Did They Find a Magic Cymbal Hammering Technique? | Zildjian K Cluster Crash Cymbals Demo

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Subscribe or I will steal all of your cymbals: bit.ly/2EqyB4p It's not often that I play a cymbal that I immediately want to have. The first time I played some prototypes of the Zildjian K Cluster Crashes, I knew I needed them. The thing that peaked my interest the most about them? The cluster hammering pattern. Zildjian has been using it a lot in the past few years to great effect on some cymbals (22" Renaissance Ride, 22" Bounce Ride...among others). I typically love the cymbals I hear with this hammering pattern. But why? In this video I'll demo the new Zildjian K Cluster Crash cymbals as well as talk about the cluster hammering pattern and what it does to a cymbal and its sound. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think of the sound!

[@alexlopez9960]

Hola y buenos días , Dios te bendiga mucho me gusta el sonido que tiene tus platillos y la combinación y como los mezclaste con la serie k cuál fue el costo del set?

[@createnewhandle_]

You don't want my shitty HCS's

[@o0R0CK0o]

Sorry for this blatantly stupid question. You might have answered it elsewhere a thousand times... But what snare are you using? It's not in your description. It doesn't look like a Tama bubinga... 10 tube lugs, steel/ aluminum? Ludwig? Btw I also loved the cymbals ;D

[@rdavidr]

Meh, Im waiting for that cluster hole pattern. Holes > Hammers 😜

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

They're selling an empty box now...calling it the "No Zone" crash. You just take the empty air out of the box, set it on the cymbal stand, and bash away. The flat earthers are loving it.

[@frodowatt4272]

Haha no comment on that except funny!

[@rdavidr]

@@StephenTaylorDrums Ha! "We put a 19" hole in this 18" cymbal!"

[@jimmydunn2231]

rdavidr Hey, one of you two need to demo the Dream Bliss cymbals line. I was introduced a few weeks ago and highly impressed!!! Not knocking Zils or anything by any means.

[@SyntheticFuture]

What you need is some Sabian O-zones RdavidR ;) Or a drill press… :P

[@jockcable6123]

Why am I watching this, I can’t afford any of these cymbals lol

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

There's always the dream...

[@holeesheet2021]

Craigslist is your friend. Make it a daily ritual, you'll find deals if you're smart about it.

[@andrewmayer2443]

Go to reverb.com I bought an open box A sweet ride for $190

[@agustinhocoelho4246]

try to live in Brazil... these kind of cuties cost stars... for a full set, expect to say goodbye to a kidney.

[@louisoddie4667]

Why didn’t they call them K-luster crashes though? Quality vid loved it mate

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

If I worked at ZIldjian I would instantly hire you for that name Louis. Instantly.

[@mycupcake12]

Just order a 20inch K cluster crash and this is goingvto replace ky Kdark medium light crash which i cracked. So all is good in the world which is still orbiting the sun. Lol

[@SethParr]

Based on the recording, I think these are the best sounding Zildjians to date for that crunchy-quick sustain-warmth feeling that can work across the musical board. I think these will be a studio engineers dream as they speak when they need to without over talking. I prefer these over the Sweet K's and those are a nice cymbal too. I think Zildjian is making some nice advancements! It's cool when you play a cymbal and instantly make a connection with it as that's my cymbal...that's the sound, feel, etc. Congrats Brother! I had the same experience recently but for me, it was the Paiste Masters Dark line. Love that sound! Congrats on your cymbals!!!

[@monkeyp.i.9944]

I think that these cymbals are some of the best symbols that they have ever put out its just the perfect mix of clean and dirty

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I agree...a perfect mix for me

[@seanmurrayandtourettes2827]

Those cluster crashes are sick. I really dig the sound it creates. Almost makes me wanna switch back to Zildjian from Istanbul’s lol. But I just got the Istanbul’s I wanted. But for sick I love the quick raw crack attack those crashes create. Definitely hear the crunch as well as maintaining those beautiful melodic and harmonic over and under tones. Sweet

[@ccjacks3]

These cymbals are incredible. They're like the perfect combo between Sweet and Dry. Cluster hammering FTW

[@zanewood4226]

Awesome sound! Your lucky to get to play those cymbals. Im so jealous!

