Sabian Hand Hammered 21" Raw Bell Dry Ride

[RecordingMaster]

Hey,
Has anyone ever used this ride before?
If so....
1 - How did you like it in general
2 - What style of music did you play with it
3 - Was it loud enough for louder rock music, metal, etc
4 - Was it dynamic enough for lighter, softer playing in a jazz-like situation

Here's the thing...I like a ride that doesn't get too much build-up of wash because a like to be able to play intricate patterns on a ride: a like a good defined stick stroke without a monstrous overtone, as well as a nice bell that doesn't agitate the entire cymbal when stuck.

I used to play a Hand Hammered Leopard Ride 20" (Sabian) because of it's very heavy weight. It had minimal to no wash, impossible to crash (which I liked at the time) and it was very difined stick strokes. The problem? It wasn't loud enough for live situations and louder music. My drums and other cymbals overpowered it which I found that it didn't fit into my drum kit like a family.

Now, I play a Sabian 20" HHX Powe Ride. I liked it when I bought it because it still has a very solid feel with defined strokes and a big loud bell. The main thing I liked about HHX cymbals was their unique projection capabilities. The biggest problem with a loud of rides (when not being crash, just played normally) is that you can't hear them as loud as anything else. So that solved the problem (getting an HHX). The Problem? It washes just a little too much and eveything is so loud. When I strike the bel, the rest of the cymbal has a hissy-fit. It can be crashed which is nice, because it's still heavy enough to play intricate patterns, it's just now TOO lud to use for quieter settings. I shouldve know because its a "Power Ride" lol.

Anyways, I played this Sabian Hand Hammered 21" Raw Bell Dry Ride at the store and it "seems" to be the perfect mix. I can slap it with the arm of my stick and it has a good tone with not too much wash. It's heavy and doesn't wash too much when I play intricate patterns, it has a very defined stick articulation, and a great bell that seems generally seperated from the cymbal sound (which is good in my mind). It doesn't go crazy if you try and crash it, but I worry that maybe I'll run into the same problems as with the leopard ride: I'll take it home, play it on my kit ans it won't be loud enough live or with louder music. It does sound sweet for quiter stuff though.

Any opinions or suggestions would be great. Thanks and sorry about the novel, just want to explain my issues....I have plenty.

Cheers

 

[chester]

I haven't heard it, but if you like it... then it should be fine. It is known to be a good cymbal. I personally like the 21" AA rock ride which would fit that style.

 

[mblindsey]

1 - How did you like it in general

I love mine.

2 - What style of music did you play with it

"Alternative rock"-ish.

3 - Was it loud enough for louder rock music, metal, etc

I think it would be, but I only play as a hobby in my basement - never live.

4 - Was it dynamic enough for lighter, softer playing in a jazz-like situation

In my opinion, "yes". Although, you might find something better if you want pure jazz. I played a couple of dozen in GC before settling on this one, and I'm very happy I did.

 

[RecordingMaster]

Yeah I went back and listened to it again and still like it, actually more this time!
I guess my only thing at this point is wondering if it will have the volume I am looking for.

 

[chester]

I would think it has enough volume, but I guess you are the only one who knows exactly how much you want.

 

[CJWalker]

Very popular, very nice all around ride. Great definition, nice shimmer, the bell is defined and the thing cuts very nicely. Not incredibly loud, not quiet, sits right in the middle with most characteristics; you get the idea. Sounds great recorded as well. Definitely a keeper.