What's the difference between this and a traditional China cymbal?

The Hammertone has a heavier construction, flatter lip profile, and lined bell design that make it function more like a hybrid China-ride—delivering articulate definition and controlled attack rather than loose, washy trash. Its partially lathed surface retains some bark texture for a darker, more nuanced tone compared to polished Chinas.

Is this cymbal suitable for jazz and small group playing?

Yes. It was designed in collaboration with jazz veteran Jeff Hamilton specifically for ensemble settings where you need a cymbal that cuts through without excessive wash, making it equally effective for supporting ride figures and dynamic comping.

How does the 22-inch size and 2035-gram weight affect playability?

The heavier weight and 22-inch diameter give it a more focused, articulate response under moderate to firm strikes, with warm spread and complex overtones. This makes it responsive and predictable in a band setting rather than loose or uncontrolled.

What genres is this cymbal best suited for?

It excels in jazz, studio sessions, and live performance contexts. It is not recommended for metal or punk styles, where looser, louder wash and crash characteristics are typically preferred.

Can this cymbal work as both a ride and effect cymbal?

Yes. Its design strikes a balance between the two—it functions as a China ride with controlled attack and warm spread while delivering enough trash and overtone character to add textural complexity to comping and dynamic playing.

SABIAN 22" Hammertone Chinese

This 22" Hammertone Chinese delivers a distinctive blend of controlled attack and warm spread that sits between a traditional effects China and a ride cymbal. Designed in collaboration with jazz veteran Jeff Hamilton, the cymbal's heftier construction and flatter lip profile produce a complex, musical response with enough trash and overtone character to cut through ensemble playing without excessive wash.

Design & Construction

The lined bell and flatter lip profile depart from conventional Chinese cymbal geometry, creating a more focused articulation. The partially lathed surface—intentionally retaining some "bark" texture rather than polishing to a mirror finish—contributes to the cymbal's darker, more nuanced tonal palette and reinforces its suitability as a China ride rather than a pure effect cymbal.

Tone & Performance Character

The heavier construction than typical China cymbals yields a cymbal that responds predictably under moderate to firm strikes, delivering warm spread paired with articulate definition. This balance makes it equally effective for supporting ride figures as for adding textural trash and complexity to comping and dynamic playing.

Key Features

22-inch diameter
2035 grams weight (standard production model)
Lined bell design
Partially lathed surface finish with retained bark texture
Flatter lip profile than traditional Chinese cymbals
Heavier than typical China cymbals
Designed in collaboration with jazz artist Jeff Hamilton
Functions as China ride with controlled attack and warm spread
Delivers tasty level of trash and overtone character
SABIAN 2-year warranty protection

This Hammertone Chinese represents the result of meticulous craftmanship and multiple factory collaborations with Jeff Hamilton, offering an uncompromising cymbal for producers and engineers who demand both musical complexity and reliable articulation in the studio.

Condition	New
Cymbal Size	22"
Cymbal Type	Effects
Country of Manufacture	Canada