What are the three distinct playing zones on this ride?

The inner and middle sections deliver dry, controlled tones ideal for crisp definition and comping, while the edge produces deep, washy overtones for wash and coloration. Each zone was designed to reveal different sonic character within a single instrument.

Is this ride suitable for styles outside jazz and fusion?

The HHX 3-Point Ride is optimized for jazz, fusion, and progressive music. Its dark, smokey tone and musical aggression are not designed for pop or country contexts where brighter, more traditional ride voices are typically preferred.

What is the weight range for this cymbal?

This 21-inch ride weighs between 1916g and 2520g, with a median weight of 2492g. Weight variation is natural in hand-hammered cymbals and contributes to the unique voice of each individual cymbal.

How does the hand-hammering construction affect the tone?

The large-peen hand-hammering process, combined with lathed inner and outer rings and a raw, unlathed centre ring, creates the complex, modern-dark finish that distinguishes this cymbal. The B20 bronze alloy (copper, tin, and silver) contributes to the simmering heat and musical dirt characteristic of the HHX series.

How does this compare to other 21-inch rides like the Zildjian K or Paiste 2002?

While the Zildjian K 21", Paiste 2002 21", and Istanbul Mehmet Traditional 21" are all respected rides, the HHX 3-Point Ride stands apart with its innovative three-zone design and modern-dark character developed with Jack DeJohnette. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize the HHX's unconventional voice and Tone Projection design over the sonic profiles of those alternatives.

Sabian 21" HHX 3-Point Ride

The 21" HHX 3-Point Ride delivers a dark, smokey tone with remarkable projection across three distinct playing surfaces, each revealing different sonic character. Developed in collaboration with jazz legend Jack DeJohnette, this cymbal combines simmering heat and musical aggression in a single instrument. The hand-hammered construction and innovative design make it a powerful choice for producers and engineers tracking drums in sessions where unconventional voice and clarity in darker contexts drive the mix forward.

Tone & Projection in the Mix

This ride excels at generating darkness with genuine musicality—the three distinct playing zones produce dry, controlled tones in the inner and middle sections, while the edge yields deep, washy overtones. The Tone Projection design ensures the dark character cuts through the mix with authority, delivering the simmering heat and musical dirt that defines the HHX series and sits decisively in dense arrangements.

Construction & Design

Crafted from B20 bronze alloy (copper, tin, and silver) with hand-guided large-peen hammering, the cymbal features lathed inner and outer rings paired with a raw, unlathed centre ring. This meticulous hand-hammering process creates the complex, modern-dark finish that distinguishes HHX cymbals from conventional designs, translating to distinctive character on every recording.

Key Features

21-inch diameter size
Weight range: 1916g to 2520g (median 2492g)
B20 bronze alloy construction (copper, tin, and silver)
Hand-hammered with large-peen finishing
Lathed inner and outer rings
Raw, unlathed centre ring
Three distinct playing zones with varying tones
Dark, smokey fundamental tone
Innovative Tone Projection design
Developed in collaboration with Jack DeJohnette
Sabian Two-Year Warranty included
Natural finish option available

The HHX 3-Point Ride stands out as a versatile ride cymbal that refuses to blend in, projecting darkness and definition where conventional cymbals fall short—essential for sessions demanding sonic personality and mix separation.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	21"
Cymbal Type	Ride
Country of Manufacture	Canada