What skill level is this crash cymbal suited for?

This crash is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. The thin construction and quick response reward controlled technique, making it less forgiving for beginners but ideal for players who need cutting projection and precision in high-volume settings.

What genres and playing styles work best with this crash?

This crash excels in live performance, high-volume rock, metal, and hard rock where cutting clarity and strong projection are essential. It is not well-suited for jazz, soft dynamics, or ambient studio recording, where smoother, more sustained crashes are typically preferred.

What is the raw bell design and why does it matter?

The raw bell is an unlathed, textured surface on the bell (center) of the cymbal that produces a bright, cutting attack with quick decay. This design enhances projection and musicality, allowing the crash to cut through dense mixes in loud live environments without sacrificing tonal character.

What alloy is this cymbal made from, and why is B20 important?

This crash is made from B20 bronze, which is 80% copper, 20% tin, and traces of silver—the traditional professional-grade alloy. B20 provides superior tonal depth and durability, which is why it is preferred by professional drummers for demanding live and studio work.

How does the weight and thin construction affect playability?

At approximately 1358 grams (ranging 1358g–1465g), the thin construction is responsive and easy to move, giving you quick, even response without excess mass. This design is ideal for drummers who need fast articulation and control in high-volume performance contexts.

Sabian 18" AA Raw Bell Crash

This 18" AA Raw Bell Crash cuts through dense mixes with a bright, articulate attack and quick decay—ideal for recording sessions where cymbal definition matters. The raw bell design produces an incredibly musical crash character that maintains clarity without sacrificing warmth, making it equally effective on close-miked overhead arrays or blended into the mix. Built on proven AA series engineering, this cymbal delivers intensity with the tonal sophistication required in studio and production work.

Tone & Response in the Mix

The raw bell design and thin construction work together to produce a bright, cutting attack with quick decay—essential for cymbal tracks that sit clearly in dense arrangements. AA series cymbals are recognized for their strong, cutting voice, and this crash maintains that signature character while delivering musical complexity that translates well across multiple recording techniques and mix environments.

Materials & Construction

Crafted from B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin with traces of silver), this cymbal uses the traditional alloy preferred by professional drummers for tonal depth and durability. The thin construction weight of approximately 1358 grams (with unit-to-unit variation between 1358g–1465g) provides responsive playability without excess mass, allowing for nuanced control during takes.

Key Features

18" diameter crash cymbal
Raw bell design for bright, cutting attack
Thin construction for quick response
B20 bronze alloy (80% copper, 20% tin, traces of silver)
Weight: approximately 1358 grams (range: 1358g–1465g)
AA series — strong, cutting and intense voice
Designed for high-volume performance applications
Two-year warranty against manufacturing flaws

This crash combines the proven intensity of the AA series with responsive thin construction, making it a solid choice for producers and engineers tracking drums in studios where cutting clarity and articulate tone are essential to the final mix.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	18"
Cymbal Type	Crash
Country of Manufacture	Canada