Hello,
I came across this 8" Zildjian Splash for $20 at a Pawn Shop. I'm trying to determine what series it is (all model designations have worn off).
It has a brilliant finish, and the top is more heavily lathed than the bottom (bottom is hardly lathed at all). I also noticed that it has a very flat profile compared to any other Zildjian splashes I've seen. (Pic 4).
It has a stamped in trademark that is really super light and is just barely visible (Pic 3). The stamp does have an ID Number, which puts it 1994 or newer.
Here are my thoughts:
-It looks like A. Hammering and lathing on top, but the bottom lathing isn't as pronounced as an A, even with brilliant finish. A. Customs are barely lathed or visibly hammered, so I'd rule that out.
-I thought by the odd/flat shape of the bell and profile that it might have been cut down from a larger cymbal. The visible stamp disproves that (it would've been cut off if it started out larger). Also, the ghosting of the Zildjian stamp on the bottom is too "perfect" to be hand done. Finally, the edges are perfectly smooth and it is cut perfectly, so I think it's always been an 8".
-It looks more like B20 Bronze than anything else (doesn't look B8). I know they had an "Edge" series in the late 90's or so, but I think those were more silver in color? Also, did they make an 8" in the Edge series?
By looking at the lathing and hammering on top, I would guess that it's a brilliant finish A, but the very smooth underside and a flatter profile than on any A. I've seen makes me wonder.
It sounds very good, and it is very low pitched and fairly dark (I compared it to a few 10" s I have, and this is lower pitched than each of them). It weighs 186 grams.
Thanks,
V