The Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 - Pros and Cons
The AAX Stage Ride 20 Overview
When it comes to finding the ideal ride cymbal, and with the symphony of choices, the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 is a name that commands attention.
It is a part of Sabian’s AAX series, which is renowned for its innovative designs and unparalleled sound quality.
In this article, we dive into the world of percussion to unravel the sonic wonders of this awesome cymbal.
From its captivating sound to its versatile playability, we’ll explore the AAX Stage Ride 20”, its distinctive features, exploring both the pros and cons to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of why it’s a coveted choice for drummers across different genres and skill levels.
It is a part of Sabian’s AAX series, which is renowned for its innovative designs and unparalleled sound quality.
In this article, we dive into the world of percussion to unravel the sonic wonders of this awesome cymbal.
From its captivating sound to its versatile playability, we’ll explore the AAX Stage Ride 20”, its distinctive features, exploring both the pros and cons to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of why it’s a coveted choice for drummers across different genres and skill levels.
The Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20
A Quick Rundown of Features:
- Very Bright Sounding
- Versatile in Different Genres
- Built To Last
- Big and Heavy
- Lacks a Little Personality
” The The Sabian AAX Stage Ride is my go-to ride in the studio every time, WITHOUT EXCEPTION! Engineers love it, the band loves it, I love it!”
Levi D. (Amazon Review)
Pros:
1. Exceptional Sound Quality:
One of the most significant advantages of the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 is its exceptional sound quality. Crafted with precision and care, this cymbal delivers a brilliant, cutting tone that can easily cut through the mix in a live performance or studio recording.
The AAX series is known for its crisp and articulate sound, and this ride cymbal is no exception.
2.Versatile Playability:
The Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 offers versatility in its playability and it can adapt to a wide range of musical genres, making it suitable for drummers of different styles.
Whether you’re performing rock, jazz, pop, or fusion, this cymbal responds with dynamic precision.
3.Crisp Stick Definition:
Drummers appreciate the AAX Stage Ride 20 for its exceptional stick definition.
The well-defined sticking ensures that your rhythmic nuances and accents are conveyed with clarity and precision, allowing for expressive and dynamic performances.
4. Durable Build:
This cymbal is crafted with durability in mind and will withstand the rigours of regular drumming without losing its tonal integrity.
The quality of Sabian craftsmanship ensures that it stands the test of time, making it a cost-effective choice for drummers who seek longevity in their gear.
5. Articulate Bell:
The bell of the AAX Stage Ride 20 is articulate and bright, offering drummers the option to add distinct accents to their performances, which rock and metal guys especially love about this ride cymbal.
This versatility is particularly valuable when exploring different rhythmic styles and patterns and you find fans of this ride in all genres.
One of the most significant advantages of the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 is its exceptional sound quality. Crafted with precision and care, this cymbal delivers a brilliant, cutting tone that can easily cut through the mix in a live performance or studio recording.
The AAX series is known for its crisp and articulate sound, and this ride cymbal is no exception.
2.Versatile Playability:
The Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 offers versatility in its playability and it can adapt to a wide range of musical genres, making it suitable for drummers of different styles.
Whether you’re performing rock, jazz, pop, or fusion, this cymbal responds with dynamic precision.
3.Crisp Stick Definition:
Drummers appreciate the AAX Stage Ride 20 for its exceptional stick definition.
The well-defined sticking ensures that your rhythmic nuances and accents are conveyed with clarity and precision, allowing for expressive and dynamic performances.
4. Durable Build:
This cymbal is crafted with durability in mind and will withstand the rigours of regular drumming without losing its tonal integrity.
The quality of Sabian craftsmanship ensures that it stands the test of time, making it a cost-effective choice for drummers who seek longevity in their gear.
5. Articulate Bell:
The bell of the AAX Stage Ride 20 is articulate and bright, offering drummers the option to add distinct accents to their performances, which rock and metal guys especially love about this ride cymbal.
This versatility is particularly valuable when exploring different rhythmic styles and patterns and you find fans of this ride in all genres.
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Cons:
1. Price Point:
While the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 delivers exceptional quality, it does come at a higher price point compared to some other ride cymbals in the market.
This can be a drawback for budget-conscious drummers.
2. Bright Tone:
The cymbal’s bright and cutting tone, while an advantage for some, may not be the ideal choice for drummers seeking a darker or more mellow sound.
It’s essential to consider your musical preferences when selecting a ride cymbal.
3. Not Ideal for All Genres:
While versatile, the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 may not be the perfect fit for every musical genre.
Some drummers may find that it excels in certain styles but may not be the best choice for others, such as genres requiring a more subdued or complex sound.
4. Size and Weight:
The AAX Stage Ride 20 is a large cymbal, and its weight may not be suitable for all drum setups.
It’s essential to consider the space and setup you have when choosing this cymbal.
