Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal or Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal? Which Zildjian Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are comparing the zildjian s dark 5 piece cymbal vs avedis zildjian company s Performer set. Both packs use Zildjian S series bronze for reliable tone. They share standard sizes like 14-inch hi-hats and 20-inch rides. The main difference is the count and finish. The Dark pack has five pieces with a multi-colored look. The Performer has four pieces with a natural finish. You need to decide which size and sound fit your kit.
Key differences
| Aspect | Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack | Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set |
|---|---|---|
| Piece Count | 5 pieces | 4 pieces |
| Tone Profile | Darker, slightly dry sound with more dirt | Bright, versatile, and expressive with balanced frequency |
| Finish | Mehrfarbig (multi-colored) | Natural |
| Weight | 19.4 pounds | 16.4 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack if
- You want a darker, drier tone with more complex hammering.
- You need a five-piece set for wider sonic options.
- You prefer a multi-colored finish on your cymbals.
Choose Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set if
- You prefer a bright, versatile sound for many genres.
- You want a lighter set that is easier to transport.
- You like the traditional natural bronze look.
Verdict: Choose the Dark 5-piece if you need extra cymbals and a darker, drier tone. Pick the Performer 4-piece if you want a lighter, brighter set with a natural finish. Both offer standard sizes for general playing.
S Dark vs S Performer Comparison
Cymbal Count
The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack includes five distinct pieces in its set. This configuration typically covers 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch crash, 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. In contrast, the Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set offers four pieces. It includes a 14-inch pair, 16-inch crash, 18-inch crash, and 20-inch ride. The five-piece count of the S Dark model provides an extra crash cymbal. This allows for more layered sounds or backup options during performance. The four-piece set remains a complete standard setup but offers less redundancy. If you need an additional crash voice, the five-piece pack is the practical choice.
Tone Profile
The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack is designed for a darker tone. It uses random hammering to create a complex, slightly dry sound. This results in an explosive response with more dirt and slightly less sustain. The Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set offers a bright, versatile, and expressive tone. It is made with modern techniques to provide a balanced frequency response. The S Dark model suits genres requiring darker, drier sounds like rock or metal. The S Performer model fits styles needing bright, cutting tones like pop or jazz. Your choice depends on whether you prefer dark complexity or bright versatility.
Build Material
The Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set is explicitly made with B12 bronze. This alloy is known for providing a balanced frequency response and durability. The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack data does not specify its alloy composition. It only notes a multicolor finish. Both packs use Zildjian S series bronze for reliable tone as a general baseline. However, the Performer set provides specific material confirmation. Knowing the B12 composition helps you understand the structural integrity and acoustic properties. The S Dark pack lacks this specific material detail in its published specs.
Weight and Size
The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack weighs 19.4 pounds. Its dimensions are 21 inches in length, 12 inches in height, and 6 inches in width. The Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set weighs 16.4 pounds. Its dimensions are 24 inches in length, 24 inches in height, and 6 inches in width. The S Dark pack is heavier due to the extra cymbal piece. The S Performer set is lighter, making it easier to transport. The S Performer box is taller and wider, affecting storage space. The S Dark pack is more compact in height and length. Consider your shipping or storage constraints when choosing between these physical profiles.
Included Cymbals
The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack includes 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash, an 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. The Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set includes a 14-inch pair, a 16-inch crash, an 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. Both sets share the core standard sizes for versatility. The S Dark set adds an extra crash cymbal for more options. The S Performer set sticks to the essential four pieces. Both are suitable for tackling any style of music. The S Dark offers more variety with the fifth piece. The S Performer offers a streamlined, essential configuration for standard drumming needs.
Which Zildjian Cymbal Pack Fits You
Drummer wanting a darker, complex tone
The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Pack offers a darker tone with random hammering for a complex, slightly dry sound. You get explosive response with more dirt and less sustain. This set includes five pieces, covering 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, plus a 20-inch ride, giving you a versatile palette for various musical styles.
Player seeking bright, versatile standard sizes
The Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Set delivers a bright, versatile tone using B12 bronze for balanced frequency response. It includes a 14-inch hi-hat pair, 16-inch crash, 18-inch crash, and 20-inch ride. This configuration provides all essential sizes for playing across many genres, making it a practical choice for drummers needing reliable, expressive cymbals.
User preferring a lighter, compact set
The S Performer 4-Piece Set weighs 16.4 pounds, making it lighter than the five-piece alternative. It features a natural finish and standard sizes including 14-inch hi-hats, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. This setup is ideal if you want a complete kit with fewer pieces and a balanced sound profile.
Drummer needing extra crash cymbal
The S Dark 5-Piece Pack includes an extra 18-inch crash cymbal compared to the four-piece set. This additional piece allows for more dynamic layering in your drumming. The set also features a multi-color finish and weighs 19.4 pounds. If you prefer having more crash options and a darker tonal character, this five-piece configuration suits your needs.
The products compared
Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack
Best for: drummers seeking a complete, versatile set
- Piece Count
- 5
- Finish
- Mehrfarbig
- Dimensions
- 21 × 6 × 12 inches
- Weight
- 19.4 pounds
View on Amazon: Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack Affiliate link
This Zildjian S Dark pack includes a 14-inch hi-hat, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. It offers a darker, complex tone with explosive response and less sustain. The set weighs 19.4 pounds and measures 21 by 12 by 6 inches. It suits players seeking a versatile, standard-sized kit for various music styles.
