What material is the Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash made from?

It is hand-formed from Sabian's premium B20 bronze alloy. This is the same high-quality metal used across Sabian's top-tier professional cymbal ranges.

How does the bell size affect the sound of this cymbal?

The cymbal features a smaller bell, which ensures a faster attack. This design choice also reduces the overall weight, making it more responsive than typical thin crashes.

What kind of finish does this model have?

The HHX 20" Thin Crash comes in a natural finish. It features sparse hammering and lathing, which contributes to its dark and shimmering tonal characteristics.

Is this cymbal suitable for loud live performances?

Yes, it is designed with the projection needed to be heard from the stage. Despite its dark tone, it is engineered to cut through a mix effectively.

How would you describe the sustain of the HHX 20" Thin Crash?

The cymbal is known for having a long sustain. The B20 bronze and 20-inch diameter allow the shimmering dark tones to ring out musically after the initial strike.

What musical styles best suit this cymbal?

The HHX series is extremely versatile and can be implemented in any musical style. It is equally at home in jazz, studio sessions, or high-energy rock environments.

How does the weight of this cymbal compare to other thin crashes?

Due to its smaller bell and specific hammering, it is lighter in weight than most standard thin crashes. This results in a faster, more controlled response.

Does this cymbal have a dark or bright tone?

It has a shimmering dark tone. It is specifically designed for players seeking the classic, controlled 'HHX dark sound'.

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

The typical price range for the Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash is approximately £556. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does the hammering on this model differ from other Sabian lines?

This model features sparse hammering. This specific technique helps create a faster-cutting sound that remains thinner and darker than more densely hammered models.

What is the primary difference between this and the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?

The Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash generally offers a more shimmering tone and longer sustain. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 19" tends to be drier with a shorter decay.

Can this 20-inch cymbal be used as a light ride?

While primarily designed as a crash with a fast attack, its 20-inch size and B20 alloy give it enough body to function as a very light, washier ride in low-volume settings.

Gear article

Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash

The Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash is a premium professional cymbal constructed from B20 bronze, designed to deliver a shimmering dark tone with a fast, cutting response. It features a smaller bell and sparse hammering to produce a light-weight crash that remains controlled and musical across various genres.

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Background and Design

The Sabian HHX series represents an evolution of traditional dark cymbal sounds, engineered to project in modern musical environments. The 20" Thin Crash is hand-formed from Sabian's proprietary B20 bronze alloy, the same material used in their most premium lines. The design is characterised by a natural finish, sparse hammering, and deliberate lathing, which together define its unique physical and sonic profile.

Technical Features

A primary design feature of this 20-inch model is its smaller bell, which facilitates a faster attack and contributes to a lighter overall weight compared to standard thin crashes. The combination of sparse hammering and a thin profile allows the cymbal to open up quickly. Despite its large diameter, the thinness ensures the cymbal is not overbearing, maintaining a controlled sustain that fits cleanly into a mix.

Sonic Character

The HHX 20" Thin Crash is defined by its shimmering, dark tone. It offers a balance of speed and projection, allowing it to cut through high-volume stage environments while retaining a musical, dark quality. The attack is immediate, followed by a long, shimmering sustain that is typical of high-grade B20 bronze. It is described as being 'faster' than many cymbals in its size class due to its specific weight distribution.

Versatility and Application

While many 20-inch crashes are relegated to rock or heavy metal, the HHX Thin Crash is noted for its extreme versatility. It is suitable for any musical style that requires a balance of dark complexity and modern projection. The cymbal is particularly effective for players seeking the 'classic HHX dark sound' but who require a larger surface area for increased volume and stage presence.

Comparative Analysis

Within the professional market, the HHX 20" Thin Crash competes with other premium thin crashes such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash and the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. While the Meinl alternative often provides a shorter, drier decay, the HHX offers a longer sustain and a more shimmering high-end. Compared to smaller diameter options like the 14" Paiste Giant Beat or UFIP Class Series hi-hats, this 20" crash provides significantly more low-end depth and wash.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash made from?: It is hand-formed from Sabian's premium B20 bronze alloy. This is the same high-quality metal used across Sabian's top-tier professional cymbal ranges.
How does the bell size affect the sound of this cymbal?: The cymbal features a smaller bell, which ensures a faster attack. This design choice also reduces the overall weight, making it more responsive than typical thin crashes.
What kind of finish does this model have?: The HHX 20" Thin Crash comes in a natural finish. It features sparse hammering and lathing, which contributes to its dark and shimmering tonal characteristics.
Is this cymbal suitable for loud live performances?: Yes, it is designed with the projection needed to be heard from the stage. Despite its dark tone, it is engineered to cut through a mix effectively.
How would you describe the sustain of the HHX 20" Thin Crash?: The cymbal is known for having a long sustain. The B20 bronze and 20-inch diameter allow the shimmering dark tones to ring out musically after the initial strike.
What musical styles best suit this cymbal?: The HHX series is extremely versatile and can be implemented in any musical style. It is equally at home in jazz, studio sessions, or high-energy rock environments.
How does the weight of this cymbal compare to other thin crashes?: Due to its smaller bell and specific hammering, it is lighter in weight than most standard thin crashes. This results in a faster, more controlled response.
Does this cymbal have a dark or bright tone?: It has a shimmering dark tone. It is specifically designed for players seeking the classic, controlled 'HHX dark sound'.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash is approximately £556. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does the hammering on this model differ from other Sabian lines?: This model features sparse hammering. This specific technique helps create a faster-cutting sound that remains thinner and darker than more densely hammered models.
What is the primary difference between this and the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?: The Sabian HHX 20" Thin Crash generally offers a more shimmering tone and longer sustain. The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 19" tends to be drier with a shorter decay.
Can this 20-inch cymbal be used as a light ride?: While primarily designed as a crash with a fast attack, its 20-inch size and B20 alloy give it enough body to function as a very light, washier ride in low-volume settings.