Zildjian Z Custom
Introduction: First generation: 1993* (crashes) / 1994 (rest of series) - 2001; Second Generation (Redesign): 2001 - 2009.
Reintroduced / Redesigned: April 2024
Background: The Z Custom series was a successor to the original Z Series, intended for heavier musical styles such as Heavy Metal, Punk, and Hard Rock. These were again shaped by computerized hammers, but unlike their predecessors, the cymbals were lathed and overall thinner. Several models from the Z Series were carried over, including the Power Ride, the Mega Bell Ride, Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, and the China Boy. In 2001, the series was redesigned and updated with new hammering on all models, new series logos and model designations. The line was discontinued in 2009, and succeeded by the Z3 series. On April 9, 2024 Zildjian announced a revival of the Z Custom Series, with a selection of models returning to production.
Alloy: B20
Quality: Professional
Production: Like its predecessor, a computer-controlled hammering process gave Z Custom series cymbals their unique sound and look. The pattern, spacing, and thrust tonnage of the hammers were all stored in digital memory and could be repeated with a degree of precision never before possible. Hammering shapes included Convex Closed Hex, Concave Open Penta, Concave Five Point Star, and Convex Six Point Star. Early on, the hammering shapes from the Z Series were carried over. After 2001, the hammering used on all cymbals was a new Concave round pattern. With the reintroduction of the series in April 2024, all models returned to the Concave Open Penta star hammering, with the exception of the Hi-Hat bottoms retaining the previous concave round hammering.
First generation 14" Hi-Hat bottom, convex six point star hammering
Second generation 14" Hi-Hat pair, with updated series and model designation, and round hammering.
First generation 18" Rock Crash, convex six point star hammering.
Second generation 18" Rock Crash, with updated series and model designation, and round hammering.
Second generation 20" China, with round hammering.
First generation 21" Mega Bell Ride, Concave Five point star hammering.
Second generation 21" Mega Bell Ride, with updated series and model designation, and round hammering.
Third Generation 20" Crash, with Concave Open Penta star hammering.
Company Description:
2001: Louder is Better. Z Customs can handle the pressure of driving, heavy music while delivering a bright, penetrating cymbal voice. As Hard Rock music has mutated into countless new forms, Z Customs have kept pace. They’re now better than ever, with state-of-the-art hammering, an exciting new look and enhanced sound. Z Customs walk the fine line between volume and musicality for drummers who do the same.
2024: MADE FOR METAL. After a 15-year hiatus, the coveted Z Custom cymbal series has returned to the Zildjian portfolio. Z Custom addresses Metal’s growing worldwide popularity, delivering explosive, bright and loud sounds that drummers have been requesting for years, with reimagined durability. Z Custom is built for the stage or studio, allowing for limitless musical expression.
Models in Production
Rides
- Ride - 20" 22"
- Mega Bell Ride - 21"
Crashes
Hi-Hats
Chinas
- China/China Boy - 18" 20" (Boy was dropped from the name in 1997)
Discontinued Models and Sizes
Rides
- Power Ride - 20" 22"
- Thrash Ride - 19"
Crashes
- Medium Crash - 16" 17" 18" 19" 20"
- Rock Crash - 16" 17" 18" 19"
- Projection Crash - 18" 19" 20"
Hi-Hats
Splash
(*)Modern Drummer article "Zildjian At 370" (December 1993) mentions that the Z Custom crashes will be introduced in the Fall ('93).
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