While the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 delivers exceptional quality, it does come at a higher price point compared to some other ride cymbals in the market.
This can be a drawback for budget-conscious drummers.
2. Bright Tone:
The cymbal’s bright and cutting tone, while an advantage for some, may not be the ideal choice for drummers seeking a darker or more mellow sound.
It’s essential to consider your musical preferences when selecting a ride cymbal.
3. Not Ideal for All Genres:
While versatile, the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 may not be the perfect fit for every musical genre.
Some drummers may find that it excels in certain styles but may not be the best choice for others, such as genres requiring a more subdued or complex sound.
4. Size and Weight:
The AAX Stage Ride 20 is a large cymbal, and its weight may not be suitable for all drum setups.
It’s essential to consider the space and setup you have when choosing this cymbal.
Summary
The Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 is a captivating addition to the world of percussion, offering a balance of brilliant sound quality, versatile playability, and durability.
Its crisp stick definition, articulate bell, and overall precision makes it a top choice for drummers looking for a ride cymbal that can cut through the mix with clarity. However, it’s essential to weigh the price point, bright tone, genre suitability, and size against your specific drumming needs and preferences. While the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 excels in various areas, including rock and pop, it may not be the perfect fit for every drummer or musical style. Ultimately, this ride cymbal is an exceptional choice for those who value a cutting, articulate sound and are willing to invest in a high-quality addition to their drumming setup.
Its crisp stick definition, articulate bell, and overall precision makes it a top choice for drummers looking for a ride cymbal that can cut through the mix with clarity. However, it’s essential to weigh the price point, bright tone, genre suitability, and size against your specific drumming needs and preferences. While the Sabian AAX Stage Ride 20 excels in various areas, including rock and pop, it may not be the perfect fit for every drummer or musical style. Ultimately, this ride cymbal is an exceptional choice for those who value a cutting, articulate sound and are willing to invest in a high-quality addition to their drumming setup.
Q & A
Q. What ride cymbal should I get?
This depends on the sound you want to achieve. Ride cymbals usually come in sizes 18″, 20″ or 22″, the larger you go the more overtones and generally louder the cymbal is. Look at the bell sizes too, these can add that high-pitched “ping” you may be looking for. As ride cymbals are generally made thicker you will rarely find that you’ll break them, even with a cheaper one, but still aim for quality of sound.
Q. Are Sabian cymbals any good?
Yes they are. Sabian are one of the most well known and respected cymbal companies around. They have earned a solid reputation for offering drummers an extensive selection of cymbals that deliver a diverse range of sounds, all the while maintaining affordability. Look at their wide range and you are sure to find something you like.
Q. Why are ride cymbals so expensive?
Cymbal making is an art and takes good quality materials, experience and time. As ride cymbals are generally larger than other cymbals it naturally takes more of these three key elements, therefore they are a little more expensive. Note that when you find a ride you truly love, you will find it very hard to break, so replacing it like crashes or splashes is very rare.
Q. Is Zildjian and Sabian the same company?
No. Established in 1981 by Robert Zildjian, Sabian Cymbals originated from a disagreement with his brother, Armand, who was not selected as the primary CEO and successor to Avedis Zildjian. In response, Robert founded Sabian.
Q. Where does Sabian make their cymbals?
Founded in 1981 in Meductic, New Brunswick (now known as Lakeland Ridges), Sabian is a Canadian company that manufactures cymbals and continues to operate from its original headquarters.
This depends on the sound you want to achieve. Ride cymbals usually come in sizes 18″, 20″ or 22″, the larger you go the more overtones and generally louder the cymbal is. Look at the bell sizes too, these can add that high-pitched “ping” you may be looking for. As ride cymbals are generally made thicker you will rarely find that you’ll break them, even with a cheaper one, but still aim for quality of sound.
Q. Are Sabian cymbals any good?
Yes they are. Sabian are one of the most well known and respected cymbal companies around. They have earned a solid reputation for offering drummers an extensive selection of cymbals that deliver a diverse range of sounds, all the while maintaining affordability. Look at their wide range and you are sure to find something you like.
Q. Why are ride cymbals so expensive?
Cymbal making is an art and takes good quality materials, experience and time. As ride cymbals are generally larger than other cymbals it naturally takes more of these three key elements, therefore they are a little more expensive. Note that when you find a ride you truly love, you will find it very hard to break, so replacing it like crashes or splashes is very rare.
Q. Is Zildjian and Sabian the same company?
No. Established in 1981 by Robert Zildjian, Sabian Cymbals originated from a disagreement with his brother, Armand, who was not selected as the primary CEO and successor to Avedis Zildjian. In response, Robert founded Sabian.
Q. Where does Sabian make their cymbals?
Founded in 1981 in Meductic, New Brunswick (now known as Lakeland Ridges), Sabian is a Canadian company that manufactures cymbals and continues to operate from its original headquarters.
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