Sabian 21" AA Bash Ride Brilliant Finish
- The latest in a great line of SABIAN wash/crash rides
- Small bell design controls sound for use as a ride
- Performs equally well as a huge, stage-eating Crash!
- A Cymbal Vote 2013 Winner!
Out of stock
- SKU
- 221BCB
Description
Sabian 21" AA Bash Ride Brilliant Finish
The 21" AA Bash Ride captures exceptional versatility in a surprisingly lightweight package for studio tracking and live recording. Its thin construction and small-bell design give you surgical control for ride articulation and definition in dense mixes, yet it opens up dramatically for crash applications with a huge, cutting sound that translates powerfully to tape and digital capture. This cymbal performs with equal authority in both roles, making it an intelligent choice for producers and engineers who demand both precision ride character and explosive crash capability from a single instrument.
Design & Build Quality
Constructed from B20 alloy, this cymbal embodies Sabian's proven metallurgical standards for clarity and projection in recording environments. The small-bell design is the key to this model's dual personality—it constrains wash and sustain when you need surgical control for close-miking and layering in the mix, yet allows the thin weight classification to flex freely for explosive crash takes without sacrificing the articulation that captures clean transients and sits well in post-production.
Tone & Character
The Brilliant finish amplifies brightness and cut, projecting a shimmering, crisp response that translates clearly through condenser mics and sits naturally in dense, multi-tracked arrangements. As a member of Sabian's wash-ride lineage and a Cymbal Vote 2013 Winner, this model has earned recognition for balancing washy, musical sustain with the attack and definition demanded by modern recording sessions and production workflows.
Key Features
- Diameter: 21 inches
- Material: B20 alloy
- Weight classification: Thin
- Design: Small bell
- Finish: Brilliant (bright tone, shiny appearance)
- Application: Wash ride / crash ride hybrid
- Sound character: Controls wash as a ride; opens for huge crash sound
- Cymbal Vote 2013 Winner
- Part of Sabian's wash-ride cymbal line
- Available in 24" size for larger configurations
The Sabian 21" AA Bash Ride Brilliant consolidates two distinct cymbal functions into one intelligent, lightweight instrument that records with finesse in the pocket and crashes with power when the mix demands it.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 21" |
| Cymbal Type | Ride |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 21" AA Bash Ride captures a bright, cutting attack and shimmering sustain that sits perfectly in dense mixes, functioning as both a detailed ride cymbal and a full crash when you need it. Its thin, lightweight construction and small-bell design give you surgical control for tracking ride parts while remaining flexible enough to open up for dramatic crash moments in overdubs or layering. Ideal for producers and engineers recording rock and metal who want a single 21" cymbal that covers both textural and dynamic cymbal roles without taking up extra mic space or mixing headroom.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Rock
- ✓ Hard Rock
- ✓ Metal
- ✓ Live Performance
Not the best pick for
- – Jazz
- – Folk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this cymbal really do both ride and crash duty, or do I need separate cymbals?
Yes—the 21" AA Bash Ride is designed as a dual-personality wash-ride/crash hybrid. Its small-bell design constrains wash and sustain when you play it as a traditional ride, but the thin weight lets it flex freely for explosive crash sounds. It was a Cymbal Vote 2013 winner specifically for this balanced approach.
How does the small-bell design affect the tone?
The small bell is the key to control: it constrains wash and sustain so the cymbal sits tight and defined when ridden, while still allowing the thin weight to produce a huge, articulate crash when played hard. This design prevents muddy buildup in dense mixes.
Will this cymbal cut through in a loud band mix?
Yes. The Brilliant finish, B20 alloy, and 21" diameter all contribute shimmering brightness and projection designed to cut through modern, dense stage mixes. It's built for rock, metal, and hard rock live performance.
What's the difference between the Brilliant and other AA finishes?
The Brilliant finish amplifies brightness and cut with a shiny appearance, projecting a crisp, shimmering response. Other AA finishes offer different tonal coloration, but Brilliant is optimized for maximum clarity and projection in loud environments.
Is this cymbal appropriate for jazz or folk playing?
No. The 21" AA Bash Ride is voiced for rock, hard rock, and metal, with a bright, cutting tone and explosive wash character. Jazz and folk players typically prefer darker, warmer, and more nuanced cymbal profiles.
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