What material is the Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash made from?

The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which is a mix of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is traditionally used for professional-grade cymbals due to its wide frequency range and durability.

How does the 'Fast' designation affect the sound?

A 'Fast' crash is typically thinner with a specific profile that allows it to respond and open up immediately when struck. This results in a quicker attack compared to standard medium-weight crashes.

Is the Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash suitable for heavy metal?

Yes, its medium-thin weight and B20 construction provide a loud, focused sound that can drive through a loud mix. The 20-inch size also provides the volume necessary for high-intensity genres.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash typically retails for approximately £353. This positions it as a mid-tier professional option for drummers.

How does the sustain of the XSR 20" Fast Crash compare to smaller cymbals?

Despite being a 'Fast' crash, the 20-inch diameter gives it a longer sustain than 16-inch or 18-inch models. It provides a quick initial response but continues to ring out with a driving tone.

Does this cymbal feature hand-hammering?

Yes, the XSR 20" Fast Crash undergoes a hand-hammering process. This helps shape the cymbal and contributes to its enhanced profile and increased sensitivity.

Which Sabian series influenced the design of the XSR?

The XSR series draws design and functional inspiration from Sabian’s high-end Evolution and X-Plosion cymbal lines. It uses these professional concepts to provide better performance at a lower price point.

Is this cymbal a good choice for recording?

Yes, its focused and bright universal tone makes it easy to capture in a studio environment. The B20 bronze provides a clean harmonic structure that sound engineers typically prefer.

How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The XSR is a significant upgrade over the HCS series, as the HCS is made from brass and intended for beginners. The XSR uses B20 bronze and professional manufacturing techniques for a much richer sound.

What is the weight category of this cymbal?

The Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This balance allows for both a fast response time and sufficient durability for consistent use.

Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?

While it is designed as a crash, its 20-inch size and B20 composition allow for light riding patterns. However, it will have a very wash-heavy sound compared to a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21".

Does it have a brilliant or natural finish?

The XSR 20" Fast Crash typically comes in a brilliant finish. This contributes to its bright tonal characteristics and provides a polished, reflective aesthetic on stage.

Gear article

Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash Cymbal

The Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash is a high-performance B20 bronze cymbal designed to provide professional-grade tonality at a mid-range price point. It utilises design elements from Sabian's Evolution and X-Plosion series to deliver a bright, sensitive, and focused sound with significant projection.

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Overview and History

The Sabian XSR series was developed to bridge the gap between entry-level brass or B8 cymbals and high-end professional lines. The 20" Fast Crash specifically leverages engineering concepts from Sabian’s award-winning Evolution and X-Plosion models. By trickling down these design philosophies, Sabian aimed to produce a cymbal that offers an unprecedented level of performance and sound quality for its price bracket. The XSR line replaces the previous XS20 series, benefiting from enhanced manufacturing techniques.

Construction and Mechanics

The 20" XSR Fast Crash is crafted from B20 bronze, a premium alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin. The manufacturing process involves hand-hammering and an enhanced profile design, which results in a thinner overall cymbal despite its 20-inch diameter. This thinner profile is crucial for the 'Fast' designation, as it allows the metal to vibrate more quickly upon impact. The medium-thin weight balance ensures that the cymbal remains durable enough for heavy hitting while maintaining the flexibility needed for high sensitivity.

Sound Character and Performance

This cymbal is characterised by a bright, universal tone that is designed to cut through dense musical mixes. The combination of its large 20-inch surface area and thin construction provides a unique balance: a fast response time coupled with a long sustain. The sound is focused and loud, offering a high degree of sensitivity that responds well to different striking velocities. Unlike smaller fast crashes that may decay instantly, the 20" XSR maintains a driving presence suitable for larger stage environments.

Market Position and Suitability

The XSR 20" Fast Crash is primarily aimed at drummers who require a professional B20 sound without the premium price tag of the HHX or AAX series. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to metal. Because of its bright tone and loud projection, it is particularly effective for live performances where the drums must compete with amplified guitars and monitors. It serves as a reliable workhorse for intermediate players and budget-conscious professionals alike.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other cymbals in the market, the XSR 20" Fast Crash offers a brighter and more focused tone than dry alternatives like the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash. While it is more expensive than entry-level options like the Meinl HCS series or basic Low Volume packs, it provides a significantly more complex harmonic profile due to its B20 composition. It offers a more traditional 'bright' crash sound compared to the jazzier, darker tones found in the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch series or the vintage-voiced Paiste Giant Beat range.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash made from?: The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze alloy, which is a mix of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is traditionally used for professional-grade cymbals due to its wide frequency range and durability.
How does the 'Fast' designation affect the sound?: A 'Fast' crash is typically thinner with a specific profile that allows it to respond and open up immediately when struck. This results in a quicker attack compared to standard medium-weight crashes.
Is the Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash suitable for heavy metal?: Yes, its medium-thin weight and B20 construction provide a loud, focused sound that can drive through a loud mix. The 20-inch size also provides the volume necessary for high-intensity genres.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash typically retails for approximately £353. This positions it as a mid-tier professional option for drummers.
How does the sustain of the XSR 20" Fast Crash compare to smaller cymbals?: Despite being a 'Fast' crash, the 20-inch diameter gives it a longer sustain than 16-inch or 18-inch models. It provides a quick initial response but continues to ring out with a driving tone.
Does this cymbal feature hand-hammering?: Yes, the XSR 20" Fast Crash undergoes a hand-hammering process. This helps shape the cymbal and contributes to its enhanced profile and increased sensitivity.
Which Sabian series influenced the design of the XSR?: The XSR series draws design and functional inspiration from Sabian’s high-end Evolution and X-Plosion cymbal lines. It uses these professional concepts to provide better performance at a lower price point.
Is this cymbal a good choice for recording?: Yes, its focused and bright universal tone makes it easy to capture in a studio environment. The B20 bronze provides a clean harmonic structure that sound engineers typically prefer.
How does it compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The XSR is a significant upgrade over the HCS series, as the HCS is made from brass and intended for beginners. The XSR uses B20 bronze and professional manufacturing techniques for a much richer sound.
What is the weight category of this cymbal?: The Sabian XSR 20" Fast Crash is classified as a medium-thin weight cymbal. This balance allows for both a fast response time and sufficient durability for consistent use.
Can this cymbal be used as a light ride?: While it is designed as a crash, its 20-inch size and B20 composition allow for light riding patterns. However, it will have a very wash-heavy sound compared to a dedicated ride like the Masterwork Iris 21".
Does it have a brilliant or natural finish?: The XSR 20" Fast Crash typically comes in a brilliant finish. This contributes to its bright tonal characteristics and provides a polished, reflective aesthetic on stage.