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The Ultimate Crash
Developed in collaboration with Dave Weckl, the 18” HHX Evolution Crash is a highly-responsive and sensitive cymbal that combines the bite and penetration of high-end attack with the warmth and agitation of dark undertones. Fully hammered, this thin crash delivers tonally warm, rich sound and a well-defined touch of high-end color to boost projection. In fact, it’s so responsive that according to SABIAN Master Product Specialist Mark Love, “it’s easily activated with just a touch of a finger!” But while the response is fast and shimmering, it’s the feel of the Evolution Crashes that so many drummers fall in love with. Described as smooth and buttery, this is a Crash with that rare ability of making you a better player the minute you add one to your set-up.
An Evolution in Tone
The 18” HHX Evolution Crash is exactly the essence of what Dave Weckl was looking for when he approached SABIAN. In fact, that’s exactly what the entire HHX Evolution line is all about. These are cymbals that retain the low end while brightened the highs. And sensitivity is increased so that the lightest touch of a stick sets them off. “Dave has a very acute sense of hearing and knows exactly what he wants from his cymbals,” comments Vault Specialist Mark Love. “In addition to high-response sensitivity, he requested a specific degree of separation between the brighter high-end tones and the warmer low end, for a sound that was both warm and cool. He was very specific, and this is why our craftsmen were able to design Evolution to such exact standards. We are extremely pleased with the results and anticipate enormous interest in these cymbals.”
Sabian HHX – Modern Dark
Until HHX, dark cymbals simply did not cut. With HHX, SABIAN changed all of that. Using an innovative combination of high-profile shape, large raw bell and jumbo sized hammering, they ensured that the dark, tonally complex sound of HHX cuts in any situation. Essentially, they took the warm, dark, complex tone of HH cymbals and made it cut for modern musical settings. While other cymbals may generate darkness, HHX stirs up more simmering heat, more musical dirt, more of what drummers want to hear – and projects it. It gets you heard. It’s just another innovative design feature, created by the SABIAN Vault team.
Who Plays HHX?
Delivering simmering Modern Dark tone at all volumes, it’s little wonder HHX is played by top SABIAN artists like Tomas Haake (Meshuggah), Jojo Mayer (Nerve), Karl Brazil (Robbie Williams), Brian Frasier Moore (Madonna), Mark Guiliana (Mehliana), Dom Famularo, Chris Dave (Robert Glasper), Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs), and many, many more. “The magic of HHX is the darkness that allows me to go places I wasn’t able to go before. These cymbals inspire me to play great because they always sound great,” claims drumming’s global ambassador Dom Famularo. Tomas Haake, the powerhouse drummer for tonally dense Swedish extreme metal band Meshuggah, approaches it from a different angle, “Other cymbals may be dark, but HHX is dynamic…cymbals can disappear when you’re playing outdoor stages to 60,000 people. But HHX cymbals always sound great, they’re always there.” Another man with a deep experience of SABIAN sounds is Mike Portnoy. His monstrous set-ups with Dream Theater were – to quote the man himself – “vast”. “HHX added a whole new level of diversity. It combines the best elements of AA, AAX and HH into one. I love the dark side of HHX. It’s definitely something other cymbals just do not have.”
Hand-Crafted – Every Step of the Way
Like all SABIAN B20 Cast Cymbals, the HHX Evolution Crash begins its life in the Foundry, where a centuries-old family process is used to create the most musical and durable of all cymbal alloys. Inside the Foundry, SABIAN metallurgists combine carefully measured amounts of Copper, Tin and Silver, heat it to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit, and pour it into casts. At this stage, it’s hard to believe these castings will eventually become a cymbal. But first, they must go on a journey that will take them through the processes of Multi-rolling for intensity, Hammering for tone, Lathing for enhanced response and projection, and a final Aging process in the legendary SABIAN Vault for optimum sound. In a sense, it’s a journey that’s only complete when you play the cymbal of your choice − an evolution from idea to reality. It is this process – innovation blended with traditional cymbal-making – that made HHX an award-winning sensation when it burst upon the scene in 2001.
Product Features
- Designed with legendary Dave Weckl
- Warm, explosive response is fast and shimmering
- Increased cut and projection
- Warm, rich tone with high-end color for projection
- Ideal for a wide variety of musical styles
- HHX Series Cymbals offer Modern Dark tone
- Crafted from SABIAN B20 Bronze
- Quality protected by SABIAN 2-Year Warranty
jazzfuzion
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2024
Top quality fast crash. Lower pitched and full bodied.
Michael
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2023
Didn’t give me the sound I was looking for, but it will work.
Gaetano Vallone
Reviewed in Germany on June 19, 2022
This cymbal is just as versatile as many describe it on the internet. Its brilliant and well sustained sound will drastically change the impact of each fill or simple accent in every song you play. I currently use it in combination with a AAX xplosion 16" and I'm super happy of how both cymbals sound together.
David H.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 21, 2021
Brilliant cymbal, would definitely buy again.🤗
Customer
Reviewed in Canada on January 28, 2020
I own several HHX Evolution cymbals and I love them. I wanted to add to my collection 18" crash as well.Item came today bent on one side; Plastic bag that cymbal was in, was also, damaged; It looks like that cymbal was dropped on the edge and cut through the plastic bag and bent itself as well. Also, writing on the cymbal looks bit washed out, like the cymbal was used and then cleaned. Since I like Evolution cymbals very much I will exchange it for new one.
Phil E.
Reviewed in Canada on January 16, 2016
This is probably the best cymbal I have played! Really nice sound and tones! Nice attack while not being overbearing. It sounds great being played hard or soft. The bell has a nice ring to it while not sounding ugly.Weckl and Sabian did a great job with this cymbal. I just wish they kept the 19" in production!
M. Taylor
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2012
Awesome sound, beautiful finish. My favourite 18" crash by far. Especially considering the less-than-half-price price.Word of warning, though - you can't choose what finish you get, i.e. silver, gold, hammered, etc. But if that's okay with you as it was for me, go ahead and buy it now.
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