The Raw Crash is a cymbal like no other – unrefined and completely unique. With a short and explosive crash, it also works as an alternate ride that is dry and cutting.

Vetted in the Zildjian Concept Shop and now available worldwide, FX Raw Crashes are the most unrefined and funky cymbals we've ever produced! Each Raw Crash starts from Zildjian's secret alloy, but is not hammered, lathed or trimmed, creating a sound and look that's unlike any other cymbal.

A cymbal like no other. Raw crashes are not hammered or lathed, which gives each a highly irregular profile and an unrefined surface. They are also not trimmed into a perfect circle, resulting in odd shapes, sizes (max 24” in diameter), and a naturally coarse edge. Altogether, these variations in profile, shape, size and edge consistency are what create the wildly individual sounds from one crash to the next that make these cymbals so special.

Unleash an unrefined sound. These cymbals open up easily, producing beautiful dry crashes with great cut, then drop out of the mix, allowing punchy accents and clear stick patterns. The small bell version of the Raw Crash delivers a controlled and dry sound, with less pronounced overtones. The large bell Raw Crash is a bit more open, with a more pronounced bell sound. Both versions offer a focused sound with plenty of stick to compliment any style, making them an excellent choice for an alternative ride cymbal! Their low shapes make them ideal for moderate volume settings where less projection is needed.

A completely individual look. Aesthetically, each Raw Crash will feature streaks, splotches and swirls of varying colors. These are created when the hot metal is tempered, and over time, will continue to develop. Some Raw Crashes may show stretch marks from rolling, tool marks and scratches from moving the hot blanks, chalk marks indicating cup location and oven number, and other telltale signs of their journey through the foundry. These are purely visual features that occur naturally in the process, and don’t affect sound or longevity in any way.

Zildjian A FX Cymbals