Best Sabian Cymbals

As a musician, I am very familiar with the Sabian brand. Therefore, I enjoyed exploring some of the best Sabian cymbals on the market, like the Artisan Series, HHX series, Paragon, etc. Sabian produces many cymbals, and some of them are good while others are just mediocre. 

So, to help you pick the best Sabian cymbals, you’ll find a brief introduction to each of the series in the following lines. Thus, you can decide which one will suit you best.

Most of the cymbals are out of B20 Bronze, and the cheaper options are B8 Bronze and Brass ( SBR Series). I prefer the high-quality B20 options, but if you are a beginner who is just starting your drum journey, you should go with the SBR Series.

Keep reading if you want to find out my top picks up front and why they are in my favorites list.

Bottom Line Up Front

My top Sabian cymbals pick the Artisan series. I chose them because Sabian marked them as their masterpiece series. I agree because they perform perfectly in both studio and live versions. 

They are premium, high-quality, and versatile, and if you have the money to spend, you won’t make a mistake with them. Keep reading to find out more about the Artisan series and my other top picks.

My Top Picks Up Front

The ones I find best and the ones that I will be discussing in this article are:

• Artisan- The most luxurious high-quality Sabian cymbals. Best for those not on a budget and looking for the number one pick.
• HHX- The most versatile category, with many subcategories for those who want to experiment with their music.
• AAX- These cymbals have a modern sound, usually for pop, rock, or metal. They have a middle price range, best for intermediate players.
• HH- These cymbals have a very specific old-school and serious sound. They are perfect for those looking for a more vintage sound.
• AA- An excellent choice for those on a budget who want an open and bright sound.
• Paragon- Professional cymbals that are for those who love high pitch cymbals.
• Crescent: This is a thinner version of the HHX series, which is excellent for those who mostly play jazz.

If you want to find out more about each of these series and why I selected them, keep reading. I will elaborate on their specifications, pros and cons, style, and best-sellers.

Tips/ Advice

You should decide the best series for you based on your budget, drumming style, and the tones you will play. 

If you want versatile, luxurious, and high-quality cymbals, then look at the Artisan or HHX series.

If you are on a tight budget, you can check out the AA series; they are affordable and great for beginners. The most popular ones are ” Marching Band,” 16” Viennese, and 18” AA Viennese.

Top brands like Sabian and Zildjian produce high-quality cymbals, so the price is a bit high. There are a lot of other brands that produce cymbals, but all the top musicians choose Sabian or Zildjian.

The top brands make their cymbals from the finest materials like B20 metal or Zildjian’s secret alloy. Yet, that is why their products have a clear, vibrant sound and last decades.

Do you Need to Have all Cymbals From the Same Set/series?

Actually, no. You can buy cymbals from different series if you are starting your drumming journey. Yet, buying the whole set of cymbals from one series does have its benefits, like a more coordinated tone.

The most important thing is to have a whole basic set for starters, and then you will upgrade when you level up. The beginners and the intermediate players don’t have the same cymbal set, so you should look for the one based on your experience.

What is the Difference Between the Natural and the Brilliant Finish?

The natural or traditional finish requires less manufacturing, so the cymbals’ look is more vintage and dark. As a result, the sound is more edgy and dark as well.

The brilliant finish requires more manufacturing to make them shinier, and their sound is more bright and more orchestral.

Many series have a natural and brilliant finish, but if you want to get the most out of the brilliant finish, you should go with the AAX series.

Selection Criteria

I have selected a series of Sabian cymbals that are high-quality, professional, and versatile. Most of them have a high price (except the AA series), but I picked the series that justify the price, and they won’t disappoint you.

Even though the series of cymbals have some similar features, you can go through them and find the one that will fit your musical style. Also, Sabian has a lot of categories and subcategories, so you can find exactly what you need.

All of the Series Are

• Made out of the best material
• Durable
• High-quality
• Professional
• Versatile

They Differ in

• Style: vintage/modern/masterpiece
• Sound: dark/bright
• The price
• Pros/Cons
• The genre of music/ drumming technique they are best for

Product Recommendation

Artisan

The Artisan Sabian cymbals are out of B20 Bronze. Sabian calls them ” the masterpiece” type, and they are one of their most luxurious items. The cymbals have a vintage dark sound perfect for pop, rock, and jazz.

My complete Artisan Sabian series set has Artisan 20” Crash, Artisan Elite 20” Ride, and Artisan 14” Hats. 

Artisan 20” Crash: produce warm and complex tones while looking elegant with their raw bell design.

Artisan Elite 20” Ride: looks different than the crash series, and their sound is deeper and darker, perfectly matching its looks.

Artisan 14” Hats: feature a semi-flat profile and a medium weight that combine to produce a vintage style with an old-school sound.

Specifications

• SOUND: Dark
• STYLE: Masterpiece
• METAL: B20

Pros

• Excellent for live and studio versions
• Versatile
• High-quality

Cons

• High price ( for one ride cymbal, you can buy a whole set of lower-class cymbals.)

HHX

The HHXSabian cymbals are from B20 metal, and they come with a wide range of options. You can choose between a natural and a brilliant finish.

