SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended
Description
SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended Cymbal
The SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended cuts through with a bright, focused attack while giving you control over sustain and swell. This cymbal responds deliberately to your touch, letting you shape dynamics with precision rather than fighting immediate decay. The re-shaped bell and enhanced profile deliver a voice that projects clearly in ensemble settings without sacrificing musical complexity.
Tone & Sustain Character
Crafted from pure B20 bronze with full lathing, this cymbal speaks at a higher pitch than other B20 series suspendeds, with a slower response time that lets you pull lengthy, dramatic swells from the strike. The hammered construction and bright attack characteristic deliver crisp articulation when you need it, while rewarding you with sustained atmospheric tones when you lean into the stick.
Construction & Design
At 20 inches and approximately 1.85 lbs, this suspended cymbal balances responsive feel with substantial projection for the stage. The re-shaped bell and enhanced profile lock in both strike definition and resonant sustain across your full dynamic range, whether you're playing delicate passages or pushing the cymbal hard.
Key Features
- Material: Pure B20 Bronze
- Diameter: 20 inches
- Weight: Approximately 1.85 lbs
- Full lathing finish
- Hammered construction with enhanced profile
- Re-shaped bell design
- Higher pitch than standard B20 suspendeds
- Slower response time for controlled dynamics
- Capable of lengthy swells and dramatic sustain
- Bright attack characteristic
The XSR 20" Suspended thrives in setups demanding articulate attacks paired with extended, controlled sustain—a reliable workhorse for orchestral, jazz, and contemporary percussion work.
More Information
| Condition | New |
|---|---|
| Cymbal Size | 20" |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended |
| Country of Manufacture | Canada |
Reviews
At a Glance
The SABIAN 20" XSR Suspended is a pure B20 bronze cymbal built for articulate, cutting attacks and extended dramatic swells—ideal for jazz, orchestral, and contemporary percussion players who need precision control over dynamics. Its bright voice and slower response time let you shape sustain deliberately rather than relying on quick decay, making it a go-to choice for ensemble work where definition and musical complexity matter. Pick this cymbal if you want a suspended that cuts through without sacrificing the depth and resonance that professional gigs demand.
Who This Is For
Great for
- ✓ Jazz
- ✓ Orchestral
- ✓ Contemporary Percussion
Not the best pick for
- – Heavy Metal
- – Punk
Skill level: Intermediate · Advanced · Professional
Frequently Asked Questions
What genres is this cymbal best suited for?
The XSR 20" Suspended excels in jazz, orchestral, and contemporary percussion contexts. It is not recommended for heavy metal or punk styles, which typically require faster response and heavier attack characteristics.
How does the response time affect playing feel?
This cymbal has a slower response time compared to standard B20 suspendeds, allowing you to shape dynamics with precision and create lengthy, dramatic swells rather than quick decay. The hammered construction and bright attack work together to give you both crisp articulation and sustained atmospheric tones.
What makes the tone of this cymbal distinctive?
Built from pure B20 bronze with full lathing and a re-shaped bell design, the XSR 20" produces a higher pitch than other B20 suspendeds while maintaining musical complexity. The enhanced profile optimizes both strike definition and resonant sustain, delivering a focused voice that cuts through ensemble settings.
What skill level do I need to play this cymbal effectively?
This cymbal is designed for intermediate, advanced, and professional players who can control dynamics and take advantage of its slower response time and swell capability. It rewards intentional playing and dynamic shaping rather than automatic responses.
What are the specifications and weight?
The cymbal is 20 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 1.85 lbs. It features pure B20 bronze construction, full lathing, hammered finish, and an enhanced profile with a re-shaped bell design.