Rediscovering the 20" K Custom Dark Ride

[bilkay]

I haven't touched this cymbal in months. You know what? I just hung it up with a 20", 2000g Agop Sig and they just sang together. The KC Dark (2240g) sounds very much like a 20", 2200g Bosphorus Traditional I have but the Zildjian is just a hair dirtier and more complex sounding than the Bos. I'm shocked that the stick, wash, and bell are almost identical on these rides! But the Zildjian's sound is just a tad more complementary to the trash in the Sig (and also a Bos Masters I just hung up). It even sounds a bit like (a much tamer version of) my 21" Mehmet Mel Lewis. And the KC Dark is one of those all-arounders that's at home with jazz and rock. The weight won't overpower in a quieter setting but the pitch is such that it will make it's presence felt behind (and through) guitars. It's got a cutting bell and a great crash, too. What a gem!

Maybe I shouldn't be saying this while trying to sell the Bos! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[RickS]

I've had 3 of these in 20" and currently own one. It is much the same sonically as you have described although it's much stiffer in feel than my Bos Hammer ride. Recently I packed it up and sent it back to Zildjian and had them do their free (+ shipping both ways) traditional pattern 6 rivet installation because I wanted a good sizzle and wow, the results were terrific. This one has a mildly dry barely perceptible trash. It reminds me more of a late 50s A Zildjian more than any Ks but it is a killer dark ride.

[HonenShonin]

I love my K Cus Dark. I've had it for about 9 years, I think, and I'll never get rid of it. So versatile. Lately, however, its position in my stable has been usurped by a Pre-Aged Dry Light. I'll probably keep switching back and forth between these two, as they're both so nice and I could never let either of them go.

[bilkay]

Rick, funny you should mention the rivets. As I was playing it today, that word kept popping into my head over and over, like this: "Damn, I bet this thing would sound AWESOME with a rivet or two!"

And the KC Dark definitely feels stiffer under the stick than my 20" Bos Masters but not appreciably stiffer than the Bos Traditional.

I also would describe the KC Dark as generally more "A-like" (brighter) than a modern K. At the same time, it's dark and dirty. Not so much trashy, but DIRTY! Just a little grit underneath.

It's a great cymbal and I wish you hadn't mentioned the Zildjian-puts-rivets-in-it-for-free thing! Now I've gotta go out to the garage to find a box. Damn it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

And HonenShonen, I am in the market for a Pre-Aged Dry Light (preferably 22") if I can find one at the right price. In the last several years, Zildjian has really focused on the right things, and continues to create some GREAT pieces! I'm currently very impressed with the K Custom Dry and Dry Light rides, as well as the K Constantinople Thin High ride.

Oops! Hijack over!!!

[mIII]

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It reminds me more of a late 50s A Zildjian more than any Ks but it is a killer dark ride.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's interesting you should say that... I have a very similar impression of that cymbal. I have a 22" that is still one of my all-time faves. But, yes, when compared side by side to a 21" late 50's Avedis that I own, it has some striking similarities... i.e. bright stick, and a dark, smoky wash. Actually, the A is even a bit darker really. The KCDR is definitely my favorite modern Z cymbal, hands down. It really records well, too.

I also agree with the above comparisons of it to some of the Bosphorus pies. There are some definite similarities.

[RickS]

Of all my ride cymbals the K Custom Dark gets Connie Kays main ride sound the best. I almost wish I hadn't gotten the full compliment of rivets (2 or 3 woulda done the trick) but the lightest tap of the stick or swipe with the brush does get the nice light airy sizzle without digging into the cymbals darkness. Dirty and gritty in lieu of lots of trash is my feeling about the whole range of K Custom Darks I've played, although a 17" crash from that series I had once had plenty of a trashy character.

[bdbop]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
...it is a killer dark ride.

[/ QUOTE ]

It's interesting you should say that... I have a very similar impression of that cymbal. I have a 22" that is still one of my all-time faves. ...bright stick, and a dark, smoky wash. The KCDR is definitely my favorite modern Z cymbal, hands down. It really records well, too.


[/ QUOTE ]

The K Custom Dark Ride sound you are describing is extremely reminiscent of the Agop 21" 2360g Vezir.

<font color="white">SPAM COMMERCIAL and thread hijack:</font>: That Vezir is for sale - sound file available.
21" Vezir TOP (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/b_d_bop/21AgopVezir2360g_a.jpg)
21" Vezir BOTTOM (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y28/b_d_bop/21AgopVezir2360g_b.jpg)

Now back to our regularly scheduled program... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[RickS]

I clearly remember the John Bonham Modern Drummer tribute issue reviewing a set of the K Custom Darks and reading and rereading that issue for years before I was able to break down and get my first KCD ride. ONE thing on my K Cust Dark that clearly separates it from any A Zildjian is the light clicky stick sound I hear from any of my smaller wood tipped jazz sticks. The sticking plus the warm and on the dry side wash do sorta remind me more of a K than an older A Zildjian. Otherwise, we're talking Joe Morello, Shelly Manne and a bunch of other hip 50s-60s era cats' ride sound.

[BRich]

the KC dark ride is the best zildjian on the market. they need to heavily expand from that cymbal. 18, 22 and 24" versions would be phenominal, as well as a KC dark light and KC dark dry. if I could get a 24" KC dark light ride I'd lose my mind.

[jvjazz]

This is the glory of cymbalholics. I was just about to put my 20" KC Dark Ride with two rivets on the market...and here you guys go again! After not playing this cymbal much in the past year, I thought "sell it" and get something else. After reading what's been said, I'm going to wait and put this pie up again. Perhaps I need to do some "mixin &amp; Matchin" again and give it a good hard listen. It might be that I already have what I would like to buy! Thanks for the input guys.

[Matt]

Brian, there is a K Custom Dark 22" and I've accually seen more of those in stores than the 20. They sure vary a lot in weight. Some are medium-thin, but others are on the heavy side of medium.

[bilkay]

OK, then. What's the size and weight of YOUR KCDR? Mine's 20", 2240g.

[BRich]

weird, I've seen 22" kcdr's on ebay but never in a store. I guess I'll have to look harder!

[HonenShonin]

Mine's a 20", but I don't know the weight. I need to get a scale.