SABIAN 22" Hammertone Ride
Description
SABIAN 22" Hammertone Ride Cymbal
The 22" Hammertone Ride delivers a high-profile, exaggerated bow curvature achieved through extensive hand hammering, resulting in a cymbal that responds with precision and musicality under the stick. Developed in close collaboration with acclaimed jazz drummer Jeff Hamilton, this ride balances the primary function of a ride cymbal with genuine crash capabilities—eliminating the need for a separate crash in a standard setup. The tapered edges provide controlled stick definition on ride patterns while offering warm, controlled spread when crashed.
Design & Craftsmanship
Hand hammering creates the distinctive profile and tonal characteristics essential to this cymbal's performance in the studio and live booth. A specialized lathing technique shapes the tapered edges, which control both the attack on ride patterns and the spread during crash strokes, making this a true dual-purpose instrument rather than a compromise between two roles. This focused engineering translates directly to cleaner recordings and easier mixing of drum tracks.
Tone & Performance
The high profile and pronounced bow curvature deliver a focused, musical ride sound with articulate stick definition that cuts through dense mixes and captures clearly on close-miked drum recordings. Crashed, the cymbal produces a warm, controlled wash that sits naturally in the stereo field and blends with kick and snare without masking other instruments—ideal for layered production and session work across jazz, contemporary, and genre-flexible arrangements.
Key Features
- 22-inch diameter
- Ride cymbal classification with crash-capable properties
- Hand-hammered construction
- High profile with exaggerated bow curvature
- Tapered edges for controlled stick attack
- Specialized lathing technique for consistent tonal response
- Designed in collaboration with drummer Jeff Hamilton
- Delivers warm spread when used as a crash cymbal
- SABIAN 2-year manufacturer warranty included
The SABIAN 22" Hammertone Ride represents meticulous cymbal craftsmanship, combining the focused articulation of a dedicated ride with the versatility to handle crash duties—a single-cymbal solution that records distinctly and mixes efficiently in professional and project studio settings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 22" |
| Cymbal Type | Ride |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 22" Hammertone Ride brings focused, articulate ride definition and warm crash capabilities into the recording environment, making it ideal for jazz, contemporary, and small-ensemble sessions where one quality cymbal can cover both roles. Its hand-hammered profile and specialized lathing ensure consistent, musical response that sits cleanly in a mix without overwhelming other instruments. This cymbal is built for producers and engineers tracking live drums who want tonal sophistication and versatility in a single voice.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Small ensemble
- ✓ Studio Sessions
Not the best pick for
- – Hard Rock
- – Metal
- – High-volume live venues
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cymbal suitable for a beginner drummer?
No; this is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players. Its articulate response and nuanced tonal characteristics reward experienced technique and are best appreciated by drummers with developed stick control.
Can this ride cymbal replace a crash in a standard drum kit?
Yes. The 22" Hammertone Ride was designed specifically to handle both ride patterns and crash duties, with tapered edges that control stick attack on ride grooves while delivering warm, controlled spread when crashed. This eliminates the need for a separate crash in jazz and small-ensemble contexts.
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?
This cymbal excels in jazz, small-ensemble, and studio-session settings. It is not recommended for hard rock, metal, or high-volume live venues where its warm, controlled character would be overwhelmed.
How does the hand-hammering affect the sound?
Hand hammering creates the cymbal's distinctive high profile and exaggerated bow curvature, delivering a focused, musical ride sound with articulate stick definition. The specialized lathing technique shapes the tapered edges to control both attack on ride patterns and spread during crash strokes.
What makes this different from other 22" ride cymbals?
The SABIAN 22" Hammertone Ride combines a dedicated ride sound with genuine crash capabilities through its hand-hammered construction and tapered-edge design. It was developed in collaboration with acclaimed jazz drummer Jeff Hamilton to balance precision and musicality with versatility in small-ensemble and studio use.