What material is the Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash made from?

The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze, an industry-standard alloy composed of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is known for its rich frequency response and professional-grade durability.

What is the purpose of the eight holes in the cymbal?

The eight cut-out holes serve to reduce the cymbal's weight and interrupt its vibration. This results in a 'trashy' sound and a faster decay compared to traditional solid cymbals.

Does this cymbal sound more like a crash or a china?

It is a hybrid that combines both characteristics. It retains the body and feel of a crash cymbal while delivering the sharp, aggressive attack associated with a china cymbal.

What kind of hammering is used on this model?

The cymbal features pinpoint hammering on its surface. This process helps to refine the sound, adding depth and ensuring a sharp, clear response.

Can the Stagg Sensa Orbis be used for grooves?

Yes, it is specifically designed to be versatile enough for both quick accents and playing half-time grooves. Its trashy character adds a unique texture to rhythmic patterns.

What is the typical price for this cymbal?

The typical price for the Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash is approximately £169. This places it in the mid-to-high range of professional cymbal offerings.

Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?

While beginners can certainly use it, its specific 'trashy' tone and B20 construction make it more of a 'must-have' for drummers looking to expand a professional sound palette.

How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?

The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is also a professional B20 cymbal, but the Stagg Sensa Orbis specifically uses its hole-pattern to achieve a more 'hybrid' crash-china effect.

Does the Stagg Sensa Orbis have a bright or dark tone?

The manufacturer describes it as having a blend of bright and trashy tones. The B20 bronze and pinpoint hammering provide brightness, while the holes add the complex, trashy grit.

What size is the Orbis Crash?

This specific model has a diameter of 18 inches. This size provides a good balance between fast response and enough surface area for a full, resonant body.

How does the Sensa Orbis differ from standard Stagg Sensa cymbals?

The 'Orbis' designation refers to the specific design featuring the eight cut-out holes, which gives it a more aggressive, effects-oriented sound than a standard Sensa crash.

Is the cymbal durable despite having holes?

Yes, by using B20 bronze and precision manufacturing, Stagg ensures the cymbal maintains its structural integrity while providing a unique aesthetic and sound.

Gear article

Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash Cymbal

The Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash is a hybrid effects cymbal constructed from B20 bronze, designed to blend the characteristics of a standard crash with the aggressive qualities of a china cymbal. Featuring a unique series of eight cut-out holes and pinpoint hammering, it delivers a trashy, bright sound suitable for accents and groove-based playing.

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Overview

The Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash is a specialised percussion instrument that occupies the space between a traditional crash and an effects cymbal. It is part of the Sensa line, which focuses on providing modern drummers with versatile tonal palettes. The cymbal is notable for its distinct aesthetic, characterised by a brilliant finish and a symmetrical pattern of eight circular perforations on its surface.

Construction and Design

This cymbal is manufactured using B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy consisting of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is favoured for its musicality and durability. The design incorporates pinpoint hammering across the surface, a technique that helps control overtones and focus the sound. The most striking feature is the inclusion of eight cut-out holes. These holes serve to reduce the mass of the cymbal and interrupt the vibration of the metal, resulting in a faster decay and a more 'trashy' sonic profile than solid-surface cymbals.

Sound Character

Sonically, the Sensa Orbis Crash is defined by a blend of brightness and grit. The manufacturer describes the output as 'trashy' yet 'sharp,' offering a significant amount of depth and body despite its fast response. Because of the perforations, the cymbal produces a white-noise-like wash similar to a china cymbal but retains the fundamental pitch and feel of a crash. This makes it suitable for sharp accents, atmospheric textures, or driving half-time grooves where a standard crash might be too resonant.

Application and Suitability

The Orbis Crash is intended for drummers looking to expand their sonic range beyond standard setups. Its versatility allows it to function as a primary effects cymbal in various genres, from rock and pop to jazz and fusion. Because of its specific textural qualities, it is particularly useful for players who require a cymbal that speaks quickly and leaves the mix just as fast, preventing unwanted sustain from cluttering the music.

Market Comparisons

Within the wider market, the Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash competes with other premium B20 effect cymbals such as the Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash, though the Orbis offers a more specific 'hybrid' china-crash feel. While entry-level options like the Gear4Music Low Volume series or Meinl HCS lines target practice or student needs, the Orbis is aimed at performers requiring professional B20 tones. It provides a different tonal texture compared to boutique options like the Istanbul Agop Lenny White Epoch Crash or the high-definition UFIP Bionic series.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash made from?: The cymbal is constructed from B20 bronze, an industry-standard alloy composed of 80% copper and 20% tin. This material is known for its rich frequency response and professional-grade durability.
What is the purpose of the eight holes in the cymbal?: The eight cut-out holes serve to reduce the cymbal's weight and interrupt its vibration. This results in a 'trashy' sound and a faster decay compared to traditional solid cymbals.
Does this cymbal sound more like a crash or a china?: It is a hybrid that combines both characteristics. It retains the body and feel of a crash cymbal while delivering the sharp, aggressive attack associated with a china cymbal.
What kind of hammering is used on this model?: The cymbal features pinpoint hammering on its surface. This process helps to refine the sound, adding depth and ensuring a sharp, clear response.
Can the Stagg Sensa Orbis be used for grooves?: Yes, it is specifically designed to be versatile enough for both quick accents and playing half-time grooves. Its trashy character adds a unique texture to rhythmic patterns.
What is the typical price for this cymbal?: The typical price for the Stagg 18" Sensa Orbis Crash is approximately £169. This places it in the mid-to-high range of professional cymbal offerings.
Is this cymbal suitable for beginners?: While beginners can certainly use it, its specific 'trashy' tone and B20 construction make it more of a 'must-have' for drummers looking to expand a professional sound palette.
How does it compare to the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry series?: The Meinl Byzance Extra Dry is also a professional B20 cymbal, but the Stagg Sensa Orbis specifically uses its hole-pattern to achieve a more 'hybrid' crash-china effect.
Does the Stagg Sensa Orbis have a bright or dark tone?: The manufacturer describes it as having a blend of bright and trashy tones. The B20 bronze and pinpoint hammering provide brightness, while the holes add the complex, trashy grit.
What size is the Orbis Crash?: This specific model has a diameter of 18 inches. This size provides a good balance between fast response and enough surface area for a full, resonant body.
How does the Sensa Orbis differ from standard Stagg Sensa cymbals?: The 'Orbis' designation refers to the specific design featuring the eight cut-out holes, which gives it a more aggressive, effects-oriented sound than a standard Sensa crash.
Is the cymbal durable despite having holes?: Yes, by using B20 bronze and precision manufacturing, Stagg ensures the cymbal maintains its structural integrity while providing a unique aesthetic and sound.