Zildjian has announced the launch of its new ALCHEM-E series electronic drum kits, its first foray into engineering and manufacturing full drum kits, following up on its 2010 Gen-16 electronic cymbal launch.
ALCHEM-E features new Zildjian E-FAMILY cymbals that offer an authentic acoustic cymbal feel, response, nuance, and aesthetic with a proprietary Zildjian Trigger System.
“The longtime pain point of electronic drumming has been the rubber cymbal pads that don’t look, feel or respond like real cymbals,” says Zildjian CEO John Stephans. “As a company that’s been pioneering cymbal technology for over 400 years, solving the challenges of electronic drumming was the next logical evolution in our company’s journey. We set out to create the most realistic, authentic playing experience across the entire kit and are confident that drummers will agree.”
The ALCHEM-E line is the result of the company’s purchase of BAC Audio, according to Zildjian owner Craigie Zildjian. “BAC Audio is a team of master electronic instrument engineers established by Ikuo Kakehashi, the son of Roland Corporation (and ATV) founder Ikutaro Kakehashi. This acquisition combines centuries of cymbal-making expertise with decades of leading-edge electronic percussion. We’re excited that the BAC Audio partnership has allowed Zildjian to take the e-cymbal to a place it has never been before.”
Available in three configurations, ALCHEM-E is powered by the Zildjian E-VAULT drum module.
Zildjian says the E-VAULT sound library offers “an expansive collection of carefully curated, high-quality drum, cymbal, and percussion sounds”.
“Players will have access to a wide variety of the legendary Zildjian cymbal catalogue to create and update their dream set-up and dial in their own personal sound. All of this is accessible through intuitive navigation and a premium 5” colour touch display,” says a company statement.
Zildjian ALCHEM-E kits are available in three configurations: Bronze EX ($4,499.99) with compact drum pads and three cymbals; Gold ($5,999.99) with full-size seven-ply North American maple shells (14” snare, 10” rack tom, 14” floor tom and 18” bass drum in Black Gold Foundry Shimmer Lacquer finish with a hi-hat, ride and crash); and the flagship Gold EX ($6,999.99), boasting the same shell pack in Black Gold Foundry Shimmer Lacquer finish, 14” hi-hat, 16” crash, 18”crash/ride and 20” ride.
All cymbals and drums are three-zone.
The kits are on now on sale, with deliveries expected next month.