1980s Zildjian cymbals

[mshilarious]

I'm checking out this auction here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150120615065

I think I remember that line of cymbals from my HS band days, but I'm intrigued by the comments that it sounds between modern A and K series. I always told myself I wanted a K ride, but lately I'm thinking I could use something a hair brighter and definitely classic sounding, because I want to do some surf tunes, albeit dark, brooding surf tunes. So this cymbal seems like it might fit the bill.

Any experience/reactions/other suggestions I know I don't want a modern A series . . .

 

[MadHatterTCM]

I would hit it up dude. Old zildjians are pretty much the only ones I like besides some of the K series.

If bright is the way you want to ride though look into paiste 2002's or even meinl cymbals.

To me the "bright" zildjians just sound like clanky metal with no sustain or lack of a wash. But I guess that's some peoples thing..

 

[breeeeza]

looks the same as the avedis cymbals, same colour etc..

 

[giraffe]

dark, brooding surf tunes.

hehehehehehehehehehehe

 

[zacanger]

I've got a ride and crash that are like that, and the store below where I work has another crash like it. Definitely look into it, they sound amazing. Every band that comes through the Ballroom that uses our kit loves those cymbals.

 

[mshilarious]

looks the same as the avedis cymbals, same colour etc..

yeah, that was my reaction. My problem is that I remember the Zildjians drummers had back then simply as "cymbals". In my mind, that is a very medium tone. Everybody either had those, or they had cheap crappy cymbals. I don't recall all the 100 flavors of cymbals you can get now being available in the '80s.

But I do know I don't like the new A crash rides . . . I guess I will probably take a chance on this one if it stays cheap . . .

 

[c0r1n]

It's not much of a ride. I played that model for many years. It's an OK crash, but nothing special. Not a good blend of the two. Certainly no "K-ness" to be had. Pretty average all around. However, if you can score it for under $50, and you like medium Zildjian As, you'll no doubt get your money's worth.

 

[hoops]

The Zildjains I have are from the late 70's. I find them dark and loud.

 

[mrface2112]

yeah, the Avedis line were what were to become the A series but they aren't as good as modern day A's. As you seem to remember, they were very general, standard, run of the mill cymbals. Better than the cheapies of the day, but not by a lot.

I've got one of these exact 18in crash rides (although mine's a little more (ab)used).

i'd describe it as "not very good sounding". it's loud, clangy, abrasive and not very sweet sounding. it's not a "fast" cymbal--takes a while for the crash to develop. it's great for punk/thrash where you'd just beat the snot out of it and not really care how it sounds, but i'd hesitate to use it for surf or anything where you want a well-defined "ping".

i hang it when i'm doing something that needs that bonham kind of sound where the crashes are slow and deep sounding rather than the "get in, get out" fast punch that my regular crashes have.

the problem with crash rides is that most of them do neither one very well....and this one does both pretty poorly. but like some others have said, if you can get it on the cheap you might find *some* use for it.


cheers,
wade

 

[mrface2112]

always told myself I wanted a K ride, but lately I'm thinking I could use something a hair brighter and definitely classic sounding, because I want to do some surf tunes

i've got a 20in K Custom Dark and it's a BEAUTIFUL sounding ride. subdued, great stick definition, nice bell and wonderful wash. it crashes pretty nicely too.

Like you, i had ALWAYS wanted a K ride, and when i heard this one, i knew it was "the one"--it's the ride sound i've always been looking for. it's great for a LOT of things--even rock......but it's also the wrong cymbal for some things.

The perfect contrast to this one is the Sabian Paragon ride. It sounds like an old A Zildjian. 22in, heavy as hell, aggressive, nice definition, clear cutting bell, smooth wash. definitely the cymbal i'd pick for doing surf and such. from the sounds of it, the Paragon might be close to what you're looking for.

unfortunately, much like snares and guitars, one ride can't quite do it all. you'll either need to find one that does everything "ok" but nothing exceptionally well.......one that does a lot of things great but misses on others.......or buy a couple that cover all of the ground very well. i know that probably no one but me listens to the ride cymbal, but it's easy to tell when it doesn't "fit".


cheers,
wade