Gear article
Sabian HHX 19" Legacy Crash Cymbal
The Sabian HHX 19" Legacy Crash is a professional-grade cymbal characterised by its thin weight, dark tonal profile, and high responsiveness. Part of the HHX series, it is designed to deliver complex, musical textures across a wide dynamic range, suitable for both studio and live performance.

Overview and Construction
The Sabian HHX 19" Legacy Crash is a high-end cymbal that prioritises musicality and dynamic sensitivity. It features a natural finish and a thin weight, which contributes to its rapid response and complex overtones. A defining technical aspect of this model is the 'Tone Projection' feature, an innovation designed to boost the lower-end responses and ensure the dark frequencies reach the audience effectively even in dense musical arrangements.
Sound Character and Dynamics
The sonic profile of the Legacy Crash is described as dark and tonally complex. Despite its dark nature, it is capable of producing significant volume, allowing it to dominate a mix without becoming harsh or overbearing. Its extreme responsiveness allows drummers to traverse the full dynamic spectrum; it is as effective for quiet, subtle backing tones as it is for loud, standout accents. The 19-inch diameter specifically enhances the low-end presence of the cymbal.

Performance Versatility
Because of its ability to remain musical at any volume, the HHX Legacy Crash is adept for a variety of playing styles. It is particularly suited for genres where nuance and tonal depth are required, such as jazz, fusion, and session work, yet it possesses enough projection for contemporary pop and rock contexts. Its thin profile ensures it opens up quickly with a soft touch while maintaining its integrity under heavier striking.
Market Comparison
In the professional cymbal market, the HHX Legacy Crash occupies a similar space to other premium dark cymbals like the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash and the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. While the Meinl alternative offers a drier, shorter decay, the Sabian Legacy focuses on low-end projection and a more traditional dark wash. It stands in contrast to brighter or more entry-level options such as the Meinl HCS series or specialized low-volume packs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the typical price for the Sabian HHX 19" Legacy Crash?
- The cymbal is typically priced at approximately £445 in the UK market. This reflects its status as a premium, professional-grade instrument.
- What finish does this cymbal feature?
- The Sabian HHX 19" Legacy Crash comes with a Natural finish. This contributes to its warm, dark tonal characteristics compared to a brilliant finish.
- What is the weight of the 19" Legacy Crash?
- This model is classified as a thin-weight cymbal. This allows for a fast attack, complex shimmer, and a lower pitch relative to heavier cymbals.
- What is Sabian's 'Tone Projection' feature?
- Tone Projection is an innovative design element used to boost the low-end responses of the cymbal. It ensures that the dark, complex tones project through the mix at various volume levels.
- Is the Legacy Crash suitable for quiet playing?
- Yes, it is highly responsive and designed to deliver musical tones even at low volumes. This makes it ideal for subtle backing textures and small venue performances.
- Can this cymbal be used in loud musical settings?
- Despite its dark profile, the 19" diameter and thin construction allow it to produce the 'loudest of dark tones.' It can dominate a mix when required without being overbearing.
- How does it compare to the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash?
- Both are high-end 19" dark crashes, but the Sabian Legacy features specific Tone Projection technology. The Epoch often has a distinct vintage character, while the Legacy is designed for a broad dynamic range.
- Is this cymbal better for the studio or live use?
- The Legacy Crash is designed to be versatile enough for both environments. Its complex tonal profile is appreciated in the studio, while its projection capabilities make it effective for live stages.
- How does it differ from a Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash?
- The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is generally much drier with fewer overtones and a shorter decay. The Sabian Legacy Crash offers more low-end response and a richer, more complex wash.
- What genres is the Sabian HHX Legacy Crash best suited for?
- It is highly adept at a range of styles including jazz, fusion, blues, and rock. Its musicality and dynamic range make it a versatile choice for many professional drummers.
- Does the 19" size impact the sound compared to smaller crashes?
- The 19-inch diameter increases the low-end response and provides a deeper, darker tone than 16" or 17" models. It also offers a larger surface area for dynamic control.
- What series does this cymbal belong to?
- It is part of the Sabian HHX series. This series is known for its modern-dark sound profile and advanced hand-hammering techniques.
