Zildjian Fills Niches With Three New Cymbals

We hovered like a pack of hungry wolves over the trio of new cymbals introduced by Zildjian at the 2011 NAMM show. Designed to explode with penetrating sound, the 19" and 21" Ultra Hammered Chinas feature new inverted “volcano” bells and extensive hammering, producing a sound that is trashier than their 18" and 20" Z3 China counterparts. Zildjian’s newly designed 22" A Zildjian Swish Knocker, which features a smoother and sweeter “knock,” was inspired by the model Mel Lewis and his orchestra made famous at the Village Vanguard. The new A Zildjian Swish Knocker replaces the original model, and has a slightly higher profile and a less curved cup. It also features 20 rivets and a legendary A Zildjian traditional finish.