Skip to main content
Become a MusicRadar VIP - it's free
- Join our community
SampleRadar
Access over 90,000 royalty-free samples
The MusicRadar app
Full access and custom feeds
MusicRadar Newsletters
The latest music and gear news inboxed
Earn Member Badges
Climb the MusicRadar charts
Coming soon: VIP-only Giveaways
Win pro-grade music gear and more
Join the conversation
Connect with other musicians and fans
BECOME A MUSICRADAR VIP
For the quickest way to join, enter your email below. We’ll send a confirmation email and sign you up to MusicRadar newsletters with the latest music news, gear reviews, tutorials and exclusive offers.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
Get VIP Access Quick

Become a MusicRadar VIP for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information, you confirm you are aged 16 or over, have read our Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Geographical rules apply.

Welcome to Become a MusicRadar VIP !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Earn your first badge
Start reading to unlock your first badge
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Hot music news

Hot music news

The latest news from the hottest artists.

Explore
Make better music

Make better music

Explore tutorials, tips and guides for creating music.

Explore

Your membership perks

Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more

Explore now

Get the MusicRadar Newsletter

Get the latest music news, gear reviews, deals and tutorials delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up here

Sign Out
MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Recording Week '26
  • Guitars
  • Software & Apps
  • Controllers
  • Buying Guides
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • About us
More
  • Styles' sonic secret
  • I'm Still Standing
  • Stevie Wonder’s '70s synth guru
  • 95k+ free music samples
  1. Drums
  2. Cymbals

NAMM 2017: Zildjian's genre boxsets and K Custom Special Dry family revealed

News
By MusicRadar
Published 19 January 2017

Plus! New sticks!

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Zildjian rock, country, worship and gospel genre boxsets

Zildjian rock, country, worship and gospel genre boxsets

NAMM 2017: Zildjian has chosen NAMM to unveil a few choice new ranges, most notably four new 'genre boxsets' for rock, country, worship and gospel players.

Alongside these will be new additions to its K Custom family, in the highly desirable shape of the new Special Dry collection, and some all-new sticks, including signature outings for Josh Dun and Thomas Pridgen.

Zildjian Genre boxsets press release

The Avedis Zildjian Company is excited to announce four new music genre based cymbal sets to help drummers find the ideal sound characteristics for playing Rock, Country, Gospel and Worship styles of music.

The Zildjian Rock Pack is an explosive collection of the iconic “A Zildjian” cymbals that are part of the world’s most popular and versatile cymbal series. Each bright, crisp, and full bodied cymbal was hand selected to deliver the look, sound and feel that rock drummers need to cut through and project across the stage or in the studio. This is the definitive Rock cymbal set from the brand that holds a unique place in Rock n’ Roll history.

The road to Nashville starts with the Zildjian Country Pack. This unique collection features the legendary “K Zildjian” cymbals that capture the right tone, volume and sustain for Country music played around the world. Each cymbal is dry, dark and expressive, and the larger sizes deliver volume and projection in any environment. This pack was inspired by many of today’s top country drummers like Kent Slucher (Luke Bryan), Chris Fryar (Zac Brown Band), and Sean Fuller (Florida Georgia Line).

The Zildjian Worship Pack helps the church-based drummer lay the foundation for his/her worship team. This warm and complex collection features the innovative “K Custom” range, that are both powerful and vibrant, yet dark and gentle. All of the cymbals in this pack come together to deliver the proper tones and warm sounds to perfectly capture the spirit of Worship music and work in harmony with other instruments.

The rhythmic tones and strong vocals of Gospel music need a bright, cutting sound that is both shimmering and able to be heard. The Zildjian Gospel Pack features a handpicked selection of Zildjian “A Custom” cymbals that have just the right amount of brightness and sweetness that Gospel music demands. This set is ideal for drummers inspired by a higher power.

All cymbals in these new packs were proudly made in Norwell, Massachusetts at the only USA-based cymbal factory.

