Review: K Custom Hybrid Hats

[drummguy731]

In 2006, Zildjian released a line of cymbals designed with Akira Jimbo called the K Custom Hybrid series. It's been a good amount of time since Zildjian has realeased a whole new line of cymbals so these promised to be interesting. Zildjian advertised these cymbals as the meeting of darkness and brilliance, promising strong bells and crashability of rides, projection from crashes and chinas, and the power of a 14" with the control of a 13" from the hats. Well, my curiousity was peaked with these new cymbals so I went to check them out.

It was about a month before Christmas and I was looking into getting a new pair of hats(and a new ride too, but that's for another review). My old ZBT's were just not cutting it anymore and I had just joined a band where we played anything from funk to jazz, latin to rock, even some soul so I needed something really versatile. Since Zildjian promised versatility, I knew I had to check them out. When I went to my closest drum shop, Skinz 'n Tinz, I asked them what they thought of the Hybrids and if they sounded like any of the others. They were really not that helpful, saying that since cymbals were hand made(not in Zildjian's case, but meh), they all sounded different. So, after trying to get some answers, I went and tried them. At first, they were a little one-dimensional sounding, it was weird. So I tried some other cymbals, none of them really appealing to my tastes. I was finally about to give up when I tried the Hybrids once more. Then something clicked and I fell in love with the sound. I came home with my brand new toys(although they did have to sit for a month afterwards as they were for Christmas) and sat down on the set. Being brand new to cymbal picking, I didn't even think to bring my other cymbals(mostly A Customs), but luckily they blended well.

After playing with them for about a year now, I have to say that I'm really impressed with how much character they've built. At first, when they were brand new, they sounded a little too bright and one dimensional, but after all the playing and gig grub that's built up, they've really darkened out have a great sound. Maybe they needed to be "broken in" or maybe they've just grown on me, but I think it's the first. Anyway, Zildjian was correct in stating that these cymbals are kind of the median between the dark and the light of cymbals. If anything, the hats are a little on the bright side with a nice body to it. It lacks a little in the projection side of things, but as long as you're not playing with a punk band where everyone has halfstacks behind them, then these hats will be just fine(and they work well mic'd, so no worries there). Zildjian was also on the money when they said these hats have control. They are probably the most sensitive hats I've played, so no worrying about overpowering anyone or having to really slam for accents. And these hats hold their own against other 14" contenders(such as HHX Evolution, New Beats, A Customs, HHX, etc.) for body of the sound. If you use more of the side of the stick, it brings out a nice beefy chick that works in most rock situations. Yet when played with the tip, there is a greatly defined chick that sounds great where softer timekeeping is called for. Playing them opened gives a nice and bright sloshy sound with a quick and surprisingly controlled decay. I sometimes find myself attempting to get the slosh to resonate even longer, which can be achieved, you just need to work at it. When opening and closing the hats quickly after to accent beats, they have a body that is worthy of even the fattest funk beats. Playing them with the foot produces a nice defined chick that carries well. Once again, these hats have a surprising amount of control when being chicked, which is pleasing.

Overall, these hats have stepped up to basically anything I've played. With the exception of really hard metal, which a thicker and louder cymbal may be more appropriate, these hats have gone from funk to latin, jazz to punk, and rock to blues and still sounded great in each one; they tend to sound the best in jazz and funk/soul. The odd size probably contributes to some of the versatility of these hats, although I'd probably have a better idea if there were a 13" model and a 14" model to compare. If you are willing to foot the bill, around $325 American for new, and you want a pair of hats that will work in most situations, then these are definitely worth checking out.

[fastlane]

nice review man. very very good. anyone have the chinas? id like to see a review on them

[crazyguy832]

Hmm... this makes me want to review the K Custom Hybrid splash I have. Maybe at some point... yes... but not now.

Good review, definetely has me interested in the rest of the K Custom Hybrid line.

[spirit]

I do like the Hybrid line. I haven't been able to test them extensively, but one of the booths at Drumtech was recently kitted out with all Hybrids; Hats, Ride and 17" and 19" crashes. Needless to say, I like that room quite a lot now, especially since they replaced a really pingy Z Custom ride, and some obnoxious Z Custom hats.

Good review.

[Mr Pink]

nice work. Could it be you have lost some of the higher range of your hearing??

[Permanent Solution]

I really want to find a place that has these out for test. GC says they only buy hybrids on special order =\ I think I want a pair of these as my main hats though.

[maniac0796]

My store only buys hybrid on request

They're one of the most expensive cymbal lines to stock apparently.

[drummguy731]

I wouldn't be surprised Mr. Pink. But yeah, they are very expensive, I got a good deal because the store I bought them from had an amazing deal with Zildjian for X-mas where Zildjian sold the store everything for half price. So we paid around $280 instead of $345. It was nice.