquarters to the United States, where a short time later the era of big bands and Swing music began. Zildjian worked closely with the most famous drummers of that era and over the decades earned an excellent reputation among Jazz drummers. Since Ringo Starr led the way more recently, Zildjian cymbals have also become increasingly popular among Rock drummers, and today the range includes cymbals for every conceivable genre, ranging from affordable entry-level cymbals to handmade models of the very highest quality.

Surface of the Zildjian 16" A-Custom EFX Cymbal

A benchmark for crisp articulation

The Zildjian A Custom Series was developed during the 1990s in collaboration with renowned drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa and many others) with the aim of creating a contemporary variation of the classic A Series. Today, A Custom cymbals are regarded as the benchmark for bright, clean cymbal sounds, making them suitable for virtually any style of music that benefits from a clear presence in the upper frequencies. While a complete A Custom setup is a popular choice, combining A Custom cymbals with other Zildjian series is equally common. One particularly popular approach is to pair A Custom effects with hi-hats and a ride from the classic A Series, creating a warmer overall foundation accented by crisp, articulate crash sounds. More adventurous combinations can also be highly effective when the drummer knows how to make deliberate use of each cymbal's individual musical characteristics.

35 Customer ratings

4.7 / 5

sound

quality

21 Reviews

R
Trashy crash cymbal
Robadope 18.12.2018
Very nice trashy sounding crash cymbal. I already have the 18" A Custom EFX which is one of the favorites in my set up.
I often use the 16" stacked on top of a 16" oriental trash. Lately I'm using it in my percussion set up.
sound
quality
0
0
Report

Report

f
sounds beautiful
fmatosic 25.03.2021
A crash with a snap of china
sound
quality
0
0
Report

Report

T
Zildjian A Custom EFX | Crashy, Trashy yet very very smooth
Thomas7957 10.02.2015
This cymbal is a perfect hybrid solution to a crash cymbal crossed with a china. With that, you benefit from the trashier side of the china, mixed in with the warm wash of a crash cymbal, which all works out rather well indeed.

This is a particularly smooth cymbal. The attack is progressive, leaving the decay & sustain, to just work accordingly.

What is really nice about this A Custom EFX 16" is that you can touch the cymbal very softly and still get a lovely understated shine as a response... in other words, you can use this at a very low level. That in itself is a plus over a china.
In addition, add a 6"/8" splash on the top, and you have yourself a pretty tasty stack!

Lovely cymbal. 100% Recommended.
sound
quality
0
0
Report

Report

AH
Just amazing!
Andrew Hedges aged 60.63yrs 18.02.2024
There are reasons you spend your 'hard-earned' on Zildjian cymbals; this is simply one of the many that exist. It's bright, brilliant, short, punchy, classily trashy, tonally engaging, complimentary to my set up and, best of all, makes me feel like I'm an improved player because of its existence.
sound
quality
0
0
Report

Report