SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended
Description
SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended Cymbal
The SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended captures quick response and exceptional sensitivity across dynamic levels, translating soft playing and full volume equally well to recordings. Hand-hammered from B20 bronze using high-density techniques refined over centuries, this cymbal produces a characteristically dark tone while maintaining a wide harmonic palette. The extended sustain of a suspended design combined with crash-cymbal versatility makes this an economical, musically sophisticated choice for home studios, project work, and session tracking.
Tone & Studio Character
The dark sound character is complemented by a rich blend of low, mid, and high partials, delivering focused projection without sacrificing musicality in the mix. Quick response and extended sustain allow the cymbal to cut clearly in recordings while remaining responsive to nuanced stick articulation—essential for capturing detail across multiple takes and production styles.
Construction & Craftsmanship
Each cymbal is individually hand-crafted using high-density hammering techniques that define SABIAN's Artisan series. The medium bell size and thin weight contribute to the fast attack and harmonic complexity that track and mix predictably across genres.
Key Features
- 18" diameter
- B20 bronze alloy
- Thin weight
- Natural finish
- Medium bell size
- Dark sound character
- Individually hand-crafted
- High-density hand hammering
- Quick response with extended sustain
- Sensitive at soft dynamics, powerful at loud volumes
- Versatile as suspended cymbal or crash cymbal
- 2-Year SABIAN Warranty
The SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended combines heritage craftsmanship with genuine session versatility—a dark, projecting cymbal that captures both delicate and forceful playing with studio-ready character.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 18" |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended brings a dark, projecting character and wide harmonic palette to studio recording and post-production work, responding faithfully to both delicate and forceful stick articulation. Hand-crafted using high-density hammering techniques, it sustains beautifully in the mix while remaining sensitive enough to capture nuanced dynamics across jazz, classical, and orchestral sessions. Its versatility as a suspended or crash sound gives recording engineers and producers a single instrument that handles multiple roles in the same session.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Orchestral Performance
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Classical Ensembles
- ✓ Studio Recording
Not the best pick for
- – Heavy Metal
- – Hard Rock
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended and comparable suspended cymbals like the Zildjian K Custom Hybrid or Paiste 2002?
The Artisan Suspended emphasizes a darker tone character with rich low, mid, and high partials and quick response, making it especially suited to orchestral and jazz ensembles. While all three share the versatility of suspended and crash applications, the Artisan's hand-hammered construction and high-density technique create a distinctly dark, projecting sound that balances musicality with projection in ensemble settings.
Can this cymbal work as both a suspended cymbal and a crash?
Yes. The 18" Artisan Suspended is designed with crash-cymbal versatility, so you can use it as a traditional suspended cymbal or play it with a crash stroke depending on your musical needs.
Is this cymbal suitable for heavy metal or hard rock?
No. The SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended is optimized for orchestral, jazz, classical, and studio recording applications. Its dark character, sensitivity to dynamics, and refined sustain make it better suited to ensemble and acoustic contexts rather than high-impact rock genres.
What skill level do I need to play this cymbal well?
This cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its sensitivity to dynamics and quick response reward refined stick technique and articulation, making it less forgiving for beginners but highly expressive for accomplished musicians.
What comes with this cymbal?
The SABIAN 18" Artisan Suspended includes a 2-Year SABIAN Warranty and is individually hand-crafted from B20 bronze with a natural finish.