What is the primary finish on this cymbal?

This model features a Brilliant finish. This high-gloss treatment is designed to enhance high-frequency harmonics and provide a clean, shining aesthetic.

How does the bell size affect the sound?

The cymbal features a smaller raw bell than typically found on 17-inch crashes. This specific design choice helps deliver a faster response and reduces unwanted overtones.

What is the weight category of this AAX model?

This cymbal is classified as 'Thin'. This weight allows for a faster attack and makes the cymbal easier to activate with lighter strokes.

Does this cymbal feature traditional or modern hammering?

It uses a new style of hammering for the AAX line that is much more visible on the surface. This provides a vintage visual aesthetic while maintaining a modern bright sound.

What kind of attack does the Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash have?

It is designed to deliver a fast attack. The combination of a thin weight and a smaller bell allows the sound to peak quickly after being struck.

Is this cymbal better for loud or quiet music?

While it is a powerful bright cymbal, its thin weight makes it versatile. It can cut through in loud settings due to its high-frequency brightness but remains responsive at lower volumes.

How does the raw bell look compared to the rest of the cymbal?

The bell remains 'raw' or unlathed/unpolished, creating a visual contrast against the highly reflective 'Brilliant' finish of the bow and edge.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price range for the Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash Brilliant is approximately £344.

How does this compare to the AAX X-Plosion crashes?

The Thin Crash focuses more on a fast response and a vintage look with visible hammering, whereas X-Plosion models often focus on sustain and raw volume.

Can this cymbal be used for jazz?

While it is a bright cymbal, its thin weight and fast decay allow it to be used in modern jazz or fusion contexts where a quick, shimmering accent is needed.

Does the brilliant finish affect the durability?

The finish is a surface treatment and does not inherently change the structural durability of the B20 bronze, though it requires specific cleaners to maintain its shine.

What material is the Sabian AAX series made from?

Like most professional Sabian series, the AAX line is constructed from B20 bronze, an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin.

Gear article

Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash Brilliant

The Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash Brilliant is a modern B20 bronze cymbal designed for rapid response and bright tonal clarity. It incorporates updated manufacturing techniques, including a smaller raw bell and visible large-peen hammering, to provide a versatile sound suitable for various professional settings.

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Overview

The Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash Brilliant represents an evolution of the long-standing AAX series, known for its 'Dynamic Focus' design. This specific model introduces a revised sonic palette to the line, focusing on a balance between vintage aesthetics and modern projection. The cymbal is characterised by its thin weight and high-sheen brilliant finish, which together produce a fast-acting crash with a shimmering decay.

Design and Construction

A defining physical feature of this 17-inch crash is its small raw bell. By reducing the bell size relative to the cymbal's diameter, Sabian has engineered a faster response time, as there is less mass at the centre to excite. The surface features a new style of hammering that is more visible than on previous AAX iterations, contributing to a 'stunningly vintage' surface texture while maintaining the precision of modern manufacturing.

Sonic Character

The AAX Thin Crash is tuned to deliver a powerful, bright sound. The 'Brilliant' finish is not merely aesthetic; it serves to enhance the high-frequency notes, ensuring the cymbal cuts through dense musical arrangements. Because of its thin weight, the attack is immediate (fast attack), and the cymbal opens up easily even at lower volumes, though it retains enough power for louder accents.

Market Comparison

Within the wider market, the Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash occupies a middle ground between extremely dark/dry cymbals and heavy rock crashes.

Compared to Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry: The AAX is significantly brighter and more polished in tone compared to the earthy, trashy character of the Byzance Extra Dry series.
Compared to Paiste Giant Beat: While both offer vintage vibes, the AAX's brilliant finish provides a more glassy high-end compared to the multi-functional warmth of the Giant Beat hi-hats or crashes.
Compared to UFIP Bionic: The AAX Thin is generally lighter and faster than the Bionic series, which is typically geared toward higher volume levels.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish on this cymbal?: This model features a Brilliant finish. This high-gloss treatment is designed to enhance high-frequency harmonics and provide a clean, shining aesthetic.
How does the bell size affect the sound?: The cymbal features a smaller raw bell than typically found on 17-inch crashes. This specific design choice helps deliver a faster response and reduces unwanted overtones.
What is the weight category of this AAX model?: This cymbal is classified as 'Thin'. This weight allows for a faster attack and makes the cymbal easier to activate with lighter strokes.
Does this cymbal feature traditional or modern hammering?: It uses a new style of hammering for the AAX line that is much more visible on the surface. This provides a vintage visual aesthetic while maintaining a modern bright sound.
What kind of attack does the Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash have?: It is designed to deliver a fast attack. The combination of a thin weight and a smaller bell allows the sound to peak quickly after being struck.
Is this cymbal better for loud or quiet music?: While it is a powerful bright cymbal, its thin weight makes it versatile. It can cut through in loud settings due to its high-frequency brightness but remains responsive at lower volumes.
How does the raw bell look compared to the rest of the cymbal?: The bell remains 'raw' or unlathed/unpolished, creating a visual contrast against the highly reflective 'Brilliant' finish of the bow and edge.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for the Sabian AAX 17" Thin Crash Brilliant is approximately £344.
How does this compare to the AAX X-Plosion crashes?: The Thin Crash focuses more on a fast response and a vintage look with visible hammering, whereas X-Plosion models often focus on sustain and raw volume.
Can this cymbal be used for jazz?: While it is a bright cymbal, its thin weight and fast decay allow it to be used in modern jazz or fusion contexts where a quick, shimmering accent is needed.
Does the brilliant finish affect the durability?: The finish is a surface treatment and does not inherently change the structural durability of the B20 bronze, though it requires specific cleaners to maintain its shine.
What material is the Sabian AAX series made from?: Like most professional Sabian series, the AAX line is constructed from B20 bronze, an alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin.