SABIAN 18" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Medium Light

SABIAN 18" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Medium Light

The SABIAN 18" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Medium Light captures immediate sensitivity and splashy character in any recording session, responding transparently across a wide dynamic range. These hand cymbals deliver the rich, warm, musically complex tone that defines the Artisan line, with a shorter sustain ideal for tight, articulate cymbal tracks in orchestral overdubs and chamber ensemble recordings. Their medium-light weight and 18" diameter make them the go-to choice for layered cymbal parts, multi-take sessions, and successive crash passages that need controlled definition in the mix.

Craftsmanship & Construction

Each pair is individually handcrafted by master SABIAN artisans using traditional high-density hand hammering combined with modern jumbo-peen dimpling on the underside. This hybrid construction technique draws from century-old cymbal design while incorporating contemporary refinements, creating instruments that balance responsiveness with the legendary tonal complexity of classic orchestral models—essential for capturing nuanced percussion textures in studio recording.

Tone & Response in the Recording Chain

The Creative Dark sonic character produces splashy sensitivity with articulate transients and controlled sustain, allowing clean cymbal articulations to cut through a mix without excessive ring or phase complications. The warm, complex overtone palette sits well across soft to loud dynamics, making these cymbals equally effective in intimate overdub work and full-band recording sessions where definition matters.

Key Features

• 18" diameter — ideal size for orchestral hand cymbal work and successive crashes
• Medium-light weight — responsive and easy to play across dynamic ranges
• Model A1856 — SABIAN's designated specification for this cymbal
• B20 Bronze — traditional bronze alloy for complex tonal character
• Creative Dark style — warm, rich sonic palette with splashy sensitivity
• Traditional high-density hand hammering — centuries-old tonal foundation
• Modern jumbo-peen dimpling on underside — contemporary response optimization
• Individually handcrafted by master artisans — consistent quality and character
• Short sustain — clean articulation without excessive ring
• Musically complex tone — depth across full frequency range
• Responsive to soft and loud dynamics — versatile repertoire capability
• One-Year Warranty — quality protected by SABIAN

The SABIAN 18" Artisan Traditional Symphonic Medium Light combines heritage hand-hammering techniques with modern precision to deliver the control and tonal sophistication that recording engineers and session percussionists demand for professional-grade cymbal tracking.