[@josav09]

Really? no 40" version? Zildjian is way behind Sabian

[@hannes1734]

They really need a pendant to the AA XL cymbal

[@_falafey]

These sound incredible I want two of the 20” wow

[@timworley3235]

meinl have a great line called the "custom classics: extreme metal" series with a similar thing with the hammer marks. they sound amazing! im eventually going to replace my whole kit and expand it with them! maybe not my ride. we'll see.

[@eastbaymauiboy]

So sick. Love the Cluster crashes. Perfect balance between clean musical cymbal sound and trashy and dry. They make both tones simultaneously. Oddly enough, the 18 seems less effected by the cluster hammering than the 16 and 20, at least in those 3. I kinda wish they did an 18, 19 and 20 instead of the 16, but all good

[@maxlong3280]

I have K custom fast crashes and love the quick decay, but these are similar but have that extra trash! Love it!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yea, very similar in decay to my ear. Good ear

[@kxmrock]

They sound Killer playing the Whole Drum set, + that was a Real Killer Groove….. That would make a bad ass backing track

[@patrickfarley8036]

To my ear, from this demo and not having heard them in person, those are the most Paiste sounding cymbals I've heard come from Zildjian. I have a stack of Zildjian spanning from late 19 60's to early 1990's and they all have a low undertone drone note, like a bagpipe has a drone tone, I always found Zildjian to be the same way. But I always just accepted that it was part of the "Zildjian sound". Back in the 60's when I was starting out Paiste cymbals were considerably more expensive and Zildjian were more reasonable priced. So being one of the many musicians growing up in East NY, Brooklyn then to own Zildjian cymbals was a bit of an accomplishment. You either earned them or you stole them without getting caught! If you owned Paistes you were from Manhattan or Long Island!😆 Compared to today's prices, they were both dirt cheap! I own only two cymbals that cost me less than my first car, an 8" Zildjian splash and a 12" Wuhan China that I customized for a quick trashy accent. By the way the car was a 67 Impala I bought in 81 for $350. But I digress..... These cymbals in the demo however, seem to be missing that low undertone. It may be the eq has done away with it, I don't know. If however these sound as good in person as they do in this video I would be pleased to put theses on my kit! In the mean time my Paiste Signature Series cymbals will continue to grace my cymbal stands. Hey maestro, your cymbal collection and subscriber count are probably within .01% of each other about now, huh?😉 ✌

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Hahaha...I don't have THAT many cymbals...but close.....

[@babyjesuslovesme1219]

Both playing and the product sound wonderful

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks my friend!

[@kevincullinane2423]

Bro. That ride has the most flex I've ever seen haha. Great video.

[@nitronamous]

Yeah I have to agree with you, that 20in sounds amazing! Kinda like a crash of doom but $200 more.

[@daviewavie112]

The renaissance rides have cluster hammering too

[@billwayne9389]

subscribed. I didn't want my cymbals stolen, I have a 19" K Sweet crash and a set of K Sweet hi-hats, and I need these cymbals they sound amazing!

[@alexlopez9960]

They sound great it's a good mix. What were ther price range?

[@dccsnare]

Haven’t watched your vids in ages. You age like wine.

[@lilqzscribbleshow1560]

yeah Stephan great gem video as a beginner this video actually is helpful in hearing the different sounds of the different cymbal types ride crash splash....in the band rare earth their song Are You Ready live version you hear the opening on the cymbals the interplay between ride and crash.....

[@MegaKTime]

I love my Ks and have been looking forward to hearing these. Unfortunately I’m now in love but thankful that the music stores here in Charlotte rarely get new product in. Since you’re undecided on how to refer to the 18” maybe you should just call it “Pat” (think old SNL skits) 🤣.

[@TheDp1965]

My Mind is all in a Cluster on Sweet these cymbales sound. Cheers.

[@Drumsholic]

Very nice cymbal sound set at low volumes!!Nice video Stephen!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks!

[@ryan0000e]

Hoping for cluster hats... please Zildjian?

