Sabian AAX Studio Crash 16''

I bought this from Drumbank Music near where I live in Bristol for about £85 (GBP)

I really like the way it can be used in lots of different kinds of music; when I was looking at it in the shop I played it lightly with my hand it responded beautifully, with a steady build-up. When played quietly it responds quite slowly with a gradual build-up, but it can also be hit really hard and give a great dark crash before fading out slowly. It works well on my kit because it is darker then my other 16" crash and they can be used with my crash-ride to go down in tone and darkness with the music

It was 2nd hand but hardly used so the price was good, but normally the price is a bit steep for someone like me on a TIGHT budget. Also, it is a tiny bit (and I emphasise, tiny) dark and warm for the music I am playing at the moment which is mainly punk and HC, but because it is in my house with my family trying to live alongside it works quite well, hence the 'studio' name

As with most Sabians this cymbal is beautifully finished, looking fantastic on my kit compared to my cheaper cymbals which I am gradually replacing. The actual materials used can be found on www.sabian.com

I think this cymbal really works out well for people looking for a cymbal that could cope with most style of music, as it sounds great played loud or quiet. Overall, I'm really pleased with it!

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Sabian AAX Studio Crash 16" is a cymbal that I've used in both my home studio and in a few different professional studios. I'm not a drummer my trade, but my best friend is and he owns one of these. We've been playing together for years, so I've recorded him playing with this cymbal in various locations over the years. This is pretty much the go to crash cymbal that we'll use whenever we're recording together, and I'm definitely glad that it is, as it really has a great sound to it. It's a really full sounding cymbal, and isn't as bright sounding as many of the crash cymbals out there, which is something that I like a lot about it. While this one in particular is a 16" crash cymbal, I do believe that the AAX Studio Crash series of cymbals from Sabian has a variety of different sizes to choose from. I've mostly used Neumann KM 184's to capture the sound of this cymbal and the full drum set, but have used a variety of microphones to record it depending on where I'm at. This has been a great way to get used to the cymbal, as hearing it from so many different perspectives has made me realize that it's a great cymbal in any situation. It's a pretty versatile cymbal as well, as it sounds great for both jazz and rock music, in addition to other genres as well of course. The Sabian AAX Studio Crash 16" is priced right, but it certainly doesn't make it the cheapest cymbal on the market. If you're looking for quality regardless of price, there are better cymbals than this, but if you're looking for something that sounds great and doesn't cost a fortune, you can't go wrong with this one...

- For how long have you been using it?

Since 3-4months and I use it all the time.
- Did you try many other models before getting this one?

Yes, Crash AA, B8 Pro, and Paiste 502 cymbal but I preferred this because it had more presence and brilliance.
- What thing do you like most/least about it?

His brilliance, his presence, its harmonics, its dark side (he must know the control). I play mainly MUSE PHONE or FALL OUT BOY and I play rhythm and sometimes it is perfect!
- What is your opinion about the value for the price?
Knowing what you know now, would you make the same choice? ...

Very good value for money, SABIAN sells products as good or better than these competitors at prices far below!
I'd do it again without hesitation!