What is the primary material and construction method of the HHX Complex 23" Ride?

The cymbal is crafted using Sabian's proprietary B20 bronze alloy and features a specialized dual-hammering process. This technique involves multiple rounds of hammering to create a complex, multi-layered tonal profile that balances dark warmth with clear articulation.

How does the 23-inch size affect the sound compared to a standard 22-inch ride?

The 23-inch diameter provides a lower fundamental pitch and a larger 'sweet spot' for stick play. It generally offers more volume and a deeper, more immersive wash than smaller rides while maintaining the control expected of a medium-weight cymbal.

What kind of finish does this cymbal have?

The Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride features an elegant natural finish. This finish helps maintain the natural warmth and darker harmonic characteristics of the bronze without the added brightness often associated with brilliant finishes.

Is the bell integrated into the main body sound or distinct?

The bell is distinct, featuring a raw and heavily hand-hammered design. This construction allows it to produce sharp, cutting accents that stand out clearly from the darker, more complex wash of the cymbal's bow.

Can this ride be used as a crash cymbal?

While designated as a medium ride, its HHX Complex construction allows for a degree of crashability. The 23-inch size and dual-hammering mean it can produce a massive, dark crash sound, though it is primarily designed for stick definition.

What musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?

Due to its exquisite tones and versatile nature, it sits comfortably in almost any setting. It is equally effective in jazz, blues, R&B, and rock where a drummer needs a mix of dark complexity and clear projection.

How does the stick definition compare to the wash?

The cymbal is designed so that the stick sits 'nicely atop' the undertone. This means the rhythmic strike remains prominent and articulate, even as the warm, dark, complex wash builds up during play.

What does the 'Complex' designation in the HHX series imply?

The 'Complex' name refers to the use of technology from both HH and HHX lines. It results in a cymbal that has the darkness of traditional hand-hammered bronze but with the modern projection and 'tone projection' characteristics of the HHX series.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride typically retails for approximately £638. This places it in the premium, professional tier of the cymbal market.

How does the hammering on the bell differ from the rest of the cymbal?

The bell is raw and heavily hand-hammered, which is a departure from the dual-hammering found on the bow. This specific treatment ensures the bell has a unique, piercing quality that slices through a mix.

Does this cymbal come in different weights?

This specific model is the 'Medium' version of the 23" HHX Complex Ride. The medium weight provides a versatile middle ground, offering more sustain and volume than a thin model, but with more responsiveness than a heavy ride.

How should this cymbal be maintained to preserve its natural finish?

To maintain the natural finish, it is recommended to wipe the cymbal down with a soft, dry cloth after use to remove finger oils. Because it has a natural finish, aggressive cleaners should be avoided to prevent altering the complex surface patina and tone.

Gear article

Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride

The Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride is a professional-grade cymbal known for its rich, sweet tonal profile and dual-hammered construction. As a prominent addition to the HHX Complex series, it balances warm, dark undertones with precise stick articulation and a raw, hand-hammered bell.

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Overview and Construction

The Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride represents a significant expansion of Sabian's HHX line, focusing on a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern sonic requirements. The manufacturing process utilizes a specific dual-hammering technique, which contributes to the cymbal's ability to produce a sweet, rich, and highly complex tone. This method ensures that the stick response remains prominent on the surface of the sound, even as the cymbal generates a lush, dark wash underneath.

Physically, the cymbal features an elegant natural finish. A defining characteristic is its oversized 23-inch diameter, which provides a larger surface area for varied tonal exploration compared to standard 20-inch or 22-inch rides. The bell is notably raw and heavily hand-hammered, designed specifically to provide contrast against the smoother character of the bow.

