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Average Price: $117

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Discover the perfect blend of crisp articulation and balanced tonality with the Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats. Engineered for the passionate drummer who demands versatility and quality, these hi-hats showcase an exceptional fusion of medium-weight top and medium-heavy bottom cymbals. Designed to cater to a wide range of musical styles, they offer a sound that's both deep and bright, ensuring your beats cut through with clarity and richness. Whether you're laying down tight, rhythmic patterns or exploring dynamic, open sizzles, these hi-hats deliver performance that can elevate every performance.

Key Features:

  • B20 Bronze construction for a superior blend of durability and sonic brilliance.
  • Medium-weight top and medium-heavy bottom combination provides a balanced and versatile sound.
  • Ideal for a wide range of music styles, offering both crisp articulation and a rich, deep wash.
  • Excellent response and control, whether playing tight, closed patterns or experimenting with open, sizzling effects.

Product specs

Brand Sabian
Model 14" XS20 Medium Hi-Hat Cymbals (Pair)
Finish Brilliant, Natural, Brilliant, Traditional
Year 2003 - 2015
Made In Canada
Categories Hi-Hats
Diameter 14"

FAQs

What material are Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats made from?

The Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats are crafted from B20 bronze, a high-quality alloy also used in Sabian's top-tier cymbal lines, offering a professional sound at a mid-level price point.

Are Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats are well-suited for live performances, providing a bright and versatile sound that cuts through the mix, making them ideal for various musical styles.

How do Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats compare to other mid-range hi-hats?

Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats offer a professional sound quality due to their B20 bronze construction, making them stand out in the mid-range category with a bright, crisp sound suitable for multiple genres.

What finish options are available for the Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats?

The Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats are available in both Brilliant and Traditional finishes, allowing drummers to choose based on aesthetic preference and desired sound characteristics.

Are Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats versatile for different music genres?

Yes, the Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-Hats are versatile and suitable for a range of music genres, including rock, pop, and jazz, thanks to their bright and responsive sound.

Reviews

PROS

  • Crisp articulation with an impressive choke that rivals higher-end models

  • Affordable B20 option for stage and studio use

  • Heavy bottom and lighter top allow for customizable tone

  • Lacks the gongy trashiness typical of beginner B8 hi-hats

  • Comparable sound quality to higher-end Sabian AA models

  • Provides high-pitched sound with minimal clank or boing

CONS

  • Not as complex as hand-hammered cymbals

  • Requires finding at a good price for the best value

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sabian XS20 14" medium hi-hats.

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest purchasing XS20 hi-hats used for better value, as they offer great performance for the money when obtained second-hand.

    Source
  • Full sets of XS20, including multiple crashes and a splash, are available used for a couple hundred dollars, offering substantial value for beginners.

    Source
  • For those unable to afford high-end cymbals, XS20s are a viable alternative, though not quite matching the tonal richness of premium models.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Dream Cymbals are recommended as an alternative, praised for their fantastic sound and reasonable pricing, though variability exists due to their handmade nature.

    Source
  • Mehmet Samatya cymbals are noted as a strong contender in the same price range, offering excellent value for money.

    Source
  • XS20 cymbals are B20 bronze, comparable to higher-end options, but lack the complex hammering found in pro-level models like AAX or A Customs.

    Source
  • XS20 hi-hats are compared favorably to Zildjian S, Paiste Alpha, and Meinl Classics, with some preferring the XS20's sound due to its B20 bronze composition.

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  • XS20 crashes are described as not having the complex overtones found in higher-end options like Meinl Byzance crashes.

    Source

User experience

  • XS20 hi-hats are described as reasonably bright and enjoyable to play, without the excessive thickness often found in budget cymbals.

    Source
  • Owners find XS20 hi-hats significantly better than unbranded or entry-level cymbals, making them a solid choice for intermediate players.

    Source
  • An owner mentioned the XS20 ride as lacking character, particularly in stick definition, but found it acceptable for crashing.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • XS20 hi-hats are praised for their performance, with users noting their suitability for those upgrading from entry-level cymbals like the Sabian SBR series.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • XS20 hi-hats are noted for their minimal hammering, resulting in a simpler sound profile.

    Source
  • Owners note that the XS20 hi-hats have a satisfying "chick" sound, which is appreciated in various musical contexts.

    Source

4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jshinal

Surprisingly good mid-grade hats

3.5 stars. I wanted a high pitched hi-hat set with a lot of ping and sweetness. These hats give me that without the clank or boing noises inexpensive hats often suffer. Very happy after 3 years still. The Zildjian ZHT Mastersounds were also great.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mac DeMarco uses Sabian XS20 14" medium hi-hats

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via Pinterest

In this photo, Mac DeMarco can be seen in a studio, with Sabian XS20 Hi-hats with MoonGel damper pads on them.

See how Colm Dowling uses Sabian XS20 14" medium hi-hats

Colm Dowling

...
Verified via YouTube

In all of Colm Dowlings videos, his equipment list can be found in the description. This item: Sabian Xs20 Medium Hats 14"

See how Ethan Lambert uses Sabian XS20 14" medium hi-hats

Ethan Lambert

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live acoustic performance of "Lost In The City" by Oddity Road on YouTube, Ethan Lambert can be seen using Sabian XS20 14" medium hi-hats.

See how João Almeida (Johnny Edge) uses Sabian XS20 14" medium hi-hats

João Almeida (Johnny Edge)

Drummer

...
Verified via Instagram

João Almeida (Johnny Edge) is seen using Sabian XS20 14" Medium Hi-hats in a photo shared on his Instagram, showcasing his drumming setup.

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 XS20 14" medium hi-hats, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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