Zildjian Azuka 18" Timbale Cymbal
Group: Crashes
Type: Timbale Cymbal
Size: 18 Inch
Series: Azuka
Weight: 1749g, 1754g
Years of production: 1996 - 2007
Sound file: Azuka 18" Timbale Cymbal
Azuka 18" Timbale Cymbal
Zildjian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The Azuka availability chart states that this is the "perfect all-around cymbal for timbales, "with "extremely clear, high-end bell response, a dry ride response for good stick articulation, and a fast opening for fast dynamic crashes with excellent projection and medium decay." It was with this criteria that I evaluated this cymbal. The first thing I listened for was the bell cup sound, which is probably the most important aspect of a cymbal used in Latin playing (particularly on timbales). The cup of the cymbal is usually used in horn instrumental solos and the mambo section of an arrangement. The cymbal was played with a 7/16" timbale stick and also with a 5A wood-tip stick. The cup of the Timbale Cymbal is rather large, and sounds clear and high-ended. The timbale stick seemed to give the bell a little more bite than did the regular drumstick, which may be due to the thickness of the stick. With the big band and Latin-jazz group, the cup projected well even in the higher-volume mambo sections. It also blended well with the bongo bell—which is of primary importance for good ensemble playing. I did have problems hearing the bell over a somewhat higher-volume horn section in the salsa band. (However, in all fairness, the band in general was a bit over-amplified by the house engineer, and the horn section was standing about one foot behind me.) The next thing that I listened for was the ride response and crash effect. The cymbal is medium-thin and produced a low tone. It had a dry response with just enough overtones to provide a nice cushion behind horn solos and ensemble work at a medium volume. I found that I could play the body of the cymbal at various volume levels and still hear the articulation of the stick. However, the sound got washy when I played harder, and it sometimes became lost in certain higher-volume sections such as the mambo. Timbale players use the ride cymbal and a rimshot simultaneously to crash and kick horn lines—very much like a drum set player. With the big band, I found the cymbal to be very effective in this area. The crashes with the horns sounded full and round. Sustained crashes had a nice spread and gradual decay. However, using the Timbale Cymbal as a second ride on the drum set did not work well, due to its low pitch and dry effect. It just didn't blend well with my other cymbals. It seems that the cymbal works well for what it was made for: playing with a set of timbales. In general, this was my favorite cymbal of the Azuka set. Every drummer/percussionist who heard this cymbal commented on the clarity of the bell cup and the attack on band kicks."
Review written by Victor Rendon ("Product Close-Up - Zildjian Azuka Cymbals", Modern Drummer, April 1997, pp. 42-43)
Review: "The Salsa Timbale model is 18" in diameter, is very thin, has a large bell, and features a brilliant finish. When ridden on the bow, this cymbal produces a somewhat washy sound (probably held in check by the brilliant finish), but the bell is very musical—not overly cutting or high-pitched, just a good, clear tone. The real beauty of this model is its crash sound. It's explosive, very sibilant, yet not harsh. And there aren't any annoying overtones that speak out above the "crack" of the crash.
This could be a versatile performer for a kit drummer, since the bell is certainly usable and the crash sound is excellent. It would offer you a secondary bell sound to that of your main ride, plus a killer crash sound."
Review written by William F. Miller "Product Close-Up - A Zildjian Potpourri" (Modern Drummer, July 1997, pp. 43-44)
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