What is the weight classification of the Sabian 19" Stratus Dry Crash?

This cymbal is classified as a thin weight model. This design choice ensures that it feels quick and expressive under the stick, allowing it to open up easily for accents.

How does the sound of the 19" version compare to the 18" Stratus Dry Crash?

The 19" version provides extra projection and a fuller body than the 18" model. Despite the increased size and presence, it maintains the same articulate dry character defined by the series.

What manufacturing technique gives this cymbal its complex texture?

The complex texture is the result of deep hammering. This process helps control the sustain and gives the cymbal a dark, sophisticated tone that sits well in a mix.

Is this cymbal suitable for recording environments?

Yes, it is highly suited for recording due to its controlled sustain and dry response. These features prevent the cymbal from overwhelming other instruments and microphones.

What genres of music are best suited for the Stratus Dry Crash?

It is designed for modern playing styles and contemporary genres. Its dark, responsive nature makes it ideal for settings where articulate accents and complex textures are required.

Can the 19" Stratus Dry Crash be used as a primary crash?

Yes, its balance of darkness, attack, and responsiveness makes it a strong candidate for a drummer's primary crash. The 19-inch size provides the necessary presence for this role.

How does the sustain of this cymbal behave?

The sustain is controlled and relatively short compared to traditional medium-weight crashes. This 'dry' character is a defining feature of the Stratus series.

What is the typical price for a Sabian 19" Stratus Dry Crash?

The typical retail price is approximately £383. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

Both cymbals target a dark and dry aesthetic for modern drumming. They are comparable in size and weight, focusing on quick decay and complex, hammered textures.

Will this cymbal work for low-volume practice sessions?

While it is more responsive at lower volumes than a heavy crash, it is not a dedicated low-volume cymbal like the Gear4Music Silver pack. It is a full-volume professional instrument.

Does the 19" size affect the responsiveness of the cymbal?

While larger cymbals can sometimes be slower, the thin weight of the 19" Stratus ensures it remains quick and easy to open up for accents. The size mainly adds body and projection.

Is the Sabian Stratus Dry Crash a bright or dark cymbal?

The Sabian Stratus Dry Crash is a dark cymbal. It is specifically engineered to provide a low-pitched, complex tone rather than the high-pitched shimmer of bright cymbals.

Gear article

Sabian 19" Stratus Dry Crash

The Sabian 19" Stratus Dry Crash is a professional-grade cymbal designed for drummers seeking a dark, responsive sound tailored for modern musical styles. Featuring a thin weight and deep hammering, it offers a balance of articulate attack and controlled sustain that prevents the cymbal from overwhelming a mix.

See live prices

Overview

The Sabian 19" Stratus Dry Crash is a specialized percussion instrument developed to meet the demands of contemporary drumming. It is characterized by its thin profile and complex surface texture, which is achieved through deep hammering techniques. This design ensures that the cymbal responds quickly to stick input, allowing for expressive accents while maintaining a dry, focused character. The 19-inch diameter provides a larger surface area compared to standard 18-inch crashes, resulting in increased volume and body without sacrificing the rapid decay typical of the Stratus series.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary sonic profile of this cymbal is defined by a dark tonality and a controlled wash. The deep hammering creates a complex texture that helps the sound sit naturally within both live and studio environments. Unlike thicker crashes that may ring out excessively, the Stratus Dry Crash is engineered for a quick 'open' and 'close,' meaning it speaks clearly and then subsides. This makes it particularly effective for drummers who need to play intricate patterns or frequent accents without the wash of the cymbal masking other instruments in the ensemble.

Target Use Cases

Due to its responsiveness and dark timbre, the 19" Stratus Dry Crash is highly suitable for modern genres such as jazz fusion, indie rock, and contemporary pop. Its thin weight makes it easy to activate at lower volumes, yet the 19-inch size ensures it has enough presence for larger stages. It is often employed as a primary crash for drummers who prefer a fuller-bodied sound than a standard 18-inch model but still require the articulate, dry response that prevents 'sonic clutter' during recording sessions.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Sabian catalogue, the 19" Stratus model offers more projection and a fuller body than its 18" counterpart. When compared to external alternatives like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Stratus maintains a similar focus on dry, dark textures. However, it differs significantly from traditional bright cymbals such as the Paiste Giant Beat series or heavy-hitting models like the UFIP Bionic Series. For players seeking a specific signature sound, it shares some expressive qualities with the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, though the Stratus is specifically marketed for a wide range of modern applications rather than a niche jazz signature.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the weight classification of the Sabian 19" Stratus Dry Crash?: This cymbal is classified as a thin weight model. This design choice ensures that it feels quick and expressive under the stick, allowing it to open up easily for accents.
How does the sound of the 19" version compare to the 18" Stratus Dry Crash?: The 19" version provides extra projection and a fuller body than the 18" model. Despite the increased size and presence, it maintains the same articulate dry character defined by the series.
What manufacturing technique gives this cymbal its complex texture?: The complex texture is the result of deep hammering. This process helps control the sustain and gives the cymbal a dark, sophisticated tone that sits well in a mix.
Is this cymbal suitable for recording environments?: Yes, it is highly suited for recording due to its controlled sustain and dry response. These features prevent the cymbal from overwhelming other instruments and microphones.
What genres of music are best suited for the Stratus Dry Crash?: It is designed for modern playing styles and contemporary genres. Its dark, responsive nature makes it ideal for settings where articulate accents and complex textures are required.
Can the 19" Stratus Dry Crash be used as a primary crash?: Yes, its balance of darkness, attack, and responsiveness makes it a strong candidate for a drummer's primary crash. The 19-inch size provides the necessary presence for this role.
How does the sustain of this cymbal behave?: The sustain is controlled and relatively short compared to traditional medium-weight crashes. This 'dry' character is a defining feature of the Stratus series.
What is the typical price for a Sabian 19" Stratus Dry Crash?: The typical retail price is approximately £383. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current market conditions.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: Both cymbals target a dark and dry aesthetic for modern drumming. They are comparable in size and weight, focusing on quick decay and complex, hammered textures.
Will this cymbal work for low-volume practice sessions?: While it is more responsive at lower volumes than a heavy crash, it is not a dedicated low-volume cymbal like the Gear4Music Silver pack. It is a full-volume professional instrument.
Does the 19" size affect the responsiveness of the cymbal?: While larger cymbals can sometimes be slower, the thin weight of the 19" Stratus ensures it remains quick and easy to open up for accents. The size mainly adds body and projection.
Is the Sabian Stratus Dry Crash a bright or dark cymbal?: The Sabian Stratus Dry Crash is a dark cymbal. It is specifically engineered to provide a low-pitched, complex tone rather than the high-pitched shimmer of bright cymbals.