Pros
- Includes 14-inch hi-hat, 16-inch crash, 18-inch crash, and 20-inch ride
- Darker tone with random hammering for a complex, slightly dry sound
- Explosive response with less sustain
- Universal standard sizes for any music style
Cons
- Heavier at 19.4 pounds compared to lighter alternatives
- Multi-color finish may not match all drum kits
- No remote control or digital connectivity features listed
Good fit if
- You want a complete 5-piece cymbal set
- You prefer darker, drier cymbal tones
- You need standard sizes for versatility
Skip if
- You prefer lighter cymbal packs
- You need digital connectivity or app control
- You want a minimalist 4-piece set
Verdict: Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack is ideal for drummers who want a complete, versatile set with a darker, drier sound profile.
Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set
Best for: drummers needing a bright, versatile 4-piece set
- Piece Count
- 4
- Material
- B12
- Color
- Natural
- Cymbal Type
- Starter
- Dimensions
- 24 × 6 × 24 inches
- Weight
- 16.4 pounds
View on Amazon: Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set Affiliate link
The Zildjian S Series Performer set includes a 14-inch pair, 16-inch, 18-inch, and 20-inch cymbals. Made from B12 alloy, this 16.4-pound set offers a bright, versatile sound suitable for many genres. It provides the essential sizes for drummers looking to expand their setup. The natural finish and standard dimensions make it a practical addition to most drum kits.
Pros
- Includes four essential cymbal sizes
- Constructed from B12 alloy
- Weight is 16.4 pounds
- Natural finish
Cons
- Only includes four pieces
- Lacks a dedicated carrying case in the data
- Fixed 14-inch pair limits hi-hat customization
Good fit if
- You need a complete starter set
- You prefer a bright cymbal tone
- You want a versatile B12 alloy set
Skip if
- You require five or more cymbals
- You need a pre-mixed hi-hat and crash combination
- You prefer a darker, traditional sound profile
Verdict: Zildjian S Series 4-Piece Cymbal Set is a solid choice for drummers who need a bright, versatile set with standard sizes. It fits players who want a complete B12 alloy package without extra pieces.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack | Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set |
|---|---|---|
| Piece Count | 5 | 4 |
| Material | not stated | B12 |
| Finish | Mehrfarbig | not stated |
| Color | Mehrfarbig | Natural |
| Cymbal Type | not stated | Starter |
| Dimensions | 21 × 6 × 12 inches | 24 × 6 × 24 inches |
| Weight | 19.4 pounds | 16.4 pounds |
| Model | SD4680 | S390 |
| Size | not stated | 14" pair, 16", 18", 20" |
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between the Zildjian S Dark and S Performer packs?
The primary difference lies in the piece count and sound profile. The S Dark pack includes five pieces for a complete, versatile setup with a darker, drier tone. The S Performer pack offers four pieces with a brighter, standard sound. You choose based on whether you need the extra crash cymbal and darker character of the five-piece set or the simpler, brighter four-piece configuration.
Which Zildjian cymbal set is better for a complete starter kit?
The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack is ideal for drummers seeking a complete, versatile set. It includes five distinct pieces, covering hi-hats, crashes, and a ride. This configuration provides a darker, drier sound profile with random hammering for complexity. You get a full range of sounds without needing to purchase additional cymbals separately, making it a comprehensive solution for your kit.
Does the S Performer set include a ride cymbal?
Yes, the Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set includes a ride cymbal. The standard sizes listed are a 14-inch hi-hat pair, 16-inch and 18-inch crashes, and a 20-inch ride. This configuration fits players who want a complete B12 alloy package without extra pieces. It provides a bright, versatile sound suitable for various playing styles while maintaining a standard layout for familiar usage.
What is the weight difference between the two cymbal packs?
The S Dark 5-Piece Pack weighs 19.4 pounds, while the S Performer 4-Piece Set weighs 16.4 pounds. The five-piece pack is heavier due to the additional cymbal included in the set. This extra weight reflects the added piece count and the specific hammering and lathing processes used to achieve its darker, drier sound profile compared to the brighter, standard finish of the four-piece set.
How does the sound of the S Dark differ from the S Performer?
The S Dark pack offers a darker, drier sound with explosive response and more dirt. It features random hammering for a complex tone with less sustain. In contrast, the S Performer set provides a bright, versatile sound with standard sizes. You will notice the S Dark has more character and complexity, while the S Performer delivers a cleaner, brighter tone suitable for traditional setups.
Which set is best for drummers wanting a darker tone?
The Zildjian S Dark 5-Piece Cymbal Pack is best for drummers seeking a darker, complex tone. It uses random hammering to create a slightly dry sound with explosive response. You get more dirt and less sustain compared to other sets. This pack is ideal if you prefer a sound profile that cuts through the mix with character and depth rather than a bright, clean finish.
What sizes are included in the Zildjian S Performer set?
The Zildjian S Performer 4-Piece Cymbal Set includes a 14-inch hi-hat pair, a 16-inch crash, an 18-inch crash, and a 20-inch ride. These standard sizes provide a versatile range for most drumming applications. The natural color finish complements the bright tone of the B12 alloy. This configuration is suitable for players who need a complete set without the need for additional specialized cymbals.