Sabian HHX 20-inch Zen China cymbal

General

Along with Zildjian, Paiste and Meinl, Sabian is considered as one of the 'big four' cymbal manufacturers, and rightly so! The company was founded in 1981 by Robert Zildjian, who left his family's company after his older brother Armand took the reins there. Armed with years of experience and a great knowledge of the trade, he founded his own cymbal manufacturing company named Sabian - a name that derives from the names of his three children, Sally, Bill and Andy (SaBiAn).

Sabian HHX series

The HHX series of cymbals is the modern counterpart to the vintage-sounding HH series, that was designed to add some aggression and attack to the dark, moody sound of hand-hammered cymbals. It is a line of high-end, 'Modern Dark' cymbals, cast from Sabian's special B20 bronze alloy (which contains 20% tin and traces of silver). These cymbals are hand-hammered by the master artisans at Sabian and tend to have a dark, yet powerful sound and a mid to low pitch. While retaining the personal qualities of hand-hammered cymbals, the HHX series also features Sabian's 'Tone Projection' design that enhances tone and projection.

Sabian HHX 20-inch Zen China cymbal

This 20-inch Sabian HHX Zen China was designed as part of Sabian's 'Player's Choice' program, where consumers got to vote on which cymbals the company should take into production next. As one of the winners, this Zen China actually got to see the light of day and has since proved its worth. It sports a unique, inverted china design that makes it easier to play. It is hand-hammered and HHX hammering is used to flatten out the playing surface next to the bell. Overall, this cymbal has a more subtle sound than most chinas, while not lacking in power. It's a rich, full-bodied sound that is slightly warmer and smoother. This broader sound ensures that the Zen China is great to ride as well.