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Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash

Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash main image

Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash

$275.18 to $387.00 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (1)

1 Review

0 wishlisted

1 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Price

$359.99

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5.0 (6)

$359.99

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4.6 (5)

$359.99

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$275.18 7 available New

$191.27 1 available Used

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5.0 (6)

$359.99

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$359.99

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4.5 (11)

$389.00 $387.00 $2.00 · All time low

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£355.00

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Average Price: $332

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the Crash Cymbals category, Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash your rhythm with the Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash, a cymbal that embodies both versatility and character. Crafted for percussionists who thrive on dynamic performances, this crash cymbal is a distinctive addition to any setup. Featuring a unique design with three distinct playing surfaces, it offers a world of sonic possibilities. The raw, non-hammered bell is perfect for playing the clave, adding a crisp, cutting accent to your ensemble. The unlathed, medium-weight center provides a dry ride area for stick play, while the lathed, extra-thin outer edge is highly sensitive, making it ideal for hand slapping to produce hot, shimmering sounds.

Whether you're a Latin music enthusiast or a versatile percussionist, the El Sabor Crash adapts beautifully to any style. Inspired by legendary players like Karl Perazzo, this cymbal is the result of meticulous craftsmanship and innovation. Handcrafted using SABIAN B20 'caste' bronze, known for its durability and musicality, the AAX El Sabor is designed to deliver consistently bright, crisp, and clear responses. Its natural finish adds an elegant touch, making it as visually appealing as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

Size: 18"
AAX Series
Distinctive raw, non-hammered bell for clave playing
Unlathed, medium-weight center for dry ride area
Lathed, extra-thin outer edge for sensitive hand play
Crafted from SABIAN B20 'caste' bronze
Ideal for both stick and hand playing
Available in Natural and Brilliant finishes
Quality-protected by Sabian's one-year warranty

Product specs

Available since	March 2010
Hand Hammered Cymbal	Yes
Finish	Regular, Traditional
Alloy	B20 Bronze

FAQs

What type of music is the Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash best suited for?: The Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash is designed with a bright, explosive sound that works well for Latin music, but its versatility makes it suitable for various genres, including rock and pop.
What is the sound characteristic of the Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash?: This cymbal offers a bright, cutting sound with quick decay, making it ideal for accents and dynamic playing in live performances and recordings.
Is the Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash hand-hammered?: Yes, the Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash is a hand-hammered cymbal, which contributes to its unique tonal quality and character.
What alloy is used in the Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash?: The Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash is made from B20 bronze, known for its durability and rich, complex sound.
Does the Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash have a regular or brilliant finish?: The Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash features a regular, traditional finish, providing a classic look and sound.

Videos

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bryan bowman

Sabian 18" El Sabor AAX Hand Cymbal Review and Demo

bryan bowman

Reviews

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PROS

Excellent for hand percussion, offering "Hot Flavor" accents
Bright, responsive sound with both hand and stick strikes
Versatile, suitable for multiple musical styles and setups
Offers a unique, explosive sound with long sustain
High-quality, cutting, crisp, and focused sustain
Works well with brushes, mallets, and alternative striking methods
Provides a smooth, trashy sound that blends well with other cymbals
Innovative design for dynamic and controlled sound
Ideal for acoustic shows, enhancing djembe and cajon performances

CONS

Thin edges may dent easily with aggressive use
Not suited for heavy, loud performances or styles
Overtones may occur when played with sticks away from the bell
Expensive compared to other cymbals in its class
Limited loudness might not fit all musical settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian 18" AAX El Sabor Crash.

Features and functionality

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The "PICANTE!!" version is designed for hand crash/percussionist use, providing unique sizzle and versatility not found in standard crashes.
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The 18" El Sabor cymbal features a solid bell, offering bright and washy sticking tones, enhancing its riding potential.
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The AA El Sabor cymbal has a slightly thinner "lip" at the edge, designed primarily for hand playing, catering to Latin music applications.
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Use cases and applications

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Cracked cymbals can produce a soft, closed hi-hat sound when hit hard, adding a distinct texture to a drummer's kit.
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The 18" El Sabor is considered too loud for small venues but excels in larger spaces due to its versatility across different roles.
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The El Sabor line, designed for Latin players, can be incorporated into less intense settings like blues gigs, where durability concerns are minimized.
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Setup and maintenance

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Drilling a hole at the end of a crack can help prevent it from spreading while maintaining the cymbal's unique sizzle sound.
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Comparisons

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The El Sabor line is noted for being too washy as a ride and too clangy as a crash, suggesting it's best used for specific percussive applications.
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The El Sabor line inspired the Sabian OMNI cymbals, offering an alternative for those seeking a similar sound.
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User experience

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Owners describe the ride cymbal as having an ideal combination of sticking clarity and wash, with an exceptionally impressive bell sound.
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Users have noted a slight upward bend on the edge of the AA El Sabor cymbal, resembling a china cymbal, which is a characteristic of its design rather than damage.
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Build quality

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Owners report the AA El Sabor cymbal features distinct circular hammering marks, differentiating it from other models like the AAX-plosion, which lack these markings.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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timvandenhoven

302

over 9 years ago

Beautiful warm tone

This cymbal can be used without drumsticks. This cymbal can be used for almost every musical style. It has a very warm tone that will blend easily with your other cymbals.