What material is the Sabian XSR 12" Splash made from?

It is made from B20 bronze, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is typically reserved for high-end professional cymbals.

What is the weight class of this cymbal?

The Sabian XSR 12" Splash is classified as an extra-thin cymbal. This ensures a fast response and a quick decay when struck.

Does this splash cymbal sound bright or dark?

The XSR 12" Splash is designed to be bright and focused. It provides a high-pitched attack that cuts clearly through a drum mix.

Which Sabian cymbal lines influenced the XSR design?

The XSR series incorporates design ideas from the Evolution and X-Plosion lines. These influences help provide its professional performance characteristics.

Is the 12" size standard for a splash cymbal?

While 8" and 10" are very common, 12" is a popular larger splash size. It offers more volume and a slightly fuller sound than its smaller counterparts.

How long does the sound of the XSR Splash last?

It has a short sustain. The cymbal is designed to deliver a quick burst of sound that disappears rapidly, which is ideal for accents.

Is the Sabian XSR 12" Splash suitable for loud music?

Yes, its bright sound and high attack allow it to cut through loud mixes. The 12-inch size also provides more projection than smaller splash cymbals.

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

The typical price range for the Sabian XSR 12" Splash is approximately £178. This makes it an affordable professional-grade B20 option.

Can I use this cymbal for jazz as well as rock?

Yes, its extra-thin weight makes it sensitive enough for jazz. However, its brightness also makes it highly effective for rock and pop accents.

How does the B20 bronze impact the sound compared to B8 cymbals?

B20 bronze generally offers a wider tonal range and more complexity than B8. This gives the XSR Splash a more professional and less 'tinny' sound.

Does the XSR 12" Splash come with a warranty?

Sabian typically provides a manufacturer's warranty against defects, though specific terms depend on the retailer. As a professional B20 cymbal, it is built to high durability standards.

How should I mount the 12" XSR Splash?

It can be mounted on a standard cymbal stand or a splash attachment arm. Because it is extra-thin, it does not require a heavy-duty stand for support.

Gear article

Sabian XSR 12" Splash Cymbal

The Sabian XSR 12" Splash is a professional-grade effect cymbal crafted from B20 bronze alloy, designed to offer high-end performance at an accessible price point. It draws on design elements from Sabian's Evolution and X-Plosion series to provide a bright, fast-acting accent suitable for various musical genres.

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Overview and Design

The Sabian XSR 12" Splash is an extra-thin effect cymbal positioned as a high-value alternative to professional boutique lines. By utilising manufacturing techniques inherited from the award-winning HHX Evolution and AAX X-Plosion series, Sabian has created a cymbal that maintains professional structural standards while remaining budget-friendly. The 12-inch diameter provides a slightly larger surface area than standard 8-inch or 10-inch splashes, allowing for more volume and a broader tonal presence.

Material and Construction

Unlike many entry-level cymbals that use brass or B8 bronze, the XSR 12" Splash is manufactured from B20 bronze. This alloy is the industry standard for professional cymbals, consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. The extra-thin weight is critical to its performance, ensuring the cymbal responds instantly to the lightest stroke and opens up fully without requiring excessive force.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the XSR 12" Splash is characterised by a loud, focused, and bright response. Due to its thin profile, it features a high attack and a very short sustain, allowing it to punch through a musical mix before quickly decaying. This makes it an ideal tool for rapid accents and syncopated patterns where a longer-ringing crash cymbal would be too intrusive.

Market Positioning and Comparison

The XSR series serves as a bridge between intermediate gear and top-tier professional cymbals. While drummers might consider dry alternatives like the Meinl Byzance series or entry-level options like the Meinl HCS, the XSR Splash stands out for its use of B20 bronze at a lower price point. Compared to smaller 10-inch splashes, the 12-inch model offers more projection, making it suitable for louder live environments where smaller cymbals might be lost.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Sabian XSR 12" Splash made from?: It is made from B20 bronze, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is typically reserved for high-end professional cymbals.
What is the weight class of this cymbal?: The Sabian XSR 12" Splash is classified as an extra-thin cymbal. This ensures a fast response and a quick decay when struck.
Does this splash cymbal sound bright or dark?: The XSR 12" Splash is designed to be bright and focused. It provides a high-pitched attack that cuts clearly through a drum mix.
Which Sabian cymbal lines influenced the XSR design?: The XSR series incorporates design ideas from the Evolution and X-Plosion lines. These influences help provide its professional performance characteristics.
Is the 12" size standard for a splash cymbal?: While 8" and 10" are very common, 12" is a popular larger splash size. It offers more volume and a slightly fuller sound than its smaller counterparts.
How long does the sound of the XSR Splash last?: It has a short sustain. The cymbal is designed to deliver a quick burst of sound that disappears rapidly, which is ideal for accents.
Is the Sabian XSR 12" Splash suitable for loud music?: Yes, its bright sound and high attack allow it to cut through loud mixes. The 12-inch size also provides more projection than smaller splash cymbals.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Sabian XSR 12" Splash is approximately £178. This makes it an affordable professional-grade B20 option.
Can I use this cymbal for jazz as well as rock?: Yes, its extra-thin weight makes it sensitive enough for jazz. However, its brightness also makes it highly effective for rock and pop accents.
How does the B20 bronze impact the sound compared to B8 cymbals?: B20 bronze generally offers a wider tonal range and more complexity than B8. This gives the XSR Splash a more professional and less 'tinny' sound.
Does the XSR 12" Splash come with a warranty?: Sabian typically provides a manufacturer's warranty against defects, though specific terms depend on the retailer. As a professional B20 cymbal, it is built to high durability standards.
How should I mount the 12" XSR Splash?: It can be mounted on a standard cymbal stand or a splash attachment arm. Because it is extra-thin, it does not require a heavy-duty stand for support.