17" HHX COMPLEX SUSPENDED
Description
Sabian 17" HHX Complex Suspended Cymbal
The HHX Complex Suspended cuts through a live mix with immediacy and sustains with remarkable richness across the full dynamic range. Its thin bow and extra-hammered bell deliver quick articulation without sacrificing the deep, complex resonance that defines SABIAN's most refined suspended cymbals. Built for drummers who demand both responsiveness and tonal sophistication in a single voice—whether you're tracking in a studio or holding a cymbal stand on a stage.
Tone & Live Character
A combination of HH and HHX hammering patterns with a raw hammered bell produces one of the sweetest, most tonally complex suspended cymbals SABIAN manufactures. The cymbal maintains its color and vitality at all dynamic levels, from brush passages and quiet transitions to hard-hitting ensemble hits, making it equally at home in jazz combos, classical ensembles, and larger rock or fusion setups.
Construction & Design
Built from B20 bronze and hand-hammered using proprietary techniques developed across SABIAN's HHX Evolution, Legacy, and Artisan lines, the 17" Complex Suspended features a thin bow paired with extra hammering on the bell for rapid response. This design philosophy ensures the cymbal speaks immediately when struck while retaining the dimensional, singing quality that earns trust from working drummers and touring musicians.
Key Features
- 17" diameter
- B20 bronze construction
- Hand-hammered with HH and HHX hammering patterns
- Raw hammered bell
- Thin bow thickness
- Quick response and articulation
- Maintains tonal color across dynamic range
- Suitable for ensemble and orchestral repertoire
- Extra hammering on bell for enhanced complexity
- One of SABIAN's richest suspended cymbal offerings
The HHX Complex Suspended delivers the refined tonal sophistication and rapid speak required by professional drummers in ensemble, orchestral, and live-performance settings.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 17" |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended |
Reviews
At a Glance
The Sabian 17" HHX Complex Suspended is a hand-hammered B20 bronze cymbal engineered for orchestral, chamber, and jazz ensembles that demand immediate articulation without sacrificing deep, complex resonance. Built with a thin bow and extra-hammered bell, it speaks quickly across the full dynamic range while maintaining a sweet, dimensional voice from delicate passages to bold statements. This is the choice for intermediate to professional percussionists who need a single suspended cymbal that balances responsiveness with tonal sophistication.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ orchestral
- ✓ chamber ensemble
- ✓ jazz
- ✓ classical percussion
Not the best pick for
- – metal
- – punk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres and ensemble settings is the HHX Complex Suspended best suited for?
This cymbal excels in orchestral, chamber ensemble, classical percussion, and jazz contexts. Its sweet, complex tone and balanced articulation make it equally effective in delicate ensemble passages and larger orchestral statements, but it is not designed for metal or punk applications.
How does the thin bow and extra-hammered bell affect the sound?
The thin bow delivers quick, immediate articulation when struck, while the extra hammering on the bell produces the deep, dimensional singing quality and tonal complexity. Together, these design features ensure rapid response without sacrificing the rich sustain and refined voice expected of professional-grade suspended cymbals.
Will this cymbal maintain its tone and color at different volume levels?
Yes. The HHX Complex Suspended maintains its color and vitality across the full dynamic range, from delicate, soft strikes to bold, forceful playing, making it versatile for both intimate ensemble passages and larger ensemble sections.
What material and construction techniques are used?
The cymbal is crafted from B20 bronze and hand-hammered using proprietary HH and HHX hammering patterns developed across Sabian's HHX Evolution, Legacy, and Artisan product lines. The raw hammered bell and thin bow thickness contribute to its quick response and tonal sophistication.
What skill level is required to play this cymbal effectively?
The HHX Complex Suspended is designed for intermediate to professional percussionists and ensemble musicians who understand how to voice suspended cymbals across different dynamic levels and appreciate tonal nuance in orchestral and chamber settings.