SABIAN 17" HHX Suspended
Description
SABIAN 17" HHX Suspended Cymbal
The SABIAN 17" HHX Suspended delivers a focused, articulate response with a bright yet controlled character that cuts through dense mixes without overwhelming other elements. Hand-hammered construction provides organic texture and responsive stick definition, making this cymbal a reliable choice for tracking drums and capturing articulate cymbal performances. The suspended configuration allows for clean articulation and minimal wash, ideal for recording sessions where definition and control are priorities.
Construction & Materials
Built from B20 bronze with a hand-hammered design, this cymbal features raw hammered bell detailing that contributes to its articulate character. The combination of HH and HHX hammering techniques creates a balanced tonal response with excellent stick definition and quick decay characteristics suited to session recording and precision microphone capture.
Tonal Character & Performance
The thin bow with extra hammering on the bell produces a bright, cutting attack with controlled sustain—ideal for recording applications requiring clarity and definition without excessive ring. A medium-sized hand-hammered raw bell adds definition to the strike while maintaining musical pitch, delivering articulation that records cleanly and translates well through mixing without dominating the frequency spectrum.
Key Features
- 17-inch diameter
- B20 bronze construction
- Hand-hammered design throughout
- Combination HH and HHX hammering pattern
- Thin bow profile
- Raw hammered bell
- Medium-sized bell
- Extra hammering on bell for enhanced articulation
- Suspended cymbal configuration
- Quick decay and controlled sustain
This SABIAN 17" HHX Suspended combines precision engineering with traditional hand-hammering to deliver focused articulation and balanced tone ideal for studio recording, mixing clarity, and session versatility.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 17" |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 17" HHX Suspended is a studio-grade, hand-hammered B20 cymbal engineered for focused articulation and controlled sustain—ideal for recording jazz, progressive, and session work where cymbal definition matters. Its thin bow and raw hammered bell produce a cutting attack with minimal wash, allowing the cymbal to sit naturally in a mix without masking other instruments. It's the choice for engineers and producers tracking musicians who need clarity and stick definition in every take.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
- ✓ Progressive
Not the best pick for
- – Heavy Metal
- – Punk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the HHX Suspended different from a regular crash cymbal?
The suspended configuration and extra hammering on the bell create minimal wash and quick decay, delivering articulate stick definition instead of a sustained crash sound. This design excels in styles like jazz and progressive music where you need each note to cut through clearly without excessive ring.
Is this cymbal suitable for studio recording?
Yes—the bright, controlled character and quick decay make it ideal for studio sessions where definition and mix clarity are priorities. Its focused articulation sits well alongside other instruments without dominating the soundscape.
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?
It excels in jazz, progressive music, and studio sessions where articulation and control matter most. It is not recommended for heavy metal or punk, where a wider wash and longer sustain are typically preferred.
What is the hand-hammered construction and why does it matter?
Hand-hammering creates organic texture and responsiveness in the bronze, delivering stick definition and musical pitch with every strike. The combination HH and HHX hammering techniques, plus extra hammering on the bell, contribute to the cymbal's balanced, articulate character.
How does the 17-inch size compare to other suspended cymbals?
At 17 inches, this cymbal sits in the mid-range for suspended models, offering enough surface area for projection while maintaining focused articulation. The thin bow and controlled sustain make it versatile for both live and studio use without requiring extra techniques to manage excessive wash.
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