“A reasonably versatile set but these cymbals excel in a rock and metal context”: Zultan Z Series Cymbals review

What is it?

Now entering its 25th year in production, Zultan is one of several long-established, underdog cymbal brands that remain somewhat overshadowed by the ‘big four’ that dominate the market (you know the ones, right?).

Sharing in common with most of these well-known companies, Zultan’s cymbals are manufactured in Turkey using traditional cymbal-making techniques. The German brand boasts a massive 15 different product ranges, with a generous amount of size options within each. You’ll note from previous reviews of the Aeon, Dune and Q Series that we have been suitably impressed with what’s on offer. Launching with the Rock Beat Series in 2000, Zultan has since developed an orchestral set (aptly named ‘Orchestra’), a low-volume set (Mellow) and several others, which between them, aim to cover all bases in terms of stylistic needs.

Representing one of the most recent additions to Zultan’s expansive range, The Z Series has recently been expanded with 10 and 12” splashes, 13” and 15" hats, 16” and 18” chinas, 19” and 20” crashes. These are in addition to the existing 14” hats, 16”, 17”, 18” 19” crashes, 20”, 21” and 22” rides. Our review set comprises the 14” hats, 18” and 19” crashes, 21” ride, 18” china and 12” splash. Exclusive to Thomann, prices start at £76 for the 10” splash and climb to £239 for a pair of 15” hi-hats – a relatively affordable price for hand-made cymbals.

There are also two packs available – the Standard Set (£495) comprises 14" hats, 16” crash and 20” ride while the Professional Set (£595) also includes the 18” crash.

Although you might find cymbals from bigger brands at a similar price, there are several factors to consider in terms of the manufacturing process and alloys used. The vast majority of Zultan’s cymbals use traditional B20 bronze, with the exception of the Aeon and CS lines which use a B25 alloy. If you’re drawing a blank on these terms, allow me to hammer them home for you (excuse the un-forge-givable cymbal puns). If you’re already up to speed, feel free to dive into the performance and verdict section to see what we made of the Z Series.

In a nutshell, B20 (also known as bell bronze) utilises an 80/20 per cent copper-to-tin ratio which has become the go-to combo for its tonal qualities. Examples of these can be seen in almost all of the top-end cymbal lines such as Zildjian’s A and K ranges, Sabian’s AA, HH and Artisan, Meinl Byzanze, Paiste Signature – the list goes on. Cheaper cymbals tend to use B8 alloy which is made up of 8% tin and 92% copper. Examples of these can be found in Zildjian’s I Series, Paiste’s PST ranges, Sabian’s aptly named B8 and Meinl’s HCS. There have also been several B10 and B12 cymbal lines over the years.

The alloy itself is not the be-all-and-end-all of the cymbal’s final sound though. The process in which it's made, particularly things like hammering and lathing, will transform the end result. Entry-level cymbals are pressed from sheet metal, while pro-level cymbals are cast and worked by hand to reach the end result.

Pricing

• Standard Set: 14" hats, 16” crash and 20” ride - £495
• Professional Set: 14" hats, 16” crash, 18" crash and 20” ride - £595
• Zultan 10" Z-Series splash - £76
• Zultan 12" Z-Series splash - £84
• Zultan 13" Z-Series hi-hat - £189
• Zultan 14" Z-Series hi-hat - £213
• Zultan 15" Z-Series hi-hat - £239
• Zultan 16" Z-Series crash - £136
• Zultan 17" Z-Series crash - £144
• Zultan 18" Z-Series crash - £161
• Zultan 19" Z-Series crash - £204
• Zultan 20" Z-Series crash - £221
• Zultan 16" Z-Series china - £150
• Zultan 18" Z-Series china - £179
• Zultan 20" Z-Series ride - £204
• Zultan 21" Z-Series ride - £213
• Zultan 22" Z-Series ride - £230

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Performance

The Z Series are predominantly un-lathed with the exception of a polished band across the bow, and another on the bell. The underside of each cymbal is left untouched with a pale, textured patina.

Set up in our acoustically dry studio live room, we’re struck by the impressive volume of these cymbals, with the 18” and 19” crashes opening up into a controlled wash upon the first strikes. In the mix of a groove, they don’t feel as overbearing as initially suspected and possess a full tonal character with plenty of spread. Unsurprisingly the 18” china takes the top spot for sheer volume, cutting through with an explosive and pangy nature.

There’s an underlying low-pitched wash to the 21” ride yet a brightness to each initial strike. The stick definition is clear when playing the bow surface, due in part to the hybrid lathing pattern. Like the crashes, the ride has a wide spread which is evident when each bell strike, although definitive, is followed by a wash of complex frequencies. A testament to the tonal complexity created by extensive hand-hammering.

The hi-hats are reasonably dry and well-balanced with a tight, closed sound. The open tone is higher pitched than expected when compared to the slightly darker, drier attack of the closed position. The edge is not too sharp – almost feeling more like 15s to play. We’d be interested to get our hands on the 15” hats to compare.

Last and unfortunately least, to our ears, is the 12” splash. It’s fast and glassy which can be a desirable characteristic in this type of cymbal, but the long decay with a myriad of overtones does not bode well for its overall usability. As splashes go though, 12” is a little large for our tastes and we suspect that we’d prefer the 10” model also available in the range.

When taking the cymbals on stage for a gig, there’s not only more natural ambience to hear them in a different light but also a full band to contend with. Within the mix of guitars, bass and vocals the Z Series cymbals project well and the crashes wash beautifully when ridden on the edge.

Despite a generally positive experience, we did find a couple of extremely minor flaws with the finishing of these cymbals. The china has a tiny imperfection of a millimetre or two on its edge and the un-lathed sections of some of the cymbals have whitened slightly – likely due to a lack of any protective finish.

Verdict

The Z series meets all the expectations anyone could have of classic Turkish cymbals made from cast B20 bronze. Their surface is intricately polished in a striped pattern. Attractive to look at, this stylish finish also means a quicker decay.

Due to the unique manufacturing process they have a controllable, well-balanced sound with a perfect blend of warmth and silky harmonics. These characteristics give them great versatility, allowing them to be used in almost any musical genre.

Hands-on demos

Zultan

Z-Series Professional Set | Overview | Zultan Cymbals - YouTube

Watch On

Alternatives

Vulcan Antique Series Cymbals: at vulcancymbals.com

Read more about Vulcan Antique Series Cymbals

Amedia Galata Series Cymbals: at amediacymbals.com.tr

Read the full Amedia Cymbals review

Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Cymbals: at zildjian.com

Read the full Zildjian K Custom Hybrid Cymbals review

Specifications