What is the primary purpose of a suspended cymbal?

A suspended cymbal is primarily designed to be played with mallets to create 'swells', where the volume increases gradually from a whisper to a loud climax. They are staples in orchestral and concert band music for creating tension and atmosphere.

Can I use the Sabian AA 16" Suspended Cymbal on a standard drum kit?

Yes, this model is specifically designed for versatility and can be used as a crash cymbal on a drum kit. Its thin weight allows it to respond quickly to stick hits, providing a bright and full crash sound.

What weight category does this cymbal fall into?

The Sabian AA 16" Suspended Cymbal is classified as a thin weight cymbal. This ensures high responsiveness and allows the instrument to vibrate easily when played with soft mallets.

What material is this cymbal made from?

It is manufactured from B20 bronze, which is a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is preferred for professional cymbals due to its wide frequency range and musicality.

How does the AA series sound compared to other Sabian ranges?

The AA series is known for its 'Vintage Bright' sound. It offers a classic, energetic tone that is typically brighter and more cutting than the hand-hammered HH series, but smoother than modern 'brilliant' series.

What kind of mallets should be used with this cymbal?

Soft yarn or felt mallets are recommended to achieve the best results for orchestral swells. These allow for a smooth build-up of sound without the sharp 'attack' sound of a drumstick.

Is a 16-inch cymbal large enough for orchestral climaxes?

A 16-inch suspended cymbal is excellent for medium-sized swells and sound effects. For extremely large orchestral works, it is often paired with larger 18-inch or 20-inch suspended cymbals to provide a full range of dynamics.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance series?

While the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series is known for its dark, earthy, and short-decay sounds, the Sabian AA is much brighter and offers a fuller, more traditional sustain suitable for orchestral blending.

Can I use this for sound effects in soundscapes?

Absolutely. The thin construction and B20 alloy make it highly sensitive, which is ideal for creating atmospheric textures and subtle sound effects in both live and studio environments.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

While it is a professional-grade instrument, it is suitable for any player needing a high-quality suspended or thin crash cymbal. Its price point reflects its professional construction and materials.

How should I mount a suspended cymbal?

For orchestral use, it is best mounted on a gooseneck-style suspended cymbal stand which allows the cymbal to hang freely. For drum kit use, a standard cymbal stand with felts and a wingnut is sufficient.

Does this cymbal come in different finishes?

The Sabian AA series is typically available in Natural or Brilliant finishes, though the standard orchestral model often features the traditional lathing of the AA line to maintain its bright tonal characteristics.

Gear article

Sabian AA 16" Suspended Cymbal

The Sabian AA 16" Suspended Cymbal is a professional-grade B20 bronze instrument designed primarily for orchestral applications and atmospheric percussion. It is engineered to produce smooth, expansive swells and is noted for its ability to function effectively as a standard crash cymbal within a drum kit setup.

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Overview

The Sabian AA 16" Suspended Cymbal is a versatile percussion instrument crafted using the manufacturer's traditional AA series methods. While most cymbals are designed for distinct rhythmic strikes, a suspended cymbal is specifically tailored to respond to mallet rolls, allowing for a gradual increase in volume and harmonic complexity. This 16-inch model occupies a middle ground in terms of size, offering a balance between quick response and sufficient surface area for building significant volume.

Design and Construction

Utilising the same manufacturing techniques as the broader AA line, this cymbal is characterised by its thin weight profile. This thinness is essential for its primary function, as it allows the metal to vibrate with minimal physical force. The AA series (standing for 'Automated Alpha') is known for its 'Vintage Bright' sound profile, achieved through traditional lathing and hammering that results in a classic, high-energy tone that cuts through an ensemble.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary sonic attribute of the AA 16" Suspended Cymbal is its responsiveness. When played with soft mallets, it can produce delicate, atmospheric soundscapes that slowly evolve into powerful climaxes. Unlike heavier crash cymbals that may feel 'choked' at low volumes, this model is designed to sustain and bloom. Its frequency response is bright and full, typical of the B20 bronze alloy used by Sabian for their professional ranges.

Application and Versatility

While its design is rooted in orchestral music—where it is typically mounted on a specialized stand to allow for maximum vibration—it is also marketed as a dual-purpose instrument. Drum kit players can integrate the AA 16" Suspended into their setup as a fast, responsive crash cymbal. Its thin weight makes it particularly suitable for lower-volume settings or for drummers who prefer a crash that speaks quickly and decays naturally.

Market Comparison

Within the percussion market, the Sabian AA 16" Suspended sits alongside other high-end B20 options. While players seeking darker, dryer tones might look toward the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series or Istanbul Agop models, the Sabian AA offers a more traditional, bright, and versatile 'workhorse' character. It provides a more robust and professional alternative to entry-level sets like the Gear4Music Low Volume packs or Meinl HCS series, specifically in terms of dynamic range and tonal depth.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of a suspended cymbal?: A suspended cymbal is primarily designed to be played with mallets to create 'swells', where the volume increases gradually from a whisper to a loud climax. They are staples in orchestral and concert band music for creating tension and atmosphere.
Can I use the Sabian AA 16" Suspended Cymbal on a standard drum kit?: Yes, this model is specifically designed for versatility and can be used as a crash cymbal on a drum kit. Its thin weight allows it to respond quickly to stick hits, providing a bright and full crash sound.
What weight category does this cymbal fall into?: The Sabian AA 16" Suspended Cymbal is classified as a thin weight cymbal. This ensures high responsiveness and allows the instrument to vibrate easily when played with soft mallets.
What material is this cymbal made from?: It is manufactured from B20 bronze, which is a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is preferred for professional cymbals due to its wide frequency range and musicality.
How does the AA series sound compared to other Sabian ranges?: The AA series is known for its 'Vintage Bright' sound. It offers a classic, energetic tone that is typically brighter and more cutting than the hand-hammered HH series, but smoother than modern 'brilliant' series.
What kind of mallets should be used with this cymbal?: Soft yarn or felt mallets are recommended to achieve the best results for orchestral swells. These allow for a smooth build-up of sound without the sharp 'attack' sound of a drumstick.
Is a 16-inch cymbal large enough for orchestral climaxes?: A 16-inch suspended cymbal is excellent for medium-sized swells and sound effects. For extremely large orchestral works, it is often paired with larger 18-inch or 20-inch suspended cymbals to provide a full range of dynamics.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance series?: While the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series is known for its dark, earthy, and short-decay sounds, the Sabian AA is much brighter and offers a fuller, more traditional sustain suitable for orchestral blending.
Can I use this for sound effects in soundscapes?: Absolutely. The thin construction and B20 alloy make it highly sensitive, which is ideal for creating atmospheric textures and subtle sound effects in both live and studio environments.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: While it is a professional-grade instrument, it is suitable for any player needing a high-quality suspended or thin crash cymbal. Its price point reflects its professional construction and materials.
How should I mount a suspended cymbal?: For orchestral use, it is best mounted on a gooseneck-style suspended cymbal stand which allows the cymbal to hang freely. For drum kit use, a standard cymbal stand with felts and a wingnut is sufficient.
Does this cymbal come in different finishes?: The Sabian AA series is typically available in Natural or Brilliant finishes, though the standard orchestral model often features the traditional lathing of the AA line to maintain its bright tonal characteristics.