What is the primary characteristic of the Sabian AAX 22" Thin Ride?

The primary characteristic is its versatility, offering a dark, complex tone with enhanced crashability while maintaining a well-defined ping.

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

It uses a new hammering technique featuring a larger and rounder peen, which results in a more complex and darker sonic palette.

Can the AAX 22" Thin Ride be used as a crash cymbal?

Yes, it is specifically designed with a thin profile and a smaller bell to increase crashability, allowing it to function as a massive crash.

What type of bell does this cymbal have?

It features a smaller raw bell style, which helps increase the body of the cymbal for riding and provides a distinct, defined ping.

Is the tone of the AAX 22" Thin Ride considered bright or dark?

It is considered a darker-toned cymbal within the AAX line, though it also features enhanced high frequencies for a wider overall range.

What is the typical retail price for this model?

The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 567.

What genres of music is this cymbal best suited for?

Due to its versatility and dark complexity, it is suited for jazz, fusion, rock, and any setting requiring a crashable ride.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

While both offer dark and complex tones, the Sabian AAX 22" Thin Ride generally provides a wider frequency range with more high-end presence.

Does the thin weight affect the stick definition?

Despite the thin weight, the design ensures a well-defined ping, preventing the stick sound from being lost in the cymbal's wash.

How does the bell sound compared to larger ride bells?

The smaller raw bell offers a more integrated and body-focused sound that aids crashability, rather than the isolated, piercing ring of a large rock bell.

Is this cymbal part of a specific innovation line within Sabian?

Yes, it is part of Sabian's push to innovate the AAX series to meet modern demands for more complex and versatile cymbal sounds.

What size is the AAX Thin Ride mentioned here?

This specific model has a diameter of 22 inches, providing a large surface area for a full, body-focused sound.

Gear article

Sabian AAX 22" Thin Ride

The Sabian AAX 22" Thin Ride is a professional-grade cymbal designed to offer a darker tone and enhanced crashability compared to traditional AAX models. It features a smaller raw bell and a revised hammering pattern to achieve a wider frequency range suitable for versatile musical applications.

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Background and Development

The Sabian AAX series has long been a staple of the company's catalogue, known for its modern brightness and clarity. The 22" Thin Ride represents an evolution of this line, developed in response to modern demands for more complex, versatile instruments. By incorporating new manufacturing techniques, Sabian has expanded the AAX palette beyond its traditional bright character.

Historically, the AAX line utilised 'Dynamic Focus' to maintain consistent sound at all volumes. This specific 22" Thin iteration pushes that innovation further, aiming for a darker, more multifaceted sonic profile that integrates features traditionally associated with boutique or hand-hammered cymbals.

Design and Key Features

The construction of the AAX 22" Thin Ride is defined by several specific design choices:

Hammering: The cymbal utilizes a new hammering technique involving a larger, rounder peen. This creates a more complex surface texture, directly contributing to its darker tone.
Small Raw Bell: Unlike the oversized bells found on many rock-oriented rides, this model features a smaller raw bell. This design choice provides more surface area for riding while increasing the cymbal's ability to open up when crashed.
Profile: The thin weight ensures the cymbal is flexible and responsive, allowing it to function as a large crash as effectively as a ride.

Sonic Character

The Sabian AAX 22" Thin Ride is characterised by its dual-nature frequency response. While it introduces a darker, more complex wash, it also features enhanced high frequencies. This results in a full-bodied sound with a wide frequency range.

The 'ping' remains well-defined despite the thinner profile, ensuring that stick articulation is not lost in the wash. The smaller bell offers a distinct, piercing accent that contrasts with the darker body of the cymbal, providing a balanced output for different playing styles.

Suitability and Comparisons

This cymbal is ideally suited for drummers who require a single instrument to handle multiple roles. Its 'crashable' nature makes it a favourite for jazz, fusion, and indie-rock settings where a massive, dark crash is needed without sacrificing the functionality of a ride.

When compared to other professional options, such as the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash, the AAX 22" Thin Ride offers a more modern 'broad-spectrum' sound. While it shares some dry characteristics with the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series, the AAX retains more high-end shimmer, making it slightly more versatile in amplified pop and rock environments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary characteristic of the Sabian AAX 22" Thin Ride?: The primary characteristic is its versatility, offering a dark, complex tone with enhanced crashability while maintaining a well-defined ping.
How does the hammering on this model differ from standard AAX cymbals?: It uses a new hammering technique featuring a larger and rounder peen, which results in a more complex and darker sonic palette.
Can the AAX 22" Thin Ride be used as a crash cymbal?: Yes, it is specifically designed with a thin profile and a smaller bell to increase crashability, allowing it to function as a massive crash.
What type of bell does this cymbal have?: It features a smaller raw bell style, which helps increase the body of the cymbal for riding and provides a distinct, defined ping.
Is the tone of the AAX 22" Thin Ride considered bright or dark?: It is considered a darker-toned cymbal within the AAX line, though it also features enhanced high frequencies for a wider overall range.
What is the typical retail price for this model?: The typical price for this cymbal is approximately GBP 567.
What genres of music is this cymbal best suited for?: Due to its versatility and dark complexity, it is suited for jazz, fusion, rock, and any setting requiring a crashable ride.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: While both offer dark and complex tones, the Sabian AAX 22" Thin Ride generally provides a wider frequency range with more high-end presence.
Does the thin weight affect the stick definition?: Despite the thin weight, the design ensures a well-defined ping, preventing the stick sound from being lost in the cymbal's wash.
How does the bell sound compared to larger ride bells?: The smaller raw bell offers a more integrated and body-focused sound that aids crashability, rather than the isolated, piercing ring of a large rock bell.
Is this cymbal part of a specific innovation line within Sabian?: Yes, it is part of Sabian's push to innovate the AAX series to meet modern demands for more complex and versatile cymbal sounds.
What size is the AAX Thin Ride mentioned here?: This specific model has a diameter of 22 inches, providing a large surface area for a full, body-focused sound.