12172XB vs A1756-1 — Compare

SABIAN 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride Brilliant Finish vs SABIAN 17" Artisan Traditional Sym Medium Light Single

The HHX Raw Bell is a heavy, dry ride built for cutting through rock and metal, while the Artisan Traditional is a lighter, warmer 17" cymbal suited for jazz and classical. Choose the HHX for genre-specific ride work in high-energy settings; choose the Artisan for versatile, nuanced playing across softer styles.

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SABIAN 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride Brilliant Finish

$584.99
View SABIAN 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride Brilliant Finish

SABIAN 17" Artisan Traditional Sym Medium Light Single

$594.99
View SABIAN 17" Artisan Traditional Sym Medium Light Single

Specs side by side

SABIAN 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride Brilliant FinishSABIAN 17" Artisan Traditional Sym Medium Light Single
Price$584.99$594.99
BrandSabianSabian
Cymbal TypeRideSuspended
Cymbal Size21"17"
ConditionNewNew

Why choose SABIAN 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride Brilliant Finish

  • 21" size provides full-bodied ride coverage with substantial projection
  • Dry, focused character cuts through dense arrangements without wash
  • Medium-heavy weight delivers consistent feel and responsiveness across strike zones
  • Purpose-built for rock, metal, and fusion contexts

Why choose SABIAN 17" Artisan Traditional Sym Medium Light Single

  • 17" size offers crash/ride versatility between pure ride and crash applications
  • Dark, warm tone with refined overtones suits jazz, classical, and contemporary music
  • Medium-light weight enables quick articulation with responsive dynamics
  • Natural finish B20 bronze delivers traditional warmth and organic musicality
Bottom line: Buy the HHX Raw Bell if you play rock or metal and need a dedicated ride that stays crisp and defined in loud, layered arrangements. Choose the Artisan Traditional if you work in jazz, classical, or styles requiring sophistication and tonal warmth, or if you want a smaller cymbal with crash/ride flexibility.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better for jazz?

The Artisan Traditional is purpose-designed for jazz with its dark, warm character and controlled sustain. The HHX Raw Bell's dry, cutting character is specifically voiced against jazz applications.

What's the main size and weight difference?

The HHX is 21" and medium-heavy, delivering full ride coverage and projection. The Artisan Traditional is 17" and medium-light, positioning it as a crash/ride hybrid with quicker response and less mass.

Can either work as both ride and crash?

The Artisan Traditional's 17" size and medium-light weight make it viable for both crash and ride duties. The HHX at 21" and medium-heavy is purpose-built as a dedicated ride and not designed for crash work.

Which cymbal is more versatile across different playing styles?

The Artisan Traditional offers more versatility across genres and applications due to its intermediate size and lighter weight. The HHX is highly specialized for rock, metal, and fusion and best paired with a dedicated crash cymbal.

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