Sabian have developed a well-founded reputation for delivering cymbals which provide drummers with an incredible range of different sounds to choose from, while still remaining incredibly affordable. For over 30 years they’ve crafted hi-hats, crashes and rides. Cymbals suitable for both the beginner drummer and professionals alike – stretching from the Artisan and AAX series, through to the HH and HHX range. No matter your budget or skill level, Sabian have got your percussion needs covered.
Who are Sabian?
The History of Sabian
The company was founded in Canada during 1981 by none other than Robert Zildjian, who decided that there wasn’t enough choice or variety for drummers when it came to selecting cymbals. Utilising his years of experience and contacts in the percussion business, Sabian was born.
In the ensuing years, Sabian have become a leading innovator in the design and production of cymbals, granting drummers around the world a versatile selection that rivals and exceeds many competing brands offerings. From more traditional, vintage and modern, to dark, bright and everything in between, the amount of tones and styles on offer is truly mind boggling.
Just some of the drummers endorsed by Sabian include Ben Johnston (Biffy Clyro), Phil Collins, Jojo Mayer, Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and Chad Smith (RHCP); proving Sabian’s pedigree and reliability is alive and well in the fiercest of drumming arenas!
Sabian AAX series
The AAX is one of the brands most popular series and its easy to see why. A highly playable surface and a bright, crisp sound makes the AAX range a perfect choice for pop and metal drummers alike. No matter the genre or musical scenario, the AAX will thrive. This is in part due to the use of B20 in their construction – the most commonly used type of bronze - which leads to an extremely wide frequency range.
- Ideal for - Rock, pop, modern worship, funk.
- Tone - Bright, cutting, controlled.
Sub-lines:
AAX X-Plosion – Medium thin cymbals, designed to open up quickly, perfect for cutting through heavy mixes.
AAX Stage – Bright, loud and aggressive, build for projection. Perfect for rock and pop.
AAX Studio – Thinner alternative to the stage series, creating a quieter response with less overtones. Perfect for recording.
AAX Aero and O-Zone – cymbals full of holes to create a trashy attack with a quick decay.
AAX Freq – Featuring a dual-lathing process than results in a unique sound with lots of cutting potential
Sabian AA series
AA Series – Tight, Controlled, Bright
Featuring classic sounds and styles of cymbal in a variety of weights. Named for the automatic anvils that Sabian cymbal smiths use to create them, AA is one of the two original Sabian series. Traditional Sabian cymbals with a timeless sound.
Ideal for - a range of genres, from classic rock to hip hop.
Tone - Bright, versatile with an open sound.
please note - we often do not carry stock of these, but they are avialable for special order. Just reach out to our drum experts!
Sabian hhx series
- HHX Series – Dark, Rich, Complex
- A development of Sabian’s classic HH series, HHX are dark cymbals with complex tonality. Perfect for a wide range of genre, from progressive metal to traditional jazz, HHX continues to set the gold standard for dark cymbals.
- Ideal for - Studio work, jazz, fusion, modern worship.
- Tone - Dark, warm, complex overtones.
- Sub-lines:
- HHX Complex – A blend of series to create a classic, vintage warmth. Featuring raw hammered bells and a smooth top-end tone.
- HHX Evolution – Designed with Dave Weckl, the cymbals are fast, thin and quick to decay. They have a glassy told and open quick for a glassy response.
- HHX Legacy – Also created with Dave Weckl, these cymbals deliver a darker, softer sound with great definition and sensitivity.
- HHX Anthology – Designed with Jojo Mayer, these cymbals are designed to be multi-functional and blur the lines between ride and crashes.
Sabian hh series
HH Series – Hand-Hammered, Vintage-Style Cymbals
The counterpart to the AA series at Sabian’s beginning in 1982, the HH series are time honoured cymbals with a brilliantly dark, warm sound. The HH stands for hand hammered, which is the most traditional way to make cymbals, making them perfect for anything that calls for a vintage sound.
- Ideal for: Jazz, blues, vintage rock.
- Tone: Earthy, organic, musical.
- Style: Hand-hammered for rich tonal character.
please note - we often do not carry stock of these, but they are availablefor special order. Just reach out to our drum experts!
Sabian stratus series
- Standard Stratus Series – Modern, Musical, Balanced
- Ideal for - Indie, pop, modern worship, fusion, R&B, studio work.
- Tone - Dark-leaning, smooth, controlled wash with clean attack.