A0801R Rock Pack includes:

  • 14” A Mastersound Hats
  • 17” A Medium Thin Crash
  • 19” A Medium Thin Crash
  • 20” A Ping Ride

KC0801W Worship Pack includes:

  • 14” K Custom Dark Hi Hats
  • 16” K Custom Fast Crash
  • 18” K Custom Fast Crash
  • 20” K Custom Medium Ride

K0801C Country Pack includes:

  • 15” K Light Hi Hats
  • 17” K Dark Thin Crash
  • 19” K Dark Thin Crash
  • 20” K Crash Ride

AC0801G Gospel Pack includes:

  • 14” A Custom Mastersound Hi Hats
  • 17” A Custom Fast Crash
  • 18” A Custom EFX
  • 21” A Custom Anniversary Ride
Page 1 of 3
Page 1 of 3
K Custom Special Dry collection

K Custom Special Dry collection

K Custom Special Dry collection press release

The Avedis Zildjian Company is excited to introduce the new K Custom Special Dry collection at the 2017 Winter NAMM Show. This new cymbal voice is an extension of its world renowned K Custom family of cymbals, remastered for today’s modern musical styles.

These raw and earthy cymbals deliver a dry, funky sound with lots of dirt for a unique expression of personality. An innovative three step hammering process, distinctive shape and extra thin weight give the cymbals a fast attack, while shutting down quickly with just enough sustain. This sound, combined with the dark, dirty appearance make the new K Custom Special Dry exactly what today’s drummers and percussionists are looking for.

“The dry and dirty sound is something we have been looking to expand upon since the original introduction of the Special Dry models over a decade ago. However, we wanted to ensure the remastered collection featured the right sizes, styles and sounds to truly stand out across the industry,” said Paul Francis, Zildjian’s Director of R&D.

There are 15 models available in this collection, from 10” Splashes to 23” Rides. Some highlights of this collection are the larger size Crashes (up to 22”) which allow drummers to experience louder volume with trashy overtones. A dynamic 14” FX HiHat Top (sold only as a top) with a unique hole pattern emulates a “filtered” sound coveted by many of todays’ drummers and music producers. The Trash Crashes and Trash China create a unique white noise sound that projects through any live performance, making them the perfect cymbals for accents.

Each of the K Custom Special Dry cymbals were made from Zildjian’s legendary 80/20 bronze secret alloy at the only USA based cymbal factory in Norwell, MA.

Sizes & Styles available:

  • 10" K Custom Special Dry Splash
  • 13" K Custom Special Dry HiHat Pair
  • 14" K Custom Special Dry HiHat Pair
  • 14' K Custom Special Dry FX HiHat Top
  • 15" K Custom Special Dry HiHat Pair
  • 16" K Custom Special Dry Crash
  • 17" K Custom Special Dry Trash Crash
  • 18" K Custom Special Dry Crash
  • 18" K Custom Special Dry Trash China
  • 19" K Custom Special Dry Crash
  • 20" K Custom Special Dry Crash
  • 21" K Custom Special Dry Ride
  • 21" K Custom Special Dry Trash Crash
  • 22" K Custom Special Dry Crash
  • 23" K Custom Special Dry Ride
Page 2 of 3
Page 2 of 3
Josh Dun and Thomas Pridgen Artist Series, and 9 Gauge sticks

Josh Dun and Thomas Pridgen Artist Series, and 9 Gauge sticks

Zildjian drumsticks press release

The Avedis Zildjian Company is excited to announce three new drumstick models for 2017 including two new Artist Series sticks reflecting the musical requirements of Josh Dun and Thomas Pridgen, and the 9 Gauge stick, an extension of the popular Gauge series.

Breaking onto the scene in 2015 with the release of their fourth album, “Blurryface”, Josh Dun and Twenty One Pilots have cultivated a genre-blending sound that defies classification. They are the first alternative act to have two concurrent top ten singles in the United States. Still white hot from their successful 2016 world tour, the band is poised to hit the road again in 2017. As a founding member of the duo, Josh Dun has quickly made waves in the drumming world for his unique and aggressive style.

The Josh Dun Artist Series stick is built to stand up to the aggressive grooves that drive Twenty One Pilots. It features a beefed up 5A shaft with extra length for more reach and effortless velocity. Its medium taper keeps everything in balance and the oval tip creates a surface area ideal for punchy drums and bright cymbals. On this eye catching red stick is a reproduction of Josh’s signature and Twenty One Pilots’ Skeleton Clique “Alien Josh” logo.

A drummer without equal, Thomas Pridgen has a huge personality and style all his own. Six short years after winning the Guitar Center Drum-Off at the age of 9, Thomas became the youngest musician to receive a 4-year scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Throughout his still rapidly growing career, Thomas has worked with artists including The Mars Volta, Christian Scott, Keyshia Cole, The Memorials, Thundercat, Wicked Evolution and Suicidal Tendencies.

