Steve Gadd worked with the Zildjian Sound Lab for several years to reproduce the classic and sought after sound of his cymbals. Paul Francis, R&D Project Specialist, commented, "Steve's 18" Ride, specially selected by Armand Zildjian over twenty years ago, was the inspiration for creating the 'Steve Gadd sound'". Brad Baker, Chief Marketing Officer, added, "It's been an honor to have had Steve playing Zildjian for so many years. We are very excited to be able to offer drummers the chance to have Steve Gadd's cymbals on their kits."

The K Custom Session 14" HiHats are unique in that they have a heavier top and lighter bottom, which is preferred by Steve. The HiHats feature a brilliant finish with a slightly undersized, medium weight top cymbal and a medium-thin bottom cymbal, which were modeled after Steve's personal HiHats. A crucial aspect of Steve's playing style, the HiHats also have an exceptionally controlled foot feel, capable of producing a full range of dynamic sounds using just the foot. The 16" and 18" Session Crashes are thin in weight with a traditional finish and have a low, dark sound with a quick decay. Unlathed with a brilliant finish, the 18" Session Ride utilizes new hammering techniques with a more controlled sound that is low in pitch but with enough spread to ride on top of the music. Like Steve Gadd himself, the new K Custom Session cymbals are versatile enough for many playing and recording situations.

One of the most influential drummers of all time, Steve Gadd set a new standard in contemporary drumming techniques and performance, and in doing so, launched countless imitators. Recording so many legendary drum tracks like "Aja", "Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover", "Late in the Evening" and "Nite Sprite," there is no drummer alive today who has not been affected by Steve Gadd. His influence is still very much felt and can be heard in the playing of everyone from Vinnie Colaiuta to Carter Beauford. To this day there is no one who can get "inside" a tune and find the "pocket" quite like the great Steve Gadd.

The first call drummer for Eric Clapton, Steve Gadd also has split his time over the past few years recoding and touring with Paul Simon and James Taylor. Gadd was the 2003 recipient of the American Drummers Achievement Awards, which pays tribute to the world's legendary drummers. Previous winners of the award include Louie Bellson, Roy Haynes, Elvin Jones and Max Roach.