- Stratus Dry Series – Defined, articulate, responsive
- Ideal for - Jazz, rock, R&B, studio work and worship.
- Tone - Dark and trashy with a short sustain.
Sabian b8x series
B8X Series – Entry-Level Bronze Cymbals
The B8X series are performance ready instruments ready for beginners. This serious prioritises accessibility whilst making the first move into precious metals an easy one.
- Ideal for - Beginners or anyone trying to be a bit more wallet-friendly, but still wanting real bronze cymbals!
- Tone - Bright but limited in complexity, perfect to get started in the world of drums.
Sabian sbr series
SBR Series – Entry-Level Brass Cymbals
The SBR series are perfect for beginners, ready to make music without breaking the bank. Featuring both hammering and lathing, these cymbals are a step beyond your standard beginner cymbals.
- Ideal for - Beginners who want to play the drums without breaking the bank.
- Tone - Bright and cutting, limited in complexity and a clear high end.
Sabian xsr series
XSR Series – Pro Sound, Mid-Range Price
Crafted from B20 bronze, these highly responsive models were designed for versatility, meaning their range offers a traditional sound ready for any style of music. XSR offers phenomenal sound at an affordable price.
- Ideal for :- Budget-conscious players who want pro-level tone.
- Tone - Balanced and dynamic.
Sabian artisan series
Artisan series – Sabian’s flagship range
Synonymous with masterpiece, the Artisan cymbal push cymbal smithing to its limit in pursuit of Sabian finest pieces. It’s a display of ultimate craftsmanship to help deliver the finest sounds Sabian has to offer.
Ideal for - These cymbals work amazingly in any setting but lend themselves perfectly to anyone after a timeless sound from the pinnacle of Sabian catalogue.
Tone - Dark, warm, timeless
please note - we often do not carry stock of these, but they are available for special order. Just reach out to our drum experts!
FAQ
Sabian Cymbal FAQ
What are the best sabian cymbals on a budget?
If you’re thinking about learning the drums and are considering making your first cymbal purchase, or you’re working within a strict budget, its worth thinking about a few things before taking the plunge. Firstly, do you buy individual cymbals or do you buy specific ones? Secondly, take into account how soon you might want to, or need to, upgrade your set. It may be worth shelling out a little bit more now to avoid having to update your cymbals earlier.
The most cost-effective solution however, is to buy a starter pack. Sabian offer the B8X performance and complete sets, as well as the SBR performance and promotional sets. These package together hi-hats, crash cymbals and rides at an extremely affordable price. They contain everything you’ll need to get your drumming off to a good start.
If you’re willing to shell out a little more, then its worth taking a look at the AA and HH ranges, which provide you with a bit more for your initial investment.
What is each Cymbal range made from?
The AAX, HHX, FRX, AA, HH, XSR, Artisan, Paragon, and SBR series are all made from B20. This bronze metal is the most commonly used material when it comes to cymbal manufacturing. It provides you with the widest possible frequency range and is found in both dark and bright sounding cymbals. The versatility of the material means that B20 cymbals appear in (and suit) just about all types of music, from pop and jazz, to rock and metal.
The B8X range consists of cymbals produced using B8 bronze. It is largely used in the creation of entry-level, budget cymbals. However, this doesn’t mean that they lack quality. This metal produces a bright and focused sound which will suit any kind of genre; an ideal feature when you’re just starting out.
The SBR series is built from brass. Brass is not as common as bronze in cymbals, and is usually utilised for extremely budget cymbals (e.g. similar to the ones that you sometimes receive when purchasing a starter kit). This means they are perfect as a first affordable purchase which you will probably then upgrade at a later date.
What series is best for me?
This all ultimately depends on what tones and sound you are looking for and how much you want to spend. Each of the different ranges offer qualities that may be more suited to your budget, personal drumming style and/or the genre(s) of music you usually play.
For example, do you want a cymbal that projects a brighter tone or a darker one? Are you a heavy hitter that needs cymbals which will stand up to regular punishment? Is a budget selection more appropriate for you at this point? Are you searching for that perfect cymbal for heavy-metal? Its worth scrutinising each of the above series sections and deciding which one suits you the most. Only you can really decide!
Should I buy cymbals from the same series or can I mix and match?
If you’re searching for a unified, consistent cymbal sound, then it makes sense to select your cymbals from the same series. This will help tie the sound of your kit together and keep it sounding balanced, no matter which section you are playing. However, it can sometimes vary your tones further if you select contrasting cymbals and mix and match your hi-hats, crashes, rides and effects.