Ok guys havent done a review in a while, so heres my latest, the Zildjian K Custom Session Cymbals
K Custom Sessions were designed in conjunction with Steve Gadd and match his cymbal setup. The odd cymbals out are the hats and ride. Steve has always matched his hi-hats in an odd fashion in that he prefers to have a heavier cymbal on top over a lighter cymbal on the bottom. His ride is only an 18" which is considered small in this day where 20" + rules all. So off we go.
18" Ride
I tested the ride first. I took it with me to a School band night where we would be covering everything from Duke Ellington to Guns n Roses. I also took my Sabian AAX Stage ride in case the Session couldnt perform in the heavier pieces. Let me tell you, the SAbian never left the case. The ride has a great wash, but still has the capability to ride ontop of the music. Playing it like Steve does, using the bead of the stick at different angles to get different sounds, you can surely cover most genres. But when its time to step up the volume, use the shank of the stick and this ride roars with volume. Being its an 18" size and a medium thin, it also makes a brilliant crash. A very versatile ride.
14" Hats
These Hats are a Medium which is really weighted like a medium heavy, over a medium thin. the top hat is hammered in the K Constantinople fashion, while the bottom hat looks suspiciously like an A, even though its labeled K. Steve places a heavier cymbal atop a lighter one because it adds articulation and clarity that breaks through the music. These hats are light enough for [url=http://www.drumandbass.org]jazz[/url] but can rip through in rock. The chick isnt as strong as some other Zildjian hats (mastersounds or quick beats) but it was there when it was needed. These hats really do shine.
16" and 18" Crashes
Unlike the hi-hats and ride, the crashes are a natural finish. Using the tip of the stick the cymbal emits a rather low jazzy sort of sizzle, but crash it with a good strike and it opens up to a beautiful shimmer. The 18" will cut through other instruments when struck like no other but it also has a low jazzy sound when struck with the tip of the cymbal, it also makes a great alternate ride to the standard one. Both crashes also sounded great with all parts of the brushes, wires, loop and handle.