[@ianearl9128]

Impeccable snare work my man

[@TsunamiBeefPies]

That one over the hi-hat (the one that's "a lady") is perfect for crashes with the snare! They all sound nice, though. I have to admit that I don't understand the distinctions that make a cymbal "dark," or "dirty," or "classic," etc. To my ear (and I listened through headphones), they sounded rather clean--quick response, and a nice after-ring. But if you say they're dirty, who am I to argue with you!

[@Manuel-fv2my]

they sound incredible good

[@LylaTheLich]

This might not be a super common problem but I have an issue with just hitting way too hard, I go through snare heads quickly and I crack thinner cymbals like glass. I've been trying to just be lighter with my hits but I don't know if there's any exercises that I could practice to hit lighter and I figured if anyone would know any exercises it would be the man himself, you

[@dancarlson4982]

Mason Burnett I think it depends on why you’re hitting hard. Is it just out of habit or are you unable to hear your drums over the band? Based on your comment I would assume the first case. One thing that might help is an exercise to build control in each limb. The one I do starts with playing a rock beat quietly (piano) for 4 bars, then doing 4 bars where all limbs are quiet except your snare hand, which is loud (forte). Then do 4 bars quiet again, then 4 bars medium (mezzo forte). Repeat that cycle 8 to 16 times with all of your limbs. Next, do the same thing but play the beat mezzo forte, then forte. This builds control of each limb independently and lets you cover a lot of different situations. I hope that makes sense.

[@LylaTheLich]

@@dancarlson4982 thanks for the ideas, I'll try these out soon

[@dancarlson4982]

Mason Burnett I can try to record a demo of it if you’re interested.

[@lori-annevee]

Happy Drummers Day (4/4) - love your informational videos as much as lessons :)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Lori!

[@Rockin_Ross]

The one on your far right almost sounds like a swish. I’ll be looking into that one for sure as finding a swish is getting harder by the day.

[@frankthedrummer7482]

Hello, are they thin enough to be played by hand or should I go for a paper thin K??? Thanks Stephen

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

I’ve to hear new cymbals that sound like cymbals and not some sort of can lid. These have a nice sound, with some darkness sprinkled onto them. If a cymbal is very dry it won’t cut live, these could hold their own I think.

[@Handsome_Ry]

Whoa! Those sound so Rad. I'm jealous, I want everything you got. I got K dark and some Avedis cymbals but those sound immaculate. Thanks for the cool videos, Rock on!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Ryan! Love my K darks man...good metal right there

[@CameronFleury]

Never knew that! They sound beautiful!

[@HalfAcreFarms]

18” K Custom Special Dry vs 18” K Cluster Crash .... which one in a small space

[@BDM7]

Great cymbals Stephen. Those things are amazing... Question for ya. Do you find yourself playing mainly french with right hand while playing more american with left? I ask because in this video in partricular it seemed to be that way, could just be the camera angles though.

[@holeesheet2021]

Stephen, as always, you the man. Those cymbals are amazing. They sound really good to me, I'm half tempted, seriously. But you know what, I am crazy about my Sabian Evolution crashes and hats. Have you ever tried those Evolutions? Hey, thanks again for the wonderful videos. I want you to know that I am not a paying customer, but boy I sure do appreciate the generosity on your part, brother.

[@danielmitchell2422]

I like the way they sound where would I be able to find them are the prices reasonable

[@miyahollands6136]

Hi, that big bad boy has a bit of a China fell. Nice crisp sound from all of them!

[@doublea7054]

Nice crashes although would like to hear these style prototypes with lathed bells. Thanks!

[@markmaceachern7647]

got to have at least one of these bad boys.they sound fracken great. there not on the market yet?

[@christophermatthews3977]

Hey you know when you went to a store with rDavidr and you found a 28'' ride cyaml well sabian is coming out with a 40" inch crash.

[@isaaclinzay8684]

Great groov3s man, lovin' it bro

[@felixweber6593]

Hi, these sound great... Have you tried them with A-Custom crashes ? I have a set made of 14 A New-Beat hihats, 23 A Sweet Ride and 18 and 20 A-Custom crashes... I look for a big dark crash somewhere in between a china and a crash. I consider a 20 Crash of Doom or a K-Cluster... Thanks for you advices.

