AB7 vs SBR1811 — Compare
Sabian 7" Alu Bell vs Sabian 18" SBr Crash Ride
The Alu Bell is a specialized hand-cast percussion instrument for textural, sustained effects in world and contemporary music; the SBr Crash Ride is a versatile dual-purpose cymbal for rock and pop drummers needing ride and crash in one piece. Choose the Alu Bell for experimental or compositional work, and the SBr for traditional drum kit gigging.
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 7" Alu Bell | Sabian 18" SBr Crash Ride | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $128.23 | $130.81 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Effects | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 7" | 18" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose Sabian 7" Alu Bell
- ✓ Unique hand-cast character—no two units sound identical
- ✓ Exceptional sustain and soft, bright tone ideal for textural effects
- ✓ Lightweight and responsive, perfect for contemporary and world music applications
- ✓ Authentic sand-cast finish with traditional craftsmanship
Why choose Sabian 18" SBr Crash Ride
- ✓ Dual-purpose crash-ride design saves money and kit space
- ✓ Medium weight brass construction balances durability with playability
- ✓ Focused, articulate sound cuts through live rock and pop mixes
- ✓ Accessible entry point into quality cymbals for gigging drummers
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Alu Bell in a drum kit setup?
The Alu Bell is designed as a hand-struck percussion instrument for compositional and textural applications, not as a mounted drum-kit component. The SBr Crash Ride is purpose-built for drum kit integration.
Which is better for a beginner rock or pop drummer?
The SBr Crash Ride is ideal—it's specifically designed for rock and pop, offers both crash and ride functionality in one piece, and is tuned for cut-through in live mixes. The Alu Bell requires different striking technique and suits specialized compositional work.
How does the sound character differ?
The Alu Bell produces soft, bright, sustaining tones with mid-to-high pitch for accents and transitions. The SBr produces a tightly focused, articulate, full-bodied sound optimized for defined riding and explosive crashes.
Is either better for jazz or classical?
Neither is ideal for those genres. The Alu Bell suits contemporary composition and world music; the SBr is explicitly not recommended for jazz or classical work.