12112XNJM vs H20R — Compare
Sabian 21" HHX Fierce Ride vs Sabian 20" Hammertone Ride
The HHX Fierce Ride is a bright, aggressive 21-inch cymbal built for metal and hard rock, while the Hammertone Ride is a warmer, articulate 20-inch cymbal designed for jazz and fusion. Choose the HHX Fierce for high-energy, dense mixes; choose the Hammertone for nuanced, expressive playing.
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Specs side by side
| Sabian 21" HHX Fierce Ride | Sabian 20" Hammertone Ride | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $584.99 | $584.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Ride | Ride |
| Cymbal Size | 21" | 20" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 21" HHX Fierce Ride
- ✓ Explosive projection and crystalline clarity cut through dense, aggressive mixes
- ✓ Unlathed B20 bronze delivers brighter, more aggressive sonic signature
- ✓ Larger 21-inch diameter provides greater volume and presence for live performance
- ✓ Medium-thin weight handles punchy articulation without losing definition
Why choose Sabian 20" Hammertone Ride
- ✓ Hand-hammered construction creates warm, sophisticated tonal complexity
- ✓ Thin weight and tapered edges enable quick response and expressive dynamic control
- ✓ Balanced articulation works equally well for defined stick attacks and dynamic swells
- ✓ 20-inch diameter maintains clarity and definition in studio and fusion contexts
Frequently asked questions
Which ride is better for metal and hard rock?
The HHX Fierce Ride. Its bright, aggressive tone, explosive projection, and jumbo tone projector hammering are specifically engineered for dense mixes and high-energy performance situations. The Hammertone Ride is explicitly not ideal for these genres.
Which ride is better for jazz and fusion?
The Hammertone Ride. Its warm, sophisticated character, expressive dynamic range, and articulate response reward intentional playing and nuanced control. The HHX Fierce Ride is not ideal for jazz.
What is the main construction difference between these two?
The HHX Fierce uses an unlathed natural finish to preserve raw B20 bronze character and brightness, while the Hammertone uses hand-hammered construction with tapered edges via special lathing to create tonal complexity and controlled sustain.
How do the sizes and weights differ?
The HHX Fierce is 21 inches with medium-thin weight, providing larger volume and projection. The Hammertone is 20 inches with thin weight, offering quicker response and easier articulation in more restrained playing contexts.