[@gergelyszabo4802]

Hi Stephen! I know, that you are a zildjian endorser, but maybe you can still answer this question without getting into trouble. What is your opinion about istanbul dark ion cymbals, in particular the 19" dark ion trash? (I'm asking this question, because as far as I know, I'm the only guy using this particular cymbal in Hungary. Honestly .... am I an idiot or a genius? lol)

[@matthamilton4677]

Nice Stephen, They sing very well in unison, just wondering, are they going to make a 24” Crash Ride.? I think Paiste bought one out in the big beat series, will they be considering it; would sound great

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I honestly don’t know

[@zucalignacio]

Awesome sound!!

[@TLB_rollingsyncop8drumadic]

So what is the multi ride?

[@billynolanjr2266]

Hmmmmmm I use Sabian HHX evolution crashes but these sound great ! may have to add one to my kit ! Nice!

[@holeesheet2021]

Billy, I also have Evolution crashes on my kit. The Evolution high-hats are fantastic also!! I've never played anything like them. I so hear you. But those do sound good, the one Steven's playing.

[@tdrum21]

Sounds great 👌🏽

[@drucrue]

From a beginners point of view they sound like cymbals to me. Was told you'll start to notice the differences after playing for awhile. Can you recommend a low budget set of hi hat cymbals? Got a Cheap drum set with cheap cymbals just for the learning stage right now.

[@thomaskennydrums]

Istanbul Agop Xist are really good (coming from a Zildjian guy), they're the same metal as most high end cymbals but they're almost half the price and they sound great, like a blend between Zildjian A and Ks but waaaayyyy cheaper

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yea, the more you hear them the more you'll notice. I actually remember the day I began hearing the difference in my cymbals and my teachers cymbals. I told my dad "I don't know what it is, but they just don't sound as good as his". So my awesome dad got me some K's for my birthday. Never forget looking in that catalogue for those.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Also...what's your budget for the cymbals? That's always the place to start.

[@frodowatt4272]

I would suggest Zildjian S series mastersound hi hats.

[@iloveNgany]

Meinl HCS are quite cheap if you're buying new. And they sound decent. Buy used and you can get a nice NICE set of hats for under 100

[@apolloeliascreed82]

Very nice and unique sound :))))

[@jimmydunn2231]

Well, Christmas list time!!! (for myself)

[@IamUncledeuce]

Is there a tech around that does this?

[@remygaron8311]

Very nice can’t afford those buty 👏👏🥁🥁🇨🇦

[@heftyalan1152]

I use Paiste. I never really got Zildjian as they were synonymous with metal

[@jonpedz3862]

I play paiste crashes, never found my paiste ride, but the 21 sweet ride hit the spot. They play well together too.

[@heftyalan1152]

Jonathan Pederzani I have a years old Meinl ride given to me by an old drum teacher

[@stevefranchini4980]

I'd kill for those toms.

[@jacobwalker9912]

Ok would it be safe to say that weight wise and every other detail of these Cluster crashes is basically a Sweet crash with 8 cluster hammering marks in them. Im bout to , or was about to order another Sweet crash because i have the 18" and wanted the 20" Sweet, but now might be leaning towards the 20" Cluster.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

No. They're different in other ways. If you're going for general use, go with those sweets. They cut more in a live situation

[@iloveNgany]

They remind me of sabian hhx-treme crashes aka fierce crash.

[@shawnhapney8784]

They are very nice.

[@hiptoalieu]

IMHO it sounds like Zildjian just trying to copy Meinl. They sound very similar to the vintage sand crashes, or the extra dry dual stuff! I will say that I LOVE the sound of those particular cymbals, so these pies sound really good! just think Zildjian is having trouble being authentic! BUT if I were to play em' I'd REALLY enjoy them! Probably not gonna add them to my collection, but I do dig my 17" K Custom Special Dry Dark Crash!

[@NeuroplasticityReprogram]

Awesome!

[@frodowatt4272]

This is the best demo of these that I've heard, I think I'll get some when I become a millionaire. Lol

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol...thanks Jesse!

[@rich7662]

I already have some nice Zildjian crashes. Glad I'm not playing those that I would also want.

[@matrixmodulator]

Hm i know what is white noise, i don't understand why you and others say making holes in cymbals add white noise... White noise is very different than a cymbal sound... Can someone explain ?

