Zildjian K Constantinople 21" Big Band
Group: Rides
Type: Big Band
Size: 21 Inch
Series: K Constantinople
Weight: 2422g, 2464g, 2466g, 2468g, 2474g, 2532g, 2534g
Years of production: 1999 - 2005
Sound file: K Constantinople 21" Big Band
K Constantinople 21" Big Band
K Constantinople 21" Big Band
K Constantinople 21" Big Band
Zildjian's Description: <<< - >>>
Review: "The K Constantinople 21" Big Band ride is somewhat more mainstream than the 24" Light ride (if any K Constantinople model can be called "mainstream"). But it, too, must be used in the proper setting if its true worth is to be appreciated. Like its bigger brother, it can be overpowering in certain settings. But for those who need a bigger sound than is typically associated with the dark characteristics of the K Constantinople line, this cymbal fills the bill.
Physically, the 21" Big Band ride resembles Zildjian's Rock 21,a medium-heavy cymbal that was introduced in the early 1970s to meet the ever-increasing volume requirements of rock 'n' roll. But big band drummers such as Louie Bellson quickly discovered that it gave them the extra power they needed to cut through a big band, while retaining the basic characteristics of a 20" ride.
That's pretty much the story here. In character, the 21" Big Band ride is much closer to a 20" K Constantinople ride than to a 22" model. But the sound is much bigger.
As with the 24" Light ride, some might find the sound of the 21"Big Band ride too big. Again, it's easy to lose the definition in awash of overtones and undertones if you start bashing it. But when played with a light to medium touch—and with a medium-weight stick that brings out its full sound—the cymbal produces good definition, with enough sustain to saturate the sound of a big band (or any loud band) without simply turning into a roar. Unlike the 24"Light ride, the 21" Big Band ride can stand up to somewhat faster tempos without the definition washing out.
This slightly-larger-than-usual ride cymbal also features a proportionately larger bell, which can really cut. It's not the clean, anvil-like sound of a more traditional cymbal; it's fat and nasty.And loud.
Even though the K Constantinople 21" Big Band ride is rated as a medium-heavy cymbal, it is remarkably responsive. With this cymbal, one doesn't have to sacrifice finesse in order to obtain a big sound.
Review written by Rick Mattingly ("Product Close-Up - New Zildjian K Constantinople Rides", Modern Drummer, May 2000, p.38)
Artist/song where it can be heard:
