What is the primary material used in the Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride?

The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, often including traces of silver.

How does the bell size affect the sound of this ride?

The smaller raw bell style reduces overtones from the centre, allowing for more body in the main bow of the cymbal and improving its ability to be used as a crash.

Is the Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride suitable for loud rock music?

Yes, its medium weight ensures clear stick definition and enough projection to cut through amplified instruments, while its crashability suits high-energy playing.

What is meant by 'crashability' in a ride cymbal?

Crashability refers to the cymbal's ability to open up and provide a full, shimmering wash when struck on the edge, rather than just producing a heavy 'clanking' sound.

Does this cymbal have a bright or dark tone?

While the AAX line is traditionally bright, this specific Medium Ride is designed with a 'new twist' that introduces a darker, more complex tonal palette.

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

The Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride typically retails for approximately £479, depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.

How does the weight of this cymbal influence its performance?

The medium weight provides a perfect middle-ground, offering clear stick 'ping' without being so heavy that the cymbal becomes difficult to crash.

Can this cymbal be used in a jazz setting?

While it is an all-arounder, its darker tone and complex wash make it more suitable for modern jazz and fusion than traditional, bright rock rides.

What is the difference between this and the AA series?

The AAX series uses 'Dynamic Focus' technology to maintain consistent tone at all volumes, whereas the AA series generally has a more vintage, straight-ahead bright sound.

Is the bell lathed or raw?

This specific model features a raw bell style, which helps in focusing the sound and adding a bit of grit and complexity to the overall character.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

The AAX 20" Medium Ride is slightly smaller and focuses on modern versatility and crashability, whereas a 21-inch Iris might offer a larger surface area and different harmonic overtones.

Who is the target audience for the Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride?

It is designed for drummers who need a versatile, all-in-one ride that can handle clear rhythmic patterns and explosive crashes without needing to switch cymbals.

Gear article

Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride

The Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride is a versatile B20 bronze cymbal designed to offer a balance of clear stick definition and easy crashability. As part of a modernized AAX line, it features a smaller raw bell and a darker tonal profile compared to traditional brilliant-finish models.

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Background and Innovation

The Sabian AAX series has long been a staple in modern drumming, known for its consistency and 'Dynamic Focus' design. The 20" Medium Ride represents an evolution in the series, developed to meet contemporary demands for more complex and versatile sounds. Sabian positioned this model as a 'brand-new twist' on the AAX formula, moving away from purely bright characters toward a darker, more nuanced palette.

Design and Construction

This cymbal is constructed with a medium weight, which provides a middle-ground all-around performance. A key design feature is the smaller raw bell style. By reducing the bell size and leaving it unlathed/raw, Sabian has increased the body available for riding and enhanced the cymbal's ability to open up when struck on the edge. The manufacturing process pushes the limits of the AAX series, focusing on a broader frequency range than previous iterations.

Acoustic Characteristics

The AAX 20" Medium Ride is characterised by a well-defined 'ping' and clear stick definition, typical of a medium-weight ride. However, it distinguishes itself with a darker tone and greater crashability than standard rides in its class. The smaller bell allows for a more integrated sound profile where the wash does not overpower the stick articulation, yet the cymbal responds quickly when crashed.

Application and Versatility

Due to its balanced weight and complex tonal profile, this ride is suited for drummers who require a single cymbal to perform multiple roles. It serves effectively as a primary ride for rock, pop, and fusion while offering the explosive response needed for crash-riding in higher-intensity genres. Its enhanced versatility makes it a viable option for studio environments where a controlled but rich sound is required.

Market Comparisons

Within the professional cymbal market, the AAX 20" Medium Ride competes with other versatile models such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the Paiste Giant Beat series. While models like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash or Meinl Byzance Extra Dry offer highly specific, dry, or 'trashy' textures, the Sabian AAX Medium Ride remains a more all-purpose tool, providing more brightness and projection than extreme 'dry' alternatives while remaining darker than traditional AA cymbals.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride?: The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, often including traces of silver.
How does the bell size affect the sound of this ride?: The smaller raw bell style reduces overtones from the centre, allowing for more body in the main bow of the cymbal and improving its ability to be used as a crash.
Is the Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride suitable for loud rock music?: Yes, its medium weight ensures clear stick definition and enough projection to cut through amplified instruments, while its crashability suits high-energy playing.
What is meant by 'crashability' in a ride cymbal?: Crashability refers to the cymbal's ability to open up and provide a full, shimmering wash when struck on the edge, rather than just producing a heavy 'clanking' sound.
Does this cymbal have a bright or dark tone?: While the AAX line is traditionally bright, this specific Medium Ride is designed with a 'new twist' that introduces a darker, more complex tonal palette.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: The Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride typically retails for approximately £479, depending on the specific retailer and current market conditions.
How does the weight of this cymbal influence its performance?: The medium weight provides a perfect middle-ground, offering clear stick 'ping' without being so heavy that the cymbal becomes difficult to crash.
Can this cymbal be used in a jazz setting?: While it is an all-arounder, its darker tone and complex wash make it more suitable for modern jazz and fusion than traditional, bright rock rides.
What is the difference between this and the AA series?: The AAX series uses 'Dynamic Focus' technology to maintain consistent tone at all volumes, whereas the AA series generally has a more vintage, straight-ahead bright sound.
Is the bell lathed or raw?: This specific model features a raw bell style, which helps in focusing the sound and adding a bit of grit and complexity to the overall character.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: The AAX 20" Medium Ride is slightly smaller and focuses on modern versatility and crashability, whereas a 21-inch Iris might offer a larger surface area and different harmonic overtones.
Who is the target audience for the Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride?: It is designed for drummers who need a versatile, all-in-one ride that can handle clear rhythmic patterns and explosive crashes without needing to switch cymbals.