Zildjian L80 Low Volume Cymbals in the Classroom

As the worldwide leader in cymbals since 1623, Zildjian is always looking for new and innovative ways to bring a better musical experience to the drumming community. One area where all drummers commonly express dissatisfaction is the use of neoprene pads, mutes, and other dampening devices on cymbals to play and practice at a reasonable volume. This is true especially for drummers in densely populated cities and within lesson rooms adjacent to non-musical classrooms. How are you able to know what you sound like when you can’t accurately feel or hear your playing? With drumming being a highly tactile instrument, Zildjian has come up with the solution – the L80 Low Volume Family of cymbals. This unique new playing experience delivers a quieter sound without losing the authentic feel of a Zildjian cymbal.

Through tireless research and development, a specialized pattern was achieved to deliver the best of both worlds: musical sound and lower volume.  This innovative pattern is combined with a special proprietary alloy with a unique matte finish that enables our L80 Low Volume cymbal to have fewer high frequencies and is up to 80% quieter than a traditional cymbal.

Using a sound level meter, we compared the decibel levels of a traditional Zildjian cymbal versus our L80 Low Volume Series, both played with consistent power.  The results showed that a L80 Low Volume cymbal is up to 80% quieter than a traditional Zildjian cymbal.

Why L80 Low Volume Cymbals?

In small lesson rooms, the L80 Low Volume cymbals will allow for more efficient drum lessons.  Conversations can take place between the teacher and student while playing an exercise.  For the student, he/she will benefit from increased stick articulation and the ability to hear their dynamics, phrasing and time playing.  This will enable a faster ability to adjust and correct problem areas.  For the music educator, there are many benefits as well such as reduced ear fatigue when teaching for extended periods of time and being able to decrease the starts and stops of giving a lesson.

Band directors can benefit from the L80 Low Volume cymbals with better ensemble practices and whole sections being able to zone in their parts and become a tighter sounding band.   Also two different sections such as rhythm and horns can practice next to each other with decreased volume levels.

For music schools, low volume cymbals can save on the need to sound proof rooms for the drum set and percussionist to practice in.

Product Benefits

• 70-80% quieter than a traditional cymbal so you can play longer without ear fatigue or hearing damage.
• Using proprietary manufacturing techniques with a specialized alloy, Zildjian delivers a real and authentic cymbal feel
• Cymbal Sets available in drummer friendly sizes:
  • LV38: 13” HiHat/18” Crash Rid
  • LV348: 13” HiHat/14” Crash/18” Crash Ride
  • LV468: 14” HiHat/16” Crash/18” Crash Ride
• The unique matte finish provides a sophisticated look that makes the L80 Low Volume cymbals stands out from the crowd

Zildjian L80 Low Volume cymbals are available now through the Music & Arts’ educator portal, your Music & Arts Education Representative, or a Music & Arts retail location near you.

Mike Sutton

Gen16/L80 Low Volume Product Manager

Zildjian Company