Wow. That's a rather broad question. Its hard to answer on several levels. What type of music are we talking about? What cymbals are you using now? What type of sound are you looking for that you're not getting from your current cymbals? Are you just thinking about current models or are you including vintage K's? Are you looking for rides, crashes, hats? Any idea about sizes and weights? How much money are you talking about? It sounds like you are interested in learning about K's but don't currently have a specific goal in mind. Every current K series has different characteristics and a different sound, and modern K's sound very different from the vintage ones we regularly discuss on this forum. Its hard to give you details if you are not a bit more specific.

Basically, the old Istanbul K Zildjians are collectible jazz pieces. They ceased to be produced in the early 1970s, I believe, and are thus very expensive today, and if you don't know if you need one, then you don't.

Modern day K Zildjians are just cymbals. Try some out at your local drum store, and see what you think.

I have a 20" K Custom Dark Ride which I like very much and use in an electric context. If you ask me, I'd say it's not quite what I'd look for in jazz, but it's almost perfect for the setting in which I use it.

/Magnus

I use mostly K's on my modern kit, and am very satisfied with them. If you hear anyone talking about EAKs, they're referring to K's made in the early '80s in the States. These cymbals are held in high esteem, although as far as I know, it's never been proven that the formula today is any different than the EAKs. I think they're good all around cymbals, when you consider the whole line. The K Flat Ride is most certainly suitable for Jazz.

Good luck.

Vintage K's are collectable, but they are also quite playable. My son's go to gigging ride is a 20" new stamp. Expensive, yes. But if it gives you the sound you want then it's worth it. On the left side he's lately been using an 18" thin trans stamp.

Hi Mark,

I didn't mean that old Ks are not playable. I have and play several myself and I love them. What I meant was that old Ks are no longer in production, they are very sought after and thus comparatively expensive.

Best,

Magnus

I realized you knew that they were playable. Slingerland, by his own admission, is not very knowledgeable when it comes to Ks, so I didn't want him to think they were mainly for collectors as opposed to working drummers.

Yeah, I guess I set my self up for that one LOL, I've recently unloaded a pile of pies on the bay, mainley because I've changed my style of music from hard rock to country, and classic rock, so I don't need rudes, large crash rides, mega bell rides and powerful 2002's. I've never even owned a K. I guess since I don't know much, maybe I'd make the wrong purchase if I bought one, even if I go to a music store, I never get the same feel from hitting a pie in store as compared to a live demo with a band. Oh well. I guess I'll just have to relay on your guys to find me a deal. LOL

I do have a couple of 50 and 60 Zildjian A my dad passed on to me, they sound fantastic, but were never loud enough for my old band. now they seem to work much better with the different music. I'd still like to try a K though, I would not know the difference between a 80's K and a new one though

I use dark thin Ks for a classic rock setup and I am pleased with them. Moved from As and I do like these crashes better live.

I use different rides but one is a custom K 20 dry ride. Works for most settings but may be to dark for some folks doing classic Rock and Country. Depends on the sticks you use as well.:2Cents:

I have newer 13" K dark hi hats and an 18" K Dark crash. I love them. Got the 18" used at a local shop for $160 the hats I purchased new for $330, again, at the same local shop. I'm all about the vintage except when it comes to cymbals. It's just so tough to spend money on a 40 year cymbal and hope it lasts another decade or two. Too many "ifs" involved for me. I am usually most inspired to purchase cymbals when I hear another band's drummer using something I like - then I need to get it.

But definitely, the K's hold their value well and are the cream of the crop. A good investment.