What is the primary material used in the Sabian AA 21" Raw Bell Ride?

Like most professional Sabian AA series cymbals, it is constructed from B20 bronze. This alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, is known for its wide frequency range and durability.

Why is the bell on this ride cymbal 'raw'?

Leaving the bell unlathed (raw) increases the stiffness of the metal in that specific zone. This results in a brighter, more focused, and solid note that projects more effectively than a lathed bell.

What kind of stick definition does this cymbal provide?

This cymbal is designed for strong stick articulation. The AA series' hammering and lathing, combined with the 21-inch size, produce a clear 'ping' that stays above the cymbal's natural wash.

How does the sound of the AA series differ from other Sabian series?

The AA (Automated Anvil) series is characterized by bright, classic sounds inspired by traditional cymbal making. It is generally more energetic and brighter than the hand-hammered HH series.

Is the 21" Raw Bell Ride suitable for heavy rock music?

Yes, its cutting tonal quality and strong articulation make it very effective in loud environments. The raw bell is specifically designed to be heard through high-gain guitars and loud stage volumes.

What is the typical price for a new Sabian AA 21" Raw Bell Ride?

The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 498. This places it in the professional tier of cymbal equipment.

Does this cymbal have a lot of wash?

The cymbal is described as having a 'dry but versatile sound.' While it has some tonal wash, the emphasis is on the clarity of the bow and the solidity of the bell strikes.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

While both are 21-inch rides, the Sabian AA is focused on the bright, classic AA series sound. The Masterwork Iris may offer a different aesthetic and tonal profile depending on its specific lathing and hammering style.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz?

Although it is bright and cutting, its dry articulation makes it versatile enough for jazz drummers who prefer a clear, rhythmic 'ping' over a dark, smoky wash.

What visual finish does the cymbal have?

The cymbal features traditional lathing on the bow and edge, while the bell section has a dark, unlathed, and textured 'raw' appearance. This creates a distinct two-tone look.

Is this cymbal heavier than a standard ride?

The Raw Bell Ride is typically medium to medium-heavy. This weight helps support the strong stick definition and the powerful bell projection the model is known for.

How does the AA 21" Raw Bell Ride compare to smaller rides like 19" or 20" models?

The 21-inch size provides a larger playing surface and more volume than a 19-inch crash-ride. It offers a more robust feel and a deeper fundamental tone than a standard 20-inch ride.

Gear article

Sabian AA 21" Raw Bell Ride Cymbal

The Sabian AA 21" Raw Bell Ride is a professional-grade cymbal that blends the bright, classic character of the AA series with enhanced stick definition. It is distinguished by its unlathed, raw bell, which provides a solid, piercing accent intended for versatile performance settings.

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Overview

The Sabian AA 21" Raw Bell Ride is a core component of Sabian's 'Automated Anvil' series, designed to deliver the energy and volume required for modern music while maintaining traditional tonal foundations. Its design focus is on clarity and projection, achieved through a combination of high-energy machine hammering and a specific surface treatment that leaves the central bell unlathed. The 21-inch diameter offers a balance between the responsiveness of a 20-inch cymbal and the increased volume and wash control of a 22-inch model.

Key Features and Design

The primary design feature of this cymbal is its large, raw bell. Unlike the rest of the cymbal, which is lathed to refine the overtones, the bell remains dark and textured. This choice serves two purposes: it creates a visual contrast and, more importantly, it ensures a strong, cutting note that does not wash out the stick articulation. The bow area is designed to provide a consistently strong and cutting response, allowing for a dry but versatile sound that can cut through dense mixes.

Sound Character

Described as producing the bright classic sounds of the traditional AA series, this ride cymbal is noted for its exceptional stick articulation. While many rides of this size can become overwhelming with build-up, the Raw Bell Ride remains controlled and relatively dry. Strikes across the bow area maintain a clear tonal quality, while the raw bell responds with a bright, extremely solid note. This combination makes it suitable for genres where the rhythm must remain distinct and rhythmic patterns need to be heard clearly over loud instrumentation.

Suitability and Performance

The AA 21" Raw Bell Ride is aimed at drummers who require a 'workhorse' cymbal capable of performing across multiple genres. Its bright projection makes it highly suitable for rock, pop, and fusion, while its dry articulation allows it to function effectively in jazz or funk settings where a 'pingy' sound is desired. It is particularly well-suited for drummers who frequently move between the bow and the bell for accents, as the transition between the two zones is distinct and musical.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the industry, the Raw Bell Ride competes with other versatile 21-inch models such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride. While the Masterwork Iris might offer a different tonal profile, the Sabian AA version is more focused on the bright, traditional B20 sound profile. Compared to specialized dry cymbals like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the AA Raw Bell Ride offers significantly more volume and a more robust bell character. For those seeking a more vintage, heritage feel, the Paiste Giant Beat or Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash provide alternatives, though they generally lack the specific 'raw bell' projection found in this Sabian model.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Sabian AA 21" Raw Bell Ride?: Like most professional Sabian AA series cymbals, it is constructed from B20 bronze. This alloy, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, is known for its wide frequency range and durability.
Why is the bell on this ride cymbal 'raw'?: Leaving the bell unlathed (raw) increases the stiffness of the metal in that specific zone. This results in a brighter, more focused, and solid note that projects more effectively than a lathed bell.
What kind of stick definition does this cymbal provide?: This cymbal is designed for strong stick articulation. The AA series' hammering and lathing, combined with the 21-inch size, produce a clear 'ping' that stays above the cymbal's natural wash.
How does the sound of the AA series differ from other Sabian series?: The AA (Automated Anvil) series is characterized by bright, classic sounds inspired by traditional cymbal making. It is generally more energetic and brighter than the hand-hammered HH series.
Is the 21" Raw Bell Ride suitable for heavy rock music?: Yes, its cutting tonal quality and strong articulation make it very effective in loud environments. The raw bell is specifically designed to be heard through high-gain guitars and loud stage volumes.
What is the typical price for a new Sabian AA 21" Raw Bell Ride?: The typical price for this model is approximately GBP 498. This places it in the professional tier of cymbal equipment.
Does this cymbal have a lot of wash?: The cymbal is described as having a 'dry but versatile sound.' While it has some tonal wash, the emphasis is on the clarity of the bow and the solidity of the bell strikes.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: While both are 21-inch rides, the Sabian AA is focused on the bright, classic AA series sound. The Masterwork Iris may offer a different aesthetic and tonal profile depending on its specific lathing and hammering style.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz?: Although it is bright and cutting, its dry articulation makes it versatile enough for jazz drummers who prefer a clear, rhythmic 'ping' over a dark, smoky wash.
What visual finish does the cymbal have?: The cymbal features traditional lathing on the bow and edge, while the bell section has a dark, unlathed, and textured 'raw' appearance. This creates a distinct two-tone look.
Is this cymbal heavier than a standard ride?: The Raw Bell Ride is typically medium to medium-heavy. This weight helps support the strong stick definition and the powerful bell projection the model is known for.
How does the AA 21" Raw Bell Ride compare to smaller rides like 19" or 20" models?: The 21-inch size provides a larger playing surface and more volume than a 19-inch crash-ride. It offers a more robust feel and a deeper fundamental tone than a standard 20-inch ride.