SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended
Description
SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended Cymbal
The SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended delivers a bright, cutting attack with exceptional sustain and swell capability. This cymbal responds deliberately, allowing you to shape dynamics with precision in overdub sessions and live tracking. The re-shaped bell and enhanced profile create a focused voice that cuts through dense mixes while maintaining musical complexity in the frequency spectrum.
Tone & Sustain Character
Built from pure B20 bronze with full lathing, this cymbal produces a higher pitch than other B20 series suspendeds, paired with a slower response time that enables lengthy, dramatic swells ideal for pad texturing and atmospheric layering. The hammered construction and bright attack characteristic make it equally effective for crisp articulation in percussion tracks and sustained ambient tones for background color in arrangements.
Construction & Design
At 20 inches and approximately 1.85 lbs, this suspended cymbal balances responsiveness with substantial projection for clear tracking and room presence. The re-shaped bell and enhanced profile optimize both strike definition and resonant sustain across dynamic playing ranges, ensuring consistent capture whether you're recording soft swells or punctuated accent hits.
Key Features
- Material: Pure B20 Bronze
- Diameter: 20 inches
- Weight: Approximately 1.85 lbs
- Full lathing finish
- Hammered construction with enhanced profile
- Re-shaped bell design
- Higher pitch than standard B20 suspendeds
- Slower response time for controlled dynamics
- Capable of lengthy swells and dramatic sustain
- Bright attack characteristic
The XSR 20" Suspended excels in studio sessions demanding articulate attacks paired with extended, controlled sustain—ideal for orchestral arrangements, jazz arrangements, and contemporary music production where percussion texturing shapes the sonic landscape.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 20" |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended delivers a bright, articulate attack with exceptional sustain and swell capability, making it a natural fit for recording orchestral, jazz, and contemporary percussion sessions where you need precision control over dynamics. Its pure B20 bronze construction and enhanced profile produce higher pitch and slower response, allowing you to layer atmospheric tones and dramatic swells that sit well in a mix without losing definition. This is the cymbal to reach for when you're tracking parts that demand both crisp articulation and the ability to sustain controlled resonance across a range of playing intensities.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Orchestral
- ✓ Contemporary Percussion
Not the best pick for
- – Heavy Metal
- – Punk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?
The XSR 20" Suspended excels in jazz, orchestral, and contemporary percussion contexts. It is not recommended for heavy metal or punk styles, which typically require faster response and heavier attack characteristics.
How does the response time affect playing feel?
This cymbal has a slower response time compared to standard B20 suspendeds, allowing you to shape dynamics with precision and create lengthy, dramatic swells rather than quick decay. The hammered construction and bright attack work together to give you both crisp articulation and sustained atmospheric tones.
What makes the tone of this cymbal distinctive?
Built from pure B20 bronze with full lathing and a re-shaped bell design, the XSR 20" produces a higher pitch than other B20 suspendeds while maintaining musical complexity. The enhanced profile optimizes both strike definition and resonant sustain, delivering a focused voice that cuts through ensemble settings.
What skill level do I need to play this cymbal effectively?
This cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who can control dynamics and take advantage of its slower response time and swell capability. It rewards intentional playing and dynamic shaping rather than automatic responses.
What are the specifications and weight?
The cymbal is 20 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 1.85 lbs. It features pure B20 bronze construction, full lathing, hammered finish, and an enhanced profile with a re-shaped bell design.