A QUIET CRASH?

[CC Cirillo]

I realize the phrase “quiet crash” is contradictory....

I’m looking for suggestions for a larger Zildjian or Sabian crash cymbal that is quieter than most. An old 18 or 19 inch. Not practice cymbals like L80s or Quiet Tones, but an actual crash cymbal that is lower not only in tone but in volume, or, at least, perceived volume. Perhaps a thin that opens quickly that doesn’t require force.

Mellow but not trashy. Trashy crashes, to me, grab attention due to their apparent dissonance.

My only crash is an 18” K Custom Dark. Wonderful cymbal, just looking for something gentler than that [and mine is not an in-your-face crash by any means].

Is there a crash from these brands that stays away from vocals and acoustic guitar? Do I want thin in structure and dry in tone? Does such a crash exist? The Sabian FRX crash intrigues me but I haven’t been able to find any to play in person.

This would be paired with 15 inch K Light hats and one of three rides: a 20” K Flat, a 20” K Custom Dark, or an Uptown.

Your perceptions are valued. When I listen to crashes on line I just don’t feel I’m getting a proper representation of presence.

 

[JDA]

use a mallet
if you want really softer quieter gentler you need i recommend a bosphorus trad thin crash. no heavy machine were involved
i don't think z or s make anything as organic so..maybe time for a change

 

[varatrodder]

Istanbul Agop Traditional Dark

 

[& You Dont Stop]

I would recommend a Dream vintage bliss. The only reason I sold mine is because it couldn’t produce the volume equal to my Zildjian/Sabians on stage

 

[funkypoodle]

I find my Sabian HHX Evolutions work great in quieter settings. You'll get more if you lay into them more, but if you play in a controlled manner they are very easy to control & dark enough to not be uber aggressive.

 

[Deafmoon]

At one point in time, I sought out a similar type of sound. It turned out that what I was really going for without knowing it, was a crashable ride. But not one that was ringing to overshadow my ride stick playing. At that time, I found a used Paiste Traditional 18" Flat ride that fit the bill. It had just enough of a low crash for accents without overpowering my ride work when I went right back to it. I still play a flat today but I've moved to a 20". Recently I've heard the Renaissance rides in the K. Con series and they are just phenomenal for cutting in/out crashes within your sticking. Problem with the K.Cons is, most stores want your left lung in payment! Over $500 brand new and not likely you will find used at much lower.

 

[JimmySticks]

Agop’s dark ION series crashes are what I would call a quiet crash. I actually put that in my description when I sold mine. They open quickly, but they have a pretty quick decay and I found it easy to hit them for a “quiet” crash.

 

[james_c_marks]

Paiste 18” Sound Creation Short Crash, the one with the flat top bell. It’s louder than crashing a Flat, but not as “in your face” as a crash with a regular bell designed to fully amplify its sound.

 

[Bongo Brad]

I recommend looking for something with a small bell. I always think big belled cymbals project more.

 

[bassanddrum84]

Zildjian uptown ride 18”

 

[CSR]

I’d suggest a 16” or 18” Zildjian & Cie crash.

 

[aparker2005]

The crash of dooms have a very low tone and pretty quiet despite the name

 

[VinSparkle]

I agree. Zildjian Vintage A. Zildjian & Cie series. I had the 15” Crash at one point and it was quiet.

Also recommend Turkish Cymbals Classic Series paper thin crashes. My favorite 15”crash. Hand hammered, so a little more nuanced.

 

[Seb77]

I’d suggest a 16” or 18” Zildjian & Cie crash.

Those were beautiful, but I think they are hard to find.
I like the Evolution crash suggestion, played a 16" that way like butter, way lower pitched than its size suggested and uber-responsive.
In general, thin with a small bell. Those FRX(?) half-perforated Sabians seem like another first from them, a meatier, bigger cymbal with a lower output.

 

[CC Cirillo]

Zildjian uptown ride 18”

Haha. I like this suggestion as I already have one.

 

[bassanddrum84]

The crash of dooms have a very low tone and pretty quiet despite the name

Very quiet indeed I was super disappointed on how quiet it actually was when I got mine.

 

[bassanddrum84]

Haha. I like this suggestion as I already have one.

How do you like it? I’ve only played one in store never long enough to make a solid purchase of one.

 

[bob]

this is my quietest crash

 

[JDA]

An early A & Cie (the first 'brilliant' ) I found an 18" on ebay (back lots) for $60 and it's an 18" at 1445g was advertised as 'a ride' ...and it's a weird dark almost orchestral cymbal.. find one of those ; )
I'm going to hang on to it and maybe take it out this summer. The old "A & Cie" the 'first' brilliants are semi quiet.
"Brilliants" in general maybe (muted as the lathe lines (peaks) are buffed down (flat)

 

[Bongo Brad]

I agree the evolution opens up with a light hit. I could even get a crash out of mine with brushes. But it could get away from me really easily. And when hit hard it was loud. I had it paired with a k hybrid which always seemed softer. The k had a much smaller bell.