The last cymbal, the Impulse is kind of collectible. Zildjians answer to the PAISTE Rude. I've seen some of those Impulse crashes go over 100.00. Amir's were too good of a beginner type cymbal when introduced, nice sounding stuff, collectibility is not as high as an Impulse IMHO.

I know there are guys on here that will know more about these than I, but I will atleast get you started.

It is my understanding that the Amir line was the first attempt by Zildjian to compete in the entry/intermediate level market featuring any other formula than B20. I think these were like B12 or B15. For some reason I don't think they were B8. While some of their offerings since then have been pretty good, most (like myself) consider the 1st generation Amir to be Zildjian's best intermediate/entry level EVER. ....and the story goes that they all went downhill from there. This is seen when you discover/hear any AMIR II cymbal. This was a 2nd generation that fell way short of the reputation/performance/quality of the 1st generation. These 1st generation cymbals are not always easy to find, and those who have them generally are big fans of them and really cherish them (I know I do). The HH is very thin sounding (not thin, thin sounding), pretty dry, very refined. Of course, you have them right there and have surely checked them out by now. As far as I know, you do indeed have the 1st generation ones there - but I would like others to verify that. The Amir IIs were identified by the ink signia obviously showing what they are.

I have had a 1st generation ride, but was not very impressed at all. I actually think my 1st generation Scimitar ride from 1986 is a better ride than the Amir. I have never had any exposure with any Amir crashes.

My first exposure to any in this line was when I watched a jazz concert while I was in college at EMU - in about 1990. I approached the drummer after the performance because I HAD to know what kind of HHs he was playing as they had a great chick.

Years later (about 2 years ago) I was delighted to find a pair for about $50-60 (can't remember). Sometimes you can find something like that for a reasonable price like that, but it is not very common you find them offered - fairly rare as far as the market goes - as I suspect because the owners of them like them so much.

Great score - I recommend to hang on to them.

I know very little about the Impulse line. I think they were heavier and designed to compete with the Paiste Rudes.

John

As BBK said - 'too good' -yeah - Many people think that Zildjian did too well when designing them and then they sort of backpedaled with future offerings (starting with the 2nd generation) with an inferior product, so as to save on materials and make more profit (maybe just to cut even!). It's really too bad they had to make the choices they did, as this 1st generation Amir line was VERY GOOD and indeed used professionally.

That being said - on a side note - I used my 1st generation Scimitar ride for over 20 years, including recording 4 CDs with it and listening to those recordings you would never know it is a cheap entry level ride. Of course, I have learned that the ride cymbal is the least expensive and easiest cymbal to make (to make a good one) as compared to other types of cymbals.

John

Thanks for the info gents!! So these are 1st generation Amirs then? Cool!!

Cheers

Yeah granto,

These are late 80's/early 90's Amir's (1st Generation).

Drummerjohn did an excellent job of describing them. It was a pretty basic line, consisting of 14" regular and power hi-hats (the powers had half circle notches cut out of the edge of the bottom cymbal). The crashes were 16" and 18" and they had a 20" ride. They may have also made an 18" ride or crash/ride, but I have never seen a 22".

The Impulse line was a pretty short production run in the mid 80's. They were definitly gone by 88/89. They were Zildjian answers to Paiste RUDE's. Zildjian released thier 1st generation "Z" series after the Impulse were discontinued.

I know Buddy Rich used an Impulse ride briefly towards the end of his career. The Impulse line also had the power hats with the notches in the bottom cymbal. I always wanted an Impulse ride myself.

What do you think of the sound of them?

Sorry for the late reply...The sound of them is quite distinct actually!! The Impulse definitely has a bright, crisp sound to it...They haven`t had alot of "stand" time yet though...These are heavy cymbals...I will weigh them soon...

Sizes are 14" hats, 18" Impulse and 20" ride...

Cheers