Zildjian 14" A-Custom Mastersound
Hi-Hat
- A Custom series
- Master Sound Hi-Hat
- Size: 14"
- Brilliant finish
- Played amongst others by Cyrus Bolooki, Bubba Bryant, Terri Lyne Carrington, Randy Cooke and Aynsley Dunbar
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Available since June 2003
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Item number 161918
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Hand Hammered Yes
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Finish Brilliant, Glossy
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Alloy B20 Bronze
A Custom hi-hat with a hammered edge
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 14" Mastersound Hi-Hat combines a Medium Bottom cymbal with a slightly lighter top cymbal, much like the standard A Custom model, but features a hammered outer edge on the bottom cymbal. This allows air to escape more quickly, producing particularly crisp chicks alongside a generally more present overall sound.
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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.
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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.
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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. For example, pairing a bright A Custom Hi-Hat with the similarly thin but darker and more complex cymbals of the K Series can produce particularly appealing results. More adventurous combinations can also be highly effective when the drummer knows how to make deliberate use of each cymbal's individual musical characteristics.
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