12016XB vs A1655-1 — Compare
SABIAN 20" HHX Chinese Brilliant Finish vs SABIAN 16" Artisan Sym Meduim Heavy Single
The HHX Chinese is a 20" aggressive rock/metal cymbal with biting attack and dark projection, while the Artisan Sym is a smaller 16" orchestral hand cymbal with warm sustain and focused articulation. Choose the HHX for high-volume live rock; choose the Artisan for classical and chamber ensemble work.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 20" HHX Chinese Brilliant Finish | SABIAN 16" Artisan Sym Meduim Heavy Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.99 | $544.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | — | Suspended |
| Cymbal Size | 20" | 16" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 20" HHX Chinese Brilliant Finish
- ✓ Larger 20" size cuts through full drum kits in loud live settings
- ✓ Biting attack and fast response ideal for rock, metal, and funk styles
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 bronze with modern peen designs for aggressive projection
- ✓ Brilliant finish adds brightness and cuts through at all volumes
Why choose SABIAN 16" Artisan Sym Meduim Heavy Single
- ✓ Smaller 16" size designed specifically for orchestral and chamber contexts
- ✓ Longer sustain and warm, rich tone suited to sensitive ensemble playing
- ✓ Medium Heavy weight delivers focused articulation at low volumes
- ✓ Hand-crafted by master artisans using traditional high-density hammering techniques
Frequently asked questions
What's the main size difference and why does it matter?
The HHX Chinese is 20" while the Artisan Sym is 16". Larger cymbals project louder and sustain longer for ensemble settings; smaller cymbals are easier to control at lower volumes and fit orchestral hand-cymbal techniques.
Which one works for jazz or worship music?
Neither is ideal for those genres. The HHX is marketed as not ideal for jazz, folk, or worship due to its aggressive character. The Artisan Sym is optimized for orchestral and classical work, not jazz or contemporary worship styles.
Are both B20 bronze and hand-hammered?
Yes, both use SABIAN B20 bronze and hand-hammering construction. The HHX uses multiple-sized peens with modern Tone Projection design; the Artisan Sym uses traditional high-density techniques combined with modern jumbo-peen dimpling.
Which handles higher volume and dynamic range better?
The HHX Chinese is engineered to maintain its character at all volumes and cut through loud settings. The Artisan Sym is specifically designed to excel at soft to moderate dynamics in ensemble playing, making it less suitable for high-volume solo or rock contexts.