The HHX series has Omni, Evolution, Complex, Fierce, and many more subcategories, which give a drummer an option to choose what works best for them.

Some categories work best for rock, while some have a more dry sound. My personal favorite is the HHX evolution subcategory because their hi-hats are fast, dark, and have an amazing cut. The whole Evolution set has a dark and vibrant sound. Plus, the price is one of the most affordable for the whole set.

Specifications

• SOUND: Dark
• STYLE: Modern
• METAL: B20

Pros

• Very versatile subcategories
• Modern dark sound
• A bold and raw look

Cons

• Expensive

AAX

The AAX Sabian Series has a middle price range, and their modern and bright sound distinguishes them. They are not a good fit for jazz drummers, but rock, pop, and metal drummers love them. Rock and metal drummers love their rich, dark, and dynamic sound.

Many rock drummers have the AAX Promotional Cymbal Set because they are tonally matched perfectly and have a cohesive tone.

As with the HXX series, it comes with a natural or brilliant finish.

Specifications

• SOUND: Bright
• STYLE: Modern
• METAL: B20

Pros

• Reasonable price 
• High-quality
• Bright and cutting sounds
• Good tonal variety
• Good for live shows

Cons

• Too bright for some styles 
• Not ideal for studio recordings

HH

Though many think they are like HHX, this series has a very different sound. Their tone is very dry, with short sustain. Due to their kind of ” serious” and dry notes, they are perfect for old-school drummers who can get the right sound. Even though their sound is very hard, they have a natural or brilliant finish.

The subcategories of the hand-hammered series are Vanguard, Performance, King, and Pandora. The best-seller out of these subcategories is the 22″ HH Vanguard. It is medium-thin with a dark sound and quick responses.

Specifications

• SOUND: Dark
• STYLE: Vintage
• METAL: B20

Pros

• Easy to control
• Great for vintage jazz/rock

Cons

• Not versatile but more one direction

AA

The AA cymbals series has a very bright and modern sound, and it resembles the AAX series very much. The big thing that differentiates them is the price; the AA is way more affordable.

Sabian makes them out of B20 metal, and they have a natural or brilliant finish. They are the best for rock musicians because they are open and dark but still have that bright note when needed. The Holy China Cymbal is the top product from this series.

The Holy China AA Cymbal has a trashy tone but a vintage style with less volume. It is also known for its dark tone that fits jazz, indie, and rock music.

Specifications

• SOUND: Bright
• STYLE: Vintage
• METAL: B20

Pros

• Affordable
• Bright and modern sound
• Durable and versaitle

Cons

• Differ from the AAX series when it comes to the sound

Paragon

The paragon series has a bright sound and a high pitch, and like with most Sabian cymbals, you can choose between a natural or brilliant finish. Sabian makes them out of the finest B20 metal, and the price range is not far behind the HH Series.

The best-seller is the 19” Paragon Crash. It is medium-weight with an explosive response and a large bell.

Fun fact: Neil Peart ( The RUSH drummer) designed them for their 40th Anniversary Tour. 

Specifications

• SOUND: Bright
• STYLE: Modern
• METAL: B20

Pros

• They sustain longer than the HH series
• High pitch
• Versatile
• Not dry
• Dynamic and responsive

Cons

• Don’t create a modern sound

Crescent

The Crescent series has a vintage style and a dark sound, and they are very like the HH series, only thinner. Sabian makes them out of the finest B20 metal, and the price range is the same as with HH and HHX series.

If you want to maintain the sound quality, you should buy the new series. The Crescent series is mainly for jazz players, but you can experiment with them.

There is the Hammertone and the Elements collection. The Hammertone collection delivers a sublime tone, and they are perfect for jazz. The Elements collection has a more modern look, and they deliver a rich and complex tone, more versatile than the first one.

Fun fact: Jeff Hamilton collaborated with Sabian on the Crescent series.

Specifications

• SOUND: Dark
• STYLE: Vintage
• METAL: B20

Pros

• Great for recording studios
• They create a sweet lucid tone
• Traditional looking and durable

Cons

• The price
• Nor versatile enough

FAQs

Conclusion

Sabian cymbals are a great choice. From their unique looks to sound, they bring a lot of value to any kit, and they’re easy to customize by swapping out different sounds. If you are not on a budget, I would recommend the HHX and the Artisan series. 

The company makes the Sabian cymbals series from the highest quality B20. Extreme durability and rigid frequency response give them their cutting yet tight sound that can extend through a busy drum set.

Yet, if you are someone who wants to buy their first set of cymbals, or you are on a budget, check out the AA series. They are a great option for beginners and intermediate players. 

Keep in mind that high-quality B20 Sabian cymbals have a higher price range. If you want something less expensive, check out Sabian’s B8 Bronze and Brass ( SBR Series).

Continue reading:

• Sabian HHX Anthology Review – A Guide to Knowing If They’re the Cymbals for You
• Cymbal Sound Qualities Guide – How Cymbal Tones are Described
• Most Popular Cymbal Brand Guide – Every Cymbal Brand You Need to Know About