22" Zildjian EAK Ride from 1982-88
22" Zildjian EAK Ride from 1982-88
Condition & Authenticity
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Sound & Playability
We assess each drum's sonic character, bearing edges, and playability. Our notes describe the unique sound profile — whether it's warm, punchy, or vintage-bright. We can also advise on setup and tuning to maximize its potential.
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22" Zildjian EAK Ride cymbal – 3285g (1982–1988)
Era: Early 1980s (1982–1988) – Early American K (“EAK”)
Weight: 3285 grams
Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No cracks, keyholing, or structural issues.
A rare 22" Early American K (EAK) Ride, representing the historic transition of K Zildjian production from Istanbul to the USA. This cymbal perfectly blends the classic K Zildjian warmth and musicality with subtle American-era innovations in hammering and lathing.
Sound character:
Semi-dark with beautiful stick definition, offering a bright, articulate attack that cuts clearly, paired with a warm, dark decay. Ideal as a ride or for controlled crash accents, this cymbal delivers a rich, versatile, and musical tone suitable for a wide range of styles from jazz and fusion to rock.
Historical notes:
The EAK line (Early American K) was produced between 1982 and 1988 following Zildjian’s move to the USA. With this transition, the trademark stamp changed to a CO style—similar to early 1980s Avedis CO stamps. The Star & Moon motif was retained, with the star repositioned slightly lower into the crescent moon. The middle Ottoman inscription reads “Avedis Zildjian Company”, with “K. Zildjian & CO” below in English. This cymbal represents a fascinating period of evolution in Zildjian craftsmanship, combining heritage sound with early American production techniques.
Highlights:
Authentic 22" Early American K (EAK) Ride
Semi-dark tone with excellent stick clarity and bright attack
Warm, controlled decay ideal for riding and accent crashes
Rare and historically significant transitional Zildjian model
Fully playable with rich, vintage character
Professionally packed and shipped worldwide from Portugal.