What is the primary use of the Sabian HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal?

It is primarily designed for orchestral and ensemble use, where a cymbal must be mounted on a stand (suspended) to allow for mallet rolls, swells, and specific accents.

What does 'Tone Projection' mean for this cymbal?

Tone Projection is a Sabian HHX feature that allows the cymbal's dark, simmering sounds to cut through a large orchestra, ensuring the instrument's character is heard even at high volumes.

Can this cymbal be played with hands?

Yes, the HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal is extra sensitive, allowing it to produce a warm and dark musical tone even when played directly with the hands.

What is the weight classification of this model?

The cymbal has a thin weight, which is essential for its quick response and its ability to produce high volumes with a long, warm sustain.

How does the sound change as you play louder?

The tonal range of the HHX 18" Suspended extends as the volume increases, offering the player a wide variety of sound possibilities and harmonic depth.

What is the typical price range for this instrument?

In the UK market, the Sabian HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal typically retails for approximately £488.

Does this cymbal offer a long sustain?

Yes, the thin construction and HHX hammering contribute to a long, warm sustain that is well-suited for orchestral arrangements.

Is the sound profile bright or dark?

The sound profile is described as dark and warm, featuring 'hot' simmering overtones rather than bright, piercing high frequencies.

Can I use standard drumsticks on this cymbal?

Yes, it is designed to be played with any mallet, stick, or hand, making it a versatile addition to a percussionist's setup.

How does it stand out in a large orchestra?

It stands out through its unique Tone Projection technology and its ability to reach high volumes despite its thin weight and dark tonality.

What size is this specific HHX Suspended model?

This specific model is 18 inches in diameter, a standard size for versatile suspended cymbal applications.

How does it compare to a standard crash cymbal?

Unlike a standard crash, a suspended cymbal is specifically hammered for sensitivity and sustain, allowing for the slow build-up of sound required in orchestral compositions.

Gear article

Sabian HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal

The Sabian HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal is a professional-grade orchestral percussion instrument designed for broad tonal projection and sensitivity. Featuring a thin weight and Sabian's proprietary HHX 'Tone Projection' technology, it is engineered to deliver warm, dark musical tones across a wide dynamic range.

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Overview

The Sabian HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal is a specialist orchestral instrument crafted to meet the demands of modern ensemble playing. Part of the HHX series, it is defined by its ability to project 'hot' simmering sounds that can cut through a large orchestra without losing its underlying warmth. The instrument is characterised by its thin profile, which allows for immediate response regardless of the striking method employed.

Construction and Tone Projection

This cymbal utilizes Sabian's HHX design philosophy, which focuses on 'Tone Projection'. This manufacturing process ensures that the cymbal's dark, complex harmonics are effectively projected outward, preventing the sound from being absorbed or lost in a dense musical arrangement. The thin weight is a critical factor in its construction, facilitating a long, warm sustain and a tonal range that expands naturally as the volume increases.

Playability and Versatility

One of the standout features of the HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal is its high level of sensitivity. It is designed to be played with various implements, including:

Mallets: For traditional orchestral swells and rolls.
Sticks: For articulated accents and rhythmic patterns.
Hands: The cymbal is sensitive enough to produce a full musical tone when played by hand, offering unique textures for percussionists.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the HHX 18" Suspended is predominantly warm and dark. As the player increases velocity, the cymbal reveals a broader spectrum of frequencies, providing significant potential for dynamic expression. The sustain is described as long and warm, making it particularly effective for crescendos where the sound needs to blossom gradually and fill the acoustic space.

Comparative Analysis

While the HHX 18" Suspended is a dedicated orchestral instrument, it exists within a market of thin, dark cymbals. Compared to more specialised jazz cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, the Sabian HHX offers a more controlled orchestral sustain. Unlike standard hi-hats such as the UFIP Bionic or Class series, this suspended cymbal is intended for single-mount applications where the full vibration of the bronze is required.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary use of the Sabian HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal?: It is primarily designed for orchestral and ensemble use, where a cymbal must be mounted on a stand (suspended) to allow for mallet rolls, swells, and specific accents.
What does 'Tone Projection' mean for this cymbal?: Tone Projection is a Sabian HHX feature that allows the cymbal's dark, simmering sounds to cut through a large orchestra, ensuring the instrument's character is heard even at high volumes.
Can this cymbal be played with hands?: Yes, the HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal is extra sensitive, allowing it to produce a warm and dark musical tone even when played directly with the hands.
What is the weight classification of this model?: The cymbal has a thin weight, which is essential for its quick response and its ability to produce high volumes with a long, warm sustain.
How does the sound change as you play louder?: The tonal range of the HHX 18" Suspended extends as the volume increases, offering the player a wide variety of sound possibilities and harmonic depth.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: In the UK market, the Sabian HHX 18" Suspended Cymbal typically retails for approximately £488.
Does this cymbal offer a long sustain?: Yes, the thin construction and HHX hammering contribute to a long, warm sustain that is well-suited for orchestral arrangements.
Is the sound profile bright or dark?: The sound profile is described as dark and warm, featuring 'hot' simmering overtones rather than bright, piercing high frequencies.
Can I use standard drumsticks on this cymbal?: Yes, it is designed to be played with any mallet, stick, or hand, making it a versatile addition to a percussionist's setup.
How does it stand out in a large orchestra?: It stands out through its unique Tone Projection technology and its ability to reach high volumes despite its thin weight and dark tonality.
What size is this specific HHX Suspended model?: This specific model is 18 inches in diameter, a standard size for versatile suspended cymbal applications.
How does it compare to a standard crash cymbal?: Unlike a standard crash, a suspended cymbal is specifically hammered for sensitivity and sustain, allowing for the slow build-up of sound required in orchestral compositions.