Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Ride Cymbal

Quality:
I've tried several of these and there was great variability in the sound. They were all dry, complex and trashy, but the ratios of these qualities were different in each one. In some respects they are as variable as some of the handmade cymbals (Istanbuls, Bosphorus)

Value:
It is a very worthwhile cymbal. I am very happy to have picked it up

Desirability:
The visual appeal of the cymbal is cool. It is darker and browner than your typical cymbal.

Sound:
This cymbal is very dry, trashy and complex, but still has a wash and a nice ringing/pinging bell. It is not a bright splashy sound. It has some considerable complexity to it. Ideal for jazz and I suppose any style that is stripped down in volume/distortion.The cymbal does project but much of its' subtlety would be lost in amplification driven music with lots of distortion. I believe this cymbal is a specialty item for people looking for specific qualities that are different from your typical ride.

Ease of Use:
I think that you can get great things out of this cymbal quite easily, but it will take time to really explore the possibilities/potential in this ride.

Support:
I was surprised that I left the store with a Zildjian, even though I played Zildjians for twenty years I have converted to Istanbuls almost entirely. The quality of both companies' cymbals are equally good, but the range of sounds is more variable in Istanbul cymbals-except in this particular Zildjian.

Overall:
I expect that I will be playing this cymbal for as long as I am playing. It has many of the qualities that I have been looking for.

Feature:
not applicable

Quality:
The quality of this cymbal is like most Zildjian offerings: terrific. I personally love the raw look of it, but you might not be so happy if you are a fan of Brilliant-finished cymbals. Nothing cheap here. The only quality issue I found with this--as you find with most cymbals from Big Z--no two of these sound alike. I found this one copy that is just wonderful, but I has previously tried several that sounded like garbage can lids. Zildjian cymbals are routinely wonderful, BUT--you really have to sample them to find just the sound you want!

Value:
I think Zildjian's stuff is generally reasonable for what you get, at street prices. Anyone coughing up MSRP is nuts...

Desirability:
Probably not the prettiest piece of gear to be had, but what a sound!

Sound:
I would consider this cymbal to be dry, but expressive. It's very rich, with complex wash and overtones, and it responds well in all the situations I've put it into. It is a different cymbal with nylon tips, than wood, and hickory sticks have a different character on this than oak. It responds very differently to where you hit it; it has a musical bell, a dry, though complex ride on the bottom of the bell, and a very musical wash toward the edge. It also has a GREAT crash!

Ease of Use:
not really applicable; put the thing on a cymbal stand and have at it!

Support:
not applicable

Overall:
I'm looking to add some Special Dry Crash cymbals to my kit. Maybe the hats as well, if I get a chance to hear them in person.