The DRK Thunder vented 16” crash cymbal is a cross between the sound of a crash and a China cymbal. It has a natural finish on top and a lathed finish on the underside. The hammering on the cymbal is deep and the tone is very dark. The hole pattern consists of three different size holes that are arranged in a unique asymmetrical pattern. The thin Thunder crash has a short decay with a sharp, aggressive attack. The bell sounds surprisingly like a conventional cymbal. The pitch is somewhat high. it is definitely a dark sounding cymbal
Since I’m a little old school and like conventional crashes, I decided to use this one on a gig as a substitute for my 20” China cymbal that I always use with my kit. This thing definitely explodes quickly and gets out of the way. It has the same sharp and cutting characteristics of a China. I give it a thumbs up.
DRK Thunders come in 10” and 12” Splashes, 16”, 18”and 20” Crashes and an 18” China. The DRK, MDM and BRT Series form the core of TRX’s “High Contrast” spectrum of cymbal sounds. I will be reviewing more cymbals from this series in the coming months.
You can get a 45% factory direct discount from the MSRP on a brand new 16” DRK Thunder vented cymbal at DrumSellers.com. https://www.drumsellers.com/en/listings/1225048-trx-16-drk-thunder-crash