The Avedis Zildjian Company has shipped select collectable and prototype cymbals from its vault and sound lab that are available to consumers beginning in June and July for a limited time at dealer locations throughout the world. Developed in conjunction with Zildjian Artist, Adam Nussbaum, the 22" K Constantinople Renaissance Ride draws its inspiration from various other Zildjian cymbals. This medium thin Ride has random hammering and traditional lathing, giving it an even spread of overtones. Cluster hammer marks add a little "dirt" to its sound. The K Con Renaissance Ride is easy to control and versatile enough for small to medium size group. Only a limited quantity of these cymbals is available, and the first 100 are signed under the bell by Nussbaum himself.

In response to artist and consumer demand for thinner and darker cymbals, Zildjian has developed a new K Dark Thin Series of cymbals, all unlathed and featuring brilliant finishes. The 19" K Dark Thin Crash Ride has a thin weight and a dark vintage K sound with a small bell similar to conventional ride cymbals. The unlathed 22" K Dark Thin Ride has great stick definition and dark overtones making it an excellent choice for small to mid size group settings. The 14" K Dark Hi Hats are extremely thin weight to achieve a vintage, wispy Hi Hat sound.

Also featured in the 2011 Rarities Program are the K Custom Special Dry Crashes in 16", 17", 18" and 19". Originally introduced in 2004 (with the exception of the 19" Crash Ride which is a new product for 2011), these cymbals are heavily hammered on top and unlathed for a raw, earthy appearance and a very dry sound. The completely lathed bottom allows for a certain amount of decay to temper the dryness and provide exotic overtones.

Finally, Zildjian is featuring a 24" ZHT Ride and a 10" A Custom EFX cymbal as part of this year’s Rarities offerings. Played by Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins, the 24” ZHT Ride is a powerful, medium heavy cymbal with a great ping sound and a high pitch wash that projects well. Also, the 88/12 alloy contributes to this cymbal’s unique sound frequencies. The 10" A Custom EFX, played alone or stacked above or below another cymbal, has multiple laser cut holes that give it a unique wispy, slash sound.

For more information on the Rarities Program, go to http://bit.ly/Zildjian-Rarities.

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