Zildjian K Cluster Crash 16" Effects Crash Cymbal
The K Cluster Crash 16" is a thin effects crash cymbal, hammered in clusters, that gives a "dirty", trashy sound with a fast attack. It is for the drummer who wants a colour unlike the usual crashes, rougher, without going all the way to a china.
What sets it apart
- An alternative, trashy and "dirty" sound
- Distinctive cluster hammer pattern
- Thin, for a fast attack
- Unlathed bell
Cluster hammering
Instead of marks spread over the whole surface, the K Cluster gets groups of close-set strikes that combine traditional K hammering with a more modern style. Zildjian presents this pattern as the source of its "dirty" grain, a way to stretch the K family toward effects sounds.
The edgiest of the three sizes
The K Cluster comes in 16", 18" and 20". The 16" is the brightest (6) and driest on the Sound Lab, with definition and sustain of 5: a rough, fast accent that clears out before muddying the rest. Its raw, unlathed bell adds a more direct attack.
Specifications
| Diameter | 16" |
|---|---|
| Weight | Thin |
| Bell | Unlathed |
| Series | K Zildjian |
| Brightness | 6/10 |
| Dryness | 2/10 |
| Definition | 5/10 |
| Sustain | 5/10 |
What it's for
- An effects accent in modern rock or pop
- A second crash with a rough colour
- Live electronic music, for a rawer sound
Compared with other manufacturers
These 16" crashes from other makers also offer an unusual colour:
| Manufacturer | Model | Diameter | Stated character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zildjian | K Cluster Crash | 16" | Dirty, trashy, fast |
| Sabian | HHX X-Treme Crash | 16" | Thin |
| Sabian | HHX Complex Thin Crash | 16" | Thin |
| Paiste | PST X Swiss Flanger Crash | 16" | Light, short sustain |
Frequently asked questions
- What does hammering do to a cymbal?
- It shapes the sound. Zildjian explains that irregular hammering lowers the profile and pitch, darkens the overtones, and makes the sound drier and warmer. The K Cluster's clusters push that effect toward a deliberately dirty grain.
- K Cluster 16", 18" or 20"?
- The 16" is the liveliest (brightness 6, sustain 5). The 18" is more defined (7); the 20" the lowest (4) and longest (7). For a short effect, the 16"; for a main trashy crash, the 18" or 20".
- K Cluster or K Custom Cluster: same thing?
- Zildjian places the K Cluster Crash in the K Zildjian line, not in the K Customs. The exact model name is therefore "K Cluster Crash".
Avis clients
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