What is the primary finish of this cymbal?

This model features a 'Brilliant' finish, which gives the cymbal a polished, shimmering appearance and helps enhance its high-frequency response.

What is the weight class of the Sabian AAX 20" ride?

It is classified as a 'Medium' weight cymbal, designed to provide a balance between clear stick definition and the ability to crash.

How does the bell design affect the sound?

It features a smaller raw bell style. This design provides more body for riding and a well-defined ping, while also increasing the cymbal's overall crashability.

Is this cymbal suitable for crashing?

Yes, Sabian specifically designed this model for 'easy crashability,' making it a versatile choice for drummers who want to use their ride as a large crash.

How does the tone compare to other AAX cymbals?

This model introduces a darker tone compared to the traditional AAX palette, meeting modern demands for more complex and versatile sonic profiles.

What is the typical retail price for this model?

The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 479.

What material is used in the AAX series?

Like most professional Sabian lines, the AAX series is crafted from B20 bronze alloy to ensure a rich, professional sound quality.

Who is the ideal user for this cymbal?

It suits drummers looking for a versatile 'all-around' ride that can handle clear sticking patterns and powerful crashes in a single setup.

Does the raw bell have a different finish than the rest of the cymbal?

Yes, the 'raw' bell style means it is left unpolished/unlathed, contrasting with the brilliant finish of the main bow for a more focused sound.

What is the diameter of this specific ride?

This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches, which is a standard size for versatile ride cymbals.

How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?

The Sabian AAX 20" is smaller and places a higher emphasis on crashability and a modern dark tone compared to the larger 21" Masterwork Iris.

Is this cymbal considered part of a budget line?

No, the AAX series is a professional-grade line from Sabian, positioned significantly higher than entry-level series like the Meinl HCS.

Gear article

Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride Brilliant

The Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride Brilliant is a versatile cymbal designed to provide a darker tonal palette and enhanced crashability within the established AAX series. Featuring a small raw bell and a medium weight, it offers a balance of clear stick definition and full-bodied resonance.

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Design and Construction

The Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride Brilliant represents an evolution of the AAX line, incorporating modern manufacturing techniques to meet the demand for more complex sound profiles. The cymbal is characterised by its medium weight and a 'brilliant' finish, which contributes to its shimmering high-end response.

A key design feature is the smaller raw bell style. By reducing the bell size and leaving it unlathed, Sabian has increased the available surface area of the cymbal body, which facilitates a more robust 'riding' sound and significantly improves the cymbal's ability to be used as a crash. The raw bell also provides a distinct, well-defined 'ping' that remains articulate even during high-volume play.

Sonic Characteristics

This specific AAX model introduces a darker tone compared to traditional AAX rides, offering a 'new palette of sound' that is more complex and versatile. The medium weight is the primary driver of its dual-purpose nature; it is heavy enough to maintain clear stick definition without becoming washed out, yet thin enough to open up quickly when struck on the edge.

Key sonic attributes include: * Stick Definition: Clear and pronounced 'ping' across the body. * Crashability: Easy to activate, providing a full, dark crash sound. * Tone: Darker and more complex than standard bright AAX models. * Resonance: A well-balanced body that supports a wide range of musical dynamics.

Market Positioning and Suitability

Sabian positions this 20" Medium Ride as an 'all-around' weight choice, intended for drummers who require a single cymbal to perform multiple roles. It is particularly suited for players who transition frequently between articulate rhythmic patterns and heavy crashing, making it a viable option for genres ranging from pop and session work to modern rock.

The brilliant finish and darker tonal characteristics make it a sophisticated alternative to entry-level cymbals or overly specialised models. While it occupies a premium price bracket around GBP 479, its versatility provides value for drummers looking to streamline their setup without sacrificing sonic quality.

Comparative Analysis

Within the wider market, the Sabian AAX 20" Medium Ride Brilliant competes with other high-end versatile cymbals. For drummers seeking more extreme textures, the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash offers a much drier, shorter decay, whereas the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash provides a specific signature jazz-inflected tone.

Compared to dedicated rides like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride, the Sabian AAX focuses more heavily on 'crashability.' It sits in a different category entirely from budget-friendly options such as the Gear4Music Low Volume Cymbal Pack or the entry-level Meinl HCS 13 Hi Hats. In terms of fidelity and professional application, it is more comparable to the high-end character of the Paiste Giant Beat series or the UFIP Bionic and Class series, though the AAX maintains a unique modern 'dark-yet-bright' profile specific to Sabian's B20 bronze innovation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary finish of this cymbal?: This model features a 'Brilliant' finish, which gives the cymbal a polished, shimmering appearance and helps enhance its high-frequency response.
What is the weight class of the Sabian AAX 20" ride?: It is classified as a 'Medium' weight cymbal, designed to provide a balance between clear stick definition and the ability to crash.
How does the bell design affect the sound?: It features a smaller raw bell style. This design provides more body for riding and a well-defined ping, while also increasing the cymbal's overall crashability.
Is this cymbal suitable for crashing?: Yes, Sabian specifically designed this model for 'easy crashability,' making it a versatile choice for drummers who want to use their ride as a large crash.
How does the tone compare to other AAX cymbals?: This model introduces a darker tone compared to the traditional AAX palette, meeting modern demands for more complex and versatile sonic profiles.
What is the typical retail price for this model?: The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 479.
What material is used in the AAX series?: Like most professional Sabian lines, the AAX series is crafted from B20 bronze alloy to ensure a rich, professional sound quality.
Who is the ideal user for this cymbal?: It suits drummers looking for a versatile 'all-around' ride that can handle clear sticking patterns and powerful crashes in a single setup.
Does the raw bell have a different finish than the rest of the cymbal?: Yes, the 'raw' bell style means it is left unpolished/unlathed, contrasting with the brilliant finish of the main bow for a more focused sound.
What is the diameter of this specific ride?: This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches, which is a standard size for versatile ride cymbals.
How does it compare to the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride?: The Sabian AAX 20" is smaller and places a higher emphasis on crashability and a modern dark tone compared to the larger 21" Masterwork Iris.
Is this cymbal considered part of a budget line?: No, the AAX series is a professional-grade line from Sabian, positioned significantly higher than entry-level series like the Meinl HCS.