What is the weight class of the Sabian AAX 18" crash?

This cymbal is classified as a medium weight crash. This provides a balance between the fast response of a thin cymbal and the volume and durability of a heavy cymbal.

How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?

The brilliant finish serves to enhance high-frequency notes. It results in a brighter, cleaner, and more shimmering tone compared to a natural or 'traditional' finish.

What is the purpose of the larger raw bell?

The larger raw bell is designed to add more 'meat' to the overall sound. This design choice specifically increases the cymbal's projection and volume.

What kind of sustain can I expect from this cymbal?

The Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash delivers a mid-sustain. It provides a full-bodied crash that decays at a moderate rate rather than lingering excessively.

Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume playing?

While it can be played softly, it is designed for projection and brightness. For dedicated low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.

How does the hammering on this model differ from older AAX cymbals?

This model features a new style of hammering that is much more visible on the surface. This creates a more complex tonal palette and a stunningly vintage aesthetic.

What genres is the AAX 18" Medium Crash best for?

Its powerful bright sound makes it highly effective for rock, metal, and pop. It is built to cut through loud stage volumes and dense musical arrangements.

What is the typical retail price for this model?

The typical price for this specific 18-inch crash cymbal is approximately £366. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does this compare to the AAX Thin Crash?

The Medium Crash is heavier than the Thin Crash, offering more volume and a slightly higher pitch. The Medium version is better suited for high-impact playing where durability and projection are key.

What is the diameter of this cymbal?

The cymbal has a diameter of 18 inches. This is a versatile size that offers a deeper tone than a 16-inch crash but a faster response than a 20-inch crash.

Does the brilliant finish require special cleaning?

Yes, brilliant finishes show fingerprints and grime more easily than natural finishes. To maintain the 'shining appearance' mentioned by Sabian, regular cleaning with a cymbal polish is recommended.

Is the bell lathed or unlathed?

The bell on this specific AAX model is raw, meaning it is unlathed. This helps focus the sound and contributes to the cymbal's overall power and meatier tone.

Gear article

Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash Brilliant

The Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash Brilliant is a modern professional crash cymbal designed for enhanced projection and a bright, powerful frequency response. It features a larger raw bell and a revised hammering technique that combines vintage aesthetics with contemporary sound characteristics.

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Background and Design

The AAX series from Sabian has long been a staple of the brand's professional lineup, known for its ability to cut through high-volume musical environments. This specific 18-inch Medium Crash represents a development in the AAX line, introducing a revised manufacturing process that includes a larger raw bell. This structural change is intended to add 'meat' to the sonic profile, increasing the cymbal's ability to project across a stage or through a dense mix.

Visually, the cymbal incorporates a new style of hammering that is significantly more visible on the surface than previous iterations. This provides a vintage aesthetic while maintaining the modern performance standards of the AAX range.

Key Features and Construction

The construction of the AAX 18" Medium Crash is defined by three primary physical traits:

Raw Bell: The unlathed, larger bell design focuses the energy and increases the volume potential.
Visible Hammering: The aggressive hammering pattern contributes to the complex overtones and visual appeal.
Brilliant Finish: The surface is highly polished to a mirror-like shine, which serves both a cosmetic and acoustic purpose.

Sound Character

This cymbal is characterised by a powerful, bright sound profile. Due to its medium weight and brilliant finish, the frequency response is skewed toward the higher end of the spectrum, providing a crisp attack. It offers a mid-length sustain, ensuring that while the initial crash is impactful, it does not overwhelm the rest of the kit for an excessive duration. The brilliant finish specifically enhances high-frequency notes, resulting in a clean, shimmering tone.

Target User

The Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash is suited for drummers who require a balance between durability and expressive tone. Its increased projection makes it an ideal choice for live performances in rock, pop, and metal settings where a crash must compete with amplified instruments. Its clean decay also makes it a viable option for studio recording where precise control over cymbal wash is necessary.

Market Comparison

Within the professional cymbal market, the AAX 18" Medium Crash occupies a middle ground between ultra-dry boutique cymbals and traditional thin crashes. Compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Sabian is considerably brighter and more focused. While cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash offer a darker, more jazz-oriented palette, the AAX prioritises clarity and high-end shimmer. It stands as a more robust, projection-focused alternative to 'light' series cymbals such as the UFIP Class Series 14" Light Hi Hats or low-volume practice options.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weight class of the Sabian AAX 18" crash?: This cymbal is classified as a medium weight crash. This provides a balance between the fast response of a thin cymbal and the volume and durability of a heavy cymbal.
How does the brilliant finish affect the sound?: The brilliant finish serves to enhance high-frequency notes. It results in a brighter, cleaner, and more shimmering tone compared to a natural or 'traditional' finish.
What is the purpose of the larger raw bell?: The larger raw bell is designed to add more 'meat' to the overall sound. This design choice specifically increases the cymbal's projection and volume.
What kind of sustain can I expect from this cymbal?: The Sabian AAX 18" Medium Crash delivers a mid-sustain. It provides a full-bodied crash that decays at a moderate rate rather than lingering excessively.
Is this cymbal suitable for low-volume playing?: While it can be played softly, it is designed for projection and brightness. For dedicated low-volume needs, products like the Gear4Music 5pc Low Volume Cymbal Pack would be more appropriate.
How does the hammering on this model differ from older AAX cymbals?: This model features a new style of hammering that is much more visible on the surface. This creates a more complex tonal palette and a stunningly vintage aesthetic.
What genres is the AAX 18" Medium Crash best for?: Its powerful bright sound makes it highly effective for rock, metal, and pop. It is built to cut through loud stage volumes and dense musical arrangements.
What is the typical retail price for this model?: The typical price for this specific 18-inch crash cymbal is approximately £366. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does this compare to the AAX Thin Crash?: The Medium Crash is heavier than the Thin Crash, offering more volume and a slightly higher pitch. The Medium version is better suited for high-impact playing where durability and projection are key.
What is the diameter of this cymbal?: The cymbal has a diameter of 18 inches. This is a versatile size that offers a deeper tone than a 16-inch crash but a faster response than a 20-inch crash.
Does the brilliant finish require special cleaning?: Yes, brilliant finishes show fingerprints and grime more easily than natural finishes. To maintain the 'shining appearance' mentioned by Sabian, regular cleaning with a cymbal polish is recommended.
Is the bell lathed or unlathed?: The bell on this specific AAX model is raw, meaning it is unlathed. This helps focus the sound and contributes to the cymbal's overall power and meatier tone.