Sonic Character

The sound of the 23" HHX Complex Medium Ride is defined by its versatility and depth. It is engineered to sit comfortably in a wide array of musical settings, from jazz to rock. Key sonic features include:

Stick Articulation: Despite its dark undertones, the cymbal maintains excellent definition, allowing rhythmic patterns to remain clear.
Undertones: It produces a warm, dark, and complex wash that supports the primary notes without overwhelming them.
The Bell: The raw, hand-hammered bell produces cutting accents that slice through dense musical mixes with ease.
Complexity: The dual-hammering creates a multifaceted harmonic profile that Sabian describes as amongst the 'richest and sweetest' in their catalogue.

Target Audience

This ride cymbal is primarily aimed at professional drummers and serious enthusiasts who require a 'crown jewel' for their percussion setup. Its medium weight and 23-inch size make it particularly suitable for players who need a balance between a crashable edge and a solid riding surface. Because of its ability to adapt to different genres, it suits session musicians who transition between high-volume settings and intimate acoustic environments.

Market Comparison

Within the high-end cymbal market, the Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride competes with other premium boutique-style offerings. While alternatives like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash offer specific vintage or dry textures, the Sabian 23" model provides a larger physical presence and a broader frequency response. Compared to standard bright rides, the HHX Complex is significantly darker, yet it avoids the extreme dryness found in series like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry, maintaining a 'sweet' musicality instead.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material and construction method of the HHX Complex 23" Ride?: The cymbal is crafted using Sabian's proprietary B20 bronze alloy and features a specialized dual-hammering process. This technique involves multiple rounds of hammering to create a complex, multi-layered tonal profile that balances dark warmth with clear articulation.
How does the 23-inch size affect the sound compared to a standard 22-inch ride?: The 23-inch diameter provides a lower fundamental pitch and a larger 'sweet spot' for stick play. It generally offers more volume and a deeper, more immersive wash than smaller rides while maintaining the control expected of a medium-weight cymbal.
What kind of finish does this cymbal have?: The Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride features an elegant natural finish. This finish helps maintain the natural warmth and darker harmonic characteristics of the bronze without the added brightness often associated with brilliant finishes.
Is the bell integrated into the main body sound or distinct?: The bell is distinct, featuring a raw and heavily hand-hammered design. This construction allows it to produce sharp, cutting accents that stand out clearly from the darker, more complex wash of the cymbal's bow.
Can this ride be used as a crash cymbal?: While designated as a medium ride, its HHX Complex construction allows for a degree of crashability. The 23-inch size and dual-hammering mean it can produce a massive, dark crash sound, though it is primarily designed for stick definition.
What musical genres is this cymbal best suited for?: Due to its exquisite tones and versatile nature, it sits comfortably in almost any setting. It is equally effective in jazz, blues, R&B, and rock where a drummer needs a mix of dark complexity and clear projection.
How does the stick definition compare to the wash?: The cymbal is designed so that the stick sits 'nicely atop' the undertone. This means the rhythmic strike remains prominent and articulate, even as the warm, dark, complex wash builds up during play.
What does the 'Complex' designation in the HHX series imply?: The 'Complex' name refers to the use of technology from both HH and HHX lines. It results in a cymbal that has the darkness of traditional hand-hammered bronze but with the modern projection and 'tone projection' characteristics of the HHX series.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Sabian HHX Complex 23" Medium Ride typically retails for approximately £638. This places it in the premium, professional tier of the cymbal market.
How does the hammering on the bell differ from the rest of the cymbal?: The bell is raw and heavily hand-hammered, which is a departure from the dual-hammering found on the bow. This specific treatment ensures the bell has a unique, piercing quality that slices through a mix.
Does this cymbal come in different weights?: This specific model is the 'Medium' version of the 23" HHX Complex Ride. The medium weight provides a versatile middle ground, offering more sustain and volume than a thin model, but with more responsiveness than a heavy ride.
How should this cymbal be maintained to preserve its natural finish?: To maintain the natural finish, it is recommended to wipe the cymbal down with a soft, dry cloth after use to remove finger oils. Because it has a natural finish, aggressive cleaners should be avoided to prevent altering the complex surface patina and tone.