SABIAN 16" Artisan Suspended
Description
SABIAN 16" Artisan Suspended Cymbal
The SABIAN 16" Artisan Suspended captures quick, responsive articulation with a characteristically dark tone that cuts through a mix without excessive volume. Hand-hammered by SABIAN Vault Master Artisans using pure B20 bronze, this cymbal excels in studio tracking and orchestral recording sessions where nuanced dynamics and tonal depth define the final production. The extended sustain inherent to suspended cymbals makes this model versatile enough to function as both a dedicated suspended texture and an effective crash alternative, adapting to session arrangements on the fly.
Construction & Craftsmanship
Forged from pure SABIAN B20 bronze and shaped through high-density hand-hammering, this cymbal benefits from centuries-old artisanal techniques applied by SABIAN's Master Artisans. The intensive hammering process creates the structural rigidity necessary for quick transient response while preserving the tonal complexity that distinguishes professional-grade suspended cymbals—assets that translate directly to superior recording clarity and mix definition.
Tone & Sonic Character
Despite its dark fundamental character, the 16" Artisan Suspended produces an exceptionally wide range of low, mid, and high partials with enhanced projection—ensuring clarity in multitrack contexts and layered arrangements without requiring aggressive striking. The longer sustain typical of suspended cymbals allows for controlled decay and musical phrasing, making it ideal for productions demanding sophistication and harmonic depth over sheer volume.
Key Features
- 16-inch diameter size
- Pure SABIAN B20 bronze construction
- Hand-hammered by SABIAN Vault Master Artisans
- High-density hammering design for quick response
- Dark tone characteristic with wide range of partials
- Enhanced projection for ensemble clarity
- Extended sustain typical of suspended cymbals
- Versatile for use as both suspended and crash voice
- Suitable for band and orchestral compositions
- Award-winning design trusted by professional and collegiate ensembles
- SABIAN Two-Year Warranty included
The SABIAN 16" Artisan Suspended combines refined craftsmanship with sonic versatility, making it a reliable and musically mature choice for producers and session percussionists looking to capture professional results in the studio.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 16" |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 16" Artisan Suspended is a pure B20 bronze suspended cymbal engineered for recording and session work where tonal depth and control matter more than raw volume. Hand-hammered with high-density technique, it delivers a dark fundamental with rich mid and high partials that sit well in a mix and respond to nuanced dynamics. Pick this for studio and post-production sessions requiring extended sustain, musical phrasing, and the tonal complexity that distinguishes professional-grade suspended cymbals.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Orchestra
- ✓ Concert Band
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Worship
Not the best pick for
- – Hard Rock
- – Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level is this cymbal designed for?
The Artisan Suspended is built for intermediate, advanced, and professional percussionists who value articulate response and tonal sophistication. Its hand-hammered B20 construction and refined character suit serious ensemble players, recording musicians, and collegiate/professional contexts.
What genres and settings work best with this cymbal?
This cymbal excels in orchestra, concert band, studio sessions, and worship settings where controlled dynamics and dark, complex tones are valued. It is not recommended for hard rock or metal, where brighter, louder cymbals are typically preferred.
How does the Artisan Suspended compare to other 16" suspended cymbals?
The Artisan competes with models like the Zildjian K Custom 16" Suspended, Paiste Masters 16" Suspended, and Meinl Byzance 16" Suspended. It distinguishes itself through SABIAN's hand-hammering by Vault Master Artisans, a dark fundamental with wide partials, and refined projection designed for ensemble clarity without excessive volume.
Can this cymbal do double duty as both a suspended and crash voice?
Yes. The extended sustain and responsive articulation make it versatile enough to function as both a dedicated suspended cymbal and an effective crash alternative, giving you flexibility in composition and arrangement.
What construction process gives this cymbal its tone?
The cymbal is forged from pure SABIAN B20 bronze and shaped through high-density hand-hammering by SABIAN Vault Master Artisans. This intensive artisanal process creates structural rigidity for quick response while preserving the tonal complexity, dark fundamental, and wide range of partials that define the Artisan's character.
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