Zildjian has revived its FX Cymbals series, bringing fresh attention to a unique product that made waves in creative drumming circles: the FX Stacks. With this new version, the company isn’t just reissuing old designs; it’s offering a reworked concept meant for drummers who want more control over their sound without overcomplicating their setup.
The latest FX Stacks are built on a modular idea. Each set comes with three cymbals, two larger pieces, and one smaller element, designed to be arranged in any order. This approach allows drummers to customize their stacks for tone, texture, and articulation. Whether they’re aiming for sharp, dry attacks or loose, trashy overtones, players can adjust the combination to match the feel they’re going for.
What makes the FX Stacks especially adaptable is how well they blend into a variety of setups. Some players will use them as compact hi-hats, while others might mix them into existing cymbal groups to add bite or character. The range of tones is wide, cutting and aggressive one moment, subdued and splashy the next. This flexibility makes the line suitable for anything from experimental and electronic to punk, metal, and modern fusion styles.
One of the biggest changes in this reissue is the addition of Zildjian’s Cymbolt® system. Instead of using traditional felts and wing nuts, this hardware allows drummers to fine-tune their cymbal tension with a simple twist. That quick adjustment means players can move between sounds on the fly: whether in rehearsal, studio, or mid-performance, without stopping to reconfigure their gear.
The Zildjian new FX Stacks are available in four sizes: 8″, 10″, 12″, and 14″. Zildjian has also upgraded the metal itself, using a revised version of the bronze alloy found in its I Series cymbals. The result is a more durable and consistent sound that still cuts through mixes but won’t sacrifice nuance.
Rather than introducing a completely new product, Zildjian has taken something familiar and made it more usable, more modern, and more responsive to the way today’s drummers work. For those who like to shape their own sound and switch things up from song to song, the FX Stacks provide a flexible, no-fuss option that fits right in.
Further information, including videos and retailer listings, can be found on Zildjian’s official site.