Sabian Cymbals - Background & Products

gear Feb 23, 2023

The Sabian Cymbal Company is one of the leading cymbal manufacturers in the world, known for its innovative designs and high-quality craftsmanship. Founded in 1981 in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada by Robert Zildjian, a member of the Zildjian family of cymbal makers, Sabian quickly established itself as a top player in the cymbal industry. Today, Sabian offers a wide range of cymbals for drummers of all levels, from beginners to professionals.

History of Sabian Cymbal Company

The Sabian Cymbal Company was founded in 1981 by Robert Zildjian, the eldest son of Avedis Zildjian III and a member of the Zildjian family, which has been making cymbals since the 17th century. After a family dispute over the direction of the Zildjian Company, Robert left to start his own cymbal company. He chose the name "Sabian" by combining the first two letters of his children's names: Sally, Bill, and Andy.

Sabian quickly gained a reputation for innovation in cymbal design, introducing a range of new cymbal models and manufacturing techniques. The company's first breakthrough came in the late 1980s with the introduction of the HH series, which featured a hand-hammered finish that gave the cymbals a warm, complex tone. In the 1990s, Sabian introduced the AAX series, which incorporated a new type of lathing that produced a bright, cutting sound.

Today, Sabian is known for its commitment to innovation and quality, with a wide range of cymbals that are used by drummers around the world.

Top 7 Models of Hi-Hats

Hi-hats are a fundamental part of any drummer's kit, providing the basic rhythm for a song. Sabian offers a range of hi-hat cymbals in different sizes and styles to suit different playing styles and genres of music.

  1. Budget Model: Sabian SBR5003G 14-Inch SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals

The Sabian SBR5003G 14-Inch SBR Hi-Hat Cymbals are a great option for drummers on a budget. Made from brass, these hi-hats offer a bright, crisp sound that is perfect for beginners or players on a tight budget.

Price: $99.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-SBR5003G-14-Inch-Hi-Hat-Cymbals/dp/B003CY9Q2Q

  1. Mid-Level Model: Sabian XSR 14" Hi-Hats

The Sabian XSR 14" Hi-Hats are a step up from the budget model, offering a more complex sound and greater sensitivity. These hi-hats feature a B20 alloy construction and a medium weight, making them versatile enough for a range of musical styles.

Price: $229.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-XSR1416B-XSR-14-Hi-Hats/dp/B01M0GTTZM

  1. Professional Model: Sabian HHX Evolution Hi-Hats

The Sabian HHX Evolution Hi-Hats are a professional-grade option that offer a warm, dark tone and a responsive feel. These hi-hats feature a unique sound that is ideal for modern rock and metal styles.

Price: $479.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-HHX-Evolution-Hi-Hats/dp/B0002F4WN4

  1. Budget Model: Sabian B8X 14" Hi-Hats

The Sabian B8X 14" Hi-Hats are another affordable option for beginners or those on a budget. Made from Sabian's B8 alloy, these hi-hats deliver a bright and focused sound that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Price: $94.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-B8X-14-Hi-Hats/dp/B00GCOUKS8

  1. Mid-Level Model: Sabian HHX Groove Hi-Hats

The Sabian HHX Groove Hi-Hats are designed for drummers who need a versatile and expressive sound. These hi-hats feature a combination of hand-hammered and lathed elements, which produce a complex and nuanced tone that can cut through any mix.

Price: $439.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-HHX-Groove-Hi-Hats/dp/B01BGF9E86

  1. Professional Model: Sabian HH 14" Fusion Hi-Hats

The Sabian HH 14" Fusion Hi-Hats are a professional-grade option that offers a dark and complex sound with a fast response. These hi-hats are ideal for jazz and fusion drumming, but they can also be used in other musical styles.

Price: $639.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-HH-14-Fusion-Hi-Hats/dp/B0002F4WNY

  1. Professional Model: Sabian Artisan Elite Hi-Hats

The Sabian Artisan Elite Hi-Hats are a high-end option that is crafted by hand for a truly unique sound. These hi-hats feature a combination of traditional and modern manufacturing techniques, which produce a sound that is dark, complex, and full of character.

Price: $899.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-Artisan-Elite-Hi-Hats/dp/B07PX3FG14

Top 7 Models of Crashes

Crash cymbals are used to provide accent hits and dynamic transitions in a drummer's performance. Sabian offers a wide range of crash cymbals in different sizes and weights to suit different playing styles and genres of music.

  1. Budget Model: Sabian SBR1606 16-Inch SBR Crash Cymbal

The Sabian SBR1606 16-Inch SBR Crash Cymbal is an affordable option for beginners or drummers on a budget. Made from brass, this crash cymbal delivers a bright and focused sound that is perfect for accent hits and dynamic fills.

Price: $69.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-SBR1606-16-Inch-Crash-Cymbal/dp/B003CY9Q5U

  1. Mid-Level Model: Sabian XSR 16" Fast Crash

The Sabian XSR 16" Fast Crash is a mid-level option that delivers a bright and explosive sound. This crash cymbal features a thin weight and a large bell, which make it responsive and easy to play.

Price: $179.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-XSR1607B-XSR-16-Fast/dp/B01M0GU4W8

  1. Professional Model: Sabian AAX 16" X-Plosion Crash

The Sabian AAX 16" X-Plosion Crash is a professional-grade option that delivers a bright and powerful sound. This crash cymbal features a thin weight and a large bell, which make it responsive and 

easy to play, while its X-Plosion design provides a fast and explosive response.

Price: $229.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-AAX-16-X-Plosion-Crash/dp/B0002F4X12

  1. Professional Model: Sabian HHX 16" Evolution Crash

The Sabian HHX 16" Evolution Crash is a high-end option that offers a dark and complex sound. This crash cymbal features a medium-thin weight and a raw bell, which produce a rich and warm tone with a fast attack and quick decay.

Price: $349.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-HHX-16-Evolution-Crash/dp/B0002F4Y0S

  1. Budget Model: Sabian SBR 10" Splash

The Sabian SBR 10" Splash is a budget-friendly option for drummers who want to add a splash cymbal to their setup. Made from brass, this splash cymbal delivers a bright and focused sound that is ideal for accent hits and dynamic fills.

Price: $31.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-SBR10-10-Inch-Splash/dp/B003CY9QDW

  1. Mid-Level Model: Sabian AAX 10" Splash

The Sabian AAX 10" Splash is a mid-level option that delivers a bright and explosive sound. This splash cymbal features a thin weight and a small bell, which make it responsive and easy to play.

Price: $109.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-AAX-10-Splash/dp/B0002F4WJG

  1. Professional Model: Sabian HHX 10" Evolution Splash

The Sabian HHX 10" Evolution Splash is a high-end option that offers a dark and complex sound. This splash cymbal features a thin weight and a raw bell, which produce a rich and warm tone with a fast attack and quick decay.

Price: $149.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-HHX-10-Evolution-Splash/dp/B0002F4WNO

Top 7 Models of Rides

Ride cymbals are used to provide a steady rhythm and a continuous sound in a drummer's performance. Sabian offers a wide range of ride cymbals in different sizes and weights to suit different playing styles and genres of music.

  1. Budget Model: Sabian SBR2012 SBR 20-Inch Ride Cymbal

The Sabian SBR2012 SBR 20-Inch Ride Cymbal is an affordable option for beginners or drummers on a budget. Made from brass, this ride cymbal delivers a bright and focused sound that is suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Price: $99.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-SBR2012-20-Inch-Ride-Cymbal/dp/B003CY9Q2Q

  1. Mid-Level Model: Sabian XSR 20" Ride

The Sabian XSR 20" Ride is a mid-level option that delivers a bright and complex sound. This ride cymbal features a medium-heavy weight and a large bell, which produce a rich and full-bodied tone with a clean stick definition.

Price: $249.99

Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-XSR2022B-XSR-20-Ride/dp/B01M1J6DT4

  1. Professional Model: Sabian AAX 20" Stage Ride 

    The Sabian AAX 20" Stage Ride is a high-end option that offers a bright and cutting sound. This ride cymbal features a medium weight and a large bell, which produce a clear and articulate tone with a strong and bright ping.

    Price: $329.99

    Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-AAX-20-Stage-Ride/dp/B0002F4X0S

    1. Budget Model: Sabian SBR 18" Crash Ride

    The Sabian SBR 18" Crash Ride is a budget-friendly option for drummers who want a versatile cymbal that can be used as both a ride and a crash. Made from brass, this cymbal delivers a bright and balanced sound that is suitable for a variety of musical styles.

    Price: $79.99

    Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-SBR1811-SBR-18-Inch-Crash/dp/B003CY9QD6

    1. Mid-Level Model: Sabian AAX 18" Stage Crash Ride

    The Sabian AAX 18" Stage Crash Ride is a mid-level option that offers a bright and cutting sound. This cymbal features a medium-thin weight and a large bell, which produce a clear and articulate tone with a strong and bright ping.

    Price: $274.99

    Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-AAX-18-Stage-Crash/dp/B0002F4X0C

    1. Professional Model: Sabian HHX 21" Raw Bell Dry Ride

    The Sabian HHX 21" Raw Bell Dry Ride is a high-end option that offers a dark and complex sound. This ride cymbal features a medium-heavy weight and a raw bell, which produce a dry and focused tone with a strong and articulate stick definition.

    Price: $449.99

    Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-HHX-21-Raw-Bell/dp/B0002F4Y2S

    1. Professional Model: Sabian Artisan Elite 22" Medium Ride

    The Sabian Artisan Elite 22" Medium Ride is a top-of-the-line option that offers a rich and complex sound. Handcrafted from B20 bronze, this ride cymbal features a medium weight and a large bell, which produce a warm and full-bodied tone with a wide dynamic range.

    Price: $949.99

    Buy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sabian-Artisan-Elite-Medium-Ride/dp/B01CUDWJPE

    Conclusion

    Sabian is a company that has been producing high-quality cymbals for over 40 years. From their humble beginnings as a small family-run business, they have grown into a world-renowned brand that is trusted by drummers of all levels. With a wide range of cymbals to choose from, including hihats, crashes, rides, and splashes, Sabian has something to offer for every style of music and every budget. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Sabian cymbals are a great investment in your drumming career.

Have you tried out Icanplaydrums PRO?

Get a free 7 day trial to our flagship membership - Icanplaydrums PRO. Over 700 video lessons, 2,000 backing tracks, student review videos, an engaged community and forum of drummers, plus heaps more!

Free 7 Day Trial