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Description

The Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash is a masterfully crafted cymbal, perfect for drummers seeking to add depth and complexity to their sound. Hand-hammered in Sabian's renowned foundry, this crash cymbal is a testament to traditional craftsmanship combined with modern sonic exploration. Its dark and rich tonal qualities make it an excellent choice for genres that require a more subdued, nuanced expression, from jazz to indie rock.

The HH (Hand Hammered) series is known for its unique, organic sound character, and this 18" Dark Crash is no exception. It responds with a warm wash of sound, providing a dynamic range that can seamlessly transition from soft, subtle accents to powerful, resonant swells. This versatility makes it a must-have for any drummer's setup, whether you're recording in the studio or performing live.

With its deeply hammered surface, the cymbal delivers a complex, layered sound profile that continues to evolve and inspire with every strike. The craftsmanship involved in each cymbal ensures a one-of-a-kind instrument, offering drummers a truly personalized playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Hand-hammered for unique tonal characteristics
  • Dark, rich sound ideal for jazz, indie rock, and more
  • Offers a dynamic range from subtle accents to powerful swells
  • Organic and complex sound profile
  • Perfect for both studio recording and live performances

Product specs

Brand Sabian
Model 18" HH Hand Hammered Dark Crash Cymbal
Finish Natural, Traditional
Year 1996 - 2015
Made In Canada
Categories Crash Cymbals
Diameter 18"

FAQs

What type of sound can I expect from the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash cymbal?

The Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash cymbal delivers a warm, dark tone with a complex, full-bodied sound. It is well-suited for adding depth and character to various musical styles, especially jazz and rock.

Is the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash cymbal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash is designed for both live performances and studio recordings, offering a rich, dynamic sound that cuts through in various settings.

How does the hand-hammered process affect the sound of the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash?

The hand-hammered process gives the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash a unique, complex tonal character with enhanced warmth and musicality, making each cymbal slightly unique in its sound profile.

What finish does the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash cymbal have, and how does it affect the sound?

The Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash features a natural, traditional finish, contributing to its warm, dark sound and allowing for more subtle nuances in the cymbal's tone.

Is the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash cymbal versatile for different music genres?

Yes, the Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash is versatile and can be used across various genres, including jazz, rock, and blues, due to its rich, dark tonal qualities.

VicsDrumShop

VicsDrumShop

Sabian HH 18" Dark Crash Cymbal

Video thumbnail for Sabian HH 18" Dark Crash Cymbal by VicsDrumShop

Sabian HH 18" Dark Crash Cymbal

VicsDrumShop

VicsDrumShop

Video thumbnail for Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash Cymbal (11868-1122914S) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash Cymbal (11868-1122914S)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash Cymbal - 1344g (11868-1080217G) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash Cymbal - 1344g (11868-1080217G)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash Cymbal - 1406g (11868-1080217F) by Memphis Drum Shop

Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash Cymbal - 1406g (11868-1080217F)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • Sabian's Legacy crashes are favored for their superior sound compared to Zildjian's K Custom Dark crashes, especially in live settings.

    Source
  • Meinl’s Byzance line, although well-regarded, has lost appeal for some due to increasing prices, pushing them toward Sabian HHX as an alternative.

    Source
  • Sabian HH and HHX cymbals are recommended alongside Zildjian K and Meinl Byzance for those seeking dark tones, with budget-friendly alternatives from Dream and Wuhan.

    Source
  • Paiste RUDE Thin Crash, known for its loud and musical qualities, offers a 2-year replacement guarantee, appealing to drummers worried about durability.

    Source
  • The HHX X-treme crash is noted for its sizzly decay akin to a China cymbal but with the cutting ability of a regular crash.

    Source

User experience

  • Sabian HHX series, particularly the Legacy line, is praised for delivering better dark, hammered cymbals than Zildjian's offerings.

    Source
  • Thinner cymbals tend to be more flexible and spread energy better, reducing the likelihood of cracking under heavy playing.

    Source
  • Owners report that the HHX X-treme crash can have a pitch similar to other Sabian 18" models, leading to potential overlap in sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 18" Sabian HH Dark Crash is noted as rarely used by some owners, suggesting it might not fit all play styles or preferences.

    Source
  • Sabian HH Leopard Ride is praised for its dark tone and aesthetic, appealing to drummers seeking both aural and visual impact.

    Source
  • The HHX X-treme crash is described as being loud and trashy, making it suitable for rock, hard rock, and prog genres.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Thinner cymbals open up quicker and require less force to achieve a full sound, making them suitable for players with refined striking techniques.

    Source
  • It's highlighted that the HHX X-treme crash maintains traditional crash qualities while offering a distinct, sizzly decay.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Ben Gillies uses Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash

Ben Gillies

Drummer

Silverchair

...
Verified via Chairpage

Ben Gillies used an 18" HH Dark Crash during the Diorama/Young Modern era.

Album Usage

The Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Sabian 18" HH Dark Crash, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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ashton_roske

ashton_roske

Gear IQ 188

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