Sabian Cymbals, one of the best known names in cymbal manufacturing, is one of the top cymbal makers in the world. Based in Canada, the company was created after the Zildjian family of cymbal makers split in two, resulting in the rivalry between Zildjian and Sabian, in addition to Meinl and Peiste.

Sabian originally produced only two types of cymbals, called HH and AA, both of which were made from the bronze alloy used in bells. The company has since diversified, making a number of cymbals from different alloys, producing different sounds and effects. Sabian offers eleven series of cymbals.

The HH line of cymbals is based on the design of K Zildjian cymbals. The second of the original Sabian cymbals is the Automated Anvil (AA), which is the inaugural machine-made bell-bronze cymbal. One of the most popular cymbals produced by Sabian, the AA cymbal is brighter in tone than other brands of cymbals and maintains a constant sound as a consequence of the method of manufacturing.

Sabian’s line of student level cymbals is called Bronze Beginnings and come in two series: B8 and B8 Pro. These cymbals are made from the B8 bronze alloy, which is mostly copper. Sabian also makes a line called Solar, which are their most affordable brass alloy cymbals

The modern line of Sabian cymbals is designed for experienced, but not professional, players. The Xs20, APX, AAX and HHX series are all part of the modern line. Xs20 cymbals are made with the B20 bronze alloy, which is Sabian’s bronze alloy for professional sound. The APX is the most recent in the modern line, and is made of B8 alloy, giving the cymbal a high pitched tone. The AAX series is similar in tone to the AA series, but are crafted to make a more consistent sound and volume. The HHX series is based on the vintage HH line, uses the same technology with a modernized sound, and is known as the Modern Dark. Professionals can look to the Vault and Paragon series of cymbals for a higher level of quality. Paragon was designed by Neil Peart, whereas the Vault series was designed in collaboration with professionals in order to provide exactly what you need. Sabian continues to make their original line of HH and AA cymbals under the names “Vintage Dark” and “Vintage Bright,” and are often used by professionals as well.

A number of musicians and other professionals have helped to design signature lines of cymbals. Dave Weckl helped with the development of the Legacy Series, and the Groove line was created in collaboration with Zoro. Sabian also produces series outside of the Beginner, Creative and Vintage lines, like the HHX Evolution. The discerning cymbal user can buy a set of “sonically matched” cymbals to simplify the buying process for musicians looking for particular effects or for a set of cymbals to use when performing.

Dozens of famous musicians use Sabian cymbals as their percussion of choice. Neil Peart of Rush and Dave Weckl have both helped to design Sabian lines and use Sabian. Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater, Bill Ward of Black Sabbath and Phil Collins in both Genesis and his solo work have used Sabian cymbals.

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Meinl Percussion makes some of the most popular cymbals of any music company. Meinl is one of the top cymbal producers, with Paiste, Sabian and Zildjian. Providing a number of lines sure to satisfy any drummer, from the novice to the internationally renowned musician, Meinl’s consistent sound will please you for years to come.

Meinl cymbals focus on a European sound with a Turkish ancestry, rather than the Chinese design of other cymbal manufacturers. Produced in Germany, these cymbals feature crisp sound and sharp focus, making for a clean effect.

The classic series of Meinl cymbals is one of the best choices for novices in the drumming field. The sound of the cymbals will remain consistent, with no surprises during performances, and their superior quality to many other brands will constantly remind you of the benefits of choosing Meinl. Furthermore, though the Classic series is designed with beginners in mind, they still provide an incredible selection of models in the series.

The HCS series of Meinl cymbals is also designed with beginners in mind. The alloy used is high in copper, which makes the cymbals softer and much cheaper, while still providing a warm sound and high quality. You can choose from a set of harmonically matched cymbals or a single cymbal.

The third series of Meinl cymbals is the MCS cymbal. Designed for semi-professional drummers, the cymbals are harmonically matched and available for inexpensive prices, prepared to play as soon as you buy them. MCS is made of B8 bronze alloy, with 8% tin and 92% copper. This is softer than the alloy used by their competitors, and allows for lower pricing.

The Candela series of Meinl percussion meets the needs of the modern drummer by creating a unique and exotic tone. The cymbals are thin, produce soft sound and can be played with a stick or by hand. The cymbals are tonally matched, and are among the most innovative on the market.

The Generation X line of cymbals by Meinl was designed by musicians for musicians. These modern sounding cymbals were developed in collaboration with drummers like Benny Greb and Johnny Rabb.

Meinl uses a variety of alloys in their cymbals that create a number of effects for their drummers. The Mb10 line is the first of its kind, the only cymbal that uses 90% copper, unlike most that use either 88% or 92%. The sound created is unique, both piercing and warm. The Mb8 line is made with 92% copper, manufactured with computers and sounds brighter than other cymbals that use more tin.

Many popular bands today use Meinl cymbals. Chris Adler of Lamb of God, Moe Carlson of Protest the Hero, Brann Dailor of Mastodon, Jake Davidson of Aiden, Jon Wilkes of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Zac Farro of Paramore all use Meinl. In addition, Trevor Lawrence Jr, who has worked with Stevie Wonder and Snoop Dogg, also swears by Meinl cymbals. Probably one of the most fanatic users of Meinl cymbals is Damien Harwood of Mentality, who is stepson to Harry Meinl of the Meinl owning family.

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The cymbal is one of the first percussive instruments that should be added to your drum kit. The round plates are made of metal and produce an indefinite pitch when played. The range of music that can be created with the cymbals is very broad, allowing the musician a choice of ensembles to work with.

The average drum kit uses at least three cymbals: the suspended cymbal and two hi-hat cymbals. Cymbal connoisseurs tend to favor brands like Meinl, Zildjian and Sabian. These cymbal purveyors are likely to start off a beginner's kit right.

A suspended cymbal, one of the important additions to a drum kit, is a horizontal cymbal that creates a "crash." These cymbals should be played with sponge or cord wrapped mallets, and are a favorite among drummers for their sharp notes when struck and spooky notes when played quietly. Drummers use the suspended cymbal to create the tremolo, or drum roll. The suspended cymbal is usually used in tandem with the bass drum, because the instruments combine high and low frequencies loudly.

The hi-hat cymbal is played by striking the foot petal and the foot petal at the same time. Two cymbals are mounted one on top of the other cymbal, with a rod that connects the cymbals to the foot petal. The bottom cymbal never moves, while the foot petal moves the top cymbal, with each press of the petal causing a collision between the two plates. The cymbals are easily adjusted for different heights. Changing the tension of the unit can alter the tone of the hi-hat cymbal.

The build of the cymbal allows for its sound. Both hi-hat and suspended cymbals make use of a mounting center hole. The area around the center hold is called the dome, but is also known as a bell or cup. This section of the cymbal creates a higher pitch when played. The area beyond the dome is called a bow, and is separated into the ride and crash areas. The ride area is the thicker area of the bow, closer to the dome, and it creates a deeper sound than the crash area. The crash area is the thinner edges, and these create a higher pitched sound.

When choosing a cymbal, keep thickness in mind. The wider cymbals are generally more resonant than thin cymbals and produce a more constant sound. These weigh more and can be played easily. Thin cymbals produce fuller sounds and are more responsive than their thicker counterparts.

Crotales, the smallest of the symbols, are based on ancient designs. Cymbals found in Egyptian tombs were much smaller than normal cymbals, and produced a specific note when played. These cymbals are thicker, creating a sound that is much higher than the sound of normal cymbals. The timbre of the crotale is completely different than normal cymbals, sounding similar to hand bells when struck on the side.

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