Zildjian K Dark Crash Thin 16''

I've been using the Zildjian K Dark Crash cymbal for about four or five years for recording in my home studio. While I'm not a drummer, I have used this cymbal a number of times to do recordings and I've generally been quite happy with the results. The size of the Zildjian K Dark Crash cymbal ranges from a few different sizes, but the one I use is the 14" model. The sound of this cymbal is pretty awesome, as it has both the punch and clarity you want in a crash cymbal as well as a nice ping sound to it that isn't often found in crash cymbals. Since it has these qualities it makes for a versatile cymbal that is great for both recording and live shows. I usually record this cymbal with overhead microphones like the Neumann KM184s or if I don't have access to those I use a pair of Rode NT5s. No matter which set of microphones I might be using, I find that I get a clear sounding crash cymbal that is perfect for rock, jazz, and pop. This cymbal does have a good deal of low end presence and as the name states is on the darker sounding side of crash cymbals. Since each cymbal is unique I strongly encourage players who want a cymbal like the Zildjian K Dark Crash to go to your local store and try it out along with some of the other cymbals that Zildjian has to offer so you can really get a good idea of the differences in sounds and of course, in price. In terms of price, the Zildjian K Dark Crash is very reasonably priced and I would even stretch to say that you are getting a very good deal with this good sounding of a cymbal for such a price. Overall, I highly recommend the Zildjian K Dark Crash to drummer of all playing levels.

I used this cymbal for 4 years on a drumkit of association in which I played big band and jazz improvisation.

It is a very hot cymbal, a crash very powerful but not aggressive, the ideal crash in my opinion.

Since I wanted to try the K-Custom, and that's what I bought for my personal use, but with some regret: the K Custom (New!) Sound more modern, harder, I think the K (already old ...) are much more enjoyable to play.
Their sound is rather close to what can be found in Istanbul (formerly Artist Series), but with a little less random in quality (I have tried so-called Istanbul to find the same Advent I liked!)

Once again, I would not talk about value for money on objects as personal as cymbals. However, the K dark thin crash 16 "is a great cymbal, very strong, as hammered carefully. It is a fairly large investment for a cymbal, but I think few people complain all styles (Lars Ulrich as Peter Erskine played on the cymbals!)

With experience, I would choose this rather than my K Custom K ...
... unless K Custom age well! I'll let you know in 10 years!

Overall rating: 9 / 10 (because it's a bit expensive though ...)