Generally the idea that the bigger a cymbal, the lower the pitch is correct but there are other factors to take into consideration.
The actual profile of a cymbal makes a big difference, look at your cymbals side-on and imagine a cross-section - some are flatter than others, some bow / curve off nearer the edge. Factors like this (and bell size, thickness, finish, hammering /lathing technique etc. etc.) contribute to the pitch, and also to the characteristics us lot refer to as "darkness", "wash" and so on. I think sometimes the term "low pitch" is used in place of "dark" incorrectly.
Cymbals can be so complex sounding that sometimes people get muddled and forget that even the darkest sounding one can be high in overall pitch. That's just an example, there are many elements that build an overall sound.
Anyway, back to the point....
Zildjian A is an all-rounder, designed to fit into pretty much anywhere musically - they're quite bright and well rounded and of course they have the history behind them, it's the
Zildjian sound through and through.
A Customs are hammered differently and usually a bit thinner, designed to provide a slightly more complex response without being too dark. They're not as bright as As but are still nicely defined and crisp.
Think that's right, anyway.
Damn, I sound like a
Zildjian rep. I gotta get me a job at a cymbal company fast! (Or a nice juicy sponsorship deal).
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