With the Caz series, the Turkish cymbal specialist Zultan has created a collection of extremely inexpensive handcrafted cymbals made of premium B20 bronze. Their sound profile has been carefully tuned to make them ideal for Jazz, as well as other genres that tend towards the mellow. The cymbals are manufactured in Turkey using methods that have remained more or less unchanged for centuries, with a great emphasis on skilled handcraft – the simple, classic look of the cymbals is just as traditional as the workmanship itself. The Caz range includes numerous Crash, Crash/Ride, Ride, Sizzle Ride, and Hi-Hat models; two pre-configured sets are also available.
Merely mentioning handcrafted cymbals from Turkey is enough to get knowledgeable drummers and percussionists pricking up their ears. However, a look at the prices involved will often have their jaws dropping, too. This is exactly where Zultan's Caz cymbals come in: Rarely has so much musical mojo been available for so little money. Now, some of the premium models from the established brands truly are outstanding – but the Caz cymbals, which are completely hand-lathed and hammered over their entire surface, are extremely competitive contenders. The 15" hi-hat here brings a warm, earthy sound with fine treble detail and a sensitive stick response.
Caz is simply the Turkish word for Jazz, and it's clear that these cymbals have been designed with that very purpose in mind. Jazz drummers need light instruments that react to the gentlest touch and deliver a balanced, harmonious sound across all dynamic levels, from soft to loud. Of course, this applies not only to Jazz, but to genres like Blues, Funk, Latin, and Soul, where Caz cymbals can also be played to their strengths. As such, this 15" hi-hat can be used in a variety of ways, delivering just the right sound for each of the aforementioned genres, and responding well to rods or brushes, too.
To provide traditional craftsmanship at a fair price has been the guiding principle of Zultan ever since it was founded in 2000. The firm’s practice of selling directly to the end customer makes it possible to offer very customer-friendly prices. Nevertheless, the production process for Zultan’s trademark cymbals, which are made mainly in Turkey, is of the highest quality, a fact which has ensured they have also been a fixture in the Thomann range since 2011. The nearly 250 Zultan products cover several cymbal series, catering for all sectors of the music market. Zultan also offers accessories such as bags and drumsticks. Thanks to the use of high-quality materials and manufacturing expertise, Zultan really does offer uncompromising quality at a reasonable price.
The Zultan Caz cymbals may have Jazz in their name, but can be used almost universally and are at home wherever pleasant, balanced cymbals are required – they have a warm sound spectrum without jarring frequencies. This is ideal for all kinds of acoustic, unamplified music, which might include unplugged guitar sessions, but also live Salsa gigs or Gospel concerts in churches. Of course, there's nothing to stop Caz cymbals being used with amplified music too, as long as they're played sensitively and with the right tools. The 15" Caz Hi-Hat is characterised by its unobtrusive but clear and present 'chick' sound; its overall character is defined by clarity and control, even when it's being played half open.