Zildjian A Custom Cymbal Pack - Should I buy it? Let's See!!

I review the Zildjian A-Custom Cymbal Pack. We see what is included and what my thoughts and expectations are before playing them. We also go into to the studio to see how they sound raw. Let's explore this pack and see if it is something that you should buy!!

[@Jtdubbzz]

Getting new cymbals is such a great feeling. Last year I bought a curated Zildjian pack from Sweetwater called the Studio recording set... Really been digging it and they’ve been a great match to my other cymbals. I like A Customs a lot and wouldn’t mind getting a few crashes.. I have 14” hats, 15” master-sound hats, 20” Projection ride and an 18” EFX crash

[@dustybaterista]

Yes! I was excited to get a full set of new cymbals! I bet that recording set is awesome! I am still totally loving this set of A Customs!! Thanks for talking drums and cymbals with me!! 😎🤘

[@PreciousGems]

I saw your video on Bryan Drums playlist. Awesome review!

[@dustybaterista]

That's great! Thanks so much! Are you looking to buy new cymbals? I hope this helped! I know that I watched a lot of videos and different opinions before I took the leap!

[@rogersdrums]

I just ordered em cant friggin wait - I've been playing the vintage 70's cymbals that came with my ROGERS kit that I rescued from my buddy the original owner - they sound very good but I've been playing em for 20 years and I'm so tired of em thx for the review Im STOKED!!

[@dustybaterista]

So Awesome!! You will absolutely LOVE them!! They are great for so many settings!! Check back in after you’ve played them and let me know what you think!! Keep up the drumming!! 😎🤘😎🤘

[@astrozombie138]

finally! a review of a cymbal set without playing a bunch of fills and nonsense. they sounded great by the way.

[@dustybaterista]

Thanks!! I appreciate that you notice that! I was trying to do justice to the cymbals and NOT show any “drumming skills” haha. Those type of things annoy me!

[@nevillesmith7090]

The A customs mature incredible. I have an old A custom crash . The sound very bright warm and smooth sound as it ages

[@dustybaterista]

Great to hear that! Thanks for sharing! 🤘

[@johannjohann6523]

The medium 20 inch ride isn't my thing. I love Zidjian Custom A cymbals, but tend to like a heavier, drier ride cymbals with more stick definition. Like a Ping cymbal. Glad you got to upgrade, and will hopefully get you (and everyone ) to practice and play more! Keep on Rockin'

[@dustybaterista]

Thank you! 😎

[@DRUMSandBUBS]

I bought this set 15 years ago ish,and I only have the 18cr left and still use. I moved on to a meinl ride, an A 16cr. And back to A rock hihats.but I will say, they are a great cymbal pack. Top 5 quality for affordability and class

[@randallhill7979]

Thanks for the video 👍, that ride cymbal is very nice

[@dustybaterista]

Thanks so much! I really do love this ride in many situations!

[@sethryals9173]

Those sound super clean 🔥

[@dustybaterista]

They are killer!!

[@woodtroll3279]

When I bought my first drum set, I didn’t really know what my cymbal preference was. I just knew I wanted Zildjian. So I bought this pack, thinking it would be a good starting reference point that I could maybe tweak along the way. I’m really happy with them. They have a nice washy sound but they also ring out clear so you can easily distinguish the notes. I also got an 18” A high China to pair with them. They all mesh together super well. I actually really like that 16” crash. It’s sort of a splashy sound which is good for accented hits. I don’t see a reason not to get A customs for the foreseeable future.

[@dustybaterista]

Wow! Great insight and good to hear that you enjoy them! Thanks for sharing that!! 😎🤘

[@okaight7248]

They sound great. Crashes are nice and fast and have 0 of that trashiness of affordable crashes. They don't overpower the kit! The only cymbal I don't care much for is the ride, but the rest sound excellent.

[@adamwilson1691]

Im a huge fan of the traditional A set. the Sweet ride and New Beat hi-hats are so good.

[@dustybaterista]

Those are great cymbals!! The New Beats are unmatched! Definitely a different sound than the A Customs. The classic A’s are always a win!

[@diamonds3958]

Yeah buddy brian drumming got the jam both have the groove in the pocket

[@KennyattaPetit]

Great cymbals 👍

[@dustybaterista]

I love them for the majority of the things that I do! 😎🤘

[@DRUMSandBUBS]

I love the 18 A custom

[@dustybaterista]

I agree!! Happens to be my favorite cymbal out of all cymbals that I have had/played so far in my career!!

