A1806 vs H21R — Compare
Sabian 18" Artisan Crash vs SABIAN 21" HH HAMMERTONE RIDE
The Sabian 18" Artisan Crash is a specialized crash cymbal built for dark, complex tones in jazz, rock, and R&B, while the 21" HH Hammertone Ride is a hybrid ride-crash designed for big band and large ensemble settings where one cymbal must do double duty. Choose the Artisan if you need a dedicated crash with sophisticated harmonic content; choose the HH Ride if you want one versatile cymbal for 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 18" Artisan Crash | SABIAN 21" HH HAMMERTONE RIDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $639.99 | $644.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Crash | Ride |
| Cymbal Size | 18" | 21" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 18" Artisan Crash
- ✓ Thin weight and fast response for dynamic control and articulation
- ✓ Dark, complex harmonic sustain ideal for jazz and R&B textures
- ✓ Unlathed bell design provides cutting clarity without harshness
- ✓ Hand-hammered B20 alloy delivers warm, full-bodied tone
Why choose SABIAN 21" HH HAMMERTONE RIDE
- ✓ 21-inch size projects farther in big band and large ensemble contexts
- ✓ Hybrid ride-crash versatility eliminates need for multiple cymbals
- ✓ High-profile bow and tapered edge maintain controlled stick definition while remaining crashable
- ✓ Hand-hammered construction with medium-thin thickness balances warmth with cutting power
Frequently asked questions
Which cymbal is better for jazz?
The 18" Artisan Crash is specifically engineered for jazz with its complex harmonic sustain and dark tonal profile. The 21" HH Ride works in jazz ensemble settings but is designed primarily for big band and larger groups where one multi-purpose cymbal is preferred.
Can the HH Ride replace a dedicated crash?
Yes—the 21" HH Ride is designed to function as both ride and crash in big band and large ensemble contexts, offering crash-like versatility alongside traditional ride definition. It is not intended to fully replace a crash in smaller group settings where a dedicated crash cymbal's specialized response is valued.
What's the key difference in construction?
The Artisan features B20 alloy with an unlathed bell and thin weight for fast articulation in a 18-inch size. The HH Ride uses Hand Hammered series alloy in a larger 21-inch format with a high-profile bow and tapered edge, prioritizing projection and hybrid crashability for ensemble work.
Which is louder and more cutting?
The 21" HH Ride projects more volume and cut due to its larger size, high-profile bow, and medium-thin thickness designed for big band projection. The 18" Artisan prioritizes articulation and harmonic complexity over raw volume, suiting smaller group settings and genres like jazz, rock, and R&B.