Cymbals Direct

Sabian Cymbals, one of the best known names in cymbal manufacturing, is one of the top cymbal makers in the world. Based in Canada, the company was created after the Zildjian family of cymbal makers split in two, resulting in the rivalry between Zildjian and Sabian, in addition to Meinl and Peiste.

Sabian originally produced only two types of cymbals, called HH and AA, both of which were made from the bronze alloy used in bells. The company has since diversified, making a number of cymbals from different alloys, producing different sounds and effects. Sabian offers eleven series of cymbals.

The HH line of cymbals is based on the design of K Zildjian cymbals. The second of the original Sabian cymbals is the Automated Anvil (AA), which is the inaugural machine-made bell-bronze cymbal. One of the most popular cymbals produced by Sabian, the AA cymbal is brighter in tone than other brands of cymbals and maintains a constant sound as a consequence of the method of manufacturing.

Sabian's line of student level cymbals is called Bronze Beginnings and come in two series: B8 and B8 Pro. These cymbals are made from the B8 bronze alloy, which is mostly copper. Sabian also makes a line called Solar, which are their most affordable brass alloy cymbals

The modern line of Sabian cymbals is designed for experienced, but not professional, players. The Xs20, APX, AAX and HHX series are all part of the modern line. Xs20 cymbals are made with the B20 bronze alloy, which is Sabian's bronze alloy for professional sound. The APX is the most recent in the modern line, and is made of B8 alloy, giving the cymbal a high pitched tone. The AAX series is similar in tone to the AA series, but are crafted to make a more consistent sound and volume. The HHX series is based on the vintage HH line, uses the same technology with a modernized sound, and is known as the Modern Dark. Professionals can look to the Vault and Paragon series of cymbals for a higher level of quality. Paragon was designed by Neil Peart, whereas the Vault series was designed in collaboration with professionals in order to provide exactly what you need. Sabian continues to make their original line of HH and AA cymbals under the names "Vintage Dark" and "Vintage Bright," and are often used by professionals as well.

A number of musicians and other professionals have helped to design signature lines of cymbals. Dave Weckl helped with the development of the Legacy Series, and the Groove line was created in collaboration with Zoro. Sabian also produces series outside of the Beginner, Creative and Vintage lines, like the HHX Evolution. The discerning cymbal user can buy a set of "sonically matched" cymbals to simplify the buying process for musicians looking for particular effects or for a set of cymbals to use when performing.

Dozens of famous musicians use Sabian cymbals as their percussion of choice. Neil Peart of Rush and Dave Weckl have both helped to design Sabian lines and use Sabian. Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath and Phil Collins in both Genesis and his solo work have used Sabian cymbals.

Labels: Sabian Cymbals