[@broeheemed32]

Try them. Then try the Paiste 2002 pack. I've met more than one drummer that switched from Zildjian to Paiste, but I've never known one that switched from Paiste to Zildjian.

[@dustybaterista]

I think each brand has their quality product line that is similar to other top brands. From there it is just an opinion as to what fits your style and taste in sound. I personally know drummers who have switched all over the places through the brands or switch and then return, or switch and find their sound and never change! I played Zildjian my whole life up until now. Decided to try others. Bought a set of Sabian HHXs and Love them! Still love my Zildjians as well. Plan to try a Paiste pack and a Meinl maybe as well. The 2002s look to be the ones that I would go for when that time comes! 🤘😎

[@broeheemed32]

@@dustybaterista - Oooh! I like those HHX's...... I like Zildjian's classic K series, too. I could be happy with either of those..... if the 2002's didn't exist. I plan on a couple Big Beats soon..... we'll see!

[@Joelbrooks0316]

Yeah Rashiid Williams did

[@andydrums4333]

Been a Sabian guy for about 10 years now. But now im really considering switching to Zildjian because the brightness is just unparalleled

[@dustybaterista]

I also own a set of Sabian HHX Complex. Love them as well! Depends on the type of music and venue that I play, on which cymbals I take. I still love my A-Customs for many gigs because of their awesome sound! I prefer to enjoy the best of both worlds.. as they are both really the Zildjian family!! Drum on!! 😎🤘🥁

[@carlossandovalsiesquen9455]

Great friend, in which part of the country can I buy these zildfiam cymbals? I like that sound, they are very professional and, above all, a bell sounds very good?

[@dustybaterista]

Pretty much anywhere in the United States. Not sure of other countries. I bought mine from Guitar Center. Available on Amazon as well as Sweetwater! Still my favorite cymbals all around!! Thanks for watching! 😎🤘

[@bobbyddrums1566]

The 16 other than a Paiste signature is 1 of my favs

[@dustybaterista]

Nice! 😎🤘🥁

[@srishanmukhaputta9197]

I don't know why but you have the best iphone microphone I guess.

[@dustybaterista]

iPhones really do have a good microphone now! You may be listening on some quality headphones or speakers as well. I am sure the treated studio room has something to do with it as well!! Thanks for watching and for the comment!! Drum on! 😎🤘🥁

[@TheLooker-n2s]

Killer Granstar man. or is it artstar? either way killer!!!!

[@dustybaterista]

@@TheLooker-n2s Granstar!! 💯 Thanks for noticing! I have had it since it was new!! 1988!! Refinished of course. By me. 😃😃😎 Thanks for watching!! 🤘🤘

[@moses_dimski]

Thats how you play cymbals for a video review.

[@dustybaterista]

Thanks so much for noticing! I try to make it about the cymbals and NOT drumming. Appreciate your comment!! 😎🤘

[@Kaleb_Furr]

Was fixing to say the same thing!

[@mikestein1024]

I’m a sabian guy I like the aax line but I’ll play anything that sounds good I also love the Zildjian z bell ride as a favorite ride I’ve never had a Zildjian ride I didn’t like not a fan of paste they feel too soft and usually don’t articulate with as well dynamicly

[@dustybaterista]

I absolutely love my A-Customs and they do great at all my shows! But funny thing.. Stay tuned lol… I did my first Non-Zildjian purchase EVER!! A whole new set of SABIANs!! HHX.. 4 Complex and 2 Evolutions!! Just now taking them out for a spin at a casino gig!! (Used the A-Customs as well and switching off as it’s a 5 night stay). Sabians sound great too!! I agree with you on the Paiste for the most part.. their Master series is the only thing that I like from them!! Thanks for watching and your comment! I love talking drums and cymbals!! Rock on!! 😎🤘

[@mikestein1024]

@@dustybaterista did you know sabian and Zildjian were brothers?

[@dustybaterista]

@@mikestein1024 Yep!! I know the whole story!! That’s another reason I like Sabian! Still the Zildjian family!!

[@jon.d_]

can you review the sweet ride cymbal pack?

[@dustybaterista]

That’s a great idea! I would love to get a hold of one!! I will look into how I can do that! Thanks! 😎🤘

[@sandythedrummer]

so which one do you like more? Worship Pack or A Custom Pack?

