What material is the Stagg 20" SH Medium Ride made from?

The cymbal is manufactured from B20 bronze. This alloy is a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for high-end, professional cymbals due to its rich tonal properties.

What does 'SH' stand for in the product name?

SH stands for 'Single Hammered'. This refers to the manufacturing process where the cymbal is hammered to shape and tension the metal, resulting in its specific tonal characteristics and 'sweet' overtones.

Is this ride cymbal suitable for professional use?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as suitable for both intermediate and professional drummers. Its B20 construction and defined stick sound meet the requirements for professional recording and live performance.

How would you describe the bell sound on this 20" ride?

The bell sound is described as bright, sharp, and direct. It is designed to cut through the mix clearly, providing a traditional ride bell tone that is useful for various musical accents.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The typical price for the Stagg 20" SH Medium Ride is approximately £189. This places it as an affordable alternative within the professional B20 bronze cymbal category.

Does this cymbal have a lot of wash or is it defined?

The cymbal is specifically noted for its defined stick sound. While it produces sweet traditional tones, the medium weight helps maintain clarity and prevents the sound from becoming an uncontrolled wash.

Can this ride be used in a setup with other brands like Meinl or Paiste?

Yes, the manufacturer states it is a great choice to compliment an already existing setup. Its traditional tones and high-quality B20 timbre allow it to fit nicely into most cymbal bags alongside other brands.

Is the Stagg SH Medium Ride a heavy cymbal?

It is classified as a 'Medium' ride. This means it has a balanced weight—heavy enough to provide clear stick definition and a strong bell, but light enough to retain musicality and 'sweet' overtones.

How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?

The Stagg SH is a significant upgrade from the Meinl HCS series. While the HCS is an entry-level brass series, the Stagg SH uses professional B20 bronze, offering much better tonal depth and sensitivity.

Is this cymbal appropriate for jazz drumming?

Yes, because it allows for detailed playing and skill to 'shine through' with sweet tones and stick definition, it is well-suited for the nuanced requirements of jazz and other acoustic genres.

How does the sound of the SH series differ from 'Dry' cymbals like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?

The Stagg SH Medium Ride offers a more 'traditional' and 'bright' sound compared to 'Extra Dry' cymbals. It provides a more conventional resonance and a sharper, more direct bell sound than specialized dry cymbals.

What size is this specific ride cymbal?

This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches, which is the standard size for a versatile, all-purpose ride cymbal.

Gear article

Stagg 20" SH Medium Ride Cymbal

The Stagg 20" SH Medium Ride is a professional-grade B20 bronze cymbal designed to provide a traditional tonal palette with defined stick articulation. Part of the SH series, it is engineered to serve both intermediate and professional drummers as a versatile primary ride.

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Overview

The Stagg 20" SH Medium Ride Cymbal is a core component of Stagg's Single Hammered (SH) range. It is constructed from B20 bronze, an alloy widely regarded in the industry for its musicality and durability. The cymbal is designed to offer a balance between a direct, sharp tone and the nuanced 'sweet' overtones expected from high-quality bronze manufacturing. Its medium weight provides enough mass for clear projection without sacrificing the sensitivity required for detailed playing.

Design and Key Features

The defining feature of the SH series is the single-hammering process, which contributes to its traditional sound profile. Key features include:

Defined Stick Sound: The medium weight ensures that tip strikes remain audible and distinct, rather than washing out into a broad roar.
Bright Bell: The bell is designed to be sharp and direct, cutting through high-volume musical environments.
Traditional Timbres: The B20 alloy facilitates a wide range of harmonic overtones that complement existing professional setups.
Versatility: The cymbal is marketed as a 'fit-all' solution, suitable for inclusion in diverse cymbal bags regardless of the existing brand mix.

Sonic Character

The SH Medium Ride is characterised by a combination of sweetness and precision. Its tone is described as 'sharp and direct,' avoiding the excessive muddiness sometimes found in entry-level cymbals. By utilizing B20 bronze, the cymbal displays the player's nuances, allowing technical proficiency to shine through. The frequency response is balanced, providing a traditional ride sound that is neither overly dark nor excessively piercing, making it a reliable choice for standard recording and live performance settings.

Target Audience

This cymbal is positioned as a bridge between the intermediate and professional markets. It is suitable for drummers who require a professional B20 sound at a competitive price point, typically around £189. Because of its traditional voicing, it suits a variety of genres including jazz, rock, and pop. It is specifically recommended for players who want a ride that can handle detailed stick work while providing a clear, musical bell sound.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional options, the Stagg SH Medium Ride offers a traditional alternative to more specialised cymbals. For instance, it lacks the extreme dryness of a Meinl Byzance 19" Extra Dry Thin Crash or the unique character of an Istanbul Agop 19" Lenny White Epoch Crash. Unlike entry-level brass or B8 options like the Meinl HCS 13" Hi-Hats, the SH ride uses superior B20 bronze. While it may not have the boutique prestige of the Masterwork Iris 21 Ride or the UFIP Bionic Series, it provides a consistent, high-quality traditional sound that competes favourably with standard series from major manufacturers.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Stagg 20" SH Medium Ride made from?: The cymbal is manufactured from B20 bronze. This alloy is a mixture of 80% copper and 20% tin, which is the industry standard for high-end, professional cymbals due to its rich tonal properties.
What does 'SH' stand for in the product name?: SH stands for 'Single Hammered'. This refers to the manufacturing process where the cymbal is hammered to shape and tension the metal, resulting in its specific tonal characteristics and 'sweet' overtones.
Is this ride cymbal suitable for professional use?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as suitable for both intermediate and professional drummers. Its B20 construction and defined stick sound meet the requirements for professional recording and live performance.
How would you describe the bell sound on this 20" ride?: The bell sound is described as bright, sharp, and direct. It is designed to cut through the mix clearly, providing a traditional ride bell tone that is useful for various musical accents.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The typical price for the Stagg 20" SH Medium Ride is approximately £189. This places it as an affordable alternative within the professional B20 bronze cymbal category.
Does this cymbal have a lot of wash or is it defined?: The cymbal is specifically noted for its defined stick sound. While it produces sweet traditional tones, the medium weight helps maintain clarity and prevents the sound from becoming an uncontrolled wash.
Can this ride be used in a setup with other brands like Meinl or Paiste?: Yes, the manufacturer states it is a great choice to compliment an already existing setup. Its traditional tones and high-quality B20 timbre allow it to fit nicely into most cymbal bags alongside other brands.
Is the Stagg SH Medium Ride a heavy cymbal?: It is classified as a 'Medium' ride. This means it has a balanced weight—heavy enough to provide clear stick definition and a strong bell, but light enough to retain musicality and 'sweet' overtones.
How does this compare to the Meinl HCS series?: The Stagg SH is a significant upgrade from the Meinl HCS series. While the HCS is an entry-level brass series, the Stagg SH uses professional B20 bronze, offering much better tonal depth and sensitivity.
Is this cymbal appropriate for jazz drumming?: Yes, because it allows for detailed playing and skill to 'shine through' with sweet tones and stick definition, it is well-suited for the nuanced requirements of jazz and other acoustic genres.
How does the sound of the SH series differ from 'Dry' cymbals like the Meinl Byzance Extra Dry?: The Stagg SH Medium Ride offers a more 'traditional' and 'bright' sound compared to 'Extra Dry' cymbals. It provides a more conventional resonance and a sharper, more direct bell sound than specialized dry cymbals.
What size is this specific ride cymbal?: This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches, which is the standard size for a versatile, all-purpose ride cymbal.