Sabian Cymbals: A Complete Guide

Sabian cymbals are manufactured by the Sabian company, headquartered in Meductic, New Brunswick, Canada. Founded in 1981 by Robert Zildjian following a split from the Zildjian family business, Sabian has become one of the two dominant cymbal manufacturers in the world alongside Zildjian, producing everything from entry-level student lines to hand-hammered professional instruments used on major stages globally.

Manufacturing and Materials

The core alloy used across the professional and mid-range Sabian lines is B20 bronze — an alloy of approximately 80% copper and 20% tin, the standard for quality cymbal production. The Meductic factory produces cymbals through processes that include casting, rolling, lathing, hammering (both machine and hand) and finishing, with the degree of hand work increasing through the product range. Entry-level lines use B8 bronze (92% copper, 8% tin), which produces a brighter, more cutting tone at a lower cost.

Major Product Lines

Sabian organises its range into distinct series, each targeting different styles and budgets:

• HHX: the top professional hand-hammered line, with dark, complex tones suited to jazz, fusion and studio work. Each cymbal is individually hand-hammered and sonically tested.
• HH: Hand Hammered series — similar process to HHX but broader character, well-suited to rock and pop alongside jazz.
• Artisan: the premium hand-crafted line, using traditional methods with the highest level of individual attention. Used by top-tier jazz and orchestral players.
• AA: the original mid-professional line. Warm, versatile sound used across rock, pop and jazz. The AA series has been produced for decades and remains a benchmark.
• AAX: the modern B20 line, with a brighter, drier tone than AA. Suited to rock, metal and contemporary styles where projection and cut are priorities.
• B8X: entry-level B8 bronze line for students and beginners. Affordable, durable and a practical starting point.
• Solar: the budget line, designed for very early learners and drum kit packages. Functional and inexpensive.

Tone Character

The defining character of Sabian cymbals compared to their main competitors is often described as slightly warmer and darker in the upper-professional lines (HHX, Artisan) and punchy and direct in the mid-range (AAX, AA). The AA series in particular has a reputation for a full, musical sound that works across a wide range of playing contexts without being genre-specific. The HHX series appeals strongly to jazz and fusion players who want complex, overtone-rich response.

Who Uses Sabian?

Sabian's artist roster is extensive. Notable users include Neil Peart (Rush), Dave Weckl, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) and many others across jazz, rock and pop. The breadth of endorsed players reflects the breadth of the line: from the Artisan and HHX series at the top to the AAX and AA at mid-level, there is a Sabian product in use across essentially every genre of professional drumming.

Choosing the Right Series

For a new buyer, the primary decision is budget and genre. Beginners should start with B8X or Solar and upgrade when they understand what sound they want. Intermediate players typically find the AA or AAX range gives professional quality without the cost of the HH and HHX lines. For jazz and complex acoustic contexts, the HHX or Artisan lines are where the real sonic depth lies. For a detailed guide to making that choice, the buyer's guide covers it fully.

Bottom Line

Sabian cymbals represent one of the most complete product ranges in the industry — from practical student instruments to some of the most respected hand-crafted professional cymbals made anywhere. Understanding the line structure is the first step toward choosing the right cymbal for the right use.

Frequently Asked Questions