[@dustybaterista]

I actually really like them both! The K’s are used for the church setting and serve me well there. For my personal drum set and recording and all my live shows, I use the A Customs. I was impressed by the packs in general. I already knew that I loved the lines of Zildjian cymbals, just wasn’t sure about the packs. They actually do sound like they are matched well, and price wise, it is a huge benefit if you can afford to throw down the price at one time. If I had to choose one though, the A Customs, to me, are the ones that fit for me and for most of what I do professionally. They look good and bright on stage and they sound amazing in almost all situations.. for sure all situations that I get into at least!! Thanks for watching and for the comment!! I hope that I answered your question! Do you plan on buying a pack? Which one, or brand, would you consider?

[@sandythedrummer]

@@dustybaterista i wish to have the A Custom Pack. But i got plenty of Zildjians, it's just i want to have everything from them hahaha...

[@dustybaterista]

@@sandythedrummer haha… I know, right? Would be nice!

[@bamahi7142]

Winner!!

[@dustybaterista]

So, are you going with an A-Custom pack? I absolutely love mine!! 🤘😎

[@bamahi7142]

@@dustybaterista Definitely A's

[@dustybaterista]

Awesome!!

[@bobc.5698]

My pack came with the 21" sweet ride

[@dustybaterista]

That’s a nice ride! I didn’t know there were different options. How long ago was this? I guess they have maybe changed it or offered different options!! Are you happy with how the matched your cymbals?

[@bobc.5698]

@Dusty Baterista a couple of weeks ago.

[@dustybaterista]

@@bobc.5698 Awesome!!

[@bobc.5698]

@@dustybaterista I'm still getting used to the sound of the A's. I have used Paiste 2002's and Giant beats for the Bonham sound for 5 years.

[@dustybaterista]

@@bobc.5698 Well, I hope you start to love them! I have used them for so many years now. I am not as familiar with 2002, but I think they are thicker cymbals for rock, which makes sense on the Bonham sound.

[@georgenwigwe4711]

Hey dustin ... what drum heads do you use ?

[@dustybaterista]

My drum heads will depend on what situation I am in! In this video I am using the Remo Emperor Colortones. I really like the tone they get from the drum, but most of all, for live and videos especially, it gives it the look that I like as well!! Blue is my thing!! Remo Pinstripes are great on my drums as well.. also Evans G2 clears!! All of these are very versatile for the different genres of music that I play and many different venues!! Hope this helps! What are you currently using? Or do you like?

[@Kubakaiser]

So what about that 16" crash?

[@dustybaterista]

Great Question!!! Actually… funny thing. I really liked the sound as an extra cymbal in the family.. I used it on some sessions as well and it sounded great. BUT… I like slightly larger cymbals… I needed some money and so I SOLD IT! Haha… I didn’t want to, but it went to a great home to a very pro drummer in an Orchestra in Mexico! He loves it! And the size works for his set up perfectly. I bought a bee set of Sabians since. All bigger sizes. In reality though.. I may end up buying another one to complete another set for sessions. Thanks for watching and talking drums with me!! 😎🤘🥁🥁

[@TitaMariamLovesfoodandtravel]

To be continue bro… premiering. Brb…

[@LPD23]

Probably the best recording cymbals out there

[@dustybaterista]

I agree!! I only used iPhone for this video, but they sound totally amazing in the studio and my live shows! Thanks!

[@ronniek7748]

They sounded very good! But, keep the fingerprints off of them, as they are the most beautiful cymbals you’ll ever see.

[@dustybaterista]

Yep! Most beautiful cymbals!! Aso the most difficult to keep clean!! Haha… I struggle with that and constantly have to shone them up again!! Thanks!! 🤘

[@J_Z666]

i also got the A series pack shits fire not the customs tho

[@dustybaterista]

For sure! Same quality! Amazing cymbals!

[@chadcarrdrums]

I play all A's and A Customs and wouldn't trade them for any other cymbals.

[@dustybaterista]

Amen to that!! Me too!! 😎🤘

[@robertdemaree2165]

NEED a Ludwig snare

[@dustybaterista]

Who doesn’t like a Black Beauty or a Supra-phonic brass snare!.. I just happen to be a vintage Tama guy. (Who is still figuring out the engineering side of playing drums lol). 😎🤘

[@robertdemaree2165]

I hear you you know what's ironic is I got some S-Series zildjians the 18 and the 20 inch thin crashes and they sound better in the expenses engines they are just amazing crashes for everything I love them bright but they still have a full sound and they cut really well I don't know if you familiar with those

[@dustybaterista]

The S series are actually decent for the price. The other thing is, the thin crashes at larger sizes are the way to go for sure! And price does not determine what sounds good all the time. It only matters if it fits what you like and works for your situations!!

[@thomasnappo6309]

There considered Very Old now...they been left behind..

