Zildjian K Sweet Cymbals

93
WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM APRIL 2018 |
PRICE
16" K Sweet crash, £275;
17" K Sweet crash, £305;
18" K Sweet crash, £329;
19" K Sweet crash, £355;
20" K Sweet crash,
£379;
15" K Sweet hi-hats,
£495;
16" K Sweet hi-hats,
£559;
21" K Sweet ride, £409;
23" K Sweet ride, £495
SIZES
Hi-hats: 15", 16";
Crashes: 16", 17", 18",
19", 20";
Rides: 21", 23"
CAST OR
PRESSED
Cast
FINISH
Traditional
HAND
HAMMERED
Yes
COUNTRY OF
ORIGIN
USA
CONTACT
Headstock Distribution
0121 508 6666
www.
headstockdistribution.
com
Essential spec
VERDICT: These cymbals bridge the
gap between Zildjian’s classic K and
more modern A series. They are highly
musical, dynamic and, above all,
versatile instruments. Prepare to
be converted.
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
RATING
LARGE HATS
The hi-hats are only available
in 15" and 16" models
LOW PROFILE
The K Sweets have an
overall flattened
profile with raised bells
CRASHES
Crash sizes start at 16"
and continue to 20"
THE K TREATMENT
Like other Ks, these cymbals
feature complex and deep
lathing patterns
be described as the chameleons of the
cymbal world.
With no regular 14" hi-hats available we
go for the smallest 15" pair. As with the
majority of hats, the bottom cymbal is heavier
but, in this case, not by a large margin. They
are super crisp, fairly low-pitched and have a
rich open sound. The 16" pair are noticeably
lower in pitch and generally a little more
aggressive in nature. Strangely they don’t
feel oversized at all and become the norm
very quickly.
The characteristics of the crashes vary
enormously from the smallest 16" to the
monster 20". Aside from the obvious pitch
differences, the 16" and 17" crashes are much
faster and brighter than expected and lack
the complexities heard in the larger models.
For me, the magic really starts to happen
from the 18" upwards where you can hear the
light and dark elements mix with the (dare I
say it) sweetness and clear defi nition of the
new Ks. The 19" and 20" crashes also open up
quickly but sustain for a fair while longer. They
ride satisfyingly and the un-lathed bells add
an interesting texture although,
unsurprisingly, neither can hold a torch to the
dedicated 21" and 23" rides in this area.
The 21" ride is an absolute stunner and
personifi es the versatility of the K Sweet
range. It has a bright, clear stick defi nition
which is supported by the dark and warm
overtones. It crashes beautifully and has just
the right amount of wash. The high-profi le
bell is crystal clear and light yet somehow fi ts
just as well into heavier tunes as it does
latin-style bell patterns. The 23" ride tips the
balance a lot more between the initial attack
and wash. It continues to hum away a long
time after it’s been struck. A beautiful ride but
trumped by its smaller sibling in regards to
clarity and versatility.
RHY279.gear_zildjian.indd 93 22/02/2018 18:21