What material is the Sabian 19" XSR Fast Crash made from?

It is manufactured from B20 bronze, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is widely regarded as the industry standard for professional-quality cymbals due to its rich frequency response.

What is the weight class of this cymbal?

The 19" XSR Fast Crash is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This weight provides a balance between rapid response and sufficient volume to cut through a mix.

How does the 'Fast' designation affect the sound?

The 'Fast' designation indicates a thinner profile and enhanced response time. This allows the cymbal to reach its peak volume quickly after being struck, though this specific model is also designed to maintain a long sustain.

Does this cymbal feature hand-hammering?

Yes, the Sabian 19" XSR Fast Crash features hand-hammered construction. This process helps shape the cymbal's profile and contributes to its sensitive, universal tone.

Which Sabian series influenced the design of the XSR?

The XSR series draws design and performance ideas from the award-winning Evolution and X-Plosion cymbal lines. These influences help the XSR deliver professional-grade sound at a more affordable price point.

Is the 19" XSR Fast Crash suitable for loud music?

Yes, its B20 bronze construction and focused bright sound are designed to be loud enough to drive through a musical mix. It is versatile enough for various genres including rock and pop.

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

The typical price range for the Sabian 19" XSR Fast Crash is approximately £304. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.

How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?

The Sabian XSR is a bright and focused cymbal with a long sustain, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is significantly darker and has a much shorter, trashier decay. They serve very different sonic purposes.

Can the 19" XSR Fast Crash be used as a ride cymbal?

While primarily a crash cymbal, its 19-inch diameter and long sustain allow for light riding in lower-volume settings. However, it will not offer the stick definition of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.

What type of finish does this cymbal have?

The Sabian XSR series typically features a Brilliant finish. This contributed to its bright, high-end shimmer and polished aesthetic.

Is this cymbal better for beginners or professionals?

It is designed as a 'budget-friendly' option for those who want professional sound without the high cost. This makes it ideal for intermediate players or professionals looking for a reliable, high-quality workhorse.

How does the response time of the XSR compare to thicker cymbals?

Because of its thinner profile and enhanced design, the XSR Fast Crash responds much more quickly than a traditional medium or heavy crash. This makes it feel more sensitive to the drummer's touch.

Gear article

Sabian XSR 19" Fast Crash Cymbal

The Sabian XSR 19" Fast Crash is a high-performance cymbal constructed from B20 bronze, designed to offer professional-grade features at an accessible price point. It utilises design elements from the acclaimed Evolution and X-Plosion series to provide a bright, focused sound with rapid response times and significant sustain.

See live prices

Overview

The Sabian 19" XSR Fast Crash is a versatile percussion instrument positioned within the mid-market segment. While designed to be budget-friendly, it adheres to high manufacturing standards, employing B20 bronze—an alloy typically reserved for professional-tier cymbals. The XSR series serves as a replacement for previous mid-range lines, incorporating refined techniques to enhance tonal quality and playability.

Design and Construction

The construction of the 19" XSR Fast Crash involves a combination of traditional and modern methods. Key features include:

B20 Bronze: The use of this premium alloy provides a complex frequency range and durability.
Hand-Hammering: The cymbal undergoes a hand-hammering process that shapes its unique tonal character.
Enhanced Profile: By reworking the profile and utilizing ideas from the Evolution and X-Plosion lines, Sabian has achieved a thinner overall structure.
Fast Response: The reduced thickness allows the cymbal to speak quickly when struck, qualifying it as a 'Fast' crash.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the 19" XSR Fast Crash is characterised by its brightness and focus. Despite its 'Fast' designation—which implies a quick decay—it maintains a long sustain that allows the sound to drive through a musical mix effectively. Its medium-thin weight ensures it remains sensitive to lighter touches while possessing enough volume to compete in louder ensemble settings. The tone is described as universal, making it suitable for a wide variety of musical genres.

Market Position and Comparison

Within the Sabian catalogue, the XSR 19" Fast Crash bridges the gap between entry-level brass or B8 cymbals and the high-end custom series. Compared to other 19" options like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash or the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry Thin Crash, the XSR is significantly more focused on a 'bright' and 'universal' sound rather than 'dry' or 'dark' boutique textures. While alternatives like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or Paiste Giant Beat Hi-Hats offer specific vintage or hand-crafted signatures, the XSR provides a consistent, modern performance for drummers monitoring their budget.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What material is the Sabian 19" XSR Fast Crash made from?: It is manufactured from B20 bronze, which is a blend of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is widely regarded as the industry standard for professional-quality cymbals due to its rich frequency response.
What is the weight class of this cymbal?: The 19" XSR Fast Crash is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This weight provides a balance between rapid response and sufficient volume to cut through a mix.
How does the 'Fast' designation affect the sound?: The 'Fast' designation indicates a thinner profile and enhanced response time. This allows the cymbal to reach its peak volume quickly after being struck, though this specific model is also designed to maintain a long sustain.
Does this cymbal feature hand-hammering?: Yes, the Sabian 19" XSR Fast Crash features hand-hammered construction. This process helps shape the cymbal's profile and contributes to its sensitive, universal tone.
Which Sabian series influenced the design of the XSR?: The XSR series draws design and performance ideas from the award-winning Evolution and X-Plosion cymbal lines. These influences help the XSR deliver professional-grade sound at a more affordable price point.
Is the 19" XSR Fast Crash suitable for loud music?: Yes, its B20 bronze construction and focused bright sound are designed to be loud enough to drive through a musical mix. It is versatile enough for various genres including rock and pop.
What is the typical price for this cymbal in the UK?: The typical price range for the Sabian 19" XSR Fast Crash is approximately £304. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current promotions.
How does this cymbal compare to the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash?: The Sabian XSR is a bright and focused cymbal with a long sustain, whereas the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is significantly darker and has a much shorter, trashier decay. They serve very different sonic purposes.
Can the 19" XSR Fast Crash be used as a ride cymbal?: While primarily a crash cymbal, its 19-inch diameter and long sustain allow for light riding in lower-volume settings. However, it will not offer the stick definition of a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride.
What type of finish does this cymbal have?: The Sabian XSR series typically features a Brilliant finish. This contributed to its bright, high-end shimmer and polished aesthetic.
Is this cymbal better for beginners or professionals?: It is designed as a 'budget-friendly' option for those who want professional sound without the high cost. This makes it ideal for intermediate players or professionals looking for a reliable, high-quality workhorse.
How does the response time of the XSR compare to thicker cymbals?: Because of its thinner profile and enhanced design, the XSR Fast Crash responds much more quickly than a traditional medium or heavy crash. This makes it feel more sensitive to the drummer's touch.