12016XB vs 120XACN — Compare
SABIAN 20" HHX Chinese Brilliant Finish vs 20" HHX COMPLEX AERO CRASH
The HHX Chinese is a specialized, aggressive china cymbal for rock and metal that cuts through with raw bite; the HHX Complex Aero is a versatile crash cymbal suited to jazz, progressive, and studio work with articulate attack and complex tone. Choose the Chinese if you need a dedicated china for hard rock or metal, and the Aero Crash if you want a primary crash that balances clarity with dark sophistication.
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Specs side by side
| SABIAN 20" HHX Chinese Brilliant Finish | 20" HHX COMPLEX AERO CRASH | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.99 | $559.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | — | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 20" | 20" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 20" HHX Chinese Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Specialized china cymbal with fiery biting attack and aggressive projection for rock and metal
- ✓ Hand-hammered construction with dark, simmering tone that cuts through at all volumes
- ✓ Medium-thin weight and fast, funky response ideal for live performance in high-energy genres
Why choose 20" HHX COMPLEX AERO CRASH
- ✓ Versatile crash cymbal that works in jazz, progressive, and studio settings as well as live
- ✓ Aero hole design brightens highs while HHX Complex hammering preserves rich lows and darkness
- ✓ Quite thin, loose profile enables fast decay and responsive feel in controlled and energetic contexts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the HHX Chinese in jazz or worship settings?
No—the HHX Chinese is explicitly not ideal for jazz or worship. Its biting, dark, aggressive character is engineered for rock, metal, funk, and hard rock where cutting projection and musical dirt are desired, not the subtlety and warmth those genres typically require.
Is the HHX Complex Aero Crash good for metal or punk?
Not ideally. The HHX Complex Aero is designed for jazz, progressive, and studio work. While it cuts through live, its responsive decay and sophisticated darkness make it better suited to genres valuing articulation and complexity than the raw aggression punk and thrash metal demand.
What's the key construction difference between these cymbals?
The HHX Chinese is a hand-hammered china with a slightly thicker, unlathed bell and large flanged lip designed for fast, funky attack. The HHX Complex Aero is a quite thin crash with a hammered bell and Aero holes that boost highs while preserving HHX Complex's dark lows, prioritizing balanced articulation over pure aggression.
Which cymbal suits studio recording better?
The HHX Complex Aero Crash is explicitly designed for studio sessions and works equally well in controlled recording as live. The HHX Chinese, while functional in studios, is optimized for live performance and genres where aggressive projection and cutting through a loud mix is the priority.