[@msgdob86]

It is mainly meant to describe an "airy" and less tonal sound than a cymbal without holes. The "holey' cymbals dissipate quicker and have a whooooosshhhhh sound vs almost a funky China cymbal sort of sound.

[@curtiswetherell7500]

Soooo wobbly... yaaaaasss!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I literally just sit there and watch them move sometimes...which shows just how much I need a hobby...

[@curtiswetherell7500]

@@StephenTaylorDrums hmm...a hobby is defined as "an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure." So, where's the issue? Lol.

[@johndef5075]

The Zildjian Cluster Funk crash😂

[@rustyshackleford8186]

Sounds good

[@drcmusic2462]

I got a meinl ad on this video about Zildjian

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yea, they've been advertising against my channel HARD lately lol...which is funny...

[@thetype85]

Those cymbals are stamped into shape, all the hammering is done by a computer controlled machine!

[@adamdiazzz]

i thought they’d sound awful but i was wrong

[@abhishekmondal6899]

Wow so nice 👌

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

They fine for sure

[@abhishekmondal6899]

@@StephenTaylorDrums yes sir sounds nice

[@Heehee741]

What types of mics do you use?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Earthworks

[@pyroeuropa]

They sound like Saturation based AAX on Steroids! K's are still my favourites from zildjian!

[@sandro5563]

very interesting

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Agreed...a solid addition to their lineup I think

[@stevehaupt62]

But the movement on that ride 🤨

[@heylookitsummer]

Hey can you do a video on how to get zildjian sponsorships lol

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol...deliver them value. So, in my case...slough it on gigs and the road from age 16- 28, finish a degree in Jazz Studies, get signed and dropped from Universal records with your original project, quit music and start personal training, start making You Tube lessons...and like 600 videos later they reached out after I had something to offer them. So no better time to start than now!

[@Amarilliobrillo]

Am I the only one that really doesn’t like that sound? I might be in the minority but I still think a Zildjian A Crash Ride is the best cymbal out there, or maybe the avedis 20”

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

PJ GAMES respect...I love the A series as well. Bright and cutting

[@Amarilliobrillo]

Wow, thank you for the reply, really. But yeah I’ve always just enjoyed an brighter sound

[@chiselcheswick5673]

Clusters crash..... 👏

[@JWatson5290]

Beautiful ride. Hate the cymbals

[@jonathanziegler5695]

Only the 20” sounds full enough too me, and all of them are too high pitch, brittle and not warm enough for my liking

[@TheChnecht]

the sound of these cymbals in my ears... is aaalmost orgasmic

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Not gonna lie...that 20" is my new partner in crime

[@vikq5655]

I thought I was the only person to give cymbals a gender ! In fact I do the same for individual drums and snares.

[@SinnGread]

just sounds like they decay a little quicker... I duno .. hard to tell from videos …..

[@alexneal8054]

Should of bought the k's instead i chose the a customs....oh well

[@leondrawbridge6586]

Just give me your A customs then you can get the k.. Problem solved

[@sushieannec.deayala1146]

❤❤❤

[@bryanharrison3889]

I'm not fond of zildjian, came for the groove.

[@bryanharrison3889]

That improv ghosting on the snare is how it's fucking DONE my dude...

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

@@bryanharrison3889 Thank you my friend ;^)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Respect for that!

[@Serjument]

They are still not Turkish cymbals and they won’t be.

[@tylergish2760]

First

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Crap...I couldn't even get MY comment posted lol ;^)

[@adityadarmadi6303]

Flangy,,

[@sullysullster8217]

Thats o.k that middle crash is neither a he or she. We're up to 90 + genders to assign to that crash.

[@pablofunpeople89]

Maybe that 18" is a trashgender (?)

[@a5dr3]

I don’t understand why anyone would play zildjian unless they are sponsored. There’s so many better cymbal makers.

[@drew_on_drums]

I will crack all your cymbals if you even consider stealing my cymbals However, if you can steal all of my girlfriends shitty brass cymbals and leave some k conts behind that would be great lol

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol!

[@sunn4588]

Omg!!!! Can you stop misgendering these cymbals?????!!!!1!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Jacek Rogozinski lol 😂