A1623 vs A1656/1 — Compare
SABIAN 16" Artisan Suspended vs SABIAN 16" Artisan Sym Medium Light Single
The Artisan Suspended is a dark, sustained cymbal built for orchestral and ensemble nuance, while the Artisan Sym Medium Light is a warm, splashy crash designed for jazz and fusion with quick decay. Choose the Suspended for classical/concert settings requiring extended sustain and tonal complexity; choose the Sym Medium Light for jazz, fusion, and studio work where responsiveness and shorter decay matter more.
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 16" Artisan Suspended | SABIAN 16" Artisan Sym Medium Light Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $544.99 | $544.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended | Suspended |
| Cymbal Size | 16" | 16" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 16" Artisan Suspended
- ✓ Extended sustain for controlled musical phrasing in ensemble contexts
- ✓ Dark fundamental tone with wide partials cuts through without excessive volume
- ✓ Functions as both suspended voice and crash alternative in classical settings
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 bronze by SABIAN Vault Master Artisans
Why choose SABIAN 16" Artisan Sym Medium Light Single
- ✓ Shorter sustain and splashy character ideal for jazz and fusion articulation
- ✓ Medium Light weight makes it accessible across varying player strengths
- ✓ Warm tone with complex harmonics responds naturally across dynamic range
- ✓ Includes straps and cymbal protector for transport and storage
Frequently asked questions
What's the main tonal difference between these two 16-inch cymbals?
The Artisan Suspended has a dark fundamental with extended sustain and refined projection for orchestral settings, while the Artisan Sym Medium Light is warm and splashy with short sustain, designed for jazz and fusion articulation. The Suspended prioritizes tonal complexity and control; the Sym prioritizes responsiveness and quick decay.
Which is better for a beginner or intermediate player?
The Artisan Sym Medium Light explicitly supports beginner through professional skill levels and its Medium Light weight is more forgiving for players of varying strength. The Artisan Suspended is listed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players and demands more nuanced playing technique.
Can either of these work in rock or metal?
Neither is ideal for hard rock or metal. The Artisan Suspended is explicitly not ideal for those genres, and the Artisan Sym Medium Light is also listed as not ideal for extreme metal and hard rock due to their orchestral and jazz-focused sonic character.
What construction method do both use?
Both are hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbals crafted by SABIAN artisans. The Suspended uses high-density hand-hammering; the Sym Medium Light combines traditional high-density hand hammering with modern jumbo-peen dimpling on the underside for complex harmonic layers.