The Thomas Pridgen Artist Series stick is bold and aggressive by design. Its extra length combined with a short taper pushes more weight to the front of the stick, allowing the diameter to stay in the sweet spot between the 5A and 5B. A large oval tip translates all that power into fat sound on the drums and plenty of volume from the cymbals. This natural color stick features Thomas’ cartoon character logo.

The new 9 Gauge stick provides an exciting center point to Zildjian’s popular Gauge series. Clocking in at .563 – the world’s most widely played stick diameter – the 9 Gauge sits in an ideal comfort zone for most drummers and is an extremely well-balanced stick, capable of producing an exceptional cymbal sound.

All Gauge models (6, 8, 10, and 12 Gauge) proportionately feature the finely-tuned properties of the 9 Gauge and Zildjian’s new Fusion tip shape that combines elements of an acorn and a round tip for bright, focused cymbal sounds.

All Zildjian Drumsticks are proudly made in Newport, Maine, USA.

Page 3 of 3
Page 3 of 3
MusicRadar
MusicRadar
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the number one website for music-makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, DJs or producers...

  • GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high-quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
  • TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
  • STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the craft of music-making that no other music website can.
Read more
Alesis and Zildjian combine
Drums Alesis and Zildjian forge partnership they hope will "raise bar for electronic drums"
 
 
Drummer holding drumsticks and playing a red drum set
Drum Sticks Best drumsticks 2026: expert recommendations for every budget and playing style
 
 
MusicRadar monthly guitar gear round-up September 26, ft. Matteo Mancuso's signature Revstar and more
Guitars The MusicRadar gear roundup Sep 2026 edit, featuring fresh drops from Taylor, Yamaha, ESP and more
 
 
MusicRadar Guitar Gear Round-up July 2026
Guitars MusicRadar’s July 2026 guitar gear roundup: featuring Orange Amps, Harley Benton, Epiphone and more
 
 
Gretsch Catalina Evo edrums
Electronic Drums “Less time navigating technology, more time playing drums”: Gretsch launch new electronic drum kit
 
 
Millenium Drums MPS-1500
Electronic Drums The new Millenium Drums MPS-1500 e-kit could be the hybrid drum set you've been looking for
 
 
Latest in Cymbals
Alesis and Zildjian combine
Drums Alesis and Zildjian forge partnership they hope will "raise bar for electronic drums"
 
 
Zultan Raw mini hi-hats
Cymbals “Chunky, organic, trashy and very characterful”: Zultan Raw 8” Mini Hi-Hat review
 
 
Zultan Alaris cymbal set
Cymbals “Well balanced and sit wonderfully with each other in terms of pitch”: Zultan Alaris Cymbals review
 
 
Zultan Alaris cymbals
Cymbals “Deliver a light, open sound with exceptional stick definition and a gentle, airy wash: Zultan unveil new ALARIS cymbal range
 
 
Alesis Nitro Ultimater
Electronic Drums Alesis's new 9-piece Nitro Ultimate electronic drum kit is its new flagship, and the hi-hat is the star
 
 
Zultan FX cymbals
Drums “A versatile tool for sharp, modern accents and cutting effects”: Zultan add to their effects cymbal range
 
 
Latest in News
Keith Richards and Bill Wyman (Photo by Staff/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images)
Bass Guitars Bill Wyman recalls his unorthodox but vital contribution to a 1966 Rolling Stones classic
 
 
Jack White and his brother, Edward Gerard Gillis
Guitarists “The world lost a beautiful soul today”: Jack White mourns his big brother Eddie
 
 
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Raye performs on stage at The Royal Albert Hall on October 23, 2026 in London, England.
Artists Organist Anna Lapwood plays a Wedding March intro to Raye's Where Is My Husband! at the Royal Albert Hall
 
 
Iron Maiden in 1995
Artists Nicko McBrain admits that Iron Maiden didn’t do enough for singer Blaze Bayley when he replaced Bruce Dickinson
 
 
James Ellis Ford
Artists James Ellis Ford on making of his latest album while battling cancer
 
 
Billy Joel and Jimmy Webb during 34th Annual Songwriters Hall Of Fame Awards - Show at Marriott Marquis in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by L. Busacca/WireImage for JLM)
Artists Jimmy Webb says that hearing Billy Joel deconstruct the lyrics to Wichita Lineman brought him to tears
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...