[@dustybaterista]

Really? I haven’t seen that feeling towards them yet. I always get comments from people and musicians that I play with on how great they sound! Interesting though… so then, what do you see them being replaced by now a days? Other style of cymbals? Maybe darker? These have been around a long time, so it doesn’t sound like a crazy idea that they could be old. What are your thoughts as far as where cymbals ate going? 🤘😎

[@samibouhadida5314]

They sound good IMO, but I don't like the snare sound.

[@dustybaterista]

Good thing I was not doing a review of the snare haha.. Honestly I was just learning to record drums, and still am learning to try to get good drum sounds! The cymbals needed to be “not mixed” to get a true sound, so the snare also is not mixed. I appreciate the honest comment! Always working to get better! Hope the review helped a little! Thanks for watching and commenting!! Keep drumming! 😎🤘🥁🥁

[@samibouhadida5314]

@@dustybaterista The review is brilliant anyway !!!

[@dustybaterista]

@@samibouhadida5314 Ahh Thanks so much! 😎🙏🙏🤘

[@benjaminolsen8774]

that ride is super annoying for my taste. I like washy thin rides, and also the bell on the A custom rise was very annoying

[@dustybaterista]

Thank God there are many styles to choose from! It depends on your taste and the style of music and sound that you are looking for! These bright cymbals are too much for some. This is why it is good to see videos and get ideas of sound before purchase! Thanks for watching and commenting!! I love different views! 😎🤘

[@benjaminolsen8774]

@@dustybaterista that’s so awesome! I love the washy, thin dark jazz sound. Really want to try out meinl at some point but cymbals are just very expensive

[@dustybaterista]

@@benjaminolsen8774 It does make it hard because of the prices! I would buy the best that I could afford and then save until I was able to upgrade. I then traded in the cymbal or sold it on fb marketplace, or to another drummer. That is how I got to what I have today. In fact, I have already sold the 16” from this pack lol. I like bigger crashes. You can totally find the one that you want and have it on your kit! Just a little focus and planning. My goal is to have enough cymbals to be able to change for all the different sounds and music that I like. But for now… A Custom is what works for me all around. I have friends that play the Meinls, and they sound great! Just keep moving and exploring until you get what you want!! 😎🤘🤘🤘

[@benjaminolsen8774]

@@dustybaterista thank you sir

[@benjaminolsen8774]

@@dustybaterista Also even for the worship i play after service, i still like the dry washy/decay sound. Do you have any “noname” brands you could recommend? :)

[@drummerboyharm3078]

Sorry cymbals sounds 'cheap' to me

[@dustybaterista]

Sorry to hear that. I am sure it is my engineering skills. I also could understand that if you play bigger and warmer cymbals. What type of cymbals do you like and use? Or even if this video helped you choose different cymbals, it still did it’s job. Thank!!

[@drummerboyharm3078]

@@dustybaterista Hello Dusty. It could be indeed the recording. In general I like Zildjians. The make first class cymbals! Myself play Paiste (sigs, dark energy & traditional). Sound is such a personal taste thing. Be happy with your A's and that's whats matters! 👍Kind regards! 🙂

[@robsco1249]

I would never buy them, too clean, lack of character. There are many better choices out there for the same price or cheaper...just look at small Turkish companies for example.

[@dustybaterista]

I totally understand that point of view! I have seen many other companies where their cymbals just look so cool as far as styling goes. I really don’t have experience in plying them though, possibly due to me being brain washed by Zildjian from a young age haha. Maybe I should do some reviews of other brands and expand my cymbal horizon a bit? Hmm… couldn’t hurt!

[@robsco1249]

@@dustybaterista I started with famous brands then found Turkish companies and never looked back with few exceptions. I have had many many cymbals and I can say that not the look nor the name, only the sound is what matter.

[@dustybaterista]

@@robsco1249 Cool! That is how it should be! Sound most important! Thanks for sharing that! 💯

[@bobinbud]

Similar thinking too, if you can recommend some ride from 150/200 euro and Save me time I Play for hoby and listening from jazz to rock Maybe close to jazz how about amedia ride?

[@themilksnatcher]

Too clean? That's what I want. I don't want this trashy dark shit like byzanze sand crashes and all that shit that's in at the moment

[@SONORSQ2guy]

I’ve never had some more packs. I prefer the hit several cymbals and buy the one I like.

[@dustybaterista]

That’s how I was forever. I am happy with the purchase in a pack in this case… Money wise, it is a good option if you know you like the line of cymbals.