K like an A Custom?

[galaxy08]

Maybe an odd question, but is there a 20” K ride cymbal that sounds similar to the A Custom line? I’m thinking a full, clean sounding ping with a nice big bell.

 

[JDA]

maybe back in 1989
or 1994

 

[galaxy08]

maybe back in 1989
or 1994

That’s cool. Open to an older used one. Any particular model? Or what exactly to look for?

 

[JDA]

I don't think it works that way

 

[notINtheband]

Maybe an odd question, but is there a 20” K ride cymbal that sounds similar to the A Custom line? I’m thinking a full, clean sounding ping with a nice big bell.

Yes,
I have 2 different 20” K ride cymbals and one of them does in fact sound more like an A custom than my other K.
I use the K heavy ride but don’t play the other K anymore due it it sounding too bright and pingy for my tastes.

 

[galaxy08]

Yes,
I have 2 different 20” K ride cymbals and one of them does in fact sound more like an A custom than my other K.
I use the K heavy ride but don’t play the other K anymore due it it sounding too bright and pingy for my tastes.

Bright pingy K is what I’m after. Decent bell too?

 

[toddbishop]

Why a K?

 

[Esotericdrums]

Why not an A custom?

 

[galaxy08]

Why not an A custom?

Aesthetics.

 

[notINtheband]

Bright pingy K is what I’m after. Decent bell too?

Very bright bell. They do exist.
Always thought it was just me thinking of this connection.

 

[lossforgain]

Maybe an odd question, but is there a 20” K ride cymbal that sounds similar to the A Custom line? I’m thinking a full, clean sounding ping with a nice big bell.

The old original (block lettering) K "CUSTOM RIDE" might be the closest, or a K Heavy Ride.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

K Customs from back in the day. Check out Weckl vids from the 80's/90's - they were very pingy, a bell that rang for days and heavy!
Unfortunately, the crash was clangy and not recommended. I have one from that era - it was my main ride for years although I had a lot of clear tape on it to tame it. Got it from a pro who hand picked it from the Z factory.....so the story goes. RIP B.Z.

I used to have a full set of A Customs with it - 14 hats, and 14, 16, 18 and 20 crashes. I sold them all after I burned out of that phase in the late 90's, plus I was tired of having to clean them. However, I never cleaned the 14" crash and it had a nice dark brass patina. I transitioned to K's at that time and it actually was darker sounding than my 17" K thin dark! I should have held onto it but sold it for a good price.

 

[BennyK]

K Session brilliant finish 20 or 18 might be the ones.A bit heavier than a 20" A Custom a little more aggressive .

 

[AtlantaDrumGuy]

Check out the regular K custom rides, but they’re going to be a lot more dry than an A Custom ride. Nice cymbals though. Otherwise, take a look at the K Heavy ride (these are beautiful)…these will have more sustain than the K Custom.

 

[JazzDrumGuy]

They do make K Custom brilliants, too - I recall having a 22 K Custom dark thin ride - it was a tad quiet but was a K with a nice bright crash.
Similar to this one below. I sold it due to lack of volume.

Used Zildjian Rarities K Dark Thin Brilliant Ride Cymbal 22" | Drum Center of Portsmouth | Reverb

Excellent condition. No cracks, keyholes, or fleabites.

reverb.com

 

[galaxy08]

Thanks for the info and suggestions! I’ll make note of these and try them out on my next music store visit.

 

[John DeChristopher]

Technically, a K Custom (or any K really) that's similar in weight to an A Custom is not going to be the same. Similar? Possibly, but not the same. They're different animals and designed to sound different.

It's kind of like buying a 602 to achieve a 2002 sound. Maybe that's a crude analogy, but you get my point. Why not just get an A Custom?

 

[varatrodder]

I would check out the 21" K Crash Ride. They have the larger A Custom-style bell, a brilliant finish, and K hammering. They're discontinued now, but still out there.

 

[evolving_machine]

I have a 20" Sessions K, that may be what your looking for. It has a very large bell, and project far. I am not sure if they still make them, but I purchased it new in 2008. It is a cymbal that sounds better in the audience than from the kit. It is hammered and not lathed. At least I do not see any apparent lathing marks.

 

[mpungercar]

Aesthetics.

Just stop that $h!t right now.