Best Sabian 20" HHX Complex Aero Crash Alternatives

Based on 7 reviews

If Dennis Chambers uses the Crash of Doom, you know it has to be good right? Of course! This cymbal is my favourite cymbal of all time. Not only can you use it as a crash, but as a ride and effects cymbals. Whether used for jazz, rock, blues or funk, it really shines as an all time great. Due to how thin it is, laying in to the cymbal to get that washy sound is oh so easy. And if you want a ride that isn't too prominent yet still gives a bit of body and presence...this is your cymbal! Another bonus is the look of the cymbal. Having it in my set up just makes the kit look that much better! I would highly recommend that you hold back from cleaning this cymbal. The more dirt that sits on this cymbal the better. This cymbal is a dark and warm sounding cymbal, and you'll see when you take...

Based on 7 reviews

I use this crash for progressive/death metal music. I have not ever played a crash over 19", and this one is my favourite by far. I also own a 17" caz crash, which also sounds amazing. Despite its size, the crash opens up instantly even with the slightest hits. It is very washy, thus really suitable even for heavier music. The quality of this cymbal was by far the best of any Zultan cymbal I own - no strange small dents, no fingerprints, nothing. I absolutely love this crash and currently this is my favourite crash i have ever played (have tried Sabians AA thin crashes, Istanbul Mehmets, and Zildjian A customs in the past). What I would like to add - those who like using bells on a crash cymbal - this cymbal is not for you. Its bell has completely NO bell-like sound, which...

Based on 5 reviews

I was searching versatile crash which will be suitable for many generes which I play like stoner, sludge, death and doom metal. Sound as a crash: Very responsive, medium weight with warm, clear, full sound and medium sustain. It cuts through in blast beats when you need quick response or in loud stoner patterns when you play mostly by crashing 24 inch rides. One of the best classic cymbal for studio, easy to mix and control in all situations. Sound as a ride: Lightweight ride with warm open sound and soft ping. Bell is not loud but has nice timbre which could be helpful in light patterns where standard ride bell will be to sharp. Sound as a multi-cymbal: In mostly applications I'm using it as a top of a hihat with 2002 classic ride on the bottom. Opened it's very loud with medium...

Based on 5 reviews

First of all, someone had to do it: Mine weighs 1616 g. So, this is an extra light/thin cymbal. You can "open it up" by your hand, by your fingers, but it's trashy and assertive, it doesn't get lost (it's 20" after all), while it doesn't hurt your ears because of the deep timbre. It's definitely the best cymbal I've ever tested-owned. It costs not exactly little, but certainly way less than the competitors' ones. And it's way worth it. P.S. The sound sample is pretty accurate too.

Based on 3 reviews

I bought this on a bit of a punt, having wanted a larger crash for quite some time. I have to say I'm really pleased with the tone and response from this Istanbul cymbal. It's living on my right side, and is generally there for moments when I need to regularly crash as 1/4 or 1/8 notes in a groove. Where smaller cymbals would reach their limit, tip, and choke themselves, it always feels like there's something left in this crash. With the brilliant finish, it does pick up finger prints very quickly, but that's the nature of the beast.

Based on 3 reviews

This is my 4th Zultan cymbal, my friends have Zultans, and there is one issue with them. They need to upgrade quality control! Sometimes there are no issues, sometimes there are. I had cymbals with ruff holes, that i had to sandpaper, even small dents. Of course you can return your cymbal and wait until you get another, but that's plus 2 weeks (depends where you live). So it would be nice that you could depend on cymbals quality. Now about this cymbals sound. it is quite thin. It is quite big. It is handhammered. That's 3 things that i like in cymbal. And for me, this cymbal is right what i was looking for. it has a character, you can hear that this is handhammered cymbal, it has that dirty sand sound. It is totally opposite of those bright, shiny glassy sounding cymbals. It might not...

Based on 3 reviews

I love this crash. I first saw Snarky Puppy's Robert "Sput" Searight using it on stage, and it sounded wonderful. I like how it kinda reminds me of a china cymbal when I play it a bit harder. I also find the sound of this cymbal quite inspiring. It literally gives me ideas when I play, and that for me is a sign of a great instrument. I play many kinds of music, like soft indie/folk, trip hop with an electronic vibe to it, and even some heavy metal, and that is why I need very versatile cymbals. The size, the weight and the hammering of this beast makes this one just like that, versatile and musical. I can even use it as a secondary ride for the softer parts of songs, so it instantly makes music more interesting that way. Even though its quite large, its thin weight allows me to...

Based on 2 reviews

Far more accomplished musicians than me have played and reviewed this cymbal over the past few years - all I can do is agree that this is a magnificent piece of bronze that inspires with its shimmering response. Not sure how this compares to the original Giant Beats of the 70s (as I don't have one to compare) but can say it is somewhat similar to a 20" black label 2002 Medium. I understand the black labels were thinner than the red label models, as the GBs are thinner/lighter than the 2002s, so perhaps makes sense. I'd say this GB crashes with more shimmer and wobble, and is slightly darker with less high end cut, but a similar fundamental tone. Lovely stick definition and body with pleasing wash when used as a ride, as I do in lower volume settings (i.e. not with the hard rock...

Based on 2 reviews

Ok. You've got to put into perspective the price point of these cymbals. You want a certain sound? You buy a cymbal from one of the big manufacturers and you get that certain sound with that often high price tag attached to it. No thought required though and often good resale value should it not work out. Are you prepared to take a little bit of a risk and maybe go for something like this which is a bit more distinctive? Then buy something like this if you like the sound of it and you'll get that distinctive sound with a much lower price tag attached to it. I liked the sound of this cymbal. Therefore for me it was an absolute bargain. When you look and listen to the other offerings around this price point if you like the sound you can't find better. The build quality of it is great, it...

Based on 1 reviews

I wanted a crash with a full sound that can cut through the mix in songs with heavy guitars and loud open hi-hats and that's what I got. This crash has the typical crash sound, nothing fancy and special about it, but it is very well balanced and fills the mix just where you need it. I would say it is more on the low-end side, but has just enough highs. It is also pretty loud, which is what I was looking for recording-wise, but in a rehearsal it can get uncomfortable so I recommend ear protection. Compared to the 19'' A-custom crash, it has a bigger sound, definitely more mids and lows. Another great thing about this crash is that you can hit it hard or hit it soft and it will sound great in both instances. Conclusion: if you are looking for a loud crash which is great in studio this is...