sanjuro
Published on 11/29/09 at 17:33
The K Custom 19" Hybrid China is one of the most interesting cymbals I have played, both in appearance and sound. I have a specific taste in China cymbals, and this passes my tests. I first encountered these hybrid cymbals a few years ago at a Zildjian prototype sale at a local drum shop. I was a fan of Akira Jimbo, so I was interested in giving these a try. To be honest, I felt like these may be too pingy and bright, as Akira has a very clean and pronounced style. I usually prefer darker and dirtier sounds, so I was skeptical. Despite my expectations, the entire line was great, including the china.
When struck on the underside, it sounds like a good china. The deep groove helps to add to a trashy character and the decay is nice and slow. It is very loud, and the 19" size seems to work very well. I also love the 19" Paragon china, so maybe 19" is a lucky number. Actually, this China reminds me a lot of the Paragon. Then turned to the from side, it produces more of a gong like crash sound. The coated interior typical of the fusion series produces its own sounds. However, because it is a china, I feel like the benefits of having a fusion cymbal are limited, as the coated part is rarely played. In a way, it can be struck to produce a dark, hollow bell like sound which is great.
As I said, I am icky about China cymbals. The only thing I was warned about this one was that it is fragile. I haven't known any of these to break personally, but I can see this type of China being susceptible to cracks because of its odd shape and thin edges. With proper technique and tasteful dynamics, I wouldn't worry about it. I would recommend this to anyone, it is one of my favorite cymbals from Akira Jimbo's interesting line.
When struck on the underside, it sounds like a good china. The deep groove helps to add to a trashy character and the decay is nice and slow. It is very loud, and the 19" size seems to work very well. I also love the 19" Paragon china, so maybe 19" is a lucky number. Actually, this China reminds me a lot of the Paragon. Then turned to the from side, it produces more of a gong like crash sound. The coated interior typical of the fusion series produces its own sounds. However, because it is a china, I feel like the benefits of having a fusion cymbal are limited, as the coated part is rarely played. In a way, it can be struck to produce a dark, hollow bell like sound which is great.
As I said, I am icky about China cymbals. The only thing I was warned about this one was that it is fragile. I haven't known any of these to break personally, but I can see this type of China being susceptible to cracks because of its odd shape and thin edges. With proper technique and tasteful dynamics, I wouldn't worry about it. I would recommend this to anyone, it is one of my favorite cymbals from Akira Jimbo's interesting line.