What is the weight of the Sabian HHX 19 X-Treme Crash?

This cymbal features a thin-weight design. This allows for a fast response and makes the cymbal easier to activate at lower volumes while contributing to its short sustain.

What kind of finish does this specific model have?

This model features a natural finish. Unlike a brilliant finish, the natural finish tends to provide a slightly more organic, raw, and controlled sound.

How would you describe the sustain of the HHX 19 X-Treme?

The cymbal is known for having a short sustain. This allows for loud, explosive accents that decay quickly, preventing the sound from overpowering other elements of the drum kit.

Does this cymbal sound like a Chinese cymbal?

It sits between a dark thin crash and a Chinese cymbal. It possesses the explosive, biting attack associated with Chinese cymbals but retains the tonality of a crash.

Is this cymbal suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is designed to cut through a mix during live performances. Its loud attack and dark tonality make it an effective choice for professional stage use.

What musical styles best suit the HHX 19 X-Treme?

It is highly versatile and can be used across any musical scenario. It is equally at home in dark, complex jazz settings as it is in aggressive rock or metal contexts.

How does the HHX 19 X-Treme compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

Both are dark and thin, but the HHX X-Treme is specifically noted for its hybrid attack that mimics the bite of a Chinese cymbal. The Meinl Extra Dry typically offers a more 'earthy' and 'parched' sound profile.

What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?

The typical price range for the Sabian HHX 19 X-Treme Crash Natural Finish is approximately £480. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Is the 19-inch size too large for fast accents?

Despite its 19-inch diameter, the thin weight ensures a very fast response. This makes it ideal for accents that need to be both large in scale and quick in execution.

What series does this cymbal belong to?

It belongs to Sabian's HHX series. This series is known for its 'Tone Projection' design, which helps dark, hand-hammered cymbals cut through modern high-volume music.

Can this cymbal be used as a ride?

While it is primarily a crash, its 19-inch size offers some surface area, but the thin weight and short sustain make it less suitable for traditional riding compared to models like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.

How does the sound character change with the natural finish?

The natural finish generally results in a warmer and slightly darker tone compared to a brilliant finish. It focuses the complex overtones of the HHX hammering without adding excessive high-end shimmer.

Gear article

Sabian HHX 19 X-Treme Crash Cymbal

The Sabian HHX 19 X-Treme Crash is a thin-weight cymbal featuring a natural finish, designed to provide a dark, tonally complex sound with a unique hybrid character. It occupies a sonic space between a traditional dark thin crash and the explosive, biting attack of a Chinese cymbal, offering a fast response and short sustain.

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Overview

The Sabian HHX 19 X-Treme Crash Natural Finish is a professional-grade cymbal engineered for drummers seeking a blend of darkness and aggression. Constructed with a thin weight profile, it is designed to cut through dense musical mixes while maintaining a sophisticated tonal palette. The natural finish provides a more controlled appearance and sonic response compared to brilliant finish counterparts, focusing the energy into a raw, complex burst.

Design and Construction

This cymbal is defined by its thin-weight architecture, which allows the metal to vibrate more freely and respond to lighter touches. The construction aims to bridge the gap between two distinct cymbal types: the traditional dark crash and the Chinese cymbal. This is achieved through specific hammering and shaping techniques characteristic of the HHX series, resulting in a cymbal that is physically light but tonally expansive.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of the HHX 19 X-Treme Crash is its explosive attack followed by a relatively short sustain. This makes it particularly effective for adding sharp, momentary accents to a performance without the wash bleeding into subsequent notes. Its tonality is described as dark and complex, offering a 'trashy' edge reminiscent of an effects cymbal but with the body and playability of a standard crash.

Suitability and Versatility

Due to its unique hybrid sound, this cymbal is considered extremely versatile. It is suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from jazz and fusion to rock and metal, where a drummer might need a crash that sounds distinct from standard models. The thin weight makes it a 'joy to play,' offering high sensitivity that benefits both studio recording environments and live stage performances.

Market Comparisons

When compared to other professional 19-inch crashes, the HHX X-Treme occupies a specific niche. While the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash offers a different boutique dark character, the HHX X-Treme is more explosive. It is often compared to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash in terms of its dark, short-decay characteristics, though the Sabian model retains a specific biting attack that is unique to the HHX line's design philosophy.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the weight of the Sabian HHX 19 X-Treme Crash?: This cymbal features a thin-weight design. This allows for a fast response and makes the cymbal easier to activate at lower volumes while contributing to its short sustain.
What kind of finish does this specific model have?: This model features a natural finish. Unlike a brilliant finish, the natural finish tends to provide a slightly more organic, raw, and controlled sound.
How would you describe the sustain of the HHX 19 X-Treme?: The cymbal is known for having a short sustain. This allows for loud, explosive accents that decay quickly, preventing the sound from overpowering other elements of the drum kit.
Does this cymbal sound like a Chinese cymbal?: It sits between a dark thin crash and a Chinese cymbal. It possesses the explosive, biting attack associated with Chinese cymbals but retains the tonality of a crash.
Is this cymbal suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is designed to cut through a mix during live performances. Its loud attack and dark tonality make it an effective choice for professional stage use.
What musical styles best suit the HHX 19 X-Treme?: It is highly versatile and can be used across any musical scenario. It is equally at home in dark, complex jazz settings as it is in aggressive rock or metal contexts.
How does the HHX 19 X-Treme compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: Both are dark and thin, but the HHX X-Treme is specifically noted for its hybrid attack that mimics the bite of a Chinese cymbal. The Meinl Extra Dry typically offers a more 'earthy' and 'parched' sound profile.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Sabian HHX 19 X-Treme Crash Natural Finish is approximately £480. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Is the 19-inch size too large for fast accents?: Despite its 19-inch diameter, the thin weight ensures a very fast response. This makes it ideal for accents that need to be both large in scale and quick in execution.
What series does this cymbal belong to?: It belongs to Sabian's HHX series. This series is known for its 'Tone Projection' design, which helps dark, hand-hammered cymbals cut through modern high-volume music.
Can this cymbal be used as a ride?: While it is primarily a crash, its 19-inch size offers some surface area, but the thin weight and short sustain make it less suitable for traditional riding compared to models like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.
How does the sound character change with the natural finish?: The natural finish generally results in a warmer and slightly darker tone compared to a brilliant finish. It focuses the complex overtones of the HHX hammering without adding excessive high-end shimmer.