(SOLD) Avedis Zildjian K 20" Ride 1980s (Preowned)
Here's a made in USA Avedis Zildjian K 20-inch ride, believed to be from the 1980s. Nailing the exact era for this guy is tricky–it has the stamp you see through the 80s-90s but without a date stamp. Early 80s to early 90s is the date range but, the previous owner claims to have purchased it new in the 80s, so we're inclined to peg it as such...
Regardless, it's a wonderful little ride. Weighing in at 2,485g, it's not heavy but definitely not thin. It's pretty versatile under the sticks, with plenty of definition and sustain with a strong fundamental. The bell has a tight rounded projection, and the bow has a subtle sweetness and rich articulation to it. On the edge it's gongy at a lower dynamic but washy enough that it doesn't take months of therapy to open up. It has a bit of patina built up which generally subtly reduces sweetness, sizzle and sustain, bringing out the lower mids. If you want it to sound like it used to, a polish will get it there, we'll leave that decision to you!
Overall, we're fans. This is a great ride that has that old school K sound we think is lost on some of the newer models. 20s are still cool, right?
Condition notes: patina scattered across, primarily closer to the edge; the edge is mostly smooth with a couple minor nicks; the laser-engraved stamp is intact; the K logos are fading, mostly on the play side; no keyholing; Overall: used but in good condition (7/10)