Hey drummers! Are you looking to add a unique and explosive flavor to your drum kit? Then look no further! Let's dive deep into the world of the Zildjian 18" Oriental China cymbal. This cymbal is not just another piece of metal; it's a sonic weapon that can add character, aggression, and a whole lot of attitude to your playing. Whether you're into rock, metal, punk, or even jazz fusion, this cymbal can bring a distinctive voice to your drumming. Let's explore what makes this cymbal so special, its key features, sound characteristics, and why it deserves a spot in your setup.

What is the Zildjian 18" Oriental China Cymbal?

The Zildjian 18" Oriental China is a cymbal renowned for its trashy, explosive, and cutting sound. Part of Zildjian's Oriental series, it's designed to deliver a distinctive and aggressive tone that stands out in any musical context. China cymbals, in general, are characterized by their upturned edges and unique tonal qualities, and the Zildjian 18" Oriental China is a prime example of this. Its design and construction are geared towards producing a sound that is both exotic and powerful.

Key Features and Design

• Size: At 18 inches, this cymbal offers a balanced blend of projection and responsiveness. It’s large enough to create a full, explosive sound but not so large that it becomes unwieldy. The 18-inch size also ensures that it sits comfortably within a standard drum kit setup.
• Upturned Edge: The upturned edge is a defining characteristic of China cymbals. This design contributes to the cymbal's trashy and exotic sound, allowing it to produce a unique tonal spread. The upturned edge also affects the way the cymbal vibrates, resulting in a quicker decay and a more controlled sound.
• B20 Bronze Alloy: Crafted from Zildjian's secret B20 bronze alloy (80% copper, 20% tin, with traces of silver), this cymbal delivers a rich, complex, and musical tone. B20 bronze is highly regarded for its ability to produce a wide range of frequencies and its durability, making it a favorite among professional drummers. The B20 bronze alloy ensures that the cymbal not only sounds great but also withstands the rigors of frequent playing.
• Weight: Typically medium-thin in weight, the cymbal provides a fast response and a bright, cutting sound. The medium-thin weight allows the cymbal to open up easily, producing a full and resonant tone with minimal effort. This makes it ideal for drummers who need a cymbal that responds quickly to their playing.
• Lathed Surface: The lathing on the cymbal's surface helps to shape its tonal characteristics, adding to its overall complexity and warmth. The lathing process involves removing small amounts of metal from the cymbal's surface, which helps to control its vibration and create a more refined sound.

Sound Characteristics

The Zildjian 18" Oriental China cymbal is known for its distinct sound profile, which includes:

• Trashy Tone: The cymbal's primary characteristic is its trashy sound, which is often described as raw, aggressive, and slightly dissonant. This trashy tone is perfect for adding a touch of chaos and excitement to your drumming.
• Fast Response: Thanks to its medium-thin weight, the cymbal responds quickly to even the lightest touch, making it ideal for intricate cymbal work and fast fills. The fast response also ensures that the cymbal can keep up with the demands of high-energy drumming styles.
• Explosive Attack: When struck, the cymbal delivers a powerful and explosive attack that can cut through even the loudest mixes. This makes it a great choice for drummers who need a cymbal that can make a statement.
• Short Sustain: The cymbal's sustain is relatively short, which helps to keep its sound focused and controlled. This short sustain also prevents the cymbal from washing out the other instruments in the mix.
• Bright and Cutting: The cymbal's bright and cutting tone ensures that it can be heard clearly, even in dense musical arrangements. This makes it a valuable addition to any drummer's arsenal.

Why Choose the Zildjian 18" Oriental China?

So, why should you consider adding the Zildjian 18" Oriental China to your cymbal setup? Well, guys, there are several compelling reasons. This cymbal is an excellent choice for drummers who want to add a unique and aggressive voice to their kit. It's particularly well-suited for genres like rock, metal, punk, and fusion, where its trashy and explosive sound can really shine.

Versatility

Despite its aggressive nature, the Zildjian 18" Oriental China is surprisingly versatile. It can be used in a variety of musical contexts, from loud and heavy rock anthems to more subtle and nuanced jazz fusion pieces. Its ability to blend in with different styles makes it a valuable addition to any drummer's cymbal collection.

Expressiveness

The cymbal's wide range of tonal possibilities allows drummers to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Whether you're looking to add a touch of aggression to your fills or create a sense of chaos and excitement, the Zildjian 18" Oriental China can help you achieve your desired sound.

Quality and Durability

As with all Zildjian cymbals, the 18" Oriental China is made to the highest standards of quality and durability. Crafted from Zildjian's legendary B20 bronze alloy, this cymbal is built to withstand the rigors of frequent playing and deliver consistent performance for years to come. This makes it a worthwhile investment for any serious drummer.

How to Incorporate the Zildjian 18" Oriental China into Your Setup

Integrating the Zildjian 18" Oriental China into your drum kit setup can open up a world of sonic possibilities. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of this unique cymbal:

Placement

Experiment with different placements to find the sweet spot that works best for your playing style. Some drummers prefer to position it on the right side of their kit, near the ride cymbal, while others prefer to place it on the left, near the hi-hat. The ideal placement will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your music.

Rhythmic Accents

Use the cymbal to add rhythmic accents and punctuation to your drum grooves. Its trashy and explosive sound can be used to emphasize certain beats or create a sense of anticipation.

Fills

Incorporate the cymbal into your drum fills to add a touch of excitement and aggression. Its fast response and bright tone make it ideal for creating fast and intricate fills that stand out in the mix.

Stacking

Try stacking the Zildjian 18" Oriental China with other cymbals to create unique and complex sounds. Experiment with different combinations to find the sounds that work best for your playing style.

Genre-Specific Applications

• Rock: Use the cymbal to add power and aggression to your rock drumming. Its trashy sound can be used to emphasize the heavy, distorted guitars and driving rhythms.
• Metal: Incorporate the cymbal into your metal drumming to create a sense of chaos and intensity. Its explosive attack and bright tone can cut through even the loudest mixes.
• Punk: Use the cymbal to add a raw and energetic edge to your punk drumming. Its trashy sound and fast response make it ideal for creating fast and aggressive rhythms.
• Fusion: Experiment with the cymbal in your fusion drumming to create complex and nuanced sounds. Its versatility and wide range of tonal possibilities make it a valuable tool for creating unique and expressive music.

Alternatives to the Zildjian 18" Oriental China

While the Zildjian 18" Oriental China is a fantastic cymbal, it's not the only option out there. Here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Meinl 18" Classics Custom China: This cymbal offers a bright and cutting sound with a trashy edge, making it a great alternative to the Zildjian. It's known for its durability and affordability.
• Paiste 20" Alpha Metal China: Designed for heavier music styles, this cymbal delivers a powerful and aggressive sound with a long sustain. It's a good choice for drummers who need a cymbal that can really cut through the mix.
• Wuhan 18" China Cymbal: Known for their authentic China sound, Wuhan cymbals are a more affordable option that still delivers a trashy and explosive tone. They are a popular choice for drummers on a budget.

Final Thoughts

The Zildjian 18" Oriental China is a killer cymbal that can bring a unique and explosive flavor to your drumming. Its trashy tone, fast response, and explosive attack make it a valuable addition to any drummer's arsenal. Whether you're into rock, metal, punk, or fusion, this cymbal can help you create a sound that is all your own. So go ahead, give it a try, and unleash the trashy goodness! You won't regret it!