SABIAN 20" HHX Thin Crash
Description
SABIAN 20" HHX Thin Crash
The 20" HHX Thin Crash excels in recording sessions and live tracking, offering exceptional speed and articulation with a fast attack that cuts through dense mixes without muddying your overhead or room mic placement. Its thinner profile and smaller bell design produce a darker, more focused tone than traditional thin crashes, making it a natural fit for jazz overdubs, contemporary worship recordings, or studio drum tracking. This cymbal balances quick decay with shimmering sustain, translating beautifully to both intimate close-mic work and full-kit capture.
Design & Construction
The cymbal employs a two-stage hammering process: initial sparse hammering followed by lathing, then denser HHX hammering applied over the top. This layered technique creates a complex, warm tonal foundation while maintaining the responsiveness essential for precise punch-in tracking and overdub sessions. The smaller raw bell design is the cornerstone of the faster attack and lighter overall weight compared to standard thin crash designs, translating to cleaner separation in multitrack recording.
Tone & Character
Rich and dark sustain defines this cymbal's voice in the mix, with a shimmering quality that sits clearly in ensemble recordings without harshness or phase issues when layered with other cymbals. The combination of construction methods and thinner profile yields a crash that adapts across multiple session contexts, embodying the versatility the HHX line is known for and making it equally valuable in jazz, rock, worship, and electronic-hybrid production.
Key Features
- Size: 20" crash cymbal
- Material: B20 bronze alloy
- Profile: Thinner than standard crashes
- Smaller raw bell design for faster attack
- Sparse hammering followed by lathing, then dense HHX hammering
- Lighter weight than typical thin crashes
- Dark, warm tonal character with shimmering sustain
- Rapid decay suitable for cutting through dense arrangements
- Versatile across jazz, rock, worship, and studio applications
- SABIAN two-year warranty
The HHX 20" Thin Crash delivers the speed and tonal sophistication required by recording engineers and session drummers who demand both responsiveness and character without compromise.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 20" |
| Cymbal Type | Crash |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 20" HHX Thin Crash is a studio-friendly cymbal with a fast, articulate attack and dark, shimmering sustain that sits cleanly in dense mixes without muddying the low end. Its two-stage hammering and smaller raw bell yield a quick decay that makes overdubs tight and leaves room for other instruments, making it versatile for jazz, worship, and contemporary sessions where tonal sophistication matters. Choose it for recording work where you need a crash that's equally at home on delicate touch passages and punchy hits without requiring heavy post-production EQ.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Worship
- ✓ Studio Sessions
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Metal
- – Thrash Metal
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this crash different from a standard thin crash?
The smaller raw bell design and two-stage hammering process (sparse hammering plus lathing, then denser HHX hammering) create a faster attack and lighter overall weight while delivering a darker, more focused tone than traditional thin crashes. This combination makes it responsive without sacrificing warmth or projection.
Is this cymbal suitable for metal or aggressive styles?
No, this crash is not voiced for metal or thrash metal. It excels in jazz, worship, contemporary music, and studio settings where articulation, quick decay, and tonal warmth are priorities. Its fast, focused character works best in genres where clarity and sustain control matter.
What skill level do I need to play this cymbal well?
This cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional drummers. Its responsiveness rewards controlled technique and touch work, so it's best suited for players who can exploit its fast attack and articulate character across different dynamics.
How does the 20" size compare to other crash sizes?
The 20" size is a versatile mid-range crash—larger than 16" or 17" crashes but smaller than 22" crashes. At 20", this HHX Thin Crash delivers focused projection and quick decay suitable for cutting through ensembles and studio mixes without the sustain length of a larger crash.
What warranty comes with this cymbal?
SABIAN includes a two-year warranty with the HHX 20" Thin Crash.