Sabian AAX Cymbals, Pro
Sabian AAX 16� Stage Crash
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7.../base_id/50551/
What Sabian say-Precise. AAX delivers pure, bright shimmering tones. Like stainless steel, AAX is cool, modern, and extremely efficient. With its streamlined design and sound-shaping Auto-Focus Response feature, AAX is the ultimate breakthrough in modern cymbal making. Tap with your finger or thrash with a stick, Auto-Focus Response maximizes sensitivity, equalizes high & low pitch levels, and purifies sounds by filtering out conflicting overtones. AAX sounds are pure and accurate. Ideal in the studio, ideal onstage. AAX delivers the freedom to sound great in any music.
Looks- it looks really nice, especially in sunlight, it really reflects and looks the business. The Sabian logos are well stuck on/however they do it and are nice and large for others to see.
Sound- When hit it creates a loud yet controlled burst of sound with a medium decay, it is the perfect balance and compliments other cymbals.
The bell is very small but you can use it in certain situations when noise levels are low.
The controlled sound is perfect for riding on the crash in the songs where it is needed, it doesn’t drown everything else out and provides a nice background sound.
Sabian AAX 18� Explosion Crash-
Looks- It is a gorgeous cymbal with an un-lathed huge bell, it really looks raw and superb.
Sound- It is the loudest thing on earth I think and hitting it full whack will drown out any other noise on the drum kit or even in a band.
When we practice I have to half hit it, it still sounds good but not to its full potential.
It is a cymbal for live use when you need a loud crash.
It is good for accenting beats because of its short sustain and quick decay.
The bell is louder than that on my ride, it sounds great and when I can I use it instead.
Sabian AAX Stage 20� Ride-
Looks- It is a subtle cymbal for its size, there is no definite beginning of the bell, it just starts rising up, un like that of the 18� Explosion Crash.
This minimalist look in my opinion is a nice contrast to the Crash Cymbals.
Sound-It is very normal in that it hasn’t got too much wash and hasn’t got too much ping, it is a mix of both, in my view I would prefer to have a pingier ride.
As you move up the cymbal you get more ping but its no huge gap between that and at the end of the cymbal.
Sabian 14� Stage Hats-
Looks- They look really professional and are the same looks as the 16� Stage Crash.
Sound- A very loud chink and very cutting these hi hats are the best I’ve used so far.
They are very loud and can be heard over most sounds the kit and cymbals make.
When half open they have a very washy tone and texture to them.
When fully open they sound like a very small ride, even the bell is large enough to use and sounds really good.
Overall-16� Crash - 4.5/5
18� Crash- 4/5
20� Ride- 3.5/5
14� Hats- 4/5
+'s-
They all look and sound great especially with each other, they all compliment one another in their tones and sounds.
-'s-
They are all very 'normal' with no special features to distinguish them from other cymbals of the same category, apart from the 18" Crash.
Thanks to